1 Scarlet Shadow

A woman approached me while I was playing with my friends. Saying that she needed to talk to me somewhere away from them so that they could not hear. My Mother, Haniya has always told me that I should never talk to strangers or go with them whatever they might say.

"I'm sorry ma'am but my mother will look for me." I told her.

"Then we shall talk here my child." She insisted. "Let's sit over there by the bench near the tree so you can still a sight of your friends." She says.

I followed her to the bench and sat down.

"What is your name, Child?" She asked me.

"My name is Hanabi. What about you ma'am?" I interestingly asked her.

She chuckled before speaking. "My name is Scarlet. And I'd like you to be a part of my ninja school." She said with a smile while giving me a piece of paper.

"You are chosen to study in of Scarlet Ninja Sect in the hands of the Supreme Grandmaster." I read the paper.

"Do not let anyone know, Hanabi. Just your mother, Haniya can know. But she cannot share this with anyone. And once you join in you'll be taking an oath that is to be said in the day when you join in. See you there my child." She says as just a blink of my eye she's gone in front of me.

"Could she be the grandmaster?" I ask to myself.

I run home, excited to show my mother what I recieved.

"Mother! Mother! Look what I got!" I wave around the piece of paper jumping in glee.

"What is it Hanabi?" My mother asked as I handed her the paper.

"S-Scarlet Ninja Sect?" My mother uttered in fear.

"What's wrong mother?" I asked her.

"No! You cannot go Hanabi!" My mother shouts as she crumpled the paper and threw it away.

"W-Why mother?" I asked her while tears were forming in my eyes. "This is my chance! I can finally study, mother! Just like I always wanted! Just like YOU wanted!" I cried out.

"I forbid you to go Hanabi! You already know how to read, you know how to write! That is enough for you to know!" My mother shouts again as she walks away from me.

"But mother! I want to know more! I just don't want to read and write, but I want to learn actual things! Like the history of the Land of Dawn! The Dark Abyss! The Kingdoms of Paxley and Baroque! The Paradise of Swan Lake! The world itself mother! Why? Why are you stopping me?" I protested and I was crying too.

"As you wish Hanabi. But on one condition." My mother gives in but she still has her back turned from me.

"What is it mother?" I sniffed.

"Do not die." My mother says as she finally walked away and went upstairs.

'Does she know what's going to happen in this Ninja Sect?' I think to myself.

I prepared my things for tomorrow. As I hear my window opening and a blow of the wind coming inside my room.

"Wind must be strong tonight..." I said as I close my windows and hear footsteps from behind me.

"Who's here?!" As I see two shadows a meter away from me.

I punched one of them but I was stopped for someone held my fist. "It's me my child. I see you're packing up." She says to me.

"Ma'am Scarlet... I apologise for my actions its just that—"

"I understand Hanabi. Just your instincts I suppose?" She chuckles.

"Y-Yes..." I uttered.

"I guess I really did pick the right person. I'll see you soon Hanabi." She says as she disappeared like the wind. Again.

With of course my windows wide open.

Dawn struck at the land of dawn as I woke up to my mother cooking me a meal. "Good Morning dear. Eat before you go." She says as she gives me a plate of eggs and somewhat sizzled meat.

We both sat down. I started eating as I noticed my mother staring at me.

"Mother. You know I don't like it when someone stares at me for so long..." I told her.

"I know dear and you notice them pretty fast too. Its just that—I'll not see you for a long time... Visit me when you get the chance. Alright?" She says to me.

"Of course mother. I will." I smiled at her and hugged her too.

As I swallowed the last spoon to my food. I grabbed my medium sized bag filled with my clothes and other personal stuff and left home.

I started my journey to the Ninja Sect. I felt like Ma'am Scarlet was somewhat following me or so, guiding me the way because I somehow see her shadow from afar.

I felt like it was forever until I finally reach my destination. It was on the side of a mountain. Quite hidden as well. Like this Ninja Sect is a sacred place to be.

And I was lucky enough to be here.

"You have arrived Hanabi." Ma'am Scarlet greeted me with a smile.

"You've been guiding me this whole time Ma'am Scarlet. I thought I'd be lost." I told her.

"Ah. You noticed? I didn't think you would though." She says while scratching her head.

"My mother says I can sense things quickly. So I guess I sensed you guiding me to the Ninja Sect." I pointed out.

"You sure do. We'll start your training tomorrow, for now, get some rest. It's almost nightfall." She says to me.

She pointed out where my room was. It was small yet charming. A bed, small closet and side table. It was enough space for a 10-year old girl like me.

I was woken up even if the sun hasn't risen yet. I'm not complaining at all but why are they waking up this early?

I was prepared with a white uniform. Somewhat for like martial arts and prepared with a white belt.

As I got to the training grounds. I saw only 4 people with me. Are we the only ones training here?

"Welcome to the Scarlet Shadow; Scarlet Ninja Sect. I am your grandmaster, Scarlet. We are now taking the oath of this Ninja Sect. So students, repeat after me." Ma'am Scarlet Starts off.

"I, state your name." Ma'am Scarlet starts.

"I, Hanabi." I say.

"Swear to never reveal my identy." -Ma'am Scarlet

"Swear to never reveal my identity."

We repeat.

"Swear to use the teachings of the Scarlet Shadow only for defense or protecting those who are being belittled or hurt." -Ma'am Scarlet

"Swear to use the teachings of the Scarlet Shadow only for defense or protecting those who are being belittled or hurt." We repeat

"Swear to protect the Land of Dawn and my sacred home, Scarlet Shadow from the hands of the destroyers and rebels who goes against the law." -Ma'am Scarlet.

"Swear to protect the Land of Dawn and my sacred home, Scarlet Shadow from the hands of the destroyers and rebels who goes against the law." We repeat.

"Even if it requires a noble sacrifice or cost our own lives to protect our own." Ma'am Scarlet says again.

""Even if it requires a noble sacrifice or cost our own lives to protect our own." We repeat.

And starting from there. My life has changed.