In some ways, it was virtually indistinguishable. The mazelike road leading to it that twisted and turned in order to confuse visitors, with bricks of terrified faces imprinted into the stones.
There were even black dragons perched atop it...
Only those dragons paid them no heed.
As above, so below.
How could he have forgotten that? It made sense the Ryukage’s home would look so much like Hanzo’s. They were opposites.
Hanzo above.
Ryukage below.
Koichi took a step forward, but Masaru stopped him. “You can’t walk up the drive. These stones don’t test your purity. They test your unfailing loyalty to the Ryukage.”
Oof! Good to know.
Since he was an enemy to the Ryukage, that left him out.
“So how do we cross?” Koichi asked.
With a sly grin, Masaru looked up at the harsh black stonework of the walls. “So... how are your climbing skills, mortal?”
Was he serious?
Or delirious?
Either way, he wasn’t on board with this.
Rolling his eyes in aggravation, Koichi glanced toward the angry black spikes that rose up along the roof of the sinister castle like the spine of a crouching beast. At least the Ryukage was devoted to his villain theme.
Way to commit...
But truthfully, that was good for them. If the Shadow Lord hadn’t so earnestly embraced his evil ways, there would be no way to climb up.
He cast a wary glare toward the bane of his current existence. “My skills are infinitely better when I’m not carrying an extra struggling body... and am less sober.”
Though, to be honest, Ryuichi had become remarkably still and quiet since they crossed over.
Was he dead?
Masaru transformed into a majestic fox, then effortlessly jumped from spike to spike to climb up. “Sucks to be you.”
Before he could return that with an insult, Keiko transformed into her fox body. “Hurry, Koichi. There’s no time to waste.” She darted up, after Masaru.
He cursed under his breath, wanting to skin them both. How easy they made it look with their powers and abilities. There was no way he could possibly climb and carry the kid. He might be strong, butthatwas impossible. For a human.
Irritated, he set his little imp on the ground and uncovered him.
Ryuichi came out of the bag like a scalded tiger. The brat actually got up and tried to run.
Koichi quickly tackled him to the ground. “Stop it! Behave.”
Grimacing, Ryuichi stopped struggling and held his hands out for Koichi to free them. “Finally. That was awful! Putting me in that sack like some sort of?—”
Koichi shoved a piece of cloth into his mouth to cut off his words. “I recommend you hold that thought and climb.” He spat on his hands and looked for a place where he could grip the stone. He set Ryuichi on the wall first, then lifted himself up and began climbing behind the kid. Grumbling, Ryuichi threw the gag at him, but thankfully he kept going.
Masaru groaned out loud. “You’re too slow. Can you put a move on?”
