Bubblegum Storm- Jade Invasion: Retreat is always an option. [Episode 181210]

Leon looked at the retreating spearmen, and glanced over his shoulder toward the other. Beyond them the pavilion had been deserted, but the streets further on were chaotic. He blinked as he looked across the street to a 12 story Pagoda type structure 'What? That wasn't there when I got here was it?'

"SIR!" One of the other officers called, staring past him.

Leon whipped his head back, and instantly recognized the approaching figure of Setsu, his tiger skin cape fluttering behind him. Raising one of his pistols, Leon aiming carefully as he squeezed the trigger.

Setsu's form suddenly seemed to shimmer as he broke to the left, charging forward at a speed a racehorse would envy. Refusing to be shaken, Leon shifted his aim accordingly, once more reaching out to 'push' at reality as he felt the guns recoil jolting down his arm into his shoulder.

Leons eyes widened as he realized that he felt something pushing back, countering his push on reality. And then Setsu was beside him, his right hand striking in a downward clawing motion that caught his extended gun and ripped it from his fingers to toss it onto the ground.

Leon raised his other weapon, but Setsu's right hand struck again, grasping his wrist with near bone crushing force. His left hand reached forward, clasping Leon by the throat, then raising the detective into the air.

"Not a bad start, stormer." Setsu said quietly to Leon. "But don't imagine you stand any chance against me."

Possible flippant replies rose within Leon's mind, but with Setsu's hand cutting off his air he couldn't do anything except use his free hand to try to counter the grip. Then suddenly the pressure on his hand and throat vanished. Leon had a moment to realize that he had been tossed back before he hit the ground. Gritting his teeth he managed to keep hold of his remaining gun and raised it unsteadily toward Setsu, his other hand grabbing the first to try and steady it.

"You may go," Setsu declared.

Leon blinked lowering his gun slightly.

Setsu smiled. "This isn't a gift of course. In exchange for your life and the lives of your men, I am charging you to deliver a message from the Immortal Jade Emperor. This world now belongs to The Emperor. Those who accept this truth and swear their loyalty shall be rewarded. Those who oppose this truth shall be hunted and slain unto the tenth generation."

Setsu turned away, then paused looking back toward Leon. "Try to use your life well."

Leon lowered his gun as he watched Setsu walk back to rapidly swelling mass of soldiers. Feeling a hand pulling at his shoulder he glanced up, and waved away the other cops assistance, rising on his own.

"What do we do sir?" One foot patroller asked.

Leon pulled out his cell phone, and opened it. He scowled as it failed to activate. "This way." He said striding toward the street. As the other policemen fell into step behind him, he glanced back at them. "You two," he said pointing out two of the uninjured officers, "You're going to stay in the area, and keep what's happening back there under surveillance. The rest of us are going to head back to HQ and see about arranging an airstrike for our new friends."

---

As Setsu walked from the policemen, he glanced at his left palm, smiling as he pulled the smoldering paper charm off it. 'Excelent, The stormer's marked, and it take many days for him to throw off that mark.' He looked toward the bridge and grinned as the steady flow of soldiers was interrupted by the arrival of a half dozen figures in far more diverse outfits. "Phantom Leg!" he called out.

A nondescript figure in gray clothes looked toward Setsu. Suddenly he seemed to blur as he casually moved through the mass of people between him and Setsu. "Lord Setso?" he asked, bowing while presenting the traditional fist to open palm salute to his superior.

Setsu quickly returned the gesture. "As luck would have it, I've just tagged a stormer."

Phantom Leg raised an eyebrow. "So soon?"

Setsu shrugged. "Our good fortune it seems. But whatever the circumstances, you are the best one to track this stormer while he can be tracked."

Phantom Leg grinned and pulled out a small carved wooden octagon. Attached to a spoke in it's center was a black needle, etched with Chinese characters. As he looked down, the needle pivoted, pointing in the direction Leon had left.