MTG Salvation

Howdy, all! I know I'm new here, but I've been working on a set, a companion to the Kamigawa block, for some time now (since the set was released, and a little before), and I decided I wanted it to be a set with a backstory. So, I wrote up the prologue, and intend to write more, but I just thought I'd give a little introduction, and ask for your critique.

You see, I love writing. I LOVE it. Unfortunatly, I'm not particularily good at it. So, when I post my story here(it will most likely be by the chapter), I would like feedback as to how it could be improved. Nothing fancy, just some pointers here and there. Thank you very much!

The basis for the story basically revolves around the last survivor of Reito, the town destroyed on the night of soul's betrayal, and his quest for a place in the world and vengeance against those responsible for the destruction of his town. In the beginning, he solely fights the kami, but he slowly begins to realize that his vengeance may lead him in a path of collision with the Daimyo of Eiganjo and Torabura... Konda.

Keep in mind that, in feudal Japan, there were more than one daimyo, all with seperate lands. The character introduced in the prologue, who will be a major player in the first novel, was a retainer for a daimyo of a differemt part of Kamigawa than the one we know and love.

The novel is mainly themed around samurai, with many parts resembling films and stories such as Kill Bill, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, etc., etc. Also, my knowledge of feudal Japan culture is limited, so by Gisha, I refer to a pleasure place for men. I'm not sure what exactly they're called, and I believe a Gisha is a woman in one of them, but I just don't care that much. Anyway, the prologue...

Prologue
The Ronin of Seshino

It was dark when the man finally walked into town. From the north gate he entered, his eyes obscured by the rice hat he wore. The man wore a simple long robe, made of common dark cloth, and the robe touched the ground. He bore the two blades of a samurai, his Katana in a sheath on his back and the Waicheweza in his belt. His hair fell long in back in a ponytail, it's dark, unkempt style blowing ever so slightly in the wind.
As the man entered the town, two local retainers came up to greet him. Both wore standard samurai armor, their pikes withdrawn and pointed at the man. One was young, with an awkward face and gangliness, and the other seemed aged, with a hard face and a long beard.
"Hey, what are you doing out so late, Ronin?" asked the old one.
"I was simply passing through when it got dark," the man said in a deep voice, "and decided it was in my best interest to stay here for the night. Even a master ronin is unsafe in times such as these!"
The old one nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You made a wise choice, my friend. The Gisha's down the street, and there's probably someone willing to let you sleep in their bed for a night down there."
The ronin gave a slight bow. "Thank you very much, master samurai." And with that, the man walked down the street. The two samurai watched after him, then returned to their positions.

The ronin walked into the Gisha, and noone seemed to notice. The ronin quickly took a look around the room through his hat, and gave a slight chuckle and a nod. The Gisha was among the lesser quality ones he had seen, with all of the young girls astoundingly poorly trained in the ways of pleasurment, and the men desperate enough to seek their attention. The ronin saw young, elderly, and one or two other ronin, all enjoying the company of the women and the sake.
The place itself was low-calliber; a few doors led outside to possibly great views, but the gisha itself was in dire need of attention, it's wood rotting. Giving a little head shake, the man chose a girl and walked over to her.
The Ronin's choice on this particular night was a young girl, probably no older than sixteen, who was very frail with jet-black hair. She wore a lovely kiboku dress made of red silk, and the ronin felt an unworldly desire to touch it.
"Why, hello, my beutiful kiku..." said the ronin, in his most charming voice. I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm..."
The ronin was interrupted by a large man, also bearing the two blades of a samurai and abnormally large eyebrows, putting his hand on him and pulling him away. The ronin let out a surprised gasp, and found himself with his throat located next to the large man's Katana.
"Is there a problem, master?" the ronin gasped out.
"You were just with my woman! She's mine!"
"I'm sorry, master, I meant no harm. If you'd just let me go, I would be more than happy to leave..."
The big man let out a long, hearty laugh. Slowly, many others around him began to laugh with him. The ronin glanced around, and noticed that the entire room seemed to be quite fond of this large man.
"Do you have any idea to whom you speak, puny man? I am the new daimyo of this land! I overthrew lord Ushicho last night, and you caught me while celebrating!" The man bellowed.
The ronin gasped at the man, "But, if I'm not mistaken, it was master Ochinusha who overthrew the tyrant Ushicho last night. What happened to him?"
The large man laughed even harder. "That puny, ignorant fool? He slew Ushicho out of desire for justice, and I had him killed for that power. It was that simple. Now, you have disgraced my honor, and to that, we must duel." The man withdrew his smaller blade.
The ronin stepped back, and then spoke. "Is that so? Then, you must have stabbed him in the back, for I knew Ochinusha, and he was a far greater samurai than you will ever be."
The large man glared at the ronin. "Hmm. You humor me, puny ronin. Would you grant me the pleasure of knowing your name before I kill you?"
This time, the ronin laughed. He put back his head and laughed in a deep, horrifying way, and all in the gisha stepped back. "You desire to know who I am, General Mashingo?"
The large mand was shocked this time, unaware how this stranger knew his name.
The ronin tilted his rice hat up, revealing his blood red eyes.
"I am Ochinusha, risen again. And for your betrayal, you die, Mashingo." And with that, the ronin unsheathed his katana, swung it, and spun around. He grinned, and the shocked look on Mashingo's face fell to the floor, along with some blood and the rest of his head.
The crowd looked down at the removed head, shocked for a moment, and stared. They then all ran around, panicked, looking for an exit. Ochinusha stood, drinking in all of the panic in the room, until he went to work. One or two ronin got up and tried to stop him, but he quickly cut them down. He than charged at the crowd, packed at the door, and swung his katana until the last had fallen.
Everyone in the gisha, patron, woman, or anything else, now lay dead by the door. Ochimusha stood over his handiwork, than slashed his katana in the air, wiped off the blood, and resheated his katana. He then took a bottle of sake, drank it, and exited.
The two samurai who he had encountered earlier came charging at him, each with a cry of fury and malice. The stopped midstride, however, when Ochinusha took off his hat. They stared in horror and wonder at the blood red eyes of their one-time master. Each bowed low to their former master.
"We have always been loyal to you, master!" They both yelled, and the man couldn't help but smile. He beckoned for them to rise, and as they did, he simply said, "And your loyalty shall not go unrewarded." He swung his katana, slashed both of the samurai across the gut, and as they fell, he picked up his rice hat, put it back on, and continued his work on the rest of the betrayers in town.

Here we have the story's character Ochimusha, whom will play a prominent role in the tale of the last samurai of Reito. Thoughts? Opinions? Any feedback would be great, but constructive would be best. Thank you very much!

Well, I have read it with one breath and I am planning to post some more creative feedback later, but just one thing that cannot wait:
Why did you named the character Ochimusha? Ochimusha is a Japanese term for dishonored warrior, in my opinion certainly not fitting for a name. Sorry to be nitpicking, but at the first sight the story looks good and this fact is crying aloud.

EDIT: Seeing your post below, I must add: yes, I enjoyed it

Glad to know you enjoyed it (or, at least, I think you enjoyed it...)! And, yeah, I know the name is dumb. I have problems coming up with good names in English, so in Japanese, it's tricky. I will change it with the next installment, though, which is well under way. Any suggestions would be nice, but I'm thinking Oishi sounds good(also, a mild reference to the 47 Ronin story). But, hey, all constructive criticism is appreciated.

The story was great! Will you write more in this forum?

Yeah, I'll continue to write it. I'm in the middle of some stuff right now, but you should be getting the next chapter or two this weekend. I don't know if where I'm going is quite where you expect or want the story to go, but I hope you'll continue to enjoy it. So, yeah, maybe check it out over the weekend.

You misspelled Towabara >.<

I'll read the rest later.

That Was Awesome!!!! More, Now!!! Please!!!

You know when I said I wouldn't have the first chapter done for a while? Well, all the positive feedback is making me eat my own words. Here it is, along with the Prologue. I know this will be inconvenient to those who've read it already, but I've made a few minor changes, mostly replacing all instances of the word "Ochinusa" with "Oishi," and it will be a good starting point for new readers. Again, sorry for the inconvenience.

Here is chapter one, which introduces us to the hero of this piece- Asano, the last survivor of the Reito massacre. This was made in more of a rushed pace than the prologue, but I think it will still be enjoyable. Enjoy. And once again, all constructive feedback is appreciated!

Ronin

Prologue

The Ronin of Seshino

It was dark when the man finally walked into town. From the north gate he entered, his eyes obscured by the rice hat he wore. The man wore a simple long robe, made of common dark cloth, and the robe touched the ground. He bore the two blades of a samurai, his Katana in a sheath on his back and the Waicheweza in his belt. His hair fell long in back in a ponytail, it's dark, unkempt style blowing ever so slightly in the wind.

As the man entered the town, two local retainers came up to greet him. Both wore standard samurai armor, their pikes withdrawn and pointed at the man. One was young, with an awkward face and gangliness, and the other seemed aged, with a hard face and a long beard.

"Hey, what are you doing out so late, Ronin?" asked the old one.

"I was simply passing through when it got dark," the man said in a deep voice, "and decided it was in my best interest to stay here for the night. Even a master ronin is unsafe in times such as these!"

The old one nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You made a wise choice, my friend. The Gisha's down the street, and there's probably someone willing to let you sleep in their bed for a night down there."

The ronin gave a slight bow. "Thank you very much, master samurai." And with that, the man walked down the street. The two samurai watched after him, then returned to their positions.

The ronin walked into the Gisha, and noone seemed to notice. The ronin quickly took a look around the room through his hat, and gave a slight chuckle and a nod. The Gisha was among the lesser quality ones he had seen, with all of the young girls astoundingly poorly trained in the ways of pleasurment, and the men desperate enough to seek their attention. The ronin saw young, elderly, and one or two other ronin, all enjoying the company of the women and the sake.

The place itself was low-calliber; a few doors led outside to possibly great views, but the gisha itself was in dire need of attention, it's wood rotting. Giving a little head shake, the man chose a girl and walked over to her.

The Ronin's choice on this particular night was a young girl, probably no older than sixteen, who was very frail with jet-black hair. She wore a lovely kiboku dress made of red silk, and the ronin felt an unworldly desire to touch it.

"Why, hello, my beutiful kiku..." said the ronin, in his most charming voice. I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm..."

The ronin was interrupted by a large man, also bearing the two blades of a samurai and abnormally large eyebrows, putting his hand on him and pulling him away. The ronin let out a surprised gasp, and found himself with his throat located next to the large man's Katana.

"Is there a problem, master?" the ronin gasped out.

"You were just with my woman! She's mine!"

"I'm sorry, master, I meant no harm. If you'd just let me go, I would be more than happy to leave..."

The big man let out a long, hearty laugh. Slowly, many others around him began to laugh with him. The ronin glanced around, and noticed that the entire room seemed to be quite fond of this large man.

"Do you have any idea to whom you speak, puny man? I am the new daimyo of this land! I overthrew lord Ushicho last night, and you caught me while celebrating!" The man bellowed.

The ronin gasped at the man, "But, if I'm not mistaken, it was master Oishi who overthrew the tyrant Ushicho last night. What happened to him?"

The large man laughed even harder. "That puny, ignorant fool? He slew Ushicho out of desire for justice, and I had him killed for that power. It was that simple. Now, you have disgraced my honor, and to that, we must duel." The man withdrew his smaller blade.

The ronin stepped back, and then spoke. "Is that so? Then, you must have stabbed him in the back, for I knew Oishi, and he was a far greater samurai than you will ever be."

The large man glared at the ronin. "Hmm. You humor me, puny ronin. Would you grant me the pleasure of knowing your name before I kill you?"

This time, the ronin laughed. He put back his head and laughed in a deep, horrifying way, and all in the gisha stepped back. "You desire to know who I am, General Mashingo?"

The large mand was shocked this time, unaware how this stranger knew his name.

The ronin tilted his rice hat up, revealing his blood red eyes.

"I am Oishi, risen again. And for your betrayal, you die, Mashingo." And with that, the ronin unsheathed his katana, swung it, and spun around. He grinned, and the shocked look on Mashingo's face fell to the floor, along with some blood and the rest of his head.

The crowd looked down at the removed head, shocked for a moment, and stared. They then all ran around, panicked, looking for an exit. Oishi stood, drinking in all of the panic in the room, until he went to work. One or two ronin got up and tried to stop him, but he quickly cut them down. He than charged at the crowd, packed at the door, and swung his katana until the last had fallen.

Everyone in the gisha, patron, woman, or anything else, now lay dead by the door. Oishi stood over his handiwork, than slashed his katana in the air, wiped off the blood, and resheated his katana. He then took a bottle of sake, drank it, and exited.

The two samurai who he had encountered earlier came charging at him, each with a cry of fury and malice. The stopped midstride, however, when Oishi took off his hat. They stared in horror and wonder at the blood red eyes of their one-time master. Each bowed low to their former master.

"We have always been loyal to you, master!" They both yelled, and the man couldn't help but smile. He beckoned for them to rise, and as they did, he simply said, "And your loyalty shall not go unrewarded." He swung his katana, slashed both of the samurai across the gut, and as they fell, he picked up his rice hat, put it back on, and continued his work on the rest of the betrayers in town.

Chapter One

The Man from Reito

Aseno opened his eyes slowly, awaking from his brief spill into unconciousness. How long had he been out of it? It was day now, with sunlight streaming in from all sorts of holes in the forest canopy. He shifted his head, and found that he was now in a small clearing, surrounded by many trees. He noticed a few small creatures scurrying around him, apparently looking for food. Deciding to further explore more, Aseno lifted himself up.

As the small creatures around him scurried away, Aseno staggered forward. He was confused as to how he'd gotten there, but right now, he didn't care. Every muscle in his body felt remarkably tired, but if he had learned one thing in his training, it was that you never stay down in a forest. He staggered slowly to the other side of the clearing, looking for another good place to briefly rest.

After a few moments of searching, Aseno found himself staring down into a small stream of water, glancing down into his own running reflection. He saw the wrinkles on his face. He was not as young as he had once been, that he knew, but he hadn't really seen just how old he had gotten before. His hair, once dark, full, and proud, was now thinning, and almost completely grey. While he still bore a very distinguished beard, it too was thinning and gray. His oldest feature, he realized, was his eyes. They themselves told an epic tale, one of woe, hardship, and death.

Aseno continued to stare into the stream, into his own reflection, until he noticed something on his face. What was it? Blood? It was dry, crusted, and dark red, although there also seemed to be green, black, and blue portions of blood on his face too. He stared down at his robe. It was almost completely drenched in the red substance, although it too had several varrying colors. He also noted that his Katana was no longer with him- wherever it had gone no longer concerned him- and it's sheath, once bright in any climate, was now dark red, rusting, and, he noticed, had a large crack in it.

Aseno collapsed to the ground, out of amazement and fatigue, and thought back for a moment. Where was his Katana? Why was he covered in blood? How had he come to be in the middle of such a dense forest? He sat alone in his thoughts, until one word crossed his mind, the answer to all his questions.

Reito.

Suddenly, the memories flowed back into Aseno- all of them, the terrible, the hopeful, and everything in between.

Aseno charged, and his men followed. They were a formiddable foe, an army more than one hundred strong, but charging across the plain, into the oncoming army, they seemed to be nothing.

On the other side of the plain, the kami too began their charge. In all shapes, sizes, and colors they came, seemingly by the thousands. Where as Aseno's army seemed a small standstorm, the kami's attack seemed a tsunami of darkness. The battle was won before it even began, but still, the two armies charged.

In the center of the plain, the two forces met. The samurai legion wedged into the kami horde, Aseno still in the lead, swinging their Katana with all the skill and fury they had been trained to utilize. The kami fell in droves to their army, but those not directly involved with the conflict with samurai charged on, some turning around to encircle the samurai charge, some charging onward to the walls of Reito.

The samurai fought valiently, Aseno more than any, but the army fell in minutes. For each kami slain, four samurai were overrun. Where once the proud legion of Aseno were more than a hundred, now they were few more than a dozen, after only a few moments of fighting. Allready, many of the warriors were becoming fatigued, all of their robes and army covered in blood of their own and the kami.

Aseno sliced down a charging kami, than looked around him. His army was being massacred, and those not slaying samurai were charging onward. There was no hope for Reito, he thought, but perhaps some of the civilians could be let to live.

"Fall back! Back to the city!" Aseno cried. His men, ready for anything, responded immidiatly, their strokes suddenly all aimed at the kami blocking their path back to Reito. While the kami behind them took down one or two, a gap was quickly cut in the wall of kami, and Aseno and his men utilized it to it's fullest. They all charged out, too tired to let out a battle cry, and charged to Reito. Their years of training, and the kami's misshapen bodies, allowed them to run at a much faster rate than the spirits, but they still had to hurry.

Upon reaching Reito, Aseno saw that the cause was being lost. Bodies of civilians were strewn everywhere, and some of the houses and silk shops were in flames. Out of the mines in the town center, several smaller kami charged out of the Earth, destroying everything around them. Only a few civilians were still alive, and they were being routed to the southern gate.

Aseno knew that Reito had no hope, but he and his men continued their charge to the civilians. They sliced down every kami that stood in their way, but no more than were necessary, for all their strength had to be saved. When they finally arrived at the gate, Aseno continued directing his warriors.

"There is no hope for Reito- I think we can all see that now." There was a sigh of disheartenment from the samurai. "However, while I live, not a single civilian of Reito shall go undefended! If we hurry, perhaps we can reach lord Konda's castle. There we will be safe. I want all samurai to defend the rear, and let all of the civilians be first to enter any sanctitude. If we die, we die with honor. We die as samurai!" This brought a cheer from the samurai, and they all immediatly followed his orders, getting into defensive stances.

Aseno gave a quick smile of pride. He had trained these samurai, and he had trained them well. If they were this compliant for the whole battle, perhaps there could be victory after all...

Suddenly, shrieks and crys were emmitted, and the kami charged again. The cries and shrieks disheartened the samurai and civilians, who broke formation and ran off, only to run into a wall of kami that had wrapped around the town. Very quickly, Aseno was alone, the sole survivor of Reito.

Panting heavily, Aseno lifted his katana. There could be no victory- not anymore. But he would not die a coward. Every kami he slew was one less for the Daimyo's forces to deal with. He regained his composture, and charged.

He fought with the fury and valor of a hundred samurai. Kami fell in multiples, blood splattering all over anything. No kami would hinder Aseno's path. He continued slicing through the bizarre kami, until finally, he sliced forwards into an unusual, transluscent kami. It had the shape of a human, and for a second, Aseno thought he had struck down a human, until he found the world around him getting dark. All of the kami around him faded away, and for a second, he got the feeling that he was flying, further, further, and further away from Reito.

He closed his eyes, and oblivion took over him.

Restrengthened, Aseno pushed himself up. His limbs were no longer sore- no, that had long gone. Now, only one thought stayed in Aseno's mind.

Revenge.

The kami, those he and all the rest at Reito had spent their entire lives worshipping, had turned on them. Where once, Aseno held respect and fear of the kami, he now only knew anger. Alone, he wouldn't be able to destroy the kami. But he wouldn't let their betrayal go unknown. Or unpunished.

Aseno unslung his Katana's sheath, now useless, and picked up a nice, light-weight but solid stick. It would have to do as his weapon until he reached a good swordsmith. Aseno put his face into the water, drank in as much as he could, and began on his way, a cause in his heart and strength in his veins.

After what seemed like a few hours of travelling, Aseno found himself at another stream. As he took in another drink, he looked up, and saw the forms of four muscular, bald men, with one elder among them with hair. All wore bright orange robes that signified them as a group of Budoka, martial art practicing monks that he had seen with Konda's troops on occasion.

He pulled his head out of the water, and sat down on the bank.

"Hello, good sirs," Aseno said, "How could I help you?"

The eldest of the four warriors spoke. He was old, older than Aseno, and his age showed, although he was still incredibly muscular. His hair was pure white, his face clean of any hair, his hair loose and smoothe. His skin had many, many wrinkles of age, making him a slightly unusual sight to see.

"You have entered our forest unbidden, outlander. We pray for your sake that you are prepared for the consequences."

All constructive criticism is appreciated, once again! No poll this time around, but I hope you've had an enjoyable experience. You guys SHOULD get the next chapter by next Monday, but one never knows, does one?

Thanks for the praise!

Yodafan, I'll admit I didn't really like you or your writing at first, but I've been very pleasantly surprised!

* Solid storyline

* Oishi is cool. He's not Toshi-ish, which is what alot of Kamigawa fics tend to fall into. Oishi is his own man, and he don't take nothing from nobody ;). I like him alot!

* The death scene in the chapter was magnificent, and the sake-consumption at the end was great. Insult to injury, I say!

* The Reito flashback was really good. Sort of reminds me of The Last Samurai, but its different in many ways- all good.

You've got yourself a new loyal reader here. Keep up the good work!

Aww, I thought you liked me...

Anyways, good to know that you're liking the story thus far. I'm glad you like Oishi, but just so we're clear on the subject, he will not be the main focus: He will, however, be A major focus, and a main character throughout. Just not the protaganist. I'm also glad that you noticed the differences between Oishi and Toshi. I know exactly what you mean,about most Kamigawa fanfics seeming to revolve around a Toshi with a different name. And I intend to keep working so long as I have readers.

it was great, now post more. i know im impatient but i really like it.

Guys, I'm sorry I'm making you wait so long. Several issues, among them Finals and BOK previews, are just drawing my attention elsewhere. After the pre-release, I'll probably be able to work on my story again, and I have every intention of doing so. So, wait until the 22nd or so, and I will begin posting again. You've been very patient, and don't think I don't appreciate it. But there's just a lot going on right now, but it will all clear up very soon. Thank you again for your time and support.

yea what @$$ voted no?!?

That was excellent...I look forward to seeing more in the future...

The near future...

Much more...

As in now...

-Alpha....

OK, I lied. Your requests for another chapter have convinced me to finish the one I was working on earlier today. Just fair warning- there is no fight in this chapter. I hope this can keep you happy for the next week or so. And I promise, I WILL RIGHT MORE. Just not right now.

Chapter 2

An Oni's Favor

By the time the sun came up on the town of Seshino, any signs of the events of the previous night had vanished from the streets. The sun cast long shadows over all of the town's short buildings, each shadow shrinking as the sun came further up. The street was now clear of all blood, all bodies, and all traces of the previous night. Now, all that was on the dusty road of Seshino was silence.

The sun had come up fully when the figure walked into town. It was a large thing, it's height at least twice that of a human's and it's width four times as large. The figure wore a long black cloak of cheap linen, thick and all concealing. The figure's head was hooded, and as tall as the figure was, it's cloak dragged on the ground.

As the figure entered the town, immediatly inside of the main gate, it swivelled the linen on it's head around, as if looking around the town. It stood there, looking for a few moments, until it nodded, let out a small chuckle, and moved on.

Oishi was leaning against the wall of the gisha's entryway when the figure approached. He had now removed his shirt, revealing several scars all along his otherwise muscular chest. Several of the cuts were so deep, that any common observer would have thought Oishi dead. However, here he was, leaning against the wall. He was drinking a bottle of Sake, much of it's contents missing his mouth completely, puddling on the floor.

Oishi looked up, and he saw the figure approaching him. He gave a quick grin, than threw the bottle off to a side, and crossed his arms in an expectant position.

The figure walked up to Oishi, until it finally reached the small portion of the Gisha covered in shadows. The figure stood in front of Oishi, it's massive form making the samurai seem tiny in comparison. After a moment of standing in silence, it was the large figure who broke the town's silence.

"Oishi," the figure said in a deep, gravelly voice, which boomed like a cannon and yet arrived as a coarse whisper, "You have destroyed this entire town."

Oishi looked around himself for a moment, and then looked up at the figure's top. "Yes, I suppose I did."

The figure's voice got exasperated. It had grown tired of the man's lack of compassion or agreeability almost a moment after they had met, and every moment since had been an annoyance, a blemish on an otherwise good day for the tall figure. "And what happened to the original plan? As I recall, you were going to kill that fool Mashingo. And that was it. I assume, at the very least, that those you said you would kill are dead?"

Oishi grinned once more. "Yes, Mashingo's dead. So are the rest of the Ochimusha who struck me."

The figure let out what could have been a sigh for any other creature. "And why, exactly, did you see it fit to destroy the entire city?"

Oishi stared up at the figure in an annoyed glare. "This was my battle. I saw no reason not to win is as I saw fit."

Were this anyone but Oishi, the figure would have struck the man down in an instance for his imputence. But it knew it couldn't harm Oishi, and apparently Oishi knew it as well.

"We have kept our end of the deal, Samurai. You have had your vengeance. I assume it was worth the effort?"

Oishi nodded.

"Very good. However, it is now time you repaid our favor."

Oishi shook his head. "I don't think so. I just killed an entire town without an effort. I don't think that anyone, spirit or otherwise, would want to become involved in conflict with me."

The figure shook it's cloaked head. "Times have changed, Oishi. Last night was a very unique one. From the actions of last night, generations will be defined. Wars will be fought. And lives will be lost."

Oishi suddenly had an almost quizical look on his face. "What do you mean?"

The figure laughed. It's voice boomed, the town almost shaking from the vibration of the thing's voice. "Are you really so foolish, Ronin? Last night, destiny's were put into place. A new chain was created. In the coming times, ordinary men will become soldiers. Soldiers will become heroes. And those who were heroes... shall become gods. A new chain was created, master Oishi, and you are a large link in that chain. You did not think that your vengeance would go without cost, did you?"

Oishi suddenly went from his calm demenor to a stance of agonizing pain. He glanced down at his wounds, all the scars now open, flowing blood by the gallon. Oishi let out a scream, but the figure continued laughing.

"Times have changed, ronin. The kami have declared war on the land of Kamigawa. Seshino is fallen. Reito is destroyed. As we speak, thousands of kami have crossed through the veil, all of them here for only one purpose- to destroy humanity. Unfortunatly, I- and the parties my interests coincide with- may only materialize in this plane for a few moments. So, master Oishi, we give you an offer. You shall be our avatar. From our commands, you will walk this world. You will do as we say, kill whom we want you to kill, and see our best interests are secured. You owe it to us."

Oishi gasped out, his breath carrying blood all through the air. "And if I refuse?"

The demon continued. "The parties I speak for and I do not appreciate the breaking of a bargain. We gave you new life. We gave you your revenge. Now, you either fight for us, or you suffer the pains of a thousand hells. What you feel now is but a taste of what you shall recieve, Oishi, should you breach our agreement."

Oishi screamed once more, than fell to the ground. The blood continued to flow from his body, spilling onto the streets. Where once there had been dust, there was now a small stream of blood. Oishi continued to scream, until he finally cried out.

"I ACCEPT!"
The stream dissapeared. The pain left Oishi's body. He pulled himself to his feet, and than he kneeled before the figure.

"What shall I do?"

Under it's cloak, the figure grinned.



It was night when Oishi had finished doing as the demon had told him. He walked out from the back door of the Gisha, being sure that he left no trace of his deeds of the night. He walked through the back alleys of town, walking through the alley until he reached the gate from which he had entered in only the past night. Finally, he reached it.

And he gave a maniac grin.

Immediatly in front of him stood the two samurai he had encountered at the gate the night before. Both of their faces were blank, however, and their eyes empty. Their skin was pale, even notable by the night's sky. The two bowed to him.

"Master," they both said.

Oishi beckoned them to rise. "I promised you a reward before. Now you recieve it. You shall be my Yojimbo, my bodyguards, and we shall make our names..."

Oishi looked past the two dead warriors, and stared in shock at what had gathered before him.

Every face had appeared, every man, woman, and child he had met the night before, only now, they were all bloodless. There was no life in their eyes, no fire left of whatever souls they may have had. All stood in attention before Oishi, all seven hundred of them staring blankly at the only one among them with a thought in their skulls.

Some, he noted, were not present: Mashingo seemed to be missing, as did every person he had taken the effort to decapitate. Must not work on them, Oishi thought to himself, and he looked at the blank faces on all of the people in the town.

"I have returned," Oishi said to himself silently. He looked at his two new Yojimbo, looked at the warriors gathered in front of him. He unsheathed his Katana, which was now on his back, and stared at the blade. It was now black, like oil, glistening in the night sky. Oishi raised the Katana into the air. And he yelled at his new army, though none could here it-"We are Seshino. We are the future. And in the name of the kami, we shall fight until our time ends. To the future of Kamigawa!"

And as the army stood, silent and empty, Oishi smiled. And as he did, the world was silent. The future, he thought to himself, and he motioned his Katana forward, away from the gate, and the army marched into the darkness, with Oishi at it's head.

Once again, I'm really sorry, but you guys are going to have to wait UNTIL THE 22nd OR SO FOR THE NEXT CHAPTERS! I'm glad you all like it, and I intend to work on it in the near future, but finals and BOK previews have my schedule taken up completely. After the prerelease, however, I won't have to do ANYTHING for a few weeks, so expect tons of writing. I've also worked out what will happen in the story's flow of events, and I think I can safely promise you all much samurai action. However, until the pre-release, I'll be really busy. But I am working on it. You have not heard the last of Oishi and Aseno. Thank you very much for your comments and patience.

Edit- changed Se****o to Seshino. Can't censor this!

Ahh, yes. That is a bit bad... I'll see what I can do.

Sorry for the wait and the double post, but the story is back in business. I aced all my finals, so I think that taking a break from this very large distraction did me some good. Anywhom, the story is back. And thanks again for your patience. Without further ado...

Chapter 3

Lano and the Budoka Way

The first monk charged at Aseno, his massive form ripping across the small stream. As he charged, the monk drew his body into a fighting pose, his fists prepared to strike, his body focused on the enemy. Aseno jumped up from his position, and reached instinctively for his Katana. However, he reached his hands through nothing, now remembering that he'd lost his blade. Suddenly, Aseno became slightly panicked.

The monk charged forward, his shaved head glistening in the little bits of sun coming through the canopy, his hairless, young face blank and unemoting. As he came within feet of Aseno, he leaped into the air, his body prepared to strike with all of it's mass. Aseno looked at the leaping monk, than remembered the stick he had been using as a cane for his journey. He scrambled down, grabbed the stick, and swung it up in the most stylish way he could muster. Perhaps, if he showed more tranquility then he possessed, a large conflict could be avoided.

The stick struck the leaping monk in the gut, and the force with which he was hit sent him falling in the opposite direction. The monk's large body landed in the creek with a large and loud splash, now incappacitated. Aseno drew his stick into a defensive position, and stood across the river from the monks, now staring at him.

Now, two other of the monks, one notably shorter than the other, charged across. This time they came at a run, their charge silent but for the splashes of water at their feet. Aseno got his body into a decent stance, and charged at them. They met in the center of the stream, a collision of orange and red, and the two monks threw very precise punches at Aseno. One Aseno blocked with the stick, but another collided with his chest. He let out a wheeze of pain, but quickly recovered, swinging his stick in a flurry of motion. The first strike collided directly with the neck of the shorter budoka, the stick making a loud crack on the man's neck. He let out a brief cry of pain, than also fell into the stream, unconcious. The second blow slapped the taller budoka in the chest, and as he bent over in his gasp for breath, Aseno lifted the stick and struck down upon the monk. The monk fell facedown into the water.

Next, the last hairless and speechless budoka walked over to a tree. He put his hand to the tree's trunk, nodded, and grabbed it's lowest branch. He than clenched his fist and rammed it into the branch, seperating it from the tree. The monk leveled the stick in a two-handed way, and began his silent charge. Aseno couldn't help but grin at the man's terrible sword technique, and simply stood in the stream, letting the flowing stream crush into his legs.

The budoka finally reached Aseno, and hit. His blow was quickly dodged by the samurai, however, and Aseno dropped down, struck the monk in the back of the knees, and stood up. The budoka let out a howl of pain, and he too fell to the ground, his legs now in his arms. Pupils, Aseno thought to himself with a grin.

The monk on the bank stood now, nodding in approbal at Aseno's display. Aseno walked forward onto the land, towards the monk, stick still in hand, and heard the sounds of some of the monks rising from the water, weezing and coughing.

"Very good, outlander!" The monk said, "You just defeated four of the finest budoka in our region! I would say that most certainly qualifies a right of passage."
Aseno put his stick back into cane position, and walked toward the man. He was once again tired, but also awakened by the rush of adreneline from the last battle. He walked up and stared the short man straight in the eye. He was furious that the man would make a person, covered in blood such as he, and obviously lost, go through the previous trial.

"I bear news for the Daimyo Konda. I have lost my way in this forest. Point me in the direction of Eiganjo Castle, and I shall pass through peacefully. If not, I will not be so quick to let your monks live after battle. Now, the way..."

The man's perpetual smile widened. "And what, outlander, brings a samurai of Eiganjo all the way to the heart of the Jukai, where none of the daimyo's troops go, even in the most trying of times? And with information so important that you must hurry, no less?"

Aseno glared at the monk. He talked a lot, for a member of an order so renowned for silence as the budoka, and now he was prying for information that the fate of Towabara depended on it. However, Aseno thought for a moment, and decided that no harm could come of telling the monk the truth. Perhaps that will silence him, Aseno thought to himself with a grim smile.

"I come bearing news of war. The kami have declared war on the mortals of Kamigawa." It was all he said, and it was enough. The grin on the eldest monk's face suddenly fell to a grimace, his eyes suddenly very tired and worried. He heard the coughing of the monks behind him stop. And they all stood, staring at each other, until the monk again broke the silence.

"And how, master samurai, would you know of this war?"

And Aseno told him. He told of the sudden appearance outside of Reito, of the great battle, of his army's desperate charge into the kami's horde. He told of his final stand at the south gate, of his last charge, and of the mysterious kami that had somehow forced him into unconciousness, and his awakening in the Jukai.

The monk walked forward and placed his hand on Aseno's shoulder. He closed his eyes, and then opened them and stared straight at Aseno. Aseno stared back, and then shied away. "Well, I must be going. Lord Konda will need this information immediatly."

The monk looked sadly at Aseno. "If the massacre at Reito was indeed caused by the kami, and they have indeed declared war on our world, Lord Konda already knows. Your journey would mean nothing. However, if the war has begun, as you say, and you are half as great of a swordsman as your tale implies, then you must stay here."

Aseno was offended. The monk already knew that Aseno was a loyal servant of the daimyo, and here he was trying to make him stay in the forest. "For what, to protect your temples from future kami attacks? My master is the Daimyo, and my place is fighting for him."

The monk shook his head. "No, I do not wish you to stay to protect our lands. I have no doubt that the budoka could hold off any kami attack. I wish you to stay, master samurai, because if the kami have attacked, we are now at the war with gods. Immortals. Foes like nothing the world has ever seen. And if this war is to be so great, the side of mortals needs it's champions. It needs heroes, to give the world hope in their fight against the kami. And if you are already as great a swordsman as your story implies, than you are our greatest hope for a first wave of Kamigawa's own first wave of gods. This war will make peasants soldiers. It will make warriors heroes. And it will make heroes gods."

Aseno thought for a moment. The monk was right on all accounts. Most of Kamigawa's heroes had been proven by fighting other mortals. With only the mortals as experience, the armies of Kamigawa would no doubt fall. And, if by some miracle Konda did not already know of the kami's betrayal, he would by the time he reached Eiganjo castle. However, he thought to himself, of what use are budoka techniques if I'm already a master bladesman?

Aseno stepped out, and turned his back on the monk. "I apologize, master monk, but I fail to see the purpose of training with budoka if I am already a great swordsman. I humbly apologize, but I also humbly decline."

As Aseno bowed to the monk, the monk put his hand into an open palm and slammed it into Aseno's head. Aseno, dazed by the monk's speed and power, recovered and raised his stick to defend himself, but it was kicked aside by another monk. The elder monk than kicked Aseno hard in the chest, and Aseno flew back a foot, landing on the ground and panting for air.

"Do you see now the point of our tactics, outlander?" Asked the monk. "You will be defeated, either through trickery or strength. There will be times when a katana will not be available to you. And in those times, do you desire to fall over and die, or to defend yourself with strength no mortal should possess? We defeated you through trickery- that is true. But numbers will also suffice at such a task. What say you now, samurai?"

Aseno coughed and pushed himself up with his arms. Once standing, he bowed very deeply to the monk. "Teach me your ways, monk. I accept your offer."

The monk smiled once more. "Since you are already a master swordsman, much training can be skipped. Still, we must begin as soon as possible. Follow me."

Aseno began to follow, with the four pupils beside him, until he stopped midstride. The other monks stopped with him.

"Forgive me, master monk, but I did not catch your name."

The monk gave a dry laugh. "Nor I yours, student. I am Lano."

"And I, master Lano, am Aseno."

The monk bowed humbly. "It is an honor to meet you, master Aseno."

And the group of six walked into the forest, preparing mentally already for the vigours of the coming times.

NICE!! i love it. hope for more soon. if not you'll be a open

Quote from The Squirle master »

Whoopie! New chapter!

The proposition the monk made Aseno made me think of [cardIsao, Enlightnened Bushi[/card], which made me think of cameo's. Will they come along in the story? There are enough legends left to use. (Of course, you could create a plothole when they suddenly pop-up in SoK.)

Actually, I don't care TOO much about plot holes, since the final chapters of the story are looking like there'll be enough plot holes to feel the grand canyon. Several cameos are in order, among them(this is where I tease you):

Konda
Takeno
Horobi
Ink-Eyes( you know my problems with this card? Well, she'll mostly be in here to rectify them:biggrin3: )

With many more... as with all works in progress, the storyline is ever changing, and I promise you that several card legends will be making an appearance. But right away, the story is just too young to throw cameos in. But they will come, and sooner than you might think.

Glad to know you're still interested.

NOOO!!! IM BEING OVERWHELMED BY TEASES!!!!! HELP ME!!!
sorry about that.
/\ /\ _____
_ _ o / / / / / /\\ _ \
/ _ \ |--/ | | | | | // |_| |
| || | /\ \ \ \ \ \_\\____/
MY ARMY OF KAMI ATTACKING REITO and the samurai Aseno are above. and a house. in acsii.
EDIT: D***. it didn't work.

Well, here is the latest chapter in the journey of Aseno. I'll talk about it later.

Chapter Four

The Final Test

It was summer when Aseno began his training with the monks. He always trained with the group he had met on the day of his arrival in Jukai, as Master Lano was considered something of a rebel by the rest of the monks. So, the six all lived in a long abandoned temple, training and living off of the many things Jukai had to offer.

Each day, Aseno trained with the monks. Seasons came and changed the time, and summer became fall, and fall turned to winter. Due to his previous experience as a warrior, his body was already connected to his mind enough for his training to go by at a much faster rate than for any normal man. By the time fall came, he was any pupil's equal as a hand-to-hand combatant, and even a match for many renowned monks. By winter, he could topple any tree in the forest with no blade and relative ease.

Much of Aseno's progress was due to Master Lano's mood of such things. While when in the midst of training, he could be deadly serious, but he could also relax. He knew his pupil's capabilities, and always pushed them, but never so hard that it broke them. The monk never considered himself above the pupils as a person, always meditating with them and joining them on hunts for meals.

The kami war had also reached Jukai by fall's end, but in no real force as of yet. Every so often, a kami of a tree or rock would appear, but they were never a threat and proved to be excellent training for the martial arts of the monks. The times were peaceful for Aseno's training.

By the time winter ended and spring had come at last, Aseno was as great a fighter as any in Jukai. Where once he had appeared decievingly weak and old, the months of training had made his body's muscles grow almost beyond recognition. He also appeared much younger than his actual age now: his once wrinkly body was now smooth with well trained muscle. His meditations were also coming along nicely. He was deep in touch with everything around him whenever he chose to meditate, his mind free to wander whatever possibilities captured his mind.

Aseno found that his best method of meditation, however, was just walking around the forest. Each day he went on one of his walks, free to contemplate with no interruptions by the other training monks. Master Lona also went on these walks with Aseno on occasion, and the two shared their every thought with the other.

It was an early summer day when Aseno left Jukai. It was early morning, and Aseno was travelling on another of his walks, contemplating and observing the beauty of Jukai. Reito had not left his mind, but being able to look at the forest cleared his mind of any thoughts of vengeance. When he reached a large clearing, he looked around and realized that Lona was standing at the opposite end.

The two walked up to each other, for they often met in this clearing when they went on walks together. However, as they stepped closer, Aseno could feel a different intent coming off of his friend and master than he usually had on these walks.

Aseno bowed. "Good day, master Lano."

The monk smiled and bowed in kind. "Good day, pupil Aseno."

Aseno rose. "Is there something you wish to speak with me about, master Lano?" Aseno asked.

The monk laughed. "Can a monk not go on a walk with a friend without being questioned about it?"

Aseno smiled. "Of course not, master Lona. No question leads to answers- only further questions."

The monk's grin widened, and he put his hand on Aseno's shoulder. "You have learned our ways well, Aseno of Reito. You have become a great ponderer, a great warrior, and have learned more than many learn in a lifetime. Of all my students, I am most proud of you."

Aseno's grin became determined now. "You wish to test me, don't you, master?"

The monk lowered his head slightly. "All of my pupils believe you my better. I am beggining to believe it myself. If these beliefs are true, than there is no reason for me to continue training you. Defeat me in battle, and you will have proven yourself ready to leave."

Aseno bowed again. "Of course, master. It has been an honor training with you."

The monk laughed again. "You say it as if you've already won, master Aseno! Overconfidence is not a teaching of the budoka, if I'm not mistaken."

Aseno grinned. "Weaponless, I assume?"

"Is there any other kind?"

The two bowed, than quickly drew themselves into proper fighting positions. Aseno pulled his body into a more defensive style, while Lano drew himself into an aggresive form. "Are you ready, Aseno?"

"Of course," Aseno said with a grin, "Are you?"

The monk laughed, and then charged. He flung his open palm at Aseno, who blocked it and sent it harmlessly away. Aseno responded with a swift kick to Lano's chest, but the monk jumped out from the blow. He swung forward, also missing Aseno. The two recomposed themselves.

This time, it was Aseno who charged. He kicked at Lano, who caught the leg with both hands and pulled. Aseno quickly responded by lifting his other leg onto Lano's chest, and he moved his legs as if running off of Lona's body. He flipped around, and as he landed Lano jumped and kicked Aseno in the chest.

Aseno pulled away, gasping. Lano's kick had taken it's toll, but than Aseno had an idea. The monk came charging at him, hoping to end the battle quickly. As he charged, Aseno kept himself in a pained position. When the monk finally reached him and swung his hand in it's open palm form, Aseno pulled himself out of his crouched form. Surprise on his side, the samurai grabbed the monk's outreached hand, and pulled it past him. As the monk's body followed the hand, Aseno leaped and gave a spinning kick to the monk. Lano flew a few feet across the clearing, and landed with a thud.

Aseno recomposed himself, running in place a little and wiping the sweat off of his brow. Lona pulled himself up, coughing up a little bit of blood. "Very good, Aseno. You have learned well. However, you made a mistake not finishing me there." Completely recomposed, Lano charged once more.

This time, Lano's blows came far too quick for Aseno to dodge or block them. As he parried a punch, a leg slammed into his abdomen. The monk pulled back and leaped, as if he were a preditorial animal, and struck Aseno's head with his foot. This time, Aseno fell to the ground as the monk gracefully landed.

Aseno coughed, than leaped to his feet. Both he and the monk were already exhausted from the battle, but neither showed any signs of surrender. They stared each other down, each circling the other around the clearing. After what seemed like hours of staring down, both men charged.

Aseno and Lano threw their entire bodies into the final bout. Fists were flying. A kick by Aseno was leaped over by Lano, only for the monk to land squarely onto Aseno's fist. The monk grabbed the arm and used it as support, swinging his body around to kick the samurai. Both of the men were bleeding now, and both were tired, but they still fought fiercely. A kick by Aseno was blocked by a kick from Lona, and both went flying back a few feet.

Lano charged once more, and Aseno just looked at him. He was tired- the battle was nearly over. He could not defeat Lano- not yet. However, as he looked at the charging monk, a thought suddenly passed through his mind. He had been fighting in to complex a manner. This battle could be won with a simple maneuver, one any monk knew, but few could execute well.

Lano charged. Aseno mustered his weak limbs, feeling every strain on every muscle, and he extended his hand outwards. As the monk charged, Aseno pulled his hand forward. When the monk finally reached him, the samurai made a sudden movement with his hand, grabbed Lano by his throat, and pushed forward with all of his might. The monk gasped, trying to draw air, and by the time he did, he had flipped onto the ground. He tried to jump up, but Aseno was already on top of him, his hand in a striking position a foot away from Lano's face.

The monk smiled, his now blood- red teeth exposed. "Ver-v-very good, Aseno. You have passed."

And Aseno got up, found a rock on the side of the meadow, and sat and meditated until sun had fallen.


The next day, Aseno's ascension was celebrated. All of the other four pupils stood in a great hall of the temple, bowing deep in a gesture of endless respect. On top of a small staircase in the hall, Lano stood, beaming. He still had bruises from the fight before, as did Aseno, but they both worked through it.
"Aseno," said Lona. "Your journey with us is over. You now possess as much power as any monk in Jukai. That alone is reason to send you on your way."

Aseno bowed before the monk. "You do me too much honor, monk."

Lano spoke again. "You came to us a samurai, a survivor of a lost city. You have brought us news of a great evil that has come upon our land. In return, we have taught you our ways. We've made you a champion.

"Now, however, it is time for you to use your powers. Jukai is well defended, and the war has yet to strike us. We have no threats to our people that we are not capable of dealing with ourselves. However, Kamigawa needs you. From the Kitsune, we learn of endless attacks against the wizards in Minamo. In the mountains, we see the battles of kami, akki, and the daimyo's legions. The swamp of Numai has fallen into true shadow, an endless home for oni and and betrayers. The entire world feels the betrayal of the kami, Master Aseno. And, as the strongest monk in the Jukai, I send you to help the people of Kamigawa. It is your purpose. We are but a leg in what I know will be a long journey."

Aseno lifted from his bow. "Thank you, master. My skills will be of use, somewhere. When I die, it shall be defending our land. For it is the way of the warrior. I thank you for your helping me to achieve my highest strength, master Lano."

The monk bowed this time. "You have indeed become powerful, Aseno. I sense that many stories of our land will be told of you. However, I implore you to listen to my final advice. I know your heart. I know that it is pure, and that the well being of our land and it's people are all that give you cause. However, I also sense vengeance in your soul. It is not unfounded vengeance, and it will doubtless prove a powerful ally. But it may also mislead you. It may lead you on a different path, a journey that you were never meant to make. Vengeance can make even the purest soul evil. So, I implore you to watch your path. Watch your mind. Meditate daily, and remain at peace. If ever you feel the darkness of fury overtake you, the budoka will always be in Jukai. And Jukai will always exist."

Aseno bowed. "I will hold your advice in great esteem, master, as I always have and always will. Thank you again for all that you have given me."

The monk smiled, a sad grin this time, and nodded to his friend and former student. "Then, be gone with you, my son. And may whatever you serve and worship guide you." The other monks rose too, than bowed again, this time getting on their knees.

And with a brief laugh and a nod, Aseno turned around, and prepared to leave.

"Wait!" cried one of the pupils. "If you desire a new blade, I suggest you travel east. There, you will find a town called Zorhiten. There, you will find it's leader. He will possess a blade for you. Perhaps even a cause."

Aseno grinned, bowed to the monk, and turned around. And he exited through the temple's doors, east and into the forest, prepared to serve his purpose.


Well, there is chapter four of this lovely little work. I would have liked to spend more time with the budoka, but two chapters seemed like enough. Really, if this were a movie or show or something, I would have spent longer with the monks, but as a novel, training sequences tend to really bore me, so I kept them to the basics. I think that the stuff I've put in here will still prove interesting to all of you, but I'd just as soon get on to the real preperations for the journey of Aseno. Zorhiten will prove to be quite the place of destiny, Ill tell you right now. Hope you've enjoyed it- another chapter is probably coming tommorow. I got it off for "PIR days." God, do I love those.

Critique, as always, is appreciated, and a poll is coming with the next one(Involving whether to split it into three books, three volumes, or leave it the same- I'll explain next chapter).

good job

You have infected me, curse you. I wait eagerly for the next installment. This is just curiosity, and don't answer if you don't want to, but may Kiku and/or Azusa be showing up later?

Well, here's chapter five. To be perfectly honest, I do not care as much for this chapter as much as I do for some of the others, but a connection needed to be made for future events. You'll also see a bit of just how bad ass Oishi and his horde have become. Well, without further ado...

Chapter Five

Oishi's Mission

Nokuro sat in his throne. The building he now had taken sanctuary in was his palace, a large, fortified wooden structure made years ago, when Nokuro had first taken over the town's silk industry. It lay in the center of town, with it's ten Ronin guards standing ever constant vigil over it. For years, it had been a very prominent sign of who possessed any power in this area of Takenuma. Now, however, it was a last sanctuary for the people.

Nokuro looked around him. His ten guards, all skilled ronin, were gathered at the door, prepared to meet any threat they faced. They were facing death, but any ronin would do such a thing for money. Of all of his one hundred silk workers who had worked for him for so many years, now only twenty or so remained, curled into balls along the side of the building. Those who still survived were drenched in blood, and many had obviously been maimed, either by blade or fang. Only Nokuro was truly free of any sign of carnage, his silk robe still in the torchlight.

The door to his palace, barracaded by his guards with furniture and torches, was pounding. The incoming scourge was restless, and while the barracade would give time to prepare, there was no way to prevent the scourge from entering the room. Some of the ronin pushed against the door, hoping to prolong the scourge's entry longer, but it was to no avail. The door was obviously breaking down, with everything barracading it being pushed slowly but steadily back.

Nokuro sighed. He was a large man, spoiled by years of little labor and great profit. His hair and mustache were neatly kept, his body incapable of any rapid or sudden movement. He had taken over the small community's silk community years ago, and had made it a teaming success with his extensive connections to the higher powers of Kamigawa. Now, however, that teaming industry was no more, smote by this sudden scourge from the darkness.

Finally, the door gave way. One of the ronin pushing the door back let out a great cry of pain, and pulled his hand away, revealing a great gash created by some unseen weapon. As the first crack emerged, the rest of the ronin pulled away, all now having long gashes across their palms or holes through their hands. As they left, more of the objects holding the door back smashed inward, and the civilians screamed as the door smashed open, allowing the scourge to come in.

The horde entered with great force, but they still travelled slower than what was normally expected of a person. However, their teaming numbers quickly filled the room. All of the figures entering the room were pale, many missing limbs and sporting long gashes across their clothing or arms. Several had arrows protruding from their chests, and some had jittes and katanas in their chests as well. Many were covered in blood, both dry and wet, and they swarmed.

The ronin charged, each with their own battle cry and stance. Their charge was met with the wall of warriors, and very quickly they were overtaken by the army's pure size. One ronin turned to flee, but when he did so, a distinct slicing sound filled the air. The ronin winced, then looked down, and the attacking horde and charging ronin also ended their battle. Protruding from the man was the blade of a long katana, drenched in blood. The warrior gurgled, then fell.

The warrior's assailant stepped forward. He was an average sized warrior, his clothes made of very simple cloth. The man's face was obscured by the large rice hat he wore, but his long black ponytail and his mouth were still completely visible. The man pulled his katana out of the warrior's chest, and threw it up into the air, where he caught the blade with the other hand and turned it into a calm position.

Nokuro stared at the man in shock. Rumors had spread of this man, and his ever growing personal army of fallen warriors, and of his endless quest to destroy all that were of no use to him. The tales told of this warrior were always said to occur in the neighboring kingdom of Seshino, which was apparently his place of orgin.

The remaining ronin broke away from the horde of fallen warriors, and all charged at the man with endless fury.

Beneath his hat, the man smiled very subtely, and swung his blade.

He struck the first ronin across the chest, and as he followed through, he sent his blade through another samurai's heart. He then pulled the blade out and turned it around, forcing it into another warrior's stomach. He pulled out the blade, than swung his blade up and down through another ronin, attacking fearfully.

For a moment, all of the figures lay still, standing in the positions of their attack. The man swung his katana, sending blood flying for a few feet off of his blade, and leveled it. As he did so, the four ronin fell: One directly cut in half along his entire body, the other gushing blood from a long gash in the chest, and two bleeding from holes in their respective chests.

The man smiled, and pointed his blade at Nokuro. Nokuro stared at the man, stunned. In less than a moment, he had slain five of the greatest samurai in Takenuma.

"O-O-OISHI!" Nokuro stammered.

The man looked straight at the man, and nodded.

"B-b-but it is impossible! You are of Seshino! What are you doing in Towabura?"

Oishi looked at the man, than gave a slight chuckle. "You thought my fury would end with Seshino? The men of this land must be more foolish than I assumed."

Oishi than strode confidently forward, towards Nokuro. Nokuro was to frightened to budge, but the remaining townsfolk uncurled and fled, screaming into the horde of the fallen. Very quickly, their cries ended.

Nokuro pushed himself back in his chair. "I-I-I warn you, I know the rulers of this land! Strike me down, and the entire wrath of Towabura will be upon you!"

Oishi smiled again. "More for the cause, I suppose." And he lifted his blade, and swung. Nokuro let out a final cry, silenced by the blade passing through his head. His eyes fell to the ground, forever staring up into the mouth of their former owner.

Oishi sheathed his katana, and strode steadily into the mass. Silently, as he passed by each of the fallen warriors, they marched out of the bloody palace, into the darkness of night.

Oishi and his army were marching onward when the figure appeared once more. It was the same figure who had spoken with Oishi on that day, almost a year ago, when Oishi had first sworn allegience to the kami. The figure's visits were very infrequent- this was most likely only his third or fourth visit. Still cloaked, the figure appeared out of nowhere in front of Oishi, and he stopped. As he did, so did his army, and Oishi and the kami walked towards eachother.

"Hello, old friend," said the kami. "I take it the last mission went well?"

Oishi looked up at the large figure, than bowed. "As well as could be expected, master. You will hear no more of ties between Eiganjo and Takenuma."

The oni laughed in it's deep, throaty way. "Ahh, yes. Very good. You have proven to be a most excellent servant, Oishi- Perhaps I was right about you after all."

Oishi pondered the meaning of the last remark, but bowed again and remained silent.

"Well, as you know, I would never come to this forsaken land without a reason. And this one may interest you, Oishi. The parties I speak for and I have decided to move forward with our plans for this world. You have severed some connections- that is good. Now, however, there is a greater threat to our plans that demands your immediate attention."

Oishi bowed, with mock sincerity. He truly despised this beast, and the fake courtesy he showed him, but Oishi very much liked staying alive and untortured. "As always, master, I am at your command."

The oni didn't speak for a moment, as if he had heard the samurai's thoughts, and then continued. "Now, Oishi, we must destroy hope. For generations, my kind and I have been forced back, despite our many efforts, by heroes of the world of men. Only a year into this great war between dimmensions, champions have arisen in the land of Kamigawa, giving hope to all and all of the men courage to fight with more valor than should be possible. It is our desire to destroy these heroes, to ensure that our cause remains the only one that the mortal's worship.

"You are to travel to the city of Zorhiten. There, you will find a great swordsmith. I believe that you are familiar with him. It is your task, Oishi, to ensure that no blade made in that town finds it's way to the hands of a champion again. He has created as many legends as the land of Kamigawa itself. We desire his end."

Oishi grinned, and tried to surpress his laughter. "Of course, master oni. Your wish is my command."

The kami laughed. "Very good, Oishi. I shall return when the task is gone." And, as suddenly as he had appeared, the oni vanished into the night.

Oishi was very familiar with the swordsmaker that the oni reffered to. He unsheathed his katana, and stared at it for a moment. He stared at the perfect craftmanship, the straight edge of the blade and the flawless, unstained, and unnotched edge that had killed so many, yet appeared as good as any unused blade. This blade had been created by the man in question. And, if the rumors were true, it was not even one of his finest.

Daishan.

Oishi knew that Daishan was the single greatest swordsmith in Kamigawa. Every blade held by every hero in the land had been crafted by him. The legendary daisho Oathkeeper, the blade of Takeno, the new general of Konda's armies, was a blade of Daishan. Rumor had it that even Konda's daisho had been created on the day he united the lands of Torabura. Indeed, Daishan was a creator of champions.

Oishi stared at his blade again. He remembered the day he had been given the blade, and he briefly considered crying. So many blades had been made by this great swordsmith, but only those with a cause deemed worthy by Daishan himself recieved a blade. Oishi's cause, to destroy his former daimyo, had been considered a noble one by the swordsmith. Briefly, he thought about whether or not the man would be dissapointed in what Oishi had become, of what use his blade had been made.

He then dismissed the thought. He sheathed his blade, and continued on his way. His army followed, and Oishi began to meditate on the challenges ahead. Perhaps Daishan would be dissapointed, but it was of no consequence. Soon, Daishan would be dead, and a legacy would end.

And Oishi marched onward, his army trailing behind him, west towards Zorhiten.



Well, I can't seem to get a poll running for some reason, so here's the question. Right now, there are at the very least two parts of the story: The creation of Aseno and Oishi and their first conflict, and the true follow through of Aseno's vengeance. More plots come along later, and I just don't think that one book is enough to cover it all. This will basically just break the story into volumes, probably two or three, which is inconsequential, really, but just thought I'd point it out. Just some food for thought.

Now, as to Azusa and Kiku- I'm not going to rule Azusa out, but I wouldn't put money on Kiku. Konda and Takeno are going in because they're actually connected to the story I want to tell here, even integral parts, but I'm hesitant to throw in parts of people that allow me very little flexibility with their characters, mainly Kiku. Also, this takes place roughly 19 years before the actual Kamigawa books, so it would be a very young Kiku if she appears at all. But Azusa is a distinct possibility, but I won't say yes or no yet.

As per usual, all critique is appreciated...

Yeah, I made it only a year mostly because too much would happen if I kept him in for a realistic amount of time, such as five years. Aseno isn't exactly young, and there's a lot going on in the world of Kamigawa that would make him spending too long in there not work out. So, while a longer amount of time is more realistic, I simply didn't think that such time was available. Having it coincide with the Outlaw and Heretic books would be far too difficult for me to work in without one or two major plot holes.

And, yeah, Oishi is still kind of good. I am personally of the impression that very few people are truly evil, and Oishi seems to fit this to me perfectly. He's a malicious Mo-fo, and he does things that would very definitly be considered evil, but he's not pure evil.

Also, Daishan probably seems to be like Hattori Hanzo because he is largely inspired by him. Certainly not the same person, but their general ideals and craftsmanship are quite similar. Good you noticed it.