MTG Salvation

Just look at the timeline, and you'll have your answer. Fall of Reito was the first real Kami assault. Aseno's travels hadn't taken him to Jukai until the kami attacked. The only reason he stayed to work with the monks was to have the power to help fight the kami. Five years in, too much of the war would have occured for me to reasonably catch up, and it is more than likely that Oishi would have taken over the world. Quite simply, the war is quick. To wrap it up a safe time distance before the events of Outlaw or Heretic, I need to hurry certain things up. Among these, Aseno's time with the monks had to be shortened, as to reasonably end before the real books and not be the talk of the town in the times of Heretic and Outlaw. They would be, not given five years or so to simmer down.

Well, technically the Yamabushi are better at it. However, Jukai hasn't fallen to the kami yet, so they must be doing something right. Really, it's kind of playing off of the western perception of ninjas. Not many westerners believe that Ninjas were poor hand to hand combatants. What we see in movies about ninjas are usually hybrids between Samurai and Shao-Lin monks. Now, if these were what ninjas actually were, then yes, they would be a force to be reckoned with. So, he's a force, but he's a pseudo-believable force to be reckoned with. Also, a samurai is not very likely to make a deal with the Yamabushi, due to completely different ideals and beliefs. Maybe one day they would, but not so soon into the war. Also, I don't think the talents of the Yamabushi were known until a few years into the war.


And, yeah, I guess I thought I had less time to work with than I thought I did. My bad. But it still seems to work fine: Aside from the disbelief that Monk training could end in a year, it's relatively on track.

Well, I appreciate the mild nod of confidence. However, I must ask that we stop this little conversation for the time being. It is quite distracting from the task at hand! Still, you bring up several good points. I will keep them in mind. Also, just out of curiosity, if you do not care for my story, why do you read it? I'm not saying you shouldn't or can't, but it's pretty clear that you've read enough to know your opinion of it. Keep on reading if you want to, but I just found myself wondering about that the other day.

New chapter should be ready thursday/wednsday.

hmm.. I really love this thing.. the only thing I have to say is really a request..

PRETTY PLEASE!!! WRITE A BOOK!!! :D:D:D:D

Well, here's the new chapter... preparing for Aseno's journey is finally over!

EDIT: I don't know why the text changes fonts halfway through. I set them the same, but they still change. Maybe it's the program I'm typing it on... Or maybe it's the fact that I fixed how I spell "Jitte" by copy-pasting the proper term. Who knows? Here's thanking Edge for the correction.

Chapter Six

The Champion and the Swordsman

Aseno's journey out of the Jukai was an uneventful one. As he travelled along the long forgotten paths out of the forest, he took a silent glance and a last consideration of everything in the forest. From the largest tree to the smallest stone, Aseno felt the final grasp of everything around him, and the unrefined beauty of it all. His journey was a happy one.

It took him about a day to finally find his way out of the forest, finally stepping between two trees to find that the forest's abrupt end, the mass of trees and vines suddenly a dry and lonely grassland. Aseno looked around a little bit, and briefly recieved a feeling as if he had just returned home. The sun was fading on the plains all around him, the sunset a beautiful backdrop to the empty land. He looked around for miles, and did not see a trace of civilization, but this did not worry him. He gave a brief smile, and continued on his journey.

After camping for a night, Aseno continued on his path. He knew he was still heading north, and progressed at a steady speed, the joy of returning to his old homeland quickly fading. Wearing the orange robes of the budoka, he continued on his path for about three sundowns, surviving off of wandering streams and the gifts the land had to offer.

Finally, in about the middle of the day of Aseno's third day on the plains, Aseno saw a town. It was a small town, from the look of it- Aseno guessed it only held thirty or forty people. Still, seeing a village after his journey once again rose his spirits, and he quickened his pace and arrived in town by nightfall.

Upon entering the village, Aseno was amazed. It seemed that his original estimate had been correct on the size of the town, but it seemed peaceful, as though no evil had ever stepped foot in it. The walls were clean, the small street was crowded, and all seemed relatively happy. There were no guards at the town's enterance, and there was no gate surrounding it or it's farmlands, but still the town looked as though no evil had come upon it.

Aseno silently found this amazing. Aside from the usual bandits and Akki, the kami had been attacking the land for about a year, or at least Aseno assumed so. So how had a village so small, so unprotected, and so isolated been able to survive in this land? Aseno couldn't draw an answer, but he didn't let it worry him. Happy to be somewhere resembling home, he walked up to a passing townsperson. He was a short, stocky man, who seemed to have seen many years of hard labor, but little in the way of battle.

"Excuse me, sir," said Aseno with a bow, "But I wonder if you would be so kind as to tell me which town I am in?"

The man looked over Aseno briefly, obviously puzzled by the monk's robes Aseno wore.

"You're in Zorhiten, friend. Although I must ask what a monk is doing so far from the forest? Haven't seen your kind around in more than a decade."

Aseno chuckled briefly. "Oh, I am no monk. I am Aseno, of Reito. I am a samurai, simply returning from an experience with the budoka in the forest. I now seek to return to my lord Konda's employee and reach. Are you of Towabura?"

The man bowed slightly, showing honor to the samurai. Apparently, the warriors were not commonplace in this area.

"Yes, master samurai. Zorhiten is the most far reaching of the Daimyo's villages, but we remain loyal to him. Although, we have recieved no word from him in many years. What is happening in the rest of Konda's land?"

Aseno suddenly frowned, remembering why he had gone to Jukai in the first place, and of that night so many years ago. Suddenly, his manner changed from that of a calm monk to a determined and furious samurai.

"As of now, it is of no importance to you. I need to see your leader. Lead me to him."

The man was surprised by Aseno's sudden change in demeanor, but quickly obliged to his order. The other townsfolk watched the two as the man who greeted Aseno led him towards the center of the village, to a large building, or at least large in comparrison to those buildings around it. It really appeared to be little more than a large shack, with paper doors leading inside.

The man bowed to Aseno. "Our lord does not tolerate visitors without cause. I must leave you now." Quickly, the man scurried off, back to his business. Aseno watched him briefly, wondering how such a man could inspire such fear and respect in this person's heart. Aseno turned around again, took a good long look at the building in front of him, and stepped forward.

Aseno opened the paper doors lightly, and stepped in. As he did so, he closed the door, and turned to look at his new surroundings.

He quickly realized he had entered an entirely new world.

All around the room, large racks and shelves had been set up along every wall. To his right, he saw row after row of Hankyu, or samurai bow, each with a quiver full of arrows to match. From the door, he could tell that everything about the Hankyu and their arrows was perfectly crafted, the shafts straight and the bow flawless. To his left, the wall was simply covered in pikes, spears, and warclubs. Aseno walked over to the pikes and felt the edge of one of the central ones. Even from a brief, light tap, Aseno pulled his hand away and realized that the shining steel had left a long thin cut on his hand. He smiled in amazement. He had never seen a spear that sharp.

However, as he turned to face the wall opposite the door he had entered, Aseno's mouth dropped. Lining the wall were dozens, perhaps hundreds of Katanas. Some were hanging vertically from the wall, and some were placed on long racks. Some were placed on shelves with the rest of the daisho, the stands flawlessly finished and the sheathes of the wakizashi glistening in the glow of the few lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The katana of every daisho was flawless as well, some with perfectly tuned curves along their blade, some with straight edges, and all with a handle different than the other. Some were shaped as powerful-looking dragons, some with sharp bone, and some of undefinable shape.

Aseno walked over to the wall of swords, his heart racing. Never in his life had he seen anything so beautiful as this many weapons, all so beautifully crafted. He walked to a daisho in the center, and slowly picked up the katana. It's sheath was black, it's handle relatively normal, although smaller than that of a standard sword, and it's blade about as long as Aseno's arm. He slowly unsheathed the blade, staring at the increasing amount of metal that became clear to him, and his amazement continued to grow. The blade was flawless as well, it's edge appearing perfectly sharp, it's steel stainless and shining brightly in the minimal light. Aseno finished unsheathing the blade, and gently set the sheath next to the rack that he had grabbed the blade from. He held the blade in his hands, staring at it's magnificent beauty.

Suddenly, a voice from behind him spoke. "So, I see you like my craftsmanship."

Aseno turned with a start. He found himself looking at a tall man, far taller than anyone he had seen in his travels, who's gray hair was neatly trimmed short. He had no facial hair, and his eyes glared at Aseno emotionlessly and without a single blink available, or so it seemed. The man was wiry, but carried himself in such a manner that it was obvious that he was hiding strength somewhere. The man appeared about ten years Aseno's elder, but he still seemed as full of strength and energy as any pupil Aseno had met in Jukai.

Aseno said calmly, "I desired to meet you. It seems that I have recieved that wish. Now, however, I must ask; what is your name, master swordsmith?"

The man lowered his head slightly, suddenly appearing ashamed. "I am Daishan, master samurai. And may I inquire as to who you are and why you desired to see me?"

Aseno was once again speechless, although looking around the room, he supposed it was perfectly believable. He had heard great tales of Daishan, supposedly one of, if not the, finest swordsman in Konda's employ, who's heroics alone were the stuff of legends for young samurai. More famous than the man himself, however, were his blades, supposedly given to only the greatest and most noble of samurai, each a work of perfection, and each different than any other blade ever crafted.

"I am Aseno, master Daishan," said Aseno, recomposing himself, "And I have come for a blade."

Daishan nodded his head sadly, and raised it once more. "Of course. Why would anyone journey so far as Zorhiten without seeking one of my blades? But, of course, you know that I do not give out my blades freely. For what purpose do you desire my steel?"

Aseno sighed. "How long has it been since you last recieved contact from lord Konda, master Daishan?"

"I am not certain. It has doubtlessly been several months- perhaps years. Why do you ask this, outlander Aseno?"

Aseno nodded his head this time, and spoke with a grief filled voice. Remembering Reito once more, he spoke. "The kami have declared war on the Daimyo, master Daishan." And once more, Aseno told his tale.

When he finished, Daishan stared at him with eyes that seemed now on the verge of tears. "If the kami have attacked Kamigawa, than there is already no hope. Why do you seek a blade, Aseno? To fight the kami, to avenge your fallen town? That would be a noble cause, but certainly a non sensible one. Is that really the path you wish to travel?"

Aseno bowed, and replied simply. "Yes."

Daishan sighed. "If what you say is true, outlander, then how has word of this not reached my ears? We live weeks from Eiganjo, but certainly we should have recieved a kami attack by now..."

"I actually wondered the same thing, Daishan. However, the words I speak are the absolute truth, whether you choose to believe them or not."

Daishan spoke once more. "Yes. You are samurai. It is not your way to lie. However, a certain problem exists. Your story implies that you are a master swordsman. Before I give you a blade, you must pass a test of skill."

And with that, Daishan grabbed a blade from the nearby wall, unsheathed it, and swung. Aseno remembered the katana in his hands, and parried the blow, than sliced out at Daishan, cutting a small notch in a shelf and bringing the blade level with Daishan's chest. Daishan quickly slapped the blade against his, sending it off, and then withdrew his sword.

"Very good, outlander. You are indeed a worthy warrior, in both skill and spirit. Now, I shall create you a sword worthy of your skill and purpose. Stand here, Aseno, and allow me to look into your soul."

Aseno did so, unsure what Daishan met, but didn't resist as he put his hand over Aseno's eyes, moving it around his head and down to his heart. Aseno looked at Daishan, who was now sweating and had his brow furrowed in concentration. Quickly, he pulled his hand away, and fell back.

"It shall take me a two weeks to craft you the blade you need. Until then, I recomend you stay with the villagers. And rehone your skill with the blade: If the kami have indeed attacked, than you need all the help you can get."

And with a nod, Aseno turned, and walked into the blackness of the night, into the town. Daishan lifted himself up, resheathed the blade he had withdrawn, and thought briefly of the task ahead. He than went to his back room, and began to work.



About two weeks later, Aseno returned to Daishan's smith. As soon as he entered the room, he saw that Daishan was standing at the opposite end, carrying with him a single item, wrapped in white cloth. Aseno walked up to him, and Daishan wordlessly handed the wrapped blade to Aseno. As Aseno unwrapped the item, he noticed that the cloth it had been wrapped in were in fact samurai robes, similar to those he had worn on that night so many years ago. He finished unwrapping, and pulled out the blade.

The sheath was a deep crimson red, it's handle also red and perfectly fit for Aseno's sword hand. The blade had a slight curve in it's shape, as perfectly made one that would take away none of the blade's power, but would give it perfect speed. He unsheathed the katana quickly, studying the flawless craft with which it was made. The blade was also slightly tainted red, but it was obviously intentional, and it took away none of the blade's beauty. As he unsheathed it, he stared at the finished blade, so sharp and flawless a blade as he had ever seen.

Daishan bowed to Aseno and his sword. "I have now crafted what I believe to be the finest blade that I have ever constructed. However, it is not complete. Return to Reito, my friend; It should take a week if you use my horse. There, you must find the spirits of Reito. You fight for them, and this blade has made it possible to fight with them. Go to Reito, my friend, and you will know what to do once there."

Aseno bowed very deeply. "Thank you very much, master Daishan. I shall not fail you."

And, after slipping into his knew robe and sheathing his new sword, Aseno jumped atop the steed of Daishan and dashed off in the direction that the swordsmaker had informed him was Reito. Soon, he would return home. Return to Konda's realm.

Return to the war.


Well, there it is. Chapter six. Generally, I think the themes of this chapter outshine how I wrote it, but that's OK.

Also, Edgecrusher, I like criticism. However, I do not want you to feel forced to read this if you do not want to. Now that the new chapter's up, we can discuss the validity of Aseno learning the Monk's ways if you so desire. How our conversation was going simply was distracting me from actually writing the book. Now that I have, however, we can discuss it further.

Also, just a warning: You'll probably get a new chapter this weekend, perhaps even tommorow, but I may not be writing for the next week or so. That is because I am going to the state capital to serve as a page for the House of Representatives, and I do not know if the family I'm staying with has internet access. If they do, I'll write: If they don't, I won't. Consider yourself warned.

Yeah, a new thread sounds good. Setting it up now.

Sorry for the wait. Being a page was hard work, and I couldn't write in the house I was staying in. Well, I've kept you waiting long enough, and I apologize. Anywho, no more waiting.

Chapter Seven

The Survivors of Reito

It took Aseno three nights to reach Reito by horse. Going off of the directions of Daishan, he had been able to charge across the plains at a remarkable rate. On his first day of travel, no events went by. He saw what he thought could have been the remains of some former town, but they seemed to small, so Aseno continued his journey.

On the second day of his travels, Aseno came across his first sign that he was on the right track. His horse trampled by a small village, only slightly larger then Zorhiten, which appeared empty. There was no sign of a struggle, no shattered walls or doors or remains, but the village appeared empty. Aseno would have taken a closer look at the village, but he had a nagging feeling that time was of the essence. So, he stirred his steed again, and they traveled onward.

On the third day, Aseno came across many fallen villages. Some seemed untouched, as the one he had passed earlier had, but others showed signs of either constant Nezumi raids or of some great battle many moons ago. As he rode by each village, his determination only grew, and his journey continued at a faster rate. In all of these days, in what came as something of a surprise to Aseno, he saw no adversaries of any sort. No kami, no nezumi, no akki. He dismissed it as luck and continued on his way, but as soon as he realized this, he always kept his ears open and his eyes on his back.

At the end of the third day, right as the sun was setting, Aseno forced his horse over a small hill in the plains. As he reached the top, Aseno stopped, and looked around him to see what lay before him. And directly in front of him sat a city. The walls showed more signs of battle than any village he had passed yet, it's outer walls littered with the remains of hundreds of kami and humans. The wall surrounding the town lay in ruins, obviously burned by some unknown force. Aseno fought back the urge to cry.

Reito.

Aseno camped outside of the town that night. He knew that whatever business he had there could wait until tommorow, and he knew that sleeping in his former home would simply be too much of a reminder of that night, seemingly so long ago, for him to bear. As he prepared himself for sleep, he looked once more at the town. It was now night, and the silouhette of the town in the moonlight seemed to make it look like it had only a year ago, abundant with life and peace. In the sillouhette of the moon, everything looked normal.



Aseno woke early the next morning. He quickly got dressed and grabbed his katana, attatching it to his belt and hoping he would have no need for it. He knew better, of course, but could still hope. He gave his horse some of his food, and told it to stay where it was, and as he walked into town, he noticed the horse had no problem obeying him.

Shortly, Aseno found himself at Reito's gate. His mind briefly flashed back to that battle, so long ago, but he pushed by. Inside, he took a look around him.

The town was in shambles. Many of the houses lay leveled in the morning sun, the bodies of their former occupants mostly still inside of them. The roads were littered with more remains, both of kami and humans, and Aseno sighed a sigh of great sorrow. Many of the houses that had not been leveled had apparently been burned, their charred remains standing and laying all about the town. Some buildings, he noticed, were still fully erect, but even they had large wholes in their sides, showing where some force had forced it's way through. The mines were now little more than broken mounds of dirt, it seemed. Sadly, Aseno walked on.

After taking a few steps, he walked into a whole in a large, unshattered building. He went in, exploring what remained, and noticed that not even the Nezumi had touched this place since the kami struck. The house had belonged to a wealthy family, and all of their jewels and riches still remained in the house.

As Aseno picked up a small golden necklace, his ears shattered with a terrible sound. He could not tell the sound's orgin, but he suddenly heard the cry of death, as though all of Reito were crying out at once. He grabbed his head, trying to block the sound out, but it was too much. He kneeled over, but quickly recomposed himself and furrowed his brow into a look of pure determination. He put down the necklace, and got out of the house.

It did not take long for Aseno to find the source of the noise. As he came out, he looked down the road, and saw the most terrible form he had ever seen. The thing was as long as three full grown men were tall, it's dark, endoplasmic body covered in what seemed like a mourning robe. It's face was almost human, were it not for the spikes protruding from it's head, both from it's skull and chin. It's face was elongated, it's mouth pulled open into an endless wail, it's eyes shut and dark. It's white face was the color of a dead or dying man.

The wail ceased, and was replaced by a loud voice with the intonation of a whisper. "WHO DARES TO DISTURB HOROBI'S REALM?"

Aseno walked forward, slowly and deliberately, until he was within feet of the ghastly figure. The shriek continued as Aseno spoke. "I am Aseno, son and father of this land. And what are you, foul beast of shadow?"

Once again, the creature spoke in it's dreadful voice. "HOROBI IS THE SOUL OF REITO. HOROBI IS THE DAIMYO OF DEATH. HOROBI IS THE BLOCKER OF PATHS. HOROBI IS THE SCOURGE OF MAN. HOROBI IS DEATH'S WAIL, THE DEATH OF REITO."

Aseno stared up at the beast, continuing it's foul wail. "And what devilry are you? I knew nothing of a kami of death's wail. Why do you appear now, and why here?"

"DOES IT NOT LISTEN? HOROBI IS THE SOUL OF KAMI'S BETRAYAL. FROM THE ASHES OF REITO, HOROBI AROSE, FOREVER TO DEAL DEATH TO ALL WHO SEEK IT."

Aseno stared at the kami, more aghast then ever. Had that night of Reito's fall had such an effect as a kami of death? Was this truly the only other survivor of Reito?

"BUT HOROBI IS NOT WHOLE. FROM THE SOULS OF REITO, HOROBI WAS BORN. AND THERE IS STILL ONE SOUL HOROBI LACKS. HAS IT COME TO COMPLETE HOROBI?"

Aseno stared at the kami in terror, knowing the only end that could come of this confrontation. He unsheathed his katana quickly, but instead of drawing it into a combat position, he stared at the crimson blade, it's flawless edges, it's endless beauty. Daishan had told him that he would know what to do when the time came. And the realization flowed over Aseno like water.

"Master Horobi, I am not complete either. There is but one thing lacking from myself and this blade."

He now drew his sword into an offensive position.

"The soul of Reito."

Horobi's wail became less of a wail, and more of a painful laugh. It was truly terrible, caught somewhere between screams of death and laughter of thousands.

"DOES THE SAMURAI BELIEVE ITSELF STRONG ENOUGH TO DESTROY HOROBI?"

Mocking Horobi's speech, Aseno grimly nodded and said, "It knows itself to be Horobi's match."

The laughter stopped, and the wail came back as strong as ever. It stared at Aseno, and Aseno glared at Horobi, with all of the fury he had felt since that night a year ago. For what seemed like hours, the two simply stared at each other, and finally, Horobi's wail was dwarfed in sound by the cry of Aseno. Quickly, the battle began.

Aseno charged at Horobi, and quickly swung his blade. Before the kami could respond, part of it's dark matter fell to the ground, dissapearing into the ground as it landed and the sword as it struck. Horobi's wail grew louder, and it levetated itself into the air. Quickly, Horobi recomposed itself.

"THE SAMURAI IS QUICK AND SKILLFUL. BUT IT IS NOT HOROBI'S MATCH." Horobi flew to the ground.

Aseno dodged the flying charge with a leap, and he landed clear of Horobi's charge. As the beast raised itself once more, Aseno jumped at it and took another great swing of his katana. More matter fell and was absorbed into the blade, and Horobi cried out once more, and levitated up.

Aseno looked up at Horobi, and saw in horror that each time it returned to the air, more of it's matter reformed on it's body. Can this beast not be slain? thought Aseno as he looked at the beast.

Once again, Horobi charged towards the ground. Aseno lept to dodge it, but this time, he was to slow, and a large part of Horobi's long body slammed into the samurai. He flew aside several feet, and quickly lept back up off the ground. He still held his sword, and still had power, but that blow had hurt him badly. And somehow, he figured Horobi knew it.

Horobi, still hovering only a foot above the ground, rammed it's body towards Aseno. This time, however, Aseno knew what to do. As the spirit charged, Aseno lept into the air, at a height that a year ago Aseno would have called impossible. Horobi looked up and tried to react, but it was to slow, and it suddenly found itself serving as a ride for the samurai. Aseno grabbed onto Horobi's body, and the spirit shrieked and flew into the air.

The beast struggled to break itself free of the samurai, shaking it's body with the fury of multiple horses. Aseno held on tighter, and shoved his sword into Horobi's body. The kami shrieked again, and Aseno pulled his hands out and used it as leverage.

Horobi shook violently, and Aseno quickly took advantage of it. He swung his body around the katana, being propelled further by the movement of the kami. He than pushed his foot against the beast's body, and lept silently backwards, towards the beast's head. As he passed by what he thought was Horobi's neck, he plunged the blade into it. Horobi let out it's loudest shriek yet, and continued to thrash, but it was clear that it was growing weaker by the minute. Horobi quickly began falling to the ground. Aseno grabbed onto his blade, and travelled with the beast.

Horobi landed on the ground, and the world shook. The impact jarred Aseno, but he was relatively intact after the landing. He lifted himself up, and pulled his katana out of the beast. He looked at it, and then looked at the beast.

Horobi lay writhing on the ground. It's mass had stopped reforming, overworked by the pain of the sword. Horobi's black eyes stared up at Aseno, showing pure hatred. It's wail was stronger yet.

"IS THERE ENOUGH ROOM FOR TWO SURVIVORS OF REITO IN KAMIGAWA?"

Aseno now looked down at the beast, his gaze also furious, made even more so by the kami's pathetic attempt at begging. His reply was simple.

"No."

And with that, he lifted his katana once more, and shoved it straight into Horobi's face. No blood came out, but Horobi's shriek grew so loud that it almost blew Aseno backward. But he stood firm, shoving his blade even further into the kami's head. He did this for moments, possibly hours. He simply did it until the scream stopped.

Aseno stared at the kami's broken form, and nodded grimly. He had succeeded. He pulled his blade out of Horobi's face, and looked at it. It was still deep crimson, perhaps more so then ever, but it also now had spots where it was pure black. The blade looked like a storm in hell, the black the clouds and the red the sky. Aseno stared at it for moments, then quickly sheathed his blade and walked towards the gate he had entered from. His work was done.



Aseno finished the day outside of Reito, reflecting on what he had done, and what had happened there. He considered torching the remains, to make sure that no use could be made of them again, but very quickly decided that that was far to disrespectful of his people. So, he simply spent the night meditating on Reito.

The next morning, he left at sunrise. It was a lovely morning, and his rejuvinated horse moved as fast as ever. The two flew past every village and town, with barely any thought to them at all. However, in the middle of the day, they came to a small hill in the plains. Quickly, the man and steed travelled up it, but when they reached the top, they saw something that disturbed them both. The horse reared up, and Aseno looked in terror.

Marching across the plain was a legion. It was at least hundreds large, moving in no order, but all with a single path set and their shambling endless. They moved across the plain, their skin pale, their bodies mutilated and limp, but still all moved. These warriors looked dead. And, judgeing by the weapons protruding from many of their chests, they probably were.

Aseno looked at the teeming mass in horror, and it only doubled when he saw the figure in the lead. This one appeared alive, but it was hard to tell with his head covered by a large had. The man wore black, his hair long, and he carried a katana on a sheath on his back. The man looked more or less normal, but everything about him inspired terror in Aseno, for whatever reason. Even from the back, his presence gave Aseno more fear than he had ever known.

As if he somehow knew, the man in black turned around, and stared at the exact position of Aseno and his horse. Aseno could not see his eyes through the hat, but he knew that he saw them, and he could have sworn he saw a smile on the head warrior's face, somewhere through the man's beard.

Aseno knew he had no time to lose. Desperate to leave as soon as possible, he kicked his horse, and they went off, back to Zorhiten. They took the same path they had took the days before. After a short sprint, Aseno looked back. And with horror, he realized that the army was coming exactly the same way.

For the first time Aseno could remember, he felt pure, unrelenting fear. He quickly moved on, back to Zorhiten, and considered how best to tackle what he knew the coming days would bring.

Enjoy!(I hope...)

Well... new chapter...

Chapter 8

A Time for Heroes

Aseno's pace to Zorhiten was nearly doubled after encountering the legion. He tore past the villages on the way there, giving them little more than a second glance. Every so often, he looked over his shoulder, and could see that he was getting farther away from the army with each gallop across the flat plain. However, it was also clear that the legion was following him, their black mass shoving ever steadily forward.

Aseno returned to Zorhiten by nightfall, due to the redoubled efforts of himself and his steed. The villagers had all gone to rest, the town lit by a few small overhanging lanterns, and Aseno rode straight to Daishan's central building. His pace never lessened until he reached the building. Quickly, he dismounted the horse and ran into the building through it's paper doors.

As he entered the building, he found Daishan standing by the sword wall. He was gently rubbing his hand across the sheath of a katana, looking at his reflection in the perfectly clean sheath. Aseno hurried up to him, and stood right beside him, but Daishan showed no sign of recognition. He continued to stare at the blade.

"Master Daishan," said Aseno, "A great legion comes. It numbers in the hundreds, possibly the thousands, all of them walking abominations of the dead."

Daishan again showed no recognition of this, but Aseno thought he heard the man let out a small sigh. "I should have known this day would come. I have been responsible for too many deaths to go unreckoned. Just to be sure- did you see, by any chance, who was leading this army?"

Aseno told Daishan about the man in black with the hat.

Daishan briefly smiled, but it was so forced it was almost painful to observe. "Ahh, yes. Oishi. I could have known."

Aseno stared at Daishan. "You know this man?"

"He is no man. Not anymore. But yes, I do know him. Tell me- did he have a sword? Last time I checked, he wore it on his back?"

Aseno spoke, "He had a sword, a black one. From the distance I saw him from, it appeared excellent."

"That affirms it. It is Oishi, and it seems he still disgraces the name of the steel I made for him."

Aseno gasped. "You made that... thing a sword?!"
"Yes," Daishan said calmly, "Aside from the one at your waist, it is the finest I've ever crafted."

"But... but... Why?"

Daishan sighed, this time heavily. "Because I made a mistake. My only one. Or, at least, the most important. Sit down. I shall explain."

Aseno quickly sat in attentive position.

"Not too long ago- most likely a year or two before you came to our presence- a young samurai came into this town, looking for me. He was not even from Daimyo Konda's kingdom, but somehow he had heard of me. He arrived in town one day, and asked for a sword. Now, with him, as with all people, I require to know what purpose my blade will be used for before giving one away freely."

"And so, the young samurai told me terrible tales. He was of the neighboring land Seshino. It is a small kingdom, little more than a city and their daimyo's castle, inhabited largely by peasants. He told me of the evil of his leader- for you see, he was Seshino's greatest general- and of the endless terror occuring. He told me of peasants slaughtered for creating even one faulty grain of rice. He told tales of fellow samurai raping the daughters of families, then killing all who continued to resist. By all accounts, the man's ruler was a tyrant. A man who's evil knew no bounds.

"Now, this samurai was asking for a blade to end the terror of his lord. He wanted nothing but peace for his kingdom. So, I crafted him a blade I felt would be appropriate for the task at hand."

Aseno interrupted. "YOU GAVE HIM A SWORD TO RAISE THE DEAD?!"

Daishan glared at Aseno. "Let me finish. No, I did not create the blade with that intention." Aseno gave an apologetic bow.

"So, I crafted a blade. And much like your own, it was fueled by the young samurai's sense of honor and justice, and the souls of those wronged by his daimyo. So, I gave him the blade, and told him to do the souls powering the blade honor. And, as far as I know, he did. I believe that he succeeded in his goal, backed by several other officers in the army and the people of his town. The daimyo was slain."

"Then, how did he come to head an army of darkness?" Aseno asked.

"And so it was, on a night not long after I crafted the samurai his sword, that I was blessed with a visit by the only kami I ever truly worshipped- that of the ancient steel. And the spirit granted me much knowledge.

"It told me of the samurai's success, of his heroic rebellion, of the happiness in the land. However, it also told me that many of the officers placed in charge of the samurai's rebellion only wanted more power. And when the samurai had his back turned, he was betrayed and slain.

"However, it also said that the samurai had been approached by the Oni of Endless Vengeance. It said that the samurai had been brought back to the world of the living, his quest for justice now a quest for vengeance. He destroyed those who betrayed him, as well as any who got in his way. As it happened, it was the entire town.

"His rampage had brought about a change in his steel. Now, instead of being blessed by the fallen souls, it returned every soul taken by the blade to the body of it's host. Thus, it was vengeance incarnate- never ending with a single death, always growing. My blade had been turned from rightousness to evil.

"And, aside from yours, I have not made a blade since.

"The kami also told me that it would no longer bless me with it's presence. It finally informed me that soon, my mistake would come for me, and in the be my only judge. And so now that time comes. And I shall face it alone. Awake the villagers. Tell them most of what is happening, and tell them to flee. I expect you and them to all be gone by daybreak."

Aseno pulled himself up, nodded sadly, and went out to do as Daishan asked.



It was the next morning, and Daishan was meditating in his room. He was at peace, in perfect harmony with every blade, edge, and handle around him. He was quickly pulled out of his meditation, however, when he heard his paper doors slam open.

Aseno walked into the room, and very quickly and steadily walked over to Daishan's walls of weapons. He grabbed all that he could carry, and went outside, dropped them on the ground outside, and came back for more.

Daishan lept up and ran to Aseno, who now had his arms full of pikes and spears. "What is the meaning of this, Aseno? My blades shall fall with me!"

Aseno grinned slightly. "Perhaps you'd better look outside, master."

Daishan looked at Aseno, and followed him outside. To his amazement, all forty or so of the townsfolk had gathered outside, and many were already grabbing weapons from the pile. "What is the meaning of this? Did Aseno not tell you to leave?"

The man who had shown Aseno to Daishan's house stepped forward. "He did, master. But the word of an outlander means nothing when it comes to standing by you."

Aseno looked at Daishan. "I told them, but they wouldn't have any of it. You see, Daishan, to them, you are the only ruler, hero, or god they've ever known. Not once have you turned your back on them, despite your endless skills. You've defended them for years. Now, they rise to arms to defend you."

Daishan looked at the determined looks on all of the townsfolk's faces, and looked to the heavens. For an instant, Aseno could have sworn he saw Daishan crying.



Quickly, they mustered their best possible strategy. They both took turns teaching the groups the basics of combat training, and while mostly untrained, many were as determined as any samurai, and were genuinly talented with weapons. So, the training went quickly, although most were not as well prepared as either man would have liked, but they moved on.

They put long planks of wood attatching every building by rooftop, putting everyone in running distance. So far as Aseno or Daishan knew, the only true advantage that the townsfolk had over the oncoming horde was speed and intelligence. So, Aseno and Daishan created the best plan to exploit their advantages.

Mostly, the townsfolk were trained to utilize Hankyu. While teaching the art to commoners put a hole in Aseno's pride, he quickly swallowed it up and taught them. Their skills with Hankyu were average at best, but he knew they could do some damage.

Each warrior was equipped with a hand to hand weapon, armor, and a dagger. Most were also given large Hankyu, their bows slung around their backs.

Very quickly, their town had become a small fighting force. It was small and unprepared, and, as Aseno pointed out to Daishan, "they lack discipline, but more than make up for it in determination."

Five days after Aseno had returned, a scout reported seeing the approaching army. Quickly, the final preperations were made. All warriors got to the top of their buildings, and every building in the small town was barracaded. Some footsoldiers stayed guarding each door, but short of breaking down their impressivly size barricades, there was no way in or out of the buildings. And, as Aseno and Daishan saw it, an advantage.

The two had agreed, both through prediction and the lack of headless warriors in Oishi's army, that removing the enemy's head was a sure fire way to defeat them. So, they quickly spread word among the ranks, and each got on top of a building, closest to the approaching horde.

Both men stood, fully armored and equipped, staring at the ever approaching legion. They would reach by nightfall, at the latest. They stood surrounded by villagers, frightened, but obviously determined. Aseno looked around, and knew that he could count on the villagers to the end.

"Aseno, I am curious. Why do you stay? This fight does not concern you."

Aseno grinned. "If I learned anything in Jukai, it is that any fight can be your fight. You just must be devoted enough to the right cause."

The two grinned, and stared at the oncoming horde. They knew what awaited them.

And Aseno thought he heard Daishan mutter, "come and get some."


Oishi marched at the head of his army as they finally reached Zorhiten. He stared at the buildings, the familiar landscape, and the familiar warriors atop the buildings. He had seen them all before, either on his previous journey to Zorhiten or on his way there now. He briefly worried that he had let the outlander get off far to easy, but as he looked at the town's small fighting force, any thoughts of regret left his mind. And he marched, his army following every step.
No matter the outcome, no matter the sizes of armies, both side's captains knew that this would be a battle none present would ever forget.

Chapter 9 is on the way... I'm storyboarding up a storm... within a week, the first leg of Aseno's journey will be complete. But this is far from the end...

jeezus....that is HOT. the whole betrayal and all.... can't wait for more.

Wow... Sorry it's been so long. I'll save you the explanations of why I haven't been writing, and I truly and deeply apologize for such a long wait. If anyone is still interested, with summer coming up, I will be able to finish this book. I promise ny fans who still care. I have to finish up my finals, but I'll be doing nothing all summer, and I will finish the book once my schedule becomes clear. Once more, I apologize deeply and sincerely.

Quote from The Squirle master »

. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your story.

Me too.