Prologue
A dank wind heavy with death blew over the rooftops. Two figures, cloaked in shadows, shifted position. The glint of a blade illuminated the area in a brief flash of moonlight. Lowering slightly, one figure prepared to leap into the night. The silent swish of material, the clash of blade against blade. The two figures returned to their stances. The figure to the left dropped to one knee as pain surged through his consciousness. In one swift movement, the second fighter sheathed his sword and was standing beside his opponent. He bowed, a sign of respect – a worthy adversary. His work was done. A whispered prayer for the soul, and he was gone. No trace of the fight was left except the dead figure. But death is never the end, and for this individual, Shinigami was willing to wait…