Author's Note:
While reading this story, I'd like to clarify some things that might be confusing or somewhat out of place within the story. Big Hero 6 has many strong Marvel ties even with the creation of the Disney movie, so it's easy to mix up some elements of the comic books with the movie. However, I've tried my best to incorporate both elements of the two universes into a more fitting story that people will enjoy.
-Shin Harada is the original name of The Silver Samurai. Shingen Yashida was the leader of the Yashida Zaibatsu from the Marvel Cinematic Movie, The Wolverine. However, both figures are referred to Shingen at this point, but the Old Shingen Yashida is referred to as "Grandfather", or simply "Yashida".
-Kuzuri was an old nickname for the mutant, Wolverine. Kuzuri in Japanese relates towards "beast", as the literal meaning was "wolverine". This is heavily implied within The Wolverine, as it is a common nickname for Logan.
-It is unclear how much Wolverine knew about San Fransokyo or Big Hero 6 back in the comics. However, he shares strong ties to Mariko and Shingen Yashida after the death of Old Shingen Yashida.
Alright, that's out of the way!
Here's the first prologue to my new story, Big Hero 6: Silver Sunfire!
"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare."
-Japanese Proverb
Heroes aren't always noble.
Take a long, hard look at the leaders of the world. Sure, they may appear friendly, nice, and truthful in front of your eyes, but in the end, they hold dark secrets. These are the secrets that turns their honesty into cowardice as they hold onto them for a long time. In the end, when a person is at the brink of death, they reveal the image of what they truly are. The curtains part away the darkness to reveal a fragile soul even more brittle than the secrets that they hold. Once revealed, they are no longer they hero they thought they were. Every hero is the same: a protector hiding secrets so that people don't have to suffer the horrors that they experienced in the past.
For me, I am that hero.
To most people, I don't wear a cape and fly around in skin-tight suits, lifting skyscrapers and burning buildings. I don't possess superhuman strength that is stronger than a thousand suns. I don't believe that a world where justice and peace reign can be a perfect utopia. I don't look in the mirror and see myself as the shining exemplar of human civilization. No, I don't think I'm a perfect hero.
So, what kind of hero am I?
To the people, a hero can be somebody who gives their last paycheck to a starving person on the street. A hero is the person who goes against his own beliefs to protect a friend who is scorned and ridiculed under them. A hero can be the little child who gives a dying parent a last glass of water. A hero…well, a hero can be anyone. That's the thing about people: any single one of them can be a watchful guardian, regardless of what they have done or what they believe in.
A hero of the people: That's who I was to the people of San Fransokyo.
People fear that which is different to them: a proverb taught to me when I was a boy. Now, as I look upon the frightened faces that fear me, I know why they are scared. They have never seen anything like me before; a mutant who possesses the power to control the light. They saw themselves as the insects; I was the sun that was supposed to bathe them in holy fire. In time, they understood, their fear quickly dissipating. What had started off as fear turned into trust; with their trust, I gained their support. I had slowly arisen from a pariah to a living legend.
Yet, how could a monster like myself turn into a guardian? Well…it's quite simple really.
People change. No matter what comes in the future, people are changed by the actions that happen around them. On some days, there's good change; on some days, there's bad change. In the end, it doesn't matter what kind of change comes. We all change in time, regardless what happens to us. And that change has allowed us to survive in a world filled with darkness. For if we change, we will learn to endure. If we endure, we will survive.
A hero always changes.
"Nii-san, I want a story!"
"Calm down, Shingen-kun. You're not properly tucked in bed yet!"
"Mariko, are you putting Shingen to sleep?"
"Yes, Papa-san. I'll be in bed soon!"
"Nii-san, why's Grandpa-san always up so late?"
"You know Papa-san's sick, Shingen. He's busy working with his doctors so he can get better!"
"What's he sick with?"
"I don't know, Shingen-kun. But don't worry; Papa-san will get better! Now, how about that bedtime story?"
"Yeah! Tell me my favorite one: the Battle of Sekigahara!"
"Oh, Shingen, I don't know why you love that one! I made up so many details in that story, Papa-san almost sent me back to history class!"
"That one's my favorite, though! Please tell me it! Please?"
"Okay, Shingen, okay. Alright, now, do you know how the story began? There were two armies; both of them wanted control of Japan, they were…"
"The East and the West!"
"That's right, Shingen-kun! Now, the Western Army was led by a general who wanted to keep Japan under imperial rule. The people were frightened at the Western Army: they didn't want the big, scary Monkey King's rule that they lived under."
"Why was the Monkey King scary?"
"To his rich friends, he acted kind and caring. But to the people, he made them work harder than the rich people. It was unfair how he treated the other people because the rich people didn't have to work as hard as they did."
"That's mean, Nii-san! It's unfair! Grandpa-san says everyone has their own share of work!"
"Yes, but the Monkey King didn't see that way, Shingen. So, after the Monkey King died, the Western Army didn't want to lose the power the Monkey King gave them. So, they set out to reclaim Japan for themselves!"
"But the Eastern Army wanted to free the land! Ieyasu wanted everyone to be equal and fair!"
"Lord Ieyasu, Shingen-kun. His full name was Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa, and he wanted a peaceful unification of Japan. He believed that all people were the same, regardless where they came from. Rich or poor, it didn't matter to Ieyasu: all people deserved an equal chance to be happy and be rich."
"So, Ieyasu went to Sekigahara, to fight the Western Army!"
"Yes, the winner of this battle would decide who would rule the land: The East or the West. Remember who led the Western Army? Lord Mitsunari. He was the one who was the Monkey King's successor, and he wanted to keep the Monkey King's empire alive. When Lord Ieyasu went on the battlefield, Lord Mitsunari decided to send his best forces at him, hoping he would be crushed."
"So, what happened to Lord Ieyasu? Did he get defeated?"
"Quite the contrary, Shingen. Lord Ieyasu predicted Lord Mitsunari's plan, and instead of facing the main force in front of the battle, he split the army and two, and attacked from both sides. Thus, Lord Mitsunari's army fled in panic, and the soldiers that were remaining fled to the main base."
"And, so, Lord Ieyasu captured Lord Mitsunari, and everyone lived happily ever after!"
"Shingen, that's not how it goes."
"…What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that…Well, Papa-san told me to tell what really happened. It didn't feel right when I told the story to him...So, I changed it a little."
"Is it still the same story as before?"
"Oh, it is, but I think you'll like the little twist I put on it…Are you ready, Shingen-kun?"
"Tell the story, Nii-san! Tell it!"
"Alright. So, remember where we left off? We were at the part where the Eastern Army was almost towards the Western Army's main base. The Eastern Army had decided to surround the fort and wait for Lord Mitsunari's surrender. However, Lord Mitsunari was angry, refusing to give into Lord Ieyasu's demands. He never lost a battle in his life, and he wasn't about to lose this one…"
"So, what did Lord Mitsunari do?"
"In his tent, there was a black blade sitting on top of Mitsunari's desk. The person who cut his hand on the blade would awaken a powerful demon: one strong enough to bring down entire cities, destroy armies, and powerful enough to level Japan to the ground. Lord Mitsunari didn't care what price he had to pay, he wanted to win. He never wanted to see Lord Ieyasu on the throne; even if it meant his death."
"What did Lord Mitsunari do with the blade?"
"He took the blade in one hand, and opened his other hand. It didn't matter how much pain it gave him, Shingen, so he cut his hand. The blood dropped onto the blade, and the room suddenly went dark. Outside, the skies were beginning to cloud, the ground began to shake, and a low groan could be heard from the earth. The shaking began to scare the soldiers, and Lord Ieyasu was getting confused and a bit scared…"
"Lord Ieyasu scared….what was he scared of? Was it the…the beast?"
"The beast has a name, Shingen-kun, but don't be frightened by it. From the darkness, a terrible serpent descended upon the planes of Sekigahara. Fin Fang Foom: an ancient demon lizard who was once ruler of the Eastern Lands and Seas, only to be imprisoned by the Ancient Gods above. After a decade, he secretly broke free of his prison as the Ancient Gods faded through time, where the One Kami began to rule through all. Once he was free, Fin Fang Foom hid back in the Underworld, waiting for his chance to return. Sekigahara was a perfect place to wreak havoc…"
"But…Lord Ieyasu didn't lose, right? You're- I don't like this story! I know you're going to end it with Lord Ieyasu being killed by Fin Fang- Urgh, I forgot! Change the story, Nii-san! I want the old one!"
"Now, now, Shingen, we're not finished yet. I promise you, Lord Ieyasu didn't die. If you promise to let me finish, I'll finish the story, alright?"
"…Promise."
"So, where was I? Oh, right. Fin Fang Foom was a deadly monster, and when he arrived on the battlefield, every soldier trembled in fear at his huge form. He had teeth as sharp as claws, hands that could crush mountains, and his three heads breathed fire and shot out deadly smoke that could choke you until you die. When he stomped across the battlefield, everyone ran in fear as they tried to avoid the beast's breath. It was almost over for the Eastern Army, as Lord Ieyasu saw the beast approach his main camp…"
"What did he do, Nii-san? Oh, please tell me the monster didn't eat Lord Ieyasu! He's supposed to be the hero!"
"Ah, Shingen, always excited for the great part, huh? Of course Lord Ieyasu didn't lose, he had the help of his three courageous heroes: The Archer Maiden Ina, who could fire a million arrows into the sky, The Shadow Ninja Hanzo Hattori, who used the shadows to hide from his enemies, and The Great Tadakatsu Honda, the strongest warrior in Japan, who wielded the Tonbo-giri, a huge, silver halberd that could cut through anything."
"Yay, I love Tadakatsu, Nii-san! He's my favorite hero! Remember when he held off ten armies by himself? That was awesome!"
"The beast, noticing the three heroes, towered over their little forms, as it took a deep heave, charging its breath. But before the beast could fire, the Archer Maiden let loose a tsunami of arrows from the sky, raining down upon the beast. Fin Fang Foom stumbled as he tried to shield himself from the arrows, but it was no use: each arrow found its mark upon the beast's hide. With the beast distracted, the Shadow Ninja darted around the beast, trapping the body with his chains. The beast tried its best to break free, but it could not move around anymore!"
"Go on, go on, Nii-san! Come on, tell the story!"
"I'm just getting to the good part, Shingen-kun. Then, Tadakatsu, raising his Tonbo-giri to the heavens above, charged forwards, leapt high into the air, and plunged his spear into the beast's heart!"
"Woah! Did he defeat the beast? Did he?"
"Indeed, Shingen. The three heroes managed to slay Fin Fang Foom. As it roared in agony, it began to dissolve into the dark skies above. It grew smaller and smaller until it dispersed into a cloud of black dust, floating into nothingness. At last: the skies cleared, and the Eastern Army cheered as Lord Ieyasu's famous heroes walked into the Western Army's camp and took Lord Mitsunari as prisoner."
"Wait- I thought he used his blood to summon the beast! Shouldn't he be dead?"
"No, Shingen, the beast weakened Lord Mitsunari greatly. He was still alive, and he felt the greatest shame as he bowed at Lord Ieyasu's feet. As punishment for almost endangering the land of Japan, he was banished, never to return…"
"Serves him right! Lord Mitsunari is a big jerk!"
"True, but in the end, Shingen, did you know what Lord Ieyasu did? When Lord Mitsunari was sick and close to dying, Lord Ieyasu visited him on his deathbed and forgave him. The greatest thing a ruler like Lord Ieyasu could do is forgive his enemies, Shingen. We may not be the same, but we are also capable of forgiveness. Remember, Shingen: learn not to hate, but to forgive.
"You're…You're right, Nii-san. Forgive me. I feel like a jerk now…"
"Oh, silly Shingen-kun! It's only a story! Besides, I haven't told you what happened after the Battle of Sekigahara!"
"Ooh, so what happened in the end?"
"Well, with Japan finally unified, Lord Ieyasu began his reign of peace. He and his followers set out to create a stronger, equal Japan: one which everyone could be happy under. This era of peace in Japan became known as the Tokugawa Era. For centuries beyond, Japan would blossom into a country of prosperity, as it flourished under the great promises of peace. Today, Lord Ieyasu's legacy is still remembered in the hearts of the people of Japan: a ruler who learned to love and forgive others."
"What happened to Tadakatsu? And, Hanzo? And, Ina?"
"Ah, well, Shingen, I don't know how exactly they lived after serving Lord Ieyasu. It is said that they disappeared through time, vowing to return when the time is right. But that was a long time ago, Shingen. Now, heroes like Tadakatsu and Ina are in very short supply. It's rare to see them nowadays…"
"Mariko, it is late. Come, dear Shingen needs his rest…"
"Grandpa-san, I'm not tired…I'm…I'm ready for another story, Nii-san…"
"Papa-san is right, Shingen-kun. It's time for you to sleep. Hold on, Papa-san, I'll just tuck Shingen in."
"Of course, my granddaughter. Good night, Shingen. The spirits of our ancestors shall watch over you…"
"Thanks, Grandpa-san…Nii-san…I wanna be a samurai…Like Tadakatsu… I wanna be a hero…like them…"
"I'm sure you will be, Shingen-kun. You'll be the best samurai that's ever lived…"
"You promise…?"
"Of course I promise…"
"Alright…Good night, Nii-san…"
"Good night, Shingen-kun….My little samurai…"
"My shining, little Silver Samurai…"
Yashida International Flight #0593
Location: Pacific Ocean
Destination: San Fransokyo International Airport
Time: 7:00 AM
"Sir…Excuse me, sir?"
Sunrise. The blinding light shone through the boy's eyes as his eyelids fluttered open, his hand raising to counteract the piercing rays of the sun…
It was morning. Had he been sleeping throughout the whole flight?
"Forgive me, sir. We're ten minutes away from our current destination." The haughty, stern flight attendant was staring at the boy as if he was some sort of junkie. However, it was quite the opposite. "All passengers at this time must fasten their seatbelts for the descent trip to the airport."
Nineteen-year old Shingen Yashida rubbed his eyes as he finally came to his senses. The silent hum of the cabin reverberated in his ear drums, as Shingen noticed the shuffle of passengers readying their seatbelts. The smell of coffee made Shingen's mouth salivate in pleasure; the scented aroma of the coffee beans easily made his way towards him, rushing into his nostrils and filling him with thoughts of thirst. Ah, first class. Where the seats are soft, the coffee exquisite, and some of the strictest flight attendants available. Thank God his sister, Mariko, was working on reorganizing the staffing…
"If you are unable to put on your seatbelt, sir," the flight attendant continued, "I would be happily available to-"
"Wha- Oh, no, no! It's fine, really." Shingen chuckled nervously as he quickly put on his seatbelt, giving a cheeky grin as he put his hands behind his head. "Sorry about the delay, ma'am. Mornings. Heh, jet lag's really gonna do a number on me, huh?"
He only earned a sigh and a roll of the eyes as the flight attendant moved on to the other seats, making sure that the seatbelts were properly fastened. Shingen sighed in relief as he stretched out his arms as best he could. Sleeping while sitting wasn't really his style: it would sometimes make his back sore for about a few hours. However, the young prodigy could just jog it off with a tour of the streets of San Fransokyo, the place he was heading towards now…
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be making our descent towards San Fransokyo National Airport. The time is now 7:04 AM, and we have a lovely view of the San Fransokyo sunrise, if you look to your left. We will begin our descent shortly. At this time, please refrain from moving about the cabin, and be sure to fasten your seatbelts."
San Fransokyo. He had heard tales of the city when he was a kid.
The vast coast opened to shining shores filled with crystal waters, illuminating the ocean above. The sun shone brighter than any light, such purification was heartwarming to the soul. Across this barrier of water was a gate: the gate towards Shingen's future destiny. He hadn't planned to stay in Japan for very long. Shingen wanted to explore, go places. There would be no stopping his progress, even if it meant going the distance…
BZZT!
Taking a quick look at his watch, Shingen sighed as he remembered something crucial: time for his daily reports. He always kept a short summary of his day and what would be coming in the future.
He wore a light, white hoodie that had shortened sleeves. However, inside the jacket, were numerous pockets that Shingen occasionally stored his inventory. Opening the zipper, Shingen reached inside and pulled out a paper-thin tablet. Technology these days: computers could now be wide as a single sheet of copy paper, and almost as durable as adamantium. Huh, an adamantium-plated compute. Sharp.
But too feral.
Shingen, chuckling at the thought of the invention, pressed his finger on the middle of the tablet. A small hum resonated as he placed upon his lap. In a low fuzz, a holographic screen materialized into a Japanese symbol. It was the kanji honor: the new logo of Yashida Industries. Shingen remember what his sister had taught him about honor: always show it to everyone around you. Remembering these words, Shingen silently remembered the vow to restore his company's honor. It would not only be his sister's duty, but his as well.
It was one task he couldn't fail.
Voice confirmation required. Please speak clearly in a firm voice.
Shingen knew that something was coming: an event that would change the course of his entire life. Out of all the billions of moments he could think of, this was the diamond in the rough that stood out to him. For, the beginnings of a hero started from small steps. This adventure was just the gateway for many events to come. Each one of them will define his actions, shape his self, and most importantly, transform him into the man he is destined to be.
Shingen Yashida.
Every hero needs a beginning.
This is Shingen Yashida's.
The boy who would eventually become…
The Silver Samurai.
Chapter P.S:
Well, the thrilling introduction of The Silver Samurai...or maybe, it was a little mediocre for you, huh? Well, whatever ya thought, I thank you for reading and taking the time to look at this saga! Every week, I'll be posting a new chapter, plus, at the end of every chapter, there will be a little preview to hold you over until the next one!
Chapter 1: The Man Who Became A Ronin
"Mercy isn't given lightly to those who defy the path of righteousness. True mercy is given through darkness. Once you embrace it, there is no need for anything else. You are devoid of fear since you learned to master the darkness which people fear. For mercy…It is the cold silence of darkness…"
See you next week for the next installment of Big Hero 6: Silver Sunfire!