Ok, this is my first Tenchu fic so be nice to me. It isn't that great, but I thought it would be cute. Well, here I go. Enjoy.

Losing Everything

There once was a great kingdom called the Land of Gohda. For some time, the land had been at peace since the fight against Lord Mei-Oh and his evil army of ninjas and demons. Tenrai had been destroyed by the Azuma ninjas and Lord Gohda's land had been in harmony. But there was always trouble that the great Gohda didn't know of. There were bandits and murderers running around in the areas that Gohda had little influence on. They knew that Gohda couldn't keep track of his entire kingdom, and they used this to their advantage.

One of these areas was on the most northern part of Gohda's kingdom, a small village called Yama. For generations, the Yama family had been able to hold the peace in there small village with the protection of samurais. The lord had paid the leader of the clan money so they would be able to live in peace. The current lord, Kentaro Yama, had been able to keep his family and village safe for most of his life. Unfortunately, the crops had been poor and there was not enough money to pay the samurai clan. He had explained to the leader that he had no money and he would pay anyway he could. The leader demanded that he give his daughter's hand in marriage to him in exchange for his protection. The leader would return in three months for his payment.

Lord Yama had a beautiful daughter named Mai. Everyone thought that she was a goddess. She wasn't a stuck up girl either. Every time she walked by the people in the village their hearts were filled with warmth. She always insisted on helping the villagers as much as she could. She did everything in her power to persuade her father to help the people with his money. It was no wonder why Jennai, the leader of the samurai clan, wanted to marry the beautiful Mai. She was so caring and beautiful that no man could resist her. Even though she was only fifteen, she was more beautiful than most grown women. She always wore a pink kimono with a green skirt as she walked past the villagers with a smile. She also was training to be a samurai herself, even though her father thought she should train to become a wife instead of a fighter.

One day, she sat on the balcony of her bedroom as she watched the beautiful snow fall from the ground. Her mother came to talk to her because lately Mai not acting like her cheerful self. She hadn't eaten for almost three days and she was barely getting any sleep. She spent most of her time either training or staring at the falling snow. Her mother sighed and embraced her daughter.

"My little flower, what is troubling you?" the mother asked.

"I was just watching the snow. That's all."

"You haven't been yourself lately. Your father and I are very worried. What is wrong?" Mai turned to the snow again. Tears started to fill her eyes.

"I do not wish to marry Jennai. I've seen how he is. He is very cold and heartless. I've seen his eyes. There is no emotion in them. I know that it is for the best interest of the people, but couldn't we get some money to pay him instead?"

"Oh Mai, I'm so sorry. You do not deserve this. You shouldn't have to be sold in order for our people to be happy, but we have no money left to pay him. We couldn't even pay Lord Gohda's taxes this year." Her mother embraced her and started to cry. "I only wish for you to be happy."

"I'll be happy as long as our people are safe." Suddenly, there was an explosion outside. "What was that?" A servant came running into the room.

"My ladies, there has been an attack on the village. We have to get you out of here."

"What of my husband?"

"He is fighting against the ninjas as we speak. Take the secret passage in this room. It will lead you outside the manor." The servant pushed Mai down the passage way. Mai started running but stopped when she noticed her mother wasn't behind her. "She will take a different passage. It'll be must safer if you are apart."

When the two reached the exit, there were ninjas waiting for them. One of the ninjas threw a shuriken at the servant's neck. As he collapsed, Mai started running. Her training had made her fast, but not fast enough. She went flying after a bomb was set off behind her. She tried to get up but her ankle ached in pain. It was broken. The ninjas soon closed in on her and grabbed her. They bond her hands behind her back and took her to the village square. "The boss wants her alive," one of the ninjas yelled. "We'll be able to have some fun with her." They all started laughing as they reached the square.

Mai almost fainted at the sight of all the dead villagers. The people she worked so hard to protect were dead. She felt like she had failed them. But what was to come next her training could have never prepared her to see.

Mai's parents were being held by the ninjas. They were holding their swords up to the lord and lady's necks ready to strike. The ninjas dragging Mai stood her before a samurai with an umbrella hat covering his face. As he dismounted his horse, he drew his sword and walked up to Mai. "Leave her alone," Lord Kentaro called out. "Your fight is with me." The samurai laughed.

"You are in no position to fight, old man." The samurai lifted his hat to reveal his face.

"Jennai," the lord whispered. "But you protected us. I trusted you. Why would you betray me?"

"You didn't pay me for your protection. I've come for my payment."

"We don't have any money. I couldn't even pay Lord Gohda." Jennai turned to Mai and rubbed her cheek.

"She is as beautiful as the falling snow. She was the payment you promised me, remember?"

"Please, don't take her life. I beg you. Take mine instead." Jennai snapped his fingers. Mai watched in horror as the blade slid across her father's neck. Blood covered the white snow. She fell to her knees and started crying.

"Please, Jennai," the mother whispered. "Stop this. Leave our village." He was about to snap his fingers when Mai yelled.

"Stop, Jennai. I'll marry you. I'll do whatever you want. Just spare my mother." He smiled as he walked to the lord's wife.

"Yes, you will marry me, Mai. You will do my will. You will love me." He unsheathed his sword and moved it in a fast motion. His sword was sheathed before the lady's head fell to the ground. Mai's eyes widened in shock. Everything she knew and loved was gone. She had nothing to live for. Jennai picked up the lord's sword. "This sword is said to have great power. It was said that it protected this village and kingdom a long time ago. Now it will protect me and bring me great power." He walked over to Mai and kissed her cheek. "You must be in shock, but you will get used to the idea. Let's go." Jennai grabbed Mai and put her on his horse. He then climbed on and rode into the forest with his men. Mai cried silently as she watched her burning village disappeared behind the forest walls.

I hope you liked that. I wanted to make the first chapter really sad. Don't worry. Rikimaru and Ayame are in the next chapter. Please read and review.