ENCLOSED

It has been two days since we had departed from the village. The weather had not hindered us as of late, though the brief periods of light rain were not preferable. By estimation we will require another three days before our destination is reached. By this point morale has dropped and many of the troops are most perceptive to the theory of the Faded being a lone survivor and thus of no threat. I myself would prefer such an outcome, but nonetheless chances cannot be taken and it is our mission to resolve what problems may be.

We now approach what appears to be a series of caverns facing us. From above the terrain appears too jagged to safely navigate across, leaving us with only the option of traversing the caves. We march in three at a time, trusting each other that we will not become separated in the darkness.

For the first series of minutes there is not one instance of light to be seen, and as such we required X-41's heightened senses to find our way through. Hope would be renewed when a glimpse of light was spotted. This light was discovered to be a torch. Hearing our footsteps, a lone Samurai approached from out of the shadows and put out the torch. There could be no mistaking this encounter: we had entered the Samurai tunnels.

"You may no longer leave this place." Movement could be heard from all around us. It was clear to us that the Samurai were using these caverns for the purpose of stealth training and the mastery of night-vision. What was heard next was the grunts and yells of my cavalry, for we were under attack.

Clashes of steel and shots of web echoed throughout the caverns. A splash of warm blood hit the side of my face. Then I received a kick to to gut as one of my troops was hurled into my direction. As I struggled to get back, the sounds of combat were winding down. We had been defeated.

I had regained consciousness some time later in a well-lit area. I laid in restraint, as has many of my subordinates. Watching from a makeshift throne was the leader of the Samurai himself: the Silver Samurai.

"I suppose you are expecting honor from our clan," the leader said. "Although I have no interest in obliging information to you, it feels best to allow you a fighting chance. Therefore, a duel is in order, one against one. Release her bonds."

The stakes had become considerably high. I must fight to free my cavalry and continue our mission.