Silent Tears-FlashBack

It was one of those days when Kanda had escaped out to the bamboo forest to practice. I, as always, went to go find him. While I was searching in the dark rain, I suddenly felt a strange presence in the forest. That was when I laid eyes on you. You were lying sprawled on the forest floor feeling the curse engulf your body.

I witnessed the scene of your transformation. As soon as the light from your body disappeared, I walked over and said to you in a quiet tone, "A precious metal . . . beautiful and rare . . . yet dirtied by the filth surrounding you . . ."

I understood what had happened to you. I don't know how, but I did. I picked you up and wrapped you in a handkerchief. As soon as I found Kanda and brought us home, I unwrapped you and washed you up.

"A blood debt . . ." I spoke slowly. I could sense the rage that used to burn from inside. I sighed. "How long . . . until you kids know black from white?" I wish I knew.

Throughout the days I took care of you, I had hoped that you would change. I knew there was a possibility that your old self would emerge once you turn into human again. The priest who had sealed you away, not only sealed your body, but your blood-thirsty mind as well.

As soon as you transform into human again, your blood self will be reborn and continue on the blood road. Was there a way to stop it? Maybe. Maybe if you saw life through another person's life, you might be able to change.

Therefore, you were given to Kanda, a child who had lost all he had. Maybe you'd be able to understand what life truly meant through him. So instead of destroying you like I ought to have, I kept you alive. I let you live . . . and this . . . is what happens . . .

Was it fate? Was it fate . . . that made this child turn back to human? So that he could continue his destiny to die as a murderer? I had hoped that you would be able to cut the strings of fate . . . but alas . . . it is true . . .that no one can cut the strings of fate that hang onto us.

"You know what Master Zhu? I want to thank you. Thank you for letting me live." The mad expression on Mugen's face smiled. "Because of you, I can continue down this blood road. I can continue to do what I had done before."

The mad laughter filled the room.

"Oh and you know what else? I remembered my name!"

Master Zhu's eyes widened. "What? How?"

"Ohh, you didn't think you could seal that part of my mind forever now could you?" the reflection laughed again.

"My name is . . . Chinoumi. . ."

Master Zhu couldn't believe the greater disaster up ahead. He stutteringly whispered the name,

". . . Sea of Blood . . ."

I will . . . continue to take away lives . . . I will sever lives that get in my way . . . there is no one to stop me . . . no one is strong enough . . . I am a monster . . . those who think they are better . . . are free to challenge me . . . but they end the same way all my prey are . . . I have no mercy . . . so forget about losing and surviving . . . my name is feared among all the countries . . . I am a sign of badluck . . . a sign of death . . .