Episode 1: The Impending Battle
Rain poured down on the already wet autumn ground. Five horses were heard trotting in the slush. Winter was approaching and the skies had been gray for the past ten years. In the small village ahead a carnival was supposed to be taking place, but the constant downpour caused little to no turnout. Banners were flying high and the whole attitude of the town seemed to be rather jubilant. Even through the rain, kids were heard, laughing and playing in the puddles. They were used to this. Rain was something that never stopped for the children who were younger. The trotting of the horses was nearing the town every minute. Twenty hoofs could be heard in the distance. The sounds of the horses became ever so apparent and the whole village seemed to stop functioning. Kids' laughter died, banners stopped flapping carelessly in the wind, and the rain seemed to pour even harder. The horses finally entered the village. Atop the horses set five riders. They were dark men, the type that you may dream of in your nightmares. If you looked carefully enough, you could possibly see that these men were the causes of the rain. One man pulled the reigns of his horse and it came to a halt.
Omin: Uggh, boy do I dread politics and even more so, these hellhole villages.
Takeshi: This is supposed to be for fun sir.
Omin: I haven't been dry for the past ten years. You call that fun? Every night I feel like I took a big piss in my bed.
Takeshi: Sorry sire. You do seem to enjoy yourself every year when you get plenty of sake. Would your majesty like to visit the local tavern?
Omin looks around the village to get a better scope of what everything was like. He got off his horse and started walking around the narrow streets. The roads were nothing but mud that had turned into slush and his feet were sinking in as if he was in a pit of quicksand. He turned to his bodyguard, Kagetsu.
Omin: Hey, Kagetsu, what do you make of this place?
Kagetsu never spoke and wasn't about to give a reply to his master now. Instead, he did his common thing. He fished out his pack of cigarettes and quickly lit one, although the rain was making it hard on him.
Omin: You miss your Western cigarettes don't you? Nothing like the taste of good ol' Texan T, isn't that right?
Kagetsu just gave Omin a very pissed off look, because he remembered the taste of real cigarettes, not of this crap tobacco that the farmers were growing here. Omin got back on his horse and the five men continued on their tour of the village.
Omin: I'm going to have Yamata's balls for this! Making me come out here in this god damned rain!
Takeshi: You know we need as many allies as we can get sire.
Omin made a gesture of approval, but he was very displeased still. As they rode through the village they saw a couple of big tents, which were almost the only salvation from the rain.
Kenshi: Look at those heretics! Who do those gypsies think they are? 'Oh look at me, I'm a Gypsy, I can charge 5 ounces of bronze to tell these guys whatever horseshit they want to hear.' Goddamn gypsies!
Omin: I think I'm going to pay a visit to one of these gypsies. what do you think, Lord Kenshi?
Kenshi: Oh? Did I say that before? I mean, what a great idea your majesty (nervously).
Omin and the rest of the horses came to a halt. He disembarked from his beast of burden and walked towards a tent, which had the sign 'Fortune' printed clearly on top. Kagetsu, followed suit and instead of walking inside the tent, him and Ginko stood guard there. As Omin walked into the room he saw a hooded lady standing with her back turned to him.
Gypsy: Ah. the son of venerable Shintake. It is such an honor to be graced by your holy presence, King Omin. You don't have to keep your guards outside, my lord. The rain is so unforgiving at this time of year.
Omin: Shut up wench! I don't need another Kenshi sticking his nose up my ass. Those men out there are trained to survive in these conditions. They will deal with it. Now, how did you know my father?
Gypsy: Now you know that I keep all of my conversations and fortunes private. I can't tell you what I told your father, it's strictly confidential.
Omin puts down a sack of gold coins on the table. They made a metallic noise as they rested on the tabletop.
Gypsy: Is that gold I hear? Mmm, by the sound of that, I can tell. But, no, I don't want your money King Omin. If you want to know that badly about your father, then I guess I'll tell you. It'll cost you a price though. Not of gold, you silly fool, a price of morality.
Omin: I don't like riddles. Just give it to me straight!
Gypsy: Ok, well you have asked for it. And as the saying goes, 'Ask and you shall receive.' Your father visited me one night many a year ago. He was young and ambitious as you are. Yet he carried a weight on his shoulders. some kind of emotional baggage, very similar to you. You see, your father was once to be in the position that you are at right now. He was to be king, but your uncle, Mentka killed your grandfather, exiled your father, and then took the throne for himself. Not a very nice man at all. I guess you could say your father was traveling to find a way to avenge himself. When he found me, he wanted to know whether he ever had a chance of overthrowing Mentka and I told him of a fortune that would change the destiny of many people. including you.
Omin: Enough of your crap! Stop giving me these riddles and tell me what the fortune was!
Gypsy: Patience, patience young king. I'll tell you. I told your father that he would have three sons.
Omin: What a load of crap!
Gypsy: Do you want to hear the rest? Or are we done?
Omin: Go on.
Gypsy: Well, the three sons would have incredible powers at the cost of a death. I guess we can see what that means now. Do you think you understand?
Omin: And what of my fortune?
Gypsy: Hmm. let me have a look at you. (Without actually turning to face him) I see. I see. what a destiny lays ahead for you. When the powers of the brotherhood combine, your reign as king will end; your fate is intertwined with your rule.
Omin: Holy Mary! If what you speak is the truth then this prophecy must never be realized, but this sounds a bit hogwash. I'm sick of your stupid riddles.
Gypsy: I see. you're impatient and you are ready to leave, but wait, there's still some unfinished business here. Ah yes, I have accepted my fate King Omin, have you?
Omin: Enough of this tomfoolery! Lord Kenshi, take here with you. Off with her head!
Kenshi walked into the tent and took the Gypsy roughly by her hand and dragged her out of there. Kagetsu took the other arm of the Gypsy and the two of them walked out of the village into a nearby forest. The Gypsy briefly glanced at Kagetsu and a smile formed on her face.
Gypsy: So you are my maker? What a fate!
Kagetsu didn't look at her and just came up to a tree. He sized it up pretty quickly and with one punch took it down. Kenshi put the Gypsy's head on the stump and Kagetsu took Takeshi's sword. With a quick motion the Gypsy's head rolled onto the ground.
Omin: Bring me her head!
Kenshi: What? We've never had orders like that before. I've been a part of many executions under your reign. Why do you ask such a request now?
Omin: Just do it.
Kenshi was too slow to pick up the head and so Kagetsu did. He looked at the head of the Gypsy and a smile crossed his face, a smile of understanding. He then gingerly tossed the head to his King. Omin took a look at the face and a sudden fit of rage was apparent within him.
Omin: Cut her body up! If you find a stone of any sort, destroy it! Kagetsu! Form a search party and find my brother San! I want him dead or alive. preferably still kicking.
He dropped the head to the ground and on the face of the Gypsy was a scar, which seemed almost too familiar to Omin as he brought his fingers across the Scar of Dreams on his left eye. Omin got on his horse and started trotting away. Omin: Kagetsu, you come with me. Lord Kenshi, Takeshi, and Ginko. burn down the village.
Omin and Kagetsu rode away into the rain, heading back towards the Castle. Omin rode on a white stallion while Kagetsu rode on the most beautiful and wild horse known to man, the black stallion. Kagetsu's horse was beautifully groomed and had golden armor on it. Omin's stallion had the cloak of royalty on it. The other three men had regular, brown, common horses and they trotted back to the village. The only sounds heard afterwards were those of yells of terror, as people were burned alive; men, women, and children alike.
***
The axe came down very hard on the lumber and the wood was cut in half. It was raised once more and continued to split wood. San was working hard in his little village. It was getting cold as the rain still came down on this cool November night. San was dressed in a very typical shinobi uniform, with a black outfit and white vest. His vest bore the inscription of the White Phantoms, an anti-monarchial symbol. These were hard and trying times for the Phantoms. They were being hunted by the thousands and their numbers were dwindling. San bore the Scar of Dreams on his left eye and he possessed a gem, which he kept close to him at all times. This gem was to be used at the right time, to destroy his own brother, Omin. Out of the distance, San heard the sound of footsteps sloshing through the mud and he turned to see Otake running towards him.
Otake: General San! General San! The great Leader requests your company! There is a matter of great importance to be discussed!
San: Ah, my dear Otake! Is it about the battle tomorrow?
Otake: I'm sorry sir, but I don't really know the matter of the urgency.
San: All right, thanks for the message. I'll be there in a few. Let me finish cutting up this wood for the fire.
San kept true to his word and cut the wood until there was nothing left. He still had enough strength to haul all of this wood to the town house, where the great fire was going to be lit. Afterwards, he started in the direction of the Leader's own house. At the entrance, great words welcomed him in, 'The path of a righteous man, leads to victory!' As he walked in, he saw the Leader sitting in his throne and he kneeled before him.
Leader: Ah, San! Just the man I wanted to see. You may rise. There is some grave news I regret to inform you of. You will not participate in tomorrow's battle.
San: But why? Am I not good enough to fight those Royal Dogs?
Leader: Those Royal Dogs you speak of are out to hunt you. That is why you will not participate in the battle tomorrow. You are my most valuable soldier and friend and I cannot afford to lose you. Please, take the fastest horse in the tribe and flee as far away as possible.
San: I don't agree with your decision, sir.
Leader: You don't have to agree, but you will abide by my ruling!
San: Yes sir. I shall leave tonight then.
Leader: Very good. It's settled then. I wish you a harmonious journey and will send Otake and Renshaku with you. I hope that you can come back to me in some time, but for now, you must lay low.
San: Thank you sir. Just so you know, you are the only Leader that I will ever follow and I know you won't steer me wrong.
Leader: Be gone then.
With the last words San walked out of the Leader's house and headed towards the stable, where his horse was stationed. Renshaku wasn't too far behind him and caught up.
Renshaku: So I hear we're going on a little voyage, huh?
San: Yes, Renshaku, it is the Leader's order. request.
Renshaku: Will you keep running away from everything all of your life? Since your birth. Since the death of your parents, you have kept on running, don't you think it's about time that you stopped running and fought for what you truly believe in? Even if it entails not following orders, you have to do what your heart really beckons to do.
San: Renshaku, I must say, your words speak great wisdom and that is why you are one of my closest friends. I think I will take what you say into account. I will be watching the battle tomorrow, whether the Leader wants me to or not. That is my true desire.
Renshaku: Very well then. shall we be off?
San: Hold on, we have to wait for Otake.
Otake: I'm sorry I'm late sir.
San: Let's be off then.
And so, the three men rode off on their horses, but little did they know that the Leader had foreseen their innocent treason and was only worried to lose them.
***
Hammers were pounding hard into the bark of trees, as Omin's men put up wanted posters for the man named San. Dead or Alive.
Some guy: Doesn't matter whether we bring him in dead or alive. with our King, the only reward would be him saying, 'Off with their head!'
Some guy2: Quiet! They may hear you!
From the village the castle looked very dark and ominous. It overshadowed everything in the town bellow and the people were deathly afraid of the ruler, Omin. Inside the castle there were many rooms that were used by the great generals of Omin's army. There were the barracks for the soldiers that fought under the Royal name and then of course there were rooms for dining and sleeping and for the bodyguards. The most important room of the whole castle was the War Room. Only six men were allowed into this room. Omin, Kagetsu, Takeshi, Kenshi, Kashyu, and Ginko. They were the great generals of the Royal Army. Kagetsu's job was to lead the ground troops into battle and Takeshi often assisted him. Kenshi led the cavalry and would usually wait for the signal from Kagetsu or Omin. Kashyu's job was to lead the Royal Knights into battle and the signal could only come from Omin, since these knights were the elite. Ginko's duty was to be the scout and to flank. He was one of the most important people in the room to develop strategy. Omin of course, oversaw the whole battle and would give signals when certain groups were to enter battle. If the worst conditions arose though, Omin would walk into battle. The discussion on this particular day was about the impending battle that would come the following day. Kenshi pounded his fist onto the table.
Kenshi: I don't agree with this at all! We don't need the Royal Knights tomorrow! You know it only takes more gold to keep those men satisfied. If we don't use them tomorrow then we don't have to pay them for the work!
The room broke out into a heated discussion and there was much bickering. Omin set quietly and looked on, while Kagetsu smoked his cigarette and looked calmly out of the window. Eventually the fighting got to Omin and he burst out.
Omin: Shut up! You are all fools! You call yourselves my knights? Those White Phantoms must be laughing their heads off thinking how stupid we are. The reason why we lost the last battle was because of our lack of communication and trust! If we all fight for the same cause then we have to trust one another! Without the scouts doing their job, the ground troops can't do their job efficiently and without the cavalry, the Royal Knights need to be brought in! Here's the battle plan for tomorrow! Ginko, you will take your scouts and snipers into woods tomorrow around 4 AM and stakeout a good position to keep an eye on the enemy's movements. Kagetsu, you will lead the whole battle, you're in charge tomorrow. The ground troops are your unit and you will push them in. I know you weren't at the last battle due to politics, but this time, nothing stands in our way. Takeshi, I want you to help out Kagetsu tomorrow and to watch for snipers! Kenshi, the cavalry's use is of the essence, so I don't want any screw-ups! Last time you broke the flank! Finally, Kashyu, I will use the Royal Knights tomorrow only if necessary so get them dressed and ready to go. Just remember, they won't get paid unless they fight. You men have your orders now get to them. Remember, get some rest and be ready for the battle. Tomorrow I hope to make a significant dent in their forces.
With the last statement, their discussion was over and all of them were dismissed except for Kagetsu, who almost constantly stayed at Omin's side.
***
The rain kept on through the night and in the early morning when Ginko's troops moved out it continued even harder. The morning dew wasn't present because of the constant moisture and the sunrise was impossible to see because of the overcast skies. The only way to tell that it was morning was the fact that there was no smell of blood in the air yet. Throughout the morning hours the troops on both sides began assembling and the field of battle was set. It was a grassy field overlooked by many hills and surrounded by forests on all sides and if you stood on the tallest hill, you could see both sides assembling, which was exactly where Omin was positioned. Sitting on his horse he overlooked the entire battlefield and at his side, it was kind of hard to make out, but there must have been somebody standing. A man, with a good build stood tall next to Omin's horse. There was a translucent feeling to this man, almost as if it was a ghost that stood next to Omin. The two men silently overlooked the field as both sides started their formations.
Rain poured down on the already wet autumn ground. Five horses were heard trotting in the slush. Winter was approaching and the skies had been gray for the past ten years. In the small village ahead a carnival was supposed to be taking place, but the constant downpour caused little to no turnout. Banners were flying high and the whole attitude of the town seemed to be rather jubilant. Even through the rain, kids were heard, laughing and playing in the puddles. They were used to this. Rain was something that never stopped for the children who were younger. The trotting of the horses was nearing the town every minute. Twenty hoofs could be heard in the distance. The sounds of the horses became ever so apparent and the whole village seemed to stop functioning. Kids' laughter died, banners stopped flapping carelessly in the wind, and the rain seemed to pour even harder. The horses finally entered the village. Atop the horses set five riders. They were dark men, the type that you may dream of in your nightmares. If you looked carefully enough, you could possibly see that these men were the causes of the rain. One man pulled the reigns of his horse and it came to a halt.
Omin: Uggh, boy do I dread politics and even more so, these hellhole villages.
Takeshi: This is supposed to be for fun sir.
Omin: I haven't been dry for the past ten years. You call that fun? Every night I feel like I took a big piss in my bed.
Takeshi: Sorry sire. You do seem to enjoy yourself every year when you get plenty of sake. Would your majesty like to visit the local tavern?
Omin looks around the village to get a better scope of what everything was like. He got off his horse and started walking around the narrow streets. The roads were nothing but mud that had turned into slush and his feet were sinking in as if he was in a pit of quicksand. He turned to his bodyguard, Kagetsu.
Omin: Hey, Kagetsu, what do you make of this place?
Kagetsu never spoke and wasn't about to give a reply to his master now. Instead, he did his common thing. He fished out his pack of cigarettes and quickly lit one, although the rain was making it hard on him.
Omin: You miss your Western cigarettes don't you? Nothing like the taste of good ol' Texan T, isn't that right?
Kagetsu just gave Omin a very pissed off look, because he remembered the taste of real cigarettes, not of this crap tobacco that the farmers were growing here. Omin got back on his horse and the five men continued on their tour of the village.
Omin: I'm going to have Yamata's balls for this! Making me come out here in this god damned rain!
Takeshi: You know we need as many allies as we can get sire.
Omin made a gesture of approval, but he was very displeased still. As they rode through the village they saw a couple of big tents, which were almost the only salvation from the rain.
Kenshi: Look at those heretics! Who do those gypsies think they are? 'Oh look at me, I'm a Gypsy, I can charge 5 ounces of bronze to tell these guys whatever horseshit they want to hear.' Goddamn gypsies!
Omin: I think I'm going to pay a visit to one of these gypsies. what do you think, Lord Kenshi?
Kenshi: Oh? Did I say that before? I mean, what a great idea your majesty (nervously).
Omin and the rest of the horses came to a halt. He disembarked from his beast of burden and walked towards a tent, which had the sign 'Fortune' printed clearly on top. Kagetsu, followed suit and instead of walking inside the tent, him and Ginko stood guard there. As Omin walked into the room he saw a hooded lady standing with her back turned to him.
Gypsy: Ah. the son of venerable Shintake. It is such an honor to be graced by your holy presence, King Omin. You don't have to keep your guards outside, my lord. The rain is so unforgiving at this time of year.
Omin: Shut up wench! I don't need another Kenshi sticking his nose up my ass. Those men out there are trained to survive in these conditions. They will deal with it. Now, how did you know my father?
Gypsy: Now you know that I keep all of my conversations and fortunes private. I can't tell you what I told your father, it's strictly confidential.
Omin puts down a sack of gold coins on the table. They made a metallic noise as they rested on the tabletop.
Gypsy: Is that gold I hear? Mmm, by the sound of that, I can tell. But, no, I don't want your money King Omin. If you want to know that badly about your father, then I guess I'll tell you. It'll cost you a price though. Not of gold, you silly fool, a price of morality.
Omin: I don't like riddles. Just give it to me straight!
Gypsy: Ok, well you have asked for it. And as the saying goes, 'Ask and you shall receive.' Your father visited me one night many a year ago. He was young and ambitious as you are. Yet he carried a weight on his shoulders. some kind of emotional baggage, very similar to you. You see, your father was once to be in the position that you are at right now. He was to be king, but your uncle, Mentka killed your grandfather, exiled your father, and then took the throne for himself. Not a very nice man at all. I guess you could say your father was traveling to find a way to avenge himself. When he found me, he wanted to know whether he ever had a chance of overthrowing Mentka and I told him of a fortune that would change the destiny of many people. including you.
Omin: Enough of your crap! Stop giving me these riddles and tell me what the fortune was!
Gypsy: Patience, patience young king. I'll tell you. I told your father that he would have three sons.
Omin: What a load of crap!
Gypsy: Do you want to hear the rest? Or are we done?
Omin: Go on.
Gypsy: Well, the three sons would have incredible powers at the cost of a death. I guess we can see what that means now. Do you think you understand?
Omin: And what of my fortune?
Gypsy: Hmm. let me have a look at you. (Without actually turning to face him) I see. I see. what a destiny lays ahead for you. When the powers of the brotherhood combine, your reign as king will end; your fate is intertwined with your rule.
Omin: Holy Mary! If what you speak is the truth then this prophecy must never be realized, but this sounds a bit hogwash. I'm sick of your stupid riddles.
Gypsy: I see. you're impatient and you are ready to leave, but wait, there's still some unfinished business here. Ah yes, I have accepted my fate King Omin, have you?
Omin: Enough of this tomfoolery! Lord Kenshi, take here with you. Off with her head!
Kenshi walked into the tent and took the Gypsy roughly by her hand and dragged her out of there. Kagetsu took the other arm of the Gypsy and the two of them walked out of the village into a nearby forest. The Gypsy briefly glanced at Kagetsu and a smile formed on her face.
Gypsy: So you are my maker? What a fate!
Kagetsu didn't look at her and just came up to a tree. He sized it up pretty quickly and with one punch took it down. Kenshi put the Gypsy's head on the stump and Kagetsu took Takeshi's sword. With a quick motion the Gypsy's head rolled onto the ground.
Omin: Bring me her head!
Kenshi: What? We've never had orders like that before. I've been a part of many executions under your reign. Why do you ask such a request now?
Omin: Just do it.
Kenshi was too slow to pick up the head and so Kagetsu did. He looked at the head of the Gypsy and a smile crossed his face, a smile of understanding. He then gingerly tossed the head to his King. Omin took a look at the face and a sudden fit of rage was apparent within him.
Omin: Cut her body up! If you find a stone of any sort, destroy it! Kagetsu! Form a search party and find my brother San! I want him dead or alive. preferably still kicking.
He dropped the head to the ground and on the face of the Gypsy was a scar, which seemed almost too familiar to Omin as he brought his fingers across the Scar of Dreams on his left eye. Omin got on his horse and started trotting away. Omin: Kagetsu, you come with me. Lord Kenshi, Takeshi, and Ginko. burn down the village.
Omin and Kagetsu rode away into the rain, heading back towards the Castle. Omin rode on a white stallion while Kagetsu rode on the most beautiful and wild horse known to man, the black stallion. Kagetsu's horse was beautifully groomed and had golden armor on it. Omin's stallion had the cloak of royalty on it. The other three men had regular, brown, common horses and they trotted back to the village. The only sounds heard afterwards were those of yells of terror, as people were burned alive; men, women, and children alike.
***
The axe came down very hard on the lumber and the wood was cut in half. It was raised once more and continued to split wood. San was working hard in his little village. It was getting cold as the rain still came down on this cool November night. San was dressed in a very typical shinobi uniform, with a black outfit and white vest. His vest bore the inscription of the White Phantoms, an anti-monarchial symbol. These were hard and trying times for the Phantoms. They were being hunted by the thousands and their numbers were dwindling. San bore the Scar of Dreams on his left eye and he possessed a gem, which he kept close to him at all times. This gem was to be used at the right time, to destroy his own brother, Omin. Out of the distance, San heard the sound of footsteps sloshing through the mud and he turned to see Otake running towards him.
Otake: General San! General San! The great Leader requests your company! There is a matter of great importance to be discussed!
San: Ah, my dear Otake! Is it about the battle tomorrow?
Otake: I'm sorry sir, but I don't really know the matter of the urgency.
San: All right, thanks for the message. I'll be there in a few. Let me finish cutting up this wood for the fire.
San kept true to his word and cut the wood until there was nothing left. He still had enough strength to haul all of this wood to the town house, where the great fire was going to be lit. Afterwards, he started in the direction of the Leader's own house. At the entrance, great words welcomed him in, 'The path of a righteous man, leads to victory!' As he walked in, he saw the Leader sitting in his throne and he kneeled before him.
Leader: Ah, San! Just the man I wanted to see. You may rise. There is some grave news I regret to inform you of. You will not participate in tomorrow's battle.
San: But why? Am I not good enough to fight those Royal Dogs?
Leader: Those Royal Dogs you speak of are out to hunt you. That is why you will not participate in the battle tomorrow. You are my most valuable soldier and friend and I cannot afford to lose you. Please, take the fastest horse in the tribe and flee as far away as possible.
San: I don't agree with your decision, sir.
Leader: You don't have to agree, but you will abide by my ruling!
San: Yes sir. I shall leave tonight then.
Leader: Very good. It's settled then. I wish you a harmonious journey and will send Otake and Renshaku with you. I hope that you can come back to me in some time, but for now, you must lay low.
San: Thank you sir. Just so you know, you are the only Leader that I will ever follow and I know you won't steer me wrong.
Leader: Be gone then.
With the last words San walked out of the Leader's house and headed towards the stable, where his horse was stationed. Renshaku wasn't too far behind him and caught up.
Renshaku: So I hear we're going on a little voyage, huh?
San: Yes, Renshaku, it is the Leader's order. request.
Renshaku: Will you keep running away from everything all of your life? Since your birth. Since the death of your parents, you have kept on running, don't you think it's about time that you stopped running and fought for what you truly believe in? Even if it entails not following orders, you have to do what your heart really beckons to do.
San: Renshaku, I must say, your words speak great wisdom and that is why you are one of my closest friends. I think I will take what you say into account. I will be watching the battle tomorrow, whether the Leader wants me to or not. That is my true desire.
Renshaku: Very well then. shall we be off?
San: Hold on, we have to wait for Otake.
Otake: I'm sorry I'm late sir.
San: Let's be off then.
And so, the three men rode off on their horses, but little did they know that the Leader had foreseen their innocent treason and was only worried to lose them.
***
Hammers were pounding hard into the bark of trees, as Omin's men put up wanted posters for the man named San. Dead or Alive.
Some guy: Doesn't matter whether we bring him in dead or alive. with our King, the only reward would be him saying, 'Off with their head!'
Some guy2: Quiet! They may hear you!
From the village the castle looked very dark and ominous. It overshadowed everything in the town bellow and the people were deathly afraid of the ruler, Omin. Inside the castle there were many rooms that were used by the great generals of Omin's army. There were the barracks for the soldiers that fought under the Royal name and then of course there were rooms for dining and sleeping and for the bodyguards. The most important room of the whole castle was the War Room. Only six men were allowed into this room. Omin, Kagetsu, Takeshi, Kenshi, Kashyu, and Ginko. They were the great generals of the Royal Army. Kagetsu's job was to lead the ground troops into battle and Takeshi often assisted him. Kenshi led the cavalry and would usually wait for the signal from Kagetsu or Omin. Kashyu's job was to lead the Royal Knights into battle and the signal could only come from Omin, since these knights were the elite. Ginko's duty was to be the scout and to flank. He was one of the most important people in the room to develop strategy. Omin of course, oversaw the whole battle and would give signals when certain groups were to enter battle. If the worst conditions arose though, Omin would walk into battle. The discussion on this particular day was about the impending battle that would come the following day. Kenshi pounded his fist onto the table.
Kenshi: I don't agree with this at all! We don't need the Royal Knights tomorrow! You know it only takes more gold to keep those men satisfied. If we don't use them tomorrow then we don't have to pay them for the work!
The room broke out into a heated discussion and there was much bickering. Omin set quietly and looked on, while Kagetsu smoked his cigarette and looked calmly out of the window. Eventually the fighting got to Omin and he burst out.
Omin: Shut up! You are all fools! You call yourselves my knights? Those White Phantoms must be laughing their heads off thinking how stupid we are. The reason why we lost the last battle was because of our lack of communication and trust! If we all fight for the same cause then we have to trust one another! Without the scouts doing their job, the ground troops can't do their job efficiently and without the cavalry, the Royal Knights need to be brought in! Here's the battle plan for tomorrow! Ginko, you will take your scouts and snipers into woods tomorrow around 4 AM and stakeout a good position to keep an eye on the enemy's movements. Kagetsu, you will lead the whole battle, you're in charge tomorrow. The ground troops are your unit and you will push them in. I know you weren't at the last battle due to politics, but this time, nothing stands in our way. Takeshi, I want you to help out Kagetsu tomorrow and to watch for snipers! Kenshi, the cavalry's use is of the essence, so I don't want any screw-ups! Last time you broke the flank! Finally, Kashyu, I will use the Royal Knights tomorrow only if necessary so get them dressed and ready to go. Just remember, they won't get paid unless they fight. You men have your orders now get to them. Remember, get some rest and be ready for the battle. Tomorrow I hope to make a significant dent in their forces.
With the last statement, their discussion was over and all of them were dismissed except for Kagetsu, who almost constantly stayed at Omin's side.
***
The rain kept on through the night and in the early morning when Ginko's troops moved out it continued even harder. The morning dew wasn't present because of the constant moisture and the sunrise was impossible to see because of the overcast skies. The only way to tell that it was morning was the fact that there was no smell of blood in the air yet. Throughout the morning hours the troops on both sides began assembling and the field of battle was set. It was a grassy field overlooked by many hills and surrounded by forests on all sides and if you stood on the tallest hill, you could see both sides assembling, which was exactly where Omin was positioned. Sitting on his horse he overlooked the entire battlefield and at his side, it was kind of hard to make out, but there must have been somebody standing. A man, with a good build stood tall next to Omin's horse. There was a translucent feeling to this man, almost as if it was a ghost that stood next to Omin. The two men silently overlooked the field as both sides started their formations.