Episode 3: A Royal Victory
There was an eerie silence in the air. Snow still came down rather heavily and feint rays of sunlight, just barely managed to break through the ominous gray of the clouds. Normally, one wouldn't really notice, but this silence was just so tranquil that one couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Normally the sound of birds should be heard or the noise of crickets, but nothing made noise on this particular day. Not even the rush of wind made its presence felt. The serene scene of the forest made its beauty visible as colors of green and white blended. This silence and beauty was to be broken soon. The trample of horses could now be made out in the distance. Suddenly, tree branches started dropping large chunks of snow due to the vibrations emulating from the trample of the horses. A gust of wind brushed through the forest as if the Gods themselves had disapproved of this disturbance in nature. Te sound of man could now be heard echoing through the forest hallway.
San: Yah! Yah! Come on horse! Otake, Renshaku, ride on ahead! Before I forget, Otake, I need your arrows! Toss them over!
Without any sound Otake reached into his arrow holster and grabbed as many arrows as he could lay his hands on. He sped up on his horse and as he rode side by side with San, he handed him seven arrows.
San: Thank you my dear Otake! Now go! I'll help you guys get away!
Otake: But sir! There's too many of them. That many arrows won't hold them back!
Renshaku: He speaks bold, sir! I can't disagree with him either.
San: I understand your concerns, but as I said before, I want you safe. I caused this to happen and so I shall undo it too. Now go and ride ahead! That's an order!
Without further debate, Otake and Renshaku rode on ahead while San pulled the reigns of his horse sternly and stopped it. The horse raised its front hooves into the air and made a neighing sound as San turned it to face the chasing enemy.
***
Takeshi: Come on men! We can't let them get away!
Takeshi kicked his horse as to make it gallop faster. His fifteen men followed suit.
Takeshi: Majo! You and three of your men, take the high route! You'll move up the flank.
Majo: As you order, sir! Hyah! Come on!
The horses kicked up snow as they flew through the forest. Majo was one of Takeshi's best men, so it didn't shock him at all that Takeshi was using him from flank. In fact, he was moving up the ranks quite rapidly, because he was well respected by the hierarchy and was one of the best warriors in Kagetsu's squad. One of his most important assets was the fact that he had very little, to no fear at all. Majo was a married man and his wife was also well known throughout the countryside. She possessed incredible powers that kind of drove Majo to her. She lived in the Kargin Hills past the Shindaku Forest, way out in the countryside. It had been a good three months since Majo had seen her last because he was always out on campaigns with Takeshi and the rest of the squad. In his mind, Omin was the devil. But, why go against the devil when you can reap rewards for serving him. Philosophy was one of Majo's strong points as he rivaled the great minds of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and many more. Men came to him for answers, even those such as the likes of Omin. Majo loved his position and would do anything for it. The only man that remained an enigma to him was Kagetsu. Normally, he could "probe" any man's mind to gain an understanding of their psyche, but Kagetsu's mind seemed to be guarded by a steel, impenetrable door. Thus, he had gained an immense feeling of respect and even a bit of fear for him. He knew that this army wouldn't have gotten far without a man like Kagetsu. With those thoughts crossing his mind, he gained the true concept of speed and his horse seemed to fly faster than ever.
Majo: Men! Prepare your arrows!
His three fellow riders un-strapped their bows and un-holstered their arrows, with Majo in front. He saw the figure of a horse, but no rider in sight. His men were not as quick to pick up on the situation, but eventually they realized that there was something wrong about the situation. Logically, all of them looked up into the trees, except for Majo. He smelled a rat and its stench emanate from above. They were on a hill above the horse. Takeshi and his men would arrive any moment now on the main road. Majo aimed his arrow at the horse.
Majo: Men! Prepare your arrows! If you see any movement, fire!
The men aimed around the horse and Majo fired his arrow. The other men couldn't quite catch what happened as the arrow snapped in two and fell to the ground without any sight of movement. Majo looked at the situation intently and squinted looking. He smiled and turned to his men.
Majo: We'll get him! It'll be like shooting fish in a barrel.
***
Omin's eyes widened as the scene before him unfolded. From the northwestern direction came a rain of arrows, flying towards his troops.
Omin: A knife in my back.
Men were falling in unspeakable numbers. Every arrow had hit its target. Omin was beginning to tremble, but not in fear. It was more a feeling of rage.
Mentka: Well King Omin, what is your choice in this situation? Do you go after the revolutionaries or do you pursue the treacherous Kenshi?
Omin: Why not both?
Omin said this while clenching his fist. He guessed that Sutachi was dead so he didn't bother calling him and decided instead to call on his right hand man, Kagetsu. At the top of his lungs he yelled to Kagetsu and only pointed to the direction of Kenshi and his troops. Kagetsu understood the motion and quickly showed the sign of victory as if to tell his troops that the battle was over. He then rode off in the direction of Lord Kashyu's Royal Knights. Omin quickly followed suit, but instead of going to Kashyu he rode in the direction of the revolutionaries. A smile formed on his face and his blood boiled with excitement and anticipation.
***
Kagetsu was riding his horse like lightning. He knew the importance of his message and made sure that he would deliver it swiftly. He rode through the forest taking short cuts as if he knew this area like the back of his hand. It looked almost as if the horse's hooves never even touched the ground. It glided gracefully through the woods. Finally, Kagetsu came to a small clearing in the woods. The area was completely empty. No trees, no people, just a snowy field. It was here that Kagetsu came to a standstill. He rode up to a big to tree that was at the edge of the field. Kagetsu got off his horse and took out one of his kunai. With the kunai, he inscribed on the tree, a very quick, but to the point message. He wrote, "Kenshi, Dead, NW (In Japanese)". After he wrote the message he fished into his pocket for a cigarette, but found out that he had run out. It was time for him to get a new pack and he knew exactly where to go. It was a village, a bit to the west of this forest. Without further a due, he rode off towards the village.
***
A cold breeze blew through the forest hallway. The snow was still coming down on the fair earth below, a horse trampled on the ground. A broken arrow lay at its hooves. Atop a hill, just above the horse, stood Majo with three of his men. Majo took out another arrow and pointed it just below the horse while his men pointed at the beast of burden. Majo released his arrow and so did his men. The four arrows flew gracefully towards their respective targets. They all noticed a shuffle in the snow below the horse. Out of the snow, a shadow of a man burst out. With two slashes of his sword, the arrows were broken. He then reached into his belt for four shurikens and fired them upwards. Three of the shurikens hit their marks, but the fourth one met the edge of Majo's sword with a cling. Majo jumped down from the hill with his sword brought out to a downward motion at San who was below him. From out of nowhere, ahead of San, a stray arrow flew faster than the speed of sound. Majo didn't even notice the arrow, as it pierced his heart. He was knocked back and died instantly as he fell to the ground. San took this moment to walk over to Majo and close his eyes with his hand as a kind gesture.
San: You were a worthy opponent. I wish I had met you one on one. God damn Renshaku! I told him to ride ahead! We will meet again one day. one can only hope!
San jumped onto his horse and flew off, away from the scene.
***
Takeshi had lost sight of Majo as his speed increased considerably. It was nothing to worry about though. He knew that Majo could keep his cool in any kind of situation. Even if things escalated, Majo could hold his own, which was why he let Majo speed away. Takeshi noticed that they were coming up on a clearing. Right away Takeshi sensed that something was wrong. Just then, he saw San speeding off on a horse and lying on the ground was a man with an arrow in his heart. Takeshi fell off his horse and ran over to the dead man.
Takeshi: Majo!? Hang in there! We'll get you good as new before you know it! Majo!? Majo!!!
Majo was one of Takeshi's best friends as well as a loyal soldier. Tears of hatred dripped from his eyes.
Takeshi: San!! I know you can hear me!! I'm going to get you back!!
Takeshi's halted the pursuit and told his men instead to take care of Majo's corpse. There would be a proper ceremony for this man. His wife had to be notified too. This was going to be painful news to everyone in Omin's camp. On that day, Takeshi swore revenge.
***
Omin's horse flew through the forest as he headed towards the heart of the revolution. As he rode, he couldn't help but feel betrayed by Yamato. Yamato was king in the nearby region. Omin's forces had forcefully taken over the kingdom, but let Yamato keep his rule there as king as long as he swore allegiance to Omin. Now this. Omin wasn't going to forgive him. He had been pretty lenient to the neighboring nation and only required 60% of all the taxes that were collected there. Now he knew that he had to take the whole kingdom by force. Yamato Takageri's rule would be over!
***
Akira Takageri was surrounded by men in camouflage. He too, was engulfed in shrubbery as they made their way through the forest towards Omin's troops. From the sound up ahead, it seemed like the battle was over between the Phantoms and Omin's troops. Although their kingdom didn't support the Phantoms directly, they were fighting for their own independence, and if the Phantoms fought against Omin too, then so be it. It had been four years since Omin had first taken hold of the kingdom and now they were suffering. Akira's brother, Yamato, had tried to rule the nation, but with no income it was a hard thing to do. Akira had tried to convince his brother that a revolt was necessary. For a long time, Yamato was hesitant, but eventually let his brother, the General of their army, lead an army of revolutionaries against King Omin. One of Omin's trusted men had betrayed Omin for a profit from their kingdom. Little did Kenshi know, but Yamato and Akira were not going to pay, but not only that, they were going to watch Omin and Kenshi destroy each other. According to Akira's calculations Omin should've been heading northwest to find and kill the traitor. It was a perfect plan! With Omin away, they would tear through his troops. They had heard of the legendary warrior Kagetsu, but they had never actually seen him in battle so all the stories of his fighting were just a myth to them. This fake forest was moving rather rapidly through the landscape, unknowing of the menace that was coming towards them. Their troop was at 150 men right now, which should have been able to take care of all of Omin's battered and beaten men, after their battle. Snow was coming down very heavily now. It felt to the men like big balls of mud were falling on their backs and starting to weigh them down. They were finally approaching the battlefield and were getting ready to strike. Suddenly, a very strong gust of wind blew through the forest and an evil presence could be felt in the woods.
Soldier: Ahhhh!
Akira's troops turned towards the source of the scream and saw that one of their own was on a wild rampage, stabbing his fellow soldiers. He had a sword stuck in him and it appeared as if he was possessed, because only the whites of his eyes could be seen.
Soldier 2: Traitor! Kill him!
Ten soldiers turned their attention directly to the traitor and slaughtered him without any hesitation.
Soldier 3: Ahhhhhhhh!
Another one of the soldiers had become possessed by a berserker's rage and killed a few more men. The other soldiers once again turned to the new traitor and killed him immediately. It was so odd that their men were becoming possessed. What could it be that was making them act this way?
Soldier 4: Ahhhhhh! Why brother!?
The last berserker had stabbed his own brother, who in turn slashed off his head.
Akira: What is the meaning of this treachery!?
Laughter erupted out of the woods. The source of this laughter was none other than King Omin.
Omin: I find it funny that Mother Nature would be so foolish as to oppose me! But wait. This isn't the work of Mother Nature at all. only of foolish men!
The voice made every man in disguise shudder in hate, but more apparently in fear! They finally realized what the stench of evil had come from. No man dared to make a move yet and waited for a signal from their General, Akira. They felt Omin's presence ever so much closer.
Omin: So. who will make the first move? I know Yamato is a damned idiot, but he would be too cowardly to ask for an action like this. This seems like the work of. yes, that's who it is. Yamato's good for nothing brother, Akira. Show yourself!
There was a little bit of movement up ahead in the shrubbery. Finally, off the ground rose Akira. His camouflage was now but a thing of the past.
Omin: Ahh. the man finally stands tall. I've got to say, you've got an extraordinary amount of intestinal fortitude.
Akira: Omin! I won't lie to you! We are here to destroy you and dismantle your whole regime. You are one and we are many! Due to these odds, I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender peacefully.
Omin: (Bursts out laughing) You expect me to surrender!? Your men tremble at the sound of my voice! Well. I don't accept your proposal! Instead, I'll give you a proposal of my own! Go back to Yamato, and tell him that his time is up! We are coming for him and no one will be left standing after the dust settles!
Akira: Well it seems that we finally have something in common. Neither of us will surrender to the other. The thing that separates us today is the fact that you won't be leaving here alive, Omin!
Just as the last words echoed through the forest, Akira's troops were signaled to move out and attack Omin!
Omin: It seems like Yamato was the smarter of the two brothers!
Akira's troops started gaining on Omin and approaching him ever so much closer. Suddenly, they just stopped and looked on ahead. Akira wondered why his troops had stopped, since he had never given the official order.
Soldier: RETREAT!!!
Akira was bewildered. What had his troops seen? Then he finally realized what it was that had scared them away. From behind Omin, the shadows of a good 300 men had appeared and were getting closer. Omin just laughed.
Omin: Well. It seems like the odds have turned. wouldn't you say? (Turning to Ginko's scout troops) I want them alive! We'll have fun with them this afternoon!
***
The snow had finally stopped, as if the Gods had seen that the battle was over. Still, sunlight was unseen in the land and only clouds overcast the sky. The battle was finally over and Omin had gone back to his castle for a brief debriefing. His plans for the afternoon were quite fun filled, but before he could start, he was waiting for Kagetsu and Takeshi to return. Ginko and Kashyu were assembled in the debriefing room and were also waiting for the two men's return. The doors opened and Kagetsu calmly walked in with a cigarette in his mouth.
Omin: So. you've finally made it back. I had a feeling you had to stop by the village today. So, how's the farmer's tobacco treating you today?
Kagetsu made no reply, but only gave Omin a nod.
Omin: Well, Takeshi is still not back. I wonder what's keeping him. I guess we'll have to start the festival without him. Kagetsu! You get the honor of serving the main dish today.
A smile formed on Kagetsu's face and he exited the room.
Omin: I'm glad to hear that we have a new employee on board, for the searching and capturing of my brother.
***
The drawbridge was down and the path into the village was clear. Each side of the path was lined with trumpeters.
Noble: All hail, King Omin!
The trumpets played on and a parade was seen coming towards the castle, lead by King Omin. Following him were his Royal Guards and a large number of scouts, who had imprisoned and chained up the revolutionaries and White Phantoms. They were walking down the path and getting ready to enter the castle.
Omin: Let the festivities begin!
Omin raised his hands into the air and the trumpets played even louder to signal to the rest of the village that the festival had begun. While Omin entered a room in his castle, the rest of the parade walked down the main street of the village just below. The prisoners were walked through the street with many onlookers spitting and throwing things at them. A couple of them were set aside, while the others walked to the main square to have their sentence read to them. On a stage, stood the judge with a scroll in his hand, which had the sentence for each and every one of the revolutionaries and White Phantoms that was captured. The judge read off to every man their sentence, which was to spend 50 years in the dungeon. Every man would walk up to the judge to listen to the same exact sentence. The few men that were set aside were going to be the lucky ones. The ones that won't have 50 years in the dungeon, but instead would get their lives handed to them on this day. This was the first part of the main course of this festival.
***
Inside the castle, Omin was inside a room that overlooked the platform, on which the festivities would take place. In fact, they were lining up the archers now. The men that had been set aside were all lined up on the stage and read their last rites. On the count of three, 40 archers unleashed a flurry of arrows, which didn't leave one man untouched. Omin looked out the window in anticipation. Into his room rushed in Ginko and Lord Kashyu with the news that the Royal Knights were back with the main course, Kenshi! A big smile formed on Omin's face and he just looked out of the window. He saw a big carriage with a cage on it being wheeled in towards the stage. In the cage stood Kenshi, tied up and gagged. People on the streets were chucking tomatoes at him and spitting at him. On the platform, greeted him his maker, Kagetsu. As Kenshi got closer and closer, Kagetsu started putting on his executioner mask. Kagetsu took off his trench coat and shirt to reveal his bare back. Kenshi's cage was unlocked and he was led to a table, on which he would be tortured. They started tying him up, while Kagetsu was preparing the instruments of pain. He unrolled a roll of different tools, from knives to drills. He showed each instrument to the crowd and waited for their cheer to put it down. The preparations were all finished and Kagetsu was set to do his work. Omin was still looking with Kashyu and Ginko joining in.
Kashyu: Oh my god! What is that horrible bruise on his back?
Omin: That's our new employee's mark.
Kashyu: He was able to do that to Kagetsu?
Omin: That's why I hired him!
Kagetsu continued the torture of Kenshi. He would pick up a tool and show it to the crowd. They would cheer loudly and he would apply it to Kenshi. Kenshi now wished that he was dead, but the torture was far from over. Eventually Kagetsu's torture became too gruesome for the crowd. Some onlookers started puking from the stench of dissection and blood. It was time for Kagetsu to wrap this up. He brought out the big axe and raised it above his head. Omin was watching this intently and a smile still remained on his face. This traitor would no what it was like to betray him. Suddenly, the door to Omin's room burst open and Takeshi came running in.
Takeshi: Majo is dead!
At that sound, Kagetsu's axe came down and Kenshi's head rolled to the ground.
***
It was night time now. The festival was over and the Generals of Omin's army assembled in the War Room. Kagetsu had finally made it back, since he had to go down to the river to wash himself off from all of the blood and guts. He was once again smoking his cigarette and listening intently on the conversation that was taking place.
Omin: I want to thank all of you for a battle well fought today. It's a good thing that we've finally weeded out our traitor and I want to thank Kagetsu for disposing of him. Wonderfully done!
The men all gave a cheer to Kagetsu, who only looked out the window.
Omin: But! We have more pressing matters today. Two matters of business on the plate today. Number one, Takeshi has informed me a little earlier today that our dear good friend Majo was killed today in his pursuit of the General of the White Phantoms, San. I want to assure you that we will take action on this and I want you Takeshi, to assure Majo's wife that revenge will be taken for her loss. Also tell her that we will have a lavish funeral for our good friend. This actually moves me into the next point of business. Kagetsu visited a village earlier today, where we have received confirmation of the employment of one Kouraseru. We'll have swift vengeance. That is all for now.
***
In a forest far away from Omin's castle, there was a bright flame lit. By the flame sat three warriors. San, Otake, and Renshaku were all sitting around eating their meat and getting ready to move the next day. The forest was very dark now, but the moon shone through somewhat. In the distance the breath of a man couldn't be seen on this wintry night. He stood behind a tree, eyeing the three men camped around the fire. This man looked like he was albino as his skin was totally white and his head was bald. He squinted his eyes and muttered something under his breath. He kneeled to the ground and picked up a ball of snow, which suddenly turned into a perfect, glowing sphere. He muttered some more words under his breath and an inscription could be seen in the ball, it was the kanji, (Death).
There was an eerie silence in the air. Snow still came down rather heavily and feint rays of sunlight, just barely managed to break through the ominous gray of the clouds. Normally, one wouldn't really notice, but this silence was just so tranquil that one couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Normally the sound of birds should be heard or the noise of crickets, but nothing made noise on this particular day. Not even the rush of wind made its presence felt. The serene scene of the forest made its beauty visible as colors of green and white blended. This silence and beauty was to be broken soon. The trample of horses could now be made out in the distance. Suddenly, tree branches started dropping large chunks of snow due to the vibrations emulating from the trample of the horses. A gust of wind brushed through the forest as if the Gods themselves had disapproved of this disturbance in nature. Te sound of man could now be heard echoing through the forest hallway.
San: Yah! Yah! Come on horse! Otake, Renshaku, ride on ahead! Before I forget, Otake, I need your arrows! Toss them over!
Without any sound Otake reached into his arrow holster and grabbed as many arrows as he could lay his hands on. He sped up on his horse and as he rode side by side with San, he handed him seven arrows.
San: Thank you my dear Otake! Now go! I'll help you guys get away!
Otake: But sir! There's too many of them. That many arrows won't hold them back!
Renshaku: He speaks bold, sir! I can't disagree with him either.
San: I understand your concerns, but as I said before, I want you safe. I caused this to happen and so I shall undo it too. Now go and ride ahead! That's an order!
Without further debate, Otake and Renshaku rode on ahead while San pulled the reigns of his horse sternly and stopped it. The horse raised its front hooves into the air and made a neighing sound as San turned it to face the chasing enemy.
***
Takeshi: Come on men! We can't let them get away!
Takeshi kicked his horse as to make it gallop faster. His fifteen men followed suit.
Takeshi: Majo! You and three of your men, take the high route! You'll move up the flank.
Majo: As you order, sir! Hyah! Come on!
The horses kicked up snow as they flew through the forest. Majo was one of Takeshi's best men, so it didn't shock him at all that Takeshi was using him from flank. In fact, he was moving up the ranks quite rapidly, because he was well respected by the hierarchy and was one of the best warriors in Kagetsu's squad. One of his most important assets was the fact that he had very little, to no fear at all. Majo was a married man and his wife was also well known throughout the countryside. She possessed incredible powers that kind of drove Majo to her. She lived in the Kargin Hills past the Shindaku Forest, way out in the countryside. It had been a good three months since Majo had seen her last because he was always out on campaigns with Takeshi and the rest of the squad. In his mind, Omin was the devil. But, why go against the devil when you can reap rewards for serving him. Philosophy was one of Majo's strong points as he rivaled the great minds of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and many more. Men came to him for answers, even those such as the likes of Omin. Majo loved his position and would do anything for it. The only man that remained an enigma to him was Kagetsu. Normally, he could "probe" any man's mind to gain an understanding of their psyche, but Kagetsu's mind seemed to be guarded by a steel, impenetrable door. Thus, he had gained an immense feeling of respect and even a bit of fear for him. He knew that this army wouldn't have gotten far without a man like Kagetsu. With those thoughts crossing his mind, he gained the true concept of speed and his horse seemed to fly faster than ever.
Majo: Men! Prepare your arrows!
His three fellow riders un-strapped their bows and un-holstered their arrows, with Majo in front. He saw the figure of a horse, but no rider in sight. His men were not as quick to pick up on the situation, but eventually they realized that there was something wrong about the situation. Logically, all of them looked up into the trees, except for Majo. He smelled a rat and its stench emanate from above. They were on a hill above the horse. Takeshi and his men would arrive any moment now on the main road. Majo aimed his arrow at the horse.
Majo: Men! Prepare your arrows! If you see any movement, fire!
The men aimed around the horse and Majo fired his arrow. The other men couldn't quite catch what happened as the arrow snapped in two and fell to the ground without any sight of movement. Majo looked at the situation intently and squinted looking. He smiled and turned to his men.
Majo: We'll get him! It'll be like shooting fish in a barrel.
***
Omin's eyes widened as the scene before him unfolded. From the northwestern direction came a rain of arrows, flying towards his troops.
Omin: A knife in my back.
Men were falling in unspeakable numbers. Every arrow had hit its target. Omin was beginning to tremble, but not in fear. It was more a feeling of rage.
Mentka: Well King Omin, what is your choice in this situation? Do you go after the revolutionaries or do you pursue the treacherous Kenshi?
Omin: Why not both?
Omin said this while clenching his fist. He guessed that Sutachi was dead so he didn't bother calling him and decided instead to call on his right hand man, Kagetsu. At the top of his lungs he yelled to Kagetsu and only pointed to the direction of Kenshi and his troops. Kagetsu understood the motion and quickly showed the sign of victory as if to tell his troops that the battle was over. He then rode off in the direction of Lord Kashyu's Royal Knights. Omin quickly followed suit, but instead of going to Kashyu he rode in the direction of the revolutionaries. A smile formed on his face and his blood boiled with excitement and anticipation.
***
Kagetsu was riding his horse like lightning. He knew the importance of his message and made sure that he would deliver it swiftly. He rode through the forest taking short cuts as if he knew this area like the back of his hand. It looked almost as if the horse's hooves never even touched the ground. It glided gracefully through the woods. Finally, Kagetsu came to a small clearing in the woods. The area was completely empty. No trees, no people, just a snowy field. It was here that Kagetsu came to a standstill. He rode up to a big to tree that was at the edge of the field. Kagetsu got off his horse and took out one of his kunai. With the kunai, he inscribed on the tree, a very quick, but to the point message. He wrote, "Kenshi, Dead, NW (In Japanese)". After he wrote the message he fished into his pocket for a cigarette, but found out that he had run out. It was time for him to get a new pack and he knew exactly where to go. It was a village, a bit to the west of this forest. Without further a due, he rode off towards the village.
***
A cold breeze blew through the forest hallway. The snow was still coming down on the fair earth below, a horse trampled on the ground. A broken arrow lay at its hooves. Atop a hill, just above the horse, stood Majo with three of his men. Majo took out another arrow and pointed it just below the horse while his men pointed at the beast of burden. Majo released his arrow and so did his men. The four arrows flew gracefully towards their respective targets. They all noticed a shuffle in the snow below the horse. Out of the snow, a shadow of a man burst out. With two slashes of his sword, the arrows were broken. He then reached into his belt for four shurikens and fired them upwards. Three of the shurikens hit their marks, but the fourth one met the edge of Majo's sword with a cling. Majo jumped down from the hill with his sword brought out to a downward motion at San who was below him. From out of nowhere, ahead of San, a stray arrow flew faster than the speed of sound. Majo didn't even notice the arrow, as it pierced his heart. He was knocked back and died instantly as he fell to the ground. San took this moment to walk over to Majo and close his eyes with his hand as a kind gesture.
San: You were a worthy opponent. I wish I had met you one on one. God damn Renshaku! I told him to ride ahead! We will meet again one day. one can only hope!
San jumped onto his horse and flew off, away from the scene.
***
Takeshi had lost sight of Majo as his speed increased considerably. It was nothing to worry about though. He knew that Majo could keep his cool in any kind of situation. Even if things escalated, Majo could hold his own, which was why he let Majo speed away. Takeshi noticed that they were coming up on a clearing. Right away Takeshi sensed that something was wrong. Just then, he saw San speeding off on a horse and lying on the ground was a man with an arrow in his heart. Takeshi fell off his horse and ran over to the dead man.
Takeshi: Majo!? Hang in there! We'll get you good as new before you know it! Majo!? Majo!!!
Majo was one of Takeshi's best friends as well as a loyal soldier. Tears of hatred dripped from his eyes.
Takeshi: San!! I know you can hear me!! I'm going to get you back!!
Takeshi's halted the pursuit and told his men instead to take care of Majo's corpse. There would be a proper ceremony for this man. His wife had to be notified too. This was going to be painful news to everyone in Omin's camp. On that day, Takeshi swore revenge.
***
Omin's horse flew through the forest as he headed towards the heart of the revolution. As he rode, he couldn't help but feel betrayed by Yamato. Yamato was king in the nearby region. Omin's forces had forcefully taken over the kingdom, but let Yamato keep his rule there as king as long as he swore allegiance to Omin. Now this. Omin wasn't going to forgive him. He had been pretty lenient to the neighboring nation and only required 60% of all the taxes that were collected there. Now he knew that he had to take the whole kingdom by force. Yamato Takageri's rule would be over!
***
Akira Takageri was surrounded by men in camouflage. He too, was engulfed in shrubbery as they made their way through the forest towards Omin's troops. From the sound up ahead, it seemed like the battle was over between the Phantoms and Omin's troops. Although their kingdom didn't support the Phantoms directly, they were fighting for their own independence, and if the Phantoms fought against Omin too, then so be it. It had been four years since Omin had first taken hold of the kingdom and now they were suffering. Akira's brother, Yamato, had tried to rule the nation, but with no income it was a hard thing to do. Akira had tried to convince his brother that a revolt was necessary. For a long time, Yamato was hesitant, but eventually let his brother, the General of their army, lead an army of revolutionaries against King Omin. One of Omin's trusted men had betrayed Omin for a profit from their kingdom. Little did Kenshi know, but Yamato and Akira were not going to pay, but not only that, they were going to watch Omin and Kenshi destroy each other. According to Akira's calculations Omin should've been heading northwest to find and kill the traitor. It was a perfect plan! With Omin away, they would tear through his troops. They had heard of the legendary warrior Kagetsu, but they had never actually seen him in battle so all the stories of his fighting were just a myth to them. This fake forest was moving rather rapidly through the landscape, unknowing of the menace that was coming towards them. Their troop was at 150 men right now, which should have been able to take care of all of Omin's battered and beaten men, after their battle. Snow was coming down very heavily now. It felt to the men like big balls of mud were falling on their backs and starting to weigh them down. They were finally approaching the battlefield and were getting ready to strike. Suddenly, a very strong gust of wind blew through the forest and an evil presence could be felt in the woods.
Soldier: Ahhhh!
Akira's troops turned towards the source of the scream and saw that one of their own was on a wild rampage, stabbing his fellow soldiers. He had a sword stuck in him and it appeared as if he was possessed, because only the whites of his eyes could be seen.
Soldier 2: Traitor! Kill him!
Ten soldiers turned their attention directly to the traitor and slaughtered him without any hesitation.
Soldier 3: Ahhhhhhhh!
Another one of the soldiers had become possessed by a berserker's rage and killed a few more men. The other soldiers once again turned to the new traitor and killed him immediately. It was so odd that their men were becoming possessed. What could it be that was making them act this way?
Soldier 4: Ahhhhhh! Why brother!?
The last berserker had stabbed his own brother, who in turn slashed off his head.
Akira: What is the meaning of this treachery!?
Laughter erupted out of the woods. The source of this laughter was none other than King Omin.
Omin: I find it funny that Mother Nature would be so foolish as to oppose me! But wait. This isn't the work of Mother Nature at all. only of foolish men!
The voice made every man in disguise shudder in hate, but more apparently in fear! They finally realized what the stench of evil had come from. No man dared to make a move yet and waited for a signal from their General, Akira. They felt Omin's presence ever so much closer.
Omin: So. who will make the first move? I know Yamato is a damned idiot, but he would be too cowardly to ask for an action like this. This seems like the work of. yes, that's who it is. Yamato's good for nothing brother, Akira. Show yourself!
There was a little bit of movement up ahead in the shrubbery. Finally, off the ground rose Akira. His camouflage was now but a thing of the past.
Omin: Ahh. the man finally stands tall. I've got to say, you've got an extraordinary amount of intestinal fortitude.
Akira: Omin! I won't lie to you! We are here to destroy you and dismantle your whole regime. You are one and we are many! Due to these odds, I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender peacefully.
Omin: (Bursts out laughing) You expect me to surrender!? Your men tremble at the sound of my voice! Well. I don't accept your proposal! Instead, I'll give you a proposal of my own! Go back to Yamato, and tell him that his time is up! We are coming for him and no one will be left standing after the dust settles!
Akira: Well it seems that we finally have something in common. Neither of us will surrender to the other. The thing that separates us today is the fact that you won't be leaving here alive, Omin!
Just as the last words echoed through the forest, Akira's troops were signaled to move out and attack Omin!
Omin: It seems like Yamato was the smarter of the two brothers!
Akira's troops started gaining on Omin and approaching him ever so much closer. Suddenly, they just stopped and looked on ahead. Akira wondered why his troops had stopped, since he had never given the official order.
Soldier: RETREAT!!!
Akira was bewildered. What had his troops seen? Then he finally realized what it was that had scared them away. From behind Omin, the shadows of a good 300 men had appeared and were getting closer. Omin just laughed.
Omin: Well. It seems like the odds have turned. wouldn't you say? (Turning to Ginko's scout troops) I want them alive! We'll have fun with them this afternoon!
***
The snow had finally stopped, as if the Gods had seen that the battle was over. Still, sunlight was unseen in the land and only clouds overcast the sky. The battle was finally over and Omin had gone back to his castle for a brief debriefing. His plans for the afternoon were quite fun filled, but before he could start, he was waiting for Kagetsu and Takeshi to return. Ginko and Kashyu were assembled in the debriefing room and were also waiting for the two men's return. The doors opened and Kagetsu calmly walked in with a cigarette in his mouth.
Omin: So. you've finally made it back. I had a feeling you had to stop by the village today. So, how's the farmer's tobacco treating you today?
Kagetsu made no reply, but only gave Omin a nod.
Omin: Well, Takeshi is still not back. I wonder what's keeping him. I guess we'll have to start the festival without him. Kagetsu! You get the honor of serving the main dish today.
A smile formed on Kagetsu's face and he exited the room.
Omin: I'm glad to hear that we have a new employee on board, for the searching and capturing of my brother.
***
The drawbridge was down and the path into the village was clear. Each side of the path was lined with trumpeters.
Noble: All hail, King Omin!
The trumpets played on and a parade was seen coming towards the castle, lead by King Omin. Following him were his Royal Guards and a large number of scouts, who had imprisoned and chained up the revolutionaries and White Phantoms. They were walking down the path and getting ready to enter the castle.
Omin: Let the festivities begin!
Omin raised his hands into the air and the trumpets played even louder to signal to the rest of the village that the festival had begun. While Omin entered a room in his castle, the rest of the parade walked down the main street of the village just below. The prisoners were walked through the street with many onlookers spitting and throwing things at them. A couple of them were set aside, while the others walked to the main square to have their sentence read to them. On a stage, stood the judge with a scroll in his hand, which had the sentence for each and every one of the revolutionaries and White Phantoms that was captured. The judge read off to every man their sentence, which was to spend 50 years in the dungeon. Every man would walk up to the judge to listen to the same exact sentence. The few men that were set aside were going to be the lucky ones. The ones that won't have 50 years in the dungeon, but instead would get their lives handed to them on this day. This was the first part of the main course of this festival.
***
Inside the castle, Omin was inside a room that overlooked the platform, on which the festivities would take place. In fact, they were lining up the archers now. The men that had been set aside were all lined up on the stage and read their last rites. On the count of three, 40 archers unleashed a flurry of arrows, which didn't leave one man untouched. Omin looked out the window in anticipation. Into his room rushed in Ginko and Lord Kashyu with the news that the Royal Knights were back with the main course, Kenshi! A big smile formed on Omin's face and he just looked out of the window. He saw a big carriage with a cage on it being wheeled in towards the stage. In the cage stood Kenshi, tied up and gagged. People on the streets were chucking tomatoes at him and spitting at him. On the platform, greeted him his maker, Kagetsu. As Kenshi got closer and closer, Kagetsu started putting on his executioner mask. Kagetsu took off his trench coat and shirt to reveal his bare back. Kenshi's cage was unlocked and he was led to a table, on which he would be tortured. They started tying him up, while Kagetsu was preparing the instruments of pain. He unrolled a roll of different tools, from knives to drills. He showed each instrument to the crowd and waited for their cheer to put it down. The preparations were all finished and Kagetsu was set to do his work. Omin was still looking with Kashyu and Ginko joining in.
Kashyu: Oh my god! What is that horrible bruise on his back?
Omin: That's our new employee's mark.
Kashyu: He was able to do that to Kagetsu?
Omin: That's why I hired him!
Kagetsu continued the torture of Kenshi. He would pick up a tool and show it to the crowd. They would cheer loudly and he would apply it to Kenshi. Kenshi now wished that he was dead, but the torture was far from over. Eventually Kagetsu's torture became too gruesome for the crowd. Some onlookers started puking from the stench of dissection and blood. It was time for Kagetsu to wrap this up. He brought out the big axe and raised it above his head. Omin was watching this intently and a smile still remained on his face. This traitor would no what it was like to betray him. Suddenly, the door to Omin's room burst open and Takeshi came running in.
Takeshi: Majo is dead!
At that sound, Kagetsu's axe came down and Kenshi's head rolled to the ground.
***
It was night time now. The festival was over and the Generals of Omin's army assembled in the War Room. Kagetsu had finally made it back, since he had to go down to the river to wash himself off from all of the blood and guts. He was once again smoking his cigarette and listening intently on the conversation that was taking place.
Omin: I want to thank all of you for a battle well fought today. It's a good thing that we've finally weeded out our traitor and I want to thank Kagetsu for disposing of him. Wonderfully done!
The men all gave a cheer to Kagetsu, who only looked out the window.
Omin: But! We have more pressing matters today. Two matters of business on the plate today. Number one, Takeshi has informed me a little earlier today that our dear good friend Majo was killed today in his pursuit of the General of the White Phantoms, San. I want to assure you that we will take action on this and I want you Takeshi, to assure Majo's wife that revenge will be taken for her loss. Also tell her that we will have a lavish funeral for our good friend. This actually moves me into the next point of business. Kagetsu visited a village earlier today, where we have received confirmation of the employment of one Kouraseru. We'll have swift vengeance. That is all for now.
***
In a forest far away from Omin's castle, there was a bright flame lit. By the flame sat three warriors. San, Otake, and Renshaku were all sitting around eating their meat and getting ready to move the next day. The forest was very dark now, but the moon shone through somewhat. In the distance the breath of a man couldn't be seen on this wintry night. He stood behind a tree, eyeing the three men camped around the fire. This man looked like he was albino as his skin was totally white and his head was bald. He squinted his eyes and muttered something under his breath. He kneeled to the ground and picked up a ball of snow, which suddenly turned into a perfect, glowing sphere. He muttered some more words under his breath and an inscription could be seen in the ball, it was the kanji, (Death).