Episode 4: A Frozen Torment
The night was dark and ominous. Normally, the reflection of the moon on the snow would lighten the forest, but the skies were overcast and even the strongest ray of light couldn't penetrate the clouds. Snow was still coming down heavily and the only thing that illuminated the forest was a bonfire, which was set in a clearing. Around the fire, three men sat, intently listening to their surroundings. The horses were tied to a tree, while the three men felt an intense paranoia. Every little sound would startle them. San, Renshaku, and Otake were all ready to ride away on any suspicious trigger. Their only source of food was that, which they had hunted. This night they managed to hunt down a deer, which could feed all of them quite fully. Now sitting around the bonfire, they ate their meat and kept quiet. Otake finally broke the silence.
Otake: San, what are we going to do next? Are we going to run away? Or will we join back with the troops?
Renshaku: I don't think we can join back with the Phantoms just yet. We have to hide for now.
San: Renshaku. I'm surprised. You were the one who told me that orders have to be broken sometimes. What made you change your mind?
Renshaku: It just seems like we still have unfinished business. If we were to go back to camp, we might put our brethren in danger. Of course, the decision is yours San.
San: We won't join back with our comrades. If the Leader can't take care of Omin, then I will kill my brother personally. I will not feel serenity until my brother rests in peace.
Renshaku: Well you know that Otake and I are behind you fully. Right, Otake?
There was no reply from the third member of the party. He just sat there looking oddly at the fire. He was sweating and San picked up on it pretty quickly. It was a very frigid night and something had to be wrong for Otake to sweat.
San: Are you alright Otake? You seem a bit out of it. is it a fever?
Then a flash of the future hit San. He didn't understand exactly what he saw, but he knew that it was trouble, anyway you look at it.
San: Everybody, get down!!
Before he could finish the sentence, Otake's body shattered, as a ball of what looked like ice, passed through him and hit a nearby tree, completely freezing it. San realized that his flash into the future had foretold exactly of this moment. Renshaku and San both knew that Otake was dead, but they understood that this wasn't the time to mourn. This was the way of the ninja. The next ball came at them with great speed, so there was no time to counter attack, only to dodge. Renshaku and San both jumped their separate ways to avoid the fate that befell their comrade earlier. Another tree now stood frozen. Both Renshaku and San drew their swords and now kneeled looking around the forest, trying to find their enemy. It was eerie that there was no sound coming from anywhere. The forest stood still as the two tried to find their enemy. A tree branch shook and some snow fell to the ground. With no sound, they saw the figure of a man coming straight down at the bon fire that they had set earlier. Instead of landing in the flames, the man stood on top of the now frozen over fire.
Renshaku: Who are you!? Who sent you? What is your purpose here!?
San: In the name of our friend, we will avenge his death!
The man smiled at them both. He stood tall in the night, his body gleaming from the snow. San noticed that the man had a scar over his eye and he understood what the purpose of this enemy was.
Kouraseru: Those who are about to taste death have no need to know my name.
He looked once at San and a big smile formed on his face again. Then turning his head he noticed Renshaku and knew it was the time to attack. Without further delay, Kouraseru jumped in the direction of Renshaku. Trying to defend himself, Renshaku brought his sword up to face the blow of the freeze man. Kouraseru's palm touched the sword and it froze over. With a punch, the sword shattered and Renshaku now stood defenseless. Kouraseru uppercut Renshaku and sent him flying to the ground. Renshaku was still not totally out of it and got up. Kouraseru smiled and licked his lips as if the prey was giving him joy. He didn't like it when they didn't put up a fight at all. With a swift roundhouse kick, Renshaku was sent flying into a nearby frozen tree. As he slammed his head into the tree, it started falling to the ground since its roots had been totally frozen and the tree was dead.
Kouraseru: One down. one to go.
Just by sensing San's body heat, Kouraseru knew that San was right behind him, ready to stab. Quickly turning around, he grabbed San's arm. San's arm suddenly felt very tingly, almost as if the blood in it was starting to freeze. He dropped the kunai and kicked Kouraseru in the stomach as to catapult himself away from the man.
Kouraseru: That's the closest anyone has come to killing me in two hundred years. I'll give you credit for being a worthy opponent.
San: Your battle was with me, not with my friends! Now let's finish this!
Kouraseru: (chuckles) This battle has just now begun my friend!
Kouraseru launched himself at San and was only met with San's fist. Kouraseru was knocked back a bit, but re-launched the attack immediately. San pulled out three kunai and, accurately aiming, threw them right at Kouraseru's head. As they approached the frozen man, their movement was stopped and they fell to the ground. Kouraseru stretched out his arm and held his palm open towards San. He fired a blast of ice at an incredible speed. San had no time to dodge and sheathing his sword, he brought it out to block the shot. The sheath froze, but San now pulled out the sword and attacked Kouraseru. San didn't have the time to bring the blade down as Kouraseru launched a barrage of ice blasts. He just barely dodged the first and then he had to go on the defensive again. He understood that this battle had to be fought in close range, but he couldn't get close to the man right now. San ran through the forest with Kouraseru hot on his trail. As San ran at top speed, hoping to lose, Kouraseru, all that the freeze man saw was the body heat of San running and jumping from tree to tree. Kouraseru jumped from tree to tree behind San and fired blasts. Every tree that his blasts touched would just shatter after turning to solid ice. San could feel everything around him getting colder. He had to watch his step so that he didn't fall from a branch and hit the ground, falling to his death. Everything was becoming blurry as his adrenaline raced. Kouraseru smiled to himself and shot a blast ahead of San, missing San purposely. The next branch San was going to touch, was now frozen and San had no way of avoiding it. Stepping on the branch, San felt it shatter under his feet and a sickening feeling of death swept over him. He started falling at an incredible rate. He couldn't give up now though. he had to think of a way to save himself. Without any delay, he took out two shurikens and launched them above at a branch. They wrapped around the branch with a string attached to both of them. San held tight to the two strings and as they snapped to full extension, he was jerked upwards. Releasing the strings, San fell to the ground safely, with the snow cushioning his fall. Kouraseru's eyes lit up with fury. He wanted to finish San off quick, but because of this new development, it looked like he would have to continue this fight. San started getting up from the snow, but before he could get to his feet, Kouraseru sent him flying further into the forest, after a dropkick. San lay face down, motionless in the snow and Kouraseru approached him.
Kouraseru: And things were just starting to get interesting. I don't know what Omin saw in you.
Suddenly, a smile formed on San's face and he opened his eyes.
San: So it was my brother that sent you!
His next action brought Kouraseru to the ground. San got onto his hands as if he was doing a hand stand and grabbed Kouraseru's head with his feet. He then somersaulted Kouraseru's body behind him, pulling off the "Franken Steiner". Now the positions were reversed and it was San that was standing, while Kouraseru lay in the snow on his back. San brought his sword over to where Kouraseru lay and made a quick, downward stabbing motion at Kouraseru's throat. Instead of dodging the blow, Kouraseru used his legs to kick San in the face and knocked him back a bit. Then, using his massive body strength, Kouraseru jumped back onto his feet. He turned to face San again. Blood was starting to trickle down his face. He smiled once more and then got into a very weird stance. His feet were shoulder width apart and he was crouching a bit. His hands were by his stomach. With one hand, Kouraseru was gathering something, while with the other hand he was shaping it. In between his hands, a ball of ice was starting to form from all of the cold energy that was surrounding the two warriors. Snow from the ground, ice particles from the air, and wind were all combining into a perfectly shaped ice ball. With a few last touches, the kanji for death was imprinted on the inside. Kouraseru looked at San once more and then shot the ice ball at him. Without wasting time, San flipped backwards avoiding the ball that was coming right at him. As he landed on his feet, Kouraseru was right in front and with the motion of one finger an icy substance formed in the air. Kouraseru performed a slashing motion with his finger, and a layer of ice formed in San's eyes. Kouraseru then side kicked San in the chest and sent him spiraling towards a tree. The impact was so great that the tree just lost its balance and started falling over. Kouraseru then ran at San in a tackling motion and picked him up by the waist. As if matters couldn't get any worse for San, Kouraseru slammed him into yet another tree, followed by another. After about six trees, Kouraseru released San, who still managed to stand on his feet somehow. Kouraseru smiled once more and then speared San into the ground. Crouching over San, Kouraseru brought his right arm up, and his nails started forming into very durable icicles.
Kouraseru: Your stamina and wit are amazing. And, you did put up quite a fight, but in the end, there was no real comparison between our strengths. Thank you for making this fun!
With the final words, Kouraseru started the downward motion of his hand as to impale San. Suddenly, he felt a shadow appear behind him and the body heat scorched him. He quickly, chopped off his icicles and ran off into the forest, leaving San lying in the snow, badly beaten and battered.
***
Takeshi rode through the forests under the overcast skies. The news he was going to deliver was not of the happy variety. He thought to himself about his good friend Majo. Of all the good times they had, of how loyal the man was, and of how great of a fighter he was. Takeshi was not one to cry, but this had brought out a tear even from him. To fight battles was one thing. To lose your own life was one thing. But, to lose a good friend was something totally different. It's only then that Takeshi realized the true definition of war. He remembered the "Twenty Four Day Battle", how Omin, Kagetsu, Kenshi, and Kashyu all put their greatest efforts into fighting against the Revolutionaries. Majo and Takeshi both served on the front lines and it was out of their performance there that moved them up the ranks to serve by Omin's side. A tear came down his face and he just brushed it off with his hand. The horse was wearing a Royal cloak, which flapped in the wind as they rode through the country side. Takeshi felt in his pocket the silver medallion, which was a great honor to have from Omin. It was the medallion that proved a man's bravery and loyalty to the cause. Takeshi's order was to deliver this to Majo's wife. He then remembered about Omin's request for him to take some men for protection. Takeshi had rejected the request, but he knew that Omin had sent some troops anyway. They were well hidden, but he could tell.
Takeshi: (at the top of his lungs) If anyone of you gets in my sight, during my encounter with the widow, I will personally see to it that you won't make it back to the castle!
Still reminiscing about the past he finally made it to the Shindaku Forest. Just beyond this forest lay the Kargin Hills, where Majo's house was. It was almost time to face the woman behind Majo. The truth is that every great man had a great woman behind him and this woman was a solid backbone to the foundation. He rode silently the rest of the way and finally arrived at his destination a little past eight o'clock at night. Disembarking from his horse he slowly approached the house. For a brief period the moon shone through the clouds and lighted the house. Snow started pouring heavier as if to imitate the mood that Takeshi was in right now. He came up the steps of the wooden lodge and knocked on the door. A beautiful woman opened the door. She was absolutely stunning except for the horrible scar that lay over her left eye, the "Scar of Dreams". Around her neck she had a beautiful necklace with a black gem hanging in the center.
Takeshi: Aiko. I'm..
Aiko: The gem already told me. Come in Take-kun. Make yourself at home. I will get us some sake.
Takeshi: Thank you Aiko. I'm very sorry about his untimely passing and I really have to admit to you.. It was my fault that he died!
Aiko: Now, now. don't say such foolish things. Every man has his own destiny and Majo's destiny will be revealed to us soon enough.
Aiko came back from the kitchen with two cups and a pitcher of sake. The two of them sat and drank, while discussing and reminiscing about Majo.
Takeshi: Don't worry about a thing, Aiko. Omin will be preparing a beautiful funeral for your husband and for the man that killed him. He has sent out West County's best assassin, Kouraseru to find and kill that bastard!
Aiko: Oh. Kouraseru you say? Yes. I've heard that name. I thought it was a myth, but I guess that man has lived for 500 some odd years now, cursed with immortality. Let's just hope that he can get the job done, because I see bad things on the horizon.
Takeshi looked into Aiko's eyes and it was almost like he saw the sun in them, the sun rising over the horizon. This woman was going to get her revenge and Takeshi would see to it. He would spend the night at her house and then ride out early the next morning with her, to take her back to the castle for the funeral. The funeral was set for two days after their meeting. It was going to be a long ride back.
***
A heavy cold covered his body. He could barely move himself. After opening his eyes, he still saw black and it took him some strength to pull his arms out of the snow and then brush of his face. He finally saw daylight. It had only been last night that he had fought against that horrible man, Kouraseru. San still lay in the snow and felt numbness all over his body. Suddenly the wait was starting to lift off of him. He couldn't hear much yet, but he could make out the figure of his good friend Renshaku, trying to get him out of the snow. After what seemed like hours, San was finally resting against a tree trying to clear out his mind and to listen to what Renshaku was trying to say.
Renshaku: It's good to see that you're still alive San. I haven't felt such ferocity from a man, since we fought at the Battle for Itachi Hill, where that bastard Kagetsu.
San: Quiet. I can't listen to this right now.
Renshaku: Is something wrong San? Are you hurt badly?
San: I am wounded Renshaku! But it goes past my physical wounds. My pride has been wounded and I seek vengeance against him. Nobody saw our battle besides me and that man. Round two will be on my terms.
Renshaku: Well. speaking of the battle last night. it seems there was yet another observer because I found this next to your body. A note just for you.
San: Let me look at it.
Renshaku handed the note to San and San read it carefully and a concerned expression formed over his face. Whoever this person was, he knew the ice man's weakness!
The night was dark and ominous. Normally, the reflection of the moon on the snow would lighten the forest, but the skies were overcast and even the strongest ray of light couldn't penetrate the clouds. Snow was still coming down heavily and the only thing that illuminated the forest was a bonfire, which was set in a clearing. Around the fire, three men sat, intently listening to their surroundings. The horses were tied to a tree, while the three men felt an intense paranoia. Every little sound would startle them. San, Renshaku, and Otake were all ready to ride away on any suspicious trigger. Their only source of food was that, which they had hunted. This night they managed to hunt down a deer, which could feed all of them quite fully. Now sitting around the bonfire, they ate their meat and kept quiet. Otake finally broke the silence.
Otake: San, what are we going to do next? Are we going to run away? Or will we join back with the troops?
Renshaku: I don't think we can join back with the Phantoms just yet. We have to hide for now.
San: Renshaku. I'm surprised. You were the one who told me that orders have to be broken sometimes. What made you change your mind?
Renshaku: It just seems like we still have unfinished business. If we were to go back to camp, we might put our brethren in danger. Of course, the decision is yours San.
San: We won't join back with our comrades. If the Leader can't take care of Omin, then I will kill my brother personally. I will not feel serenity until my brother rests in peace.
Renshaku: Well you know that Otake and I are behind you fully. Right, Otake?
There was no reply from the third member of the party. He just sat there looking oddly at the fire. He was sweating and San picked up on it pretty quickly. It was a very frigid night and something had to be wrong for Otake to sweat.
San: Are you alright Otake? You seem a bit out of it. is it a fever?
Then a flash of the future hit San. He didn't understand exactly what he saw, but he knew that it was trouble, anyway you look at it.
San: Everybody, get down!!
Before he could finish the sentence, Otake's body shattered, as a ball of what looked like ice, passed through him and hit a nearby tree, completely freezing it. San realized that his flash into the future had foretold exactly of this moment. Renshaku and San both knew that Otake was dead, but they understood that this wasn't the time to mourn. This was the way of the ninja. The next ball came at them with great speed, so there was no time to counter attack, only to dodge. Renshaku and San both jumped their separate ways to avoid the fate that befell their comrade earlier. Another tree now stood frozen. Both Renshaku and San drew their swords and now kneeled looking around the forest, trying to find their enemy. It was eerie that there was no sound coming from anywhere. The forest stood still as the two tried to find their enemy. A tree branch shook and some snow fell to the ground. With no sound, they saw the figure of a man coming straight down at the bon fire that they had set earlier. Instead of landing in the flames, the man stood on top of the now frozen over fire.
Renshaku: Who are you!? Who sent you? What is your purpose here!?
San: In the name of our friend, we will avenge his death!
The man smiled at them both. He stood tall in the night, his body gleaming from the snow. San noticed that the man had a scar over his eye and he understood what the purpose of this enemy was.
Kouraseru: Those who are about to taste death have no need to know my name.
He looked once at San and a big smile formed on his face again. Then turning his head he noticed Renshaku and knew it was the time to attack. Without further delay, Kouraseru jumped in the direction of Renshaku. Trying to defend himself, Renshaku brought his sword up to face the blow of the freeze man. Kouraseru's palm touched the sword and it froze over. With a punch, the sword shattered and Renshaku now stood defenseless. Kouraseru uppercut Renshaku and sent him flying to the ground. Renshaku was still not totally out of it and got up. Kouraseru smiled and licked his lips as if the prey was giving him joy. He didn't like it when they didn't put up a fight at all. With a swift roundhouse kick, Renshaku was sent flying into a nearby frozen tree. As he slammed his head into the tree, it started falling to the ground since its roots had been totally frozen and the tree was dead.
Kouraseru: One down. one to go.
Just by sensing San's body heat, Kouraseru knew that San was right behind him, ready to stab. Quickly turning around, he grabbed San's arm. San's arm suddenly felt very tingly, almost as if the blood in it was starting to freeze. He dropped the kunai and kicked Kouraseru in the stomach as to catapult himself away from the man.
Kouraseru: That's the closest anyone has come to killing me in two hundred years. I'll give you credit for being a worthy opponent.
San: Your battle was with me, not with my friends! Now let's finish this!
Kouraseru: (chuckles) This battle has just now begun my friend!
Kouraseru launched himself at San and was only met with San's fist. Kouraseru was knocked back a bit, but re-launched the attack immediately. San pulled out three kunai and, accurately aiming, threw them right at Kouraseru's head. As they approached the frozen man, their movement was stopped and they fell to the ground. Kouraseru stretched out his arm and held his palm open towards San. He fired a blast of ice at an incredible speed. San had no time to dodge and sheathing his sword, he brought it out to block the shot. The sheath froze, but San now pulled out the sword and attacked Kouraseru. San didn't have the time to bring the blade down as Kouraseru launched a barrage of ice blasts. He just barely dodged the first and then he had to go on the defensive again. He understood that this battle had to be fought in close range, but he couldn't get close to the man right now. San ran through the forest with Kouraseru hot on his trail. As San ran at top speed, hoping to lose, Kouraseru, all that the freeze man saw was the body heat of San running and jumping from tree to tree. Kouraseru jumped from tree to tree behind San and fired blasts. Every tree that his blasts touched would just shatter after turning to solid ice. San could feel everything around him getting colder. He had to watch his step so that he didn't fall from a branch and hit the ground, falling to his death. Everything was becoming blurry as his adrenaline raced. Kouraseru smiled to himself and shot a blast ahead of San, missing San purposely. The next branch San was going to touch, was now frozen and San had no way of avoiding it. Stepping on the branch, San felt it shatter under his feet and a sickening feeling of death swept over him. He started falling at an incredible rate. He couldn't give up now though. he had to think of a way to save himself. Without any delay, he took out two shurikens and launched them above at a branch. They wrapped around the branch with a string attached to both of them. San held tight to the two strings and as they snapped to full extension, he was jerked upwards. Releasing the strings, San fell to the ground safely, with the snow cushioning his fall. Kouraseru's eyes lit up with fury. He wanted to finish San off quick, but because of this new development, it looked like he would have to continue this fight. San started getting up from the snow, but before he could get to his feet, Kouraseru sent him flying further into the forest, after a dropkick. San lay face down, motionless in the snow and Kouraseru approached him.
Kouraseru: And things were just starting to get interesting. I don't know what Omin saw in you.
Suddenly, a smile formed on San's face and he opened his eyes.
San: So it was my brother that sent you!
His next action brought Kouraseru to the ground. San got onto his hands as if he was doing a hand stand and grabbed Kouraseru's head with his feet. He then somersaulted Kouraseru's body behind him, pulling off the "Franken Steiner". Now the positions were reversed and it was San that was standing, while Kouraseru lay in the snow on his back. San brought his sword over to where Kouraseru lay and made a quick, downward stabbing motion at Kouraseru's throat. Instead of dodging the blow, Kouraseru used his legs to kick San in the face and knocked him back a bit. Then, using his massive body strength, Kouraseru jumped back onto his feet. He turned to face San again. Blood was starting to trickle down his face. He smiled once more and then got into a very weird stance. His feet were shoulder width apart and he was crouching a bit. His hands were by his stomach. With one hand, Kouraseru was gathering something, while with the other hand he was shaping it. In between his hands, a ball of ice was starting to form from all of the cold energy that was surrounding the two warriors. Snow from the ground, ice particles from the air, and wind were all combining into a perfectly shaped ice ball. With a few last touches, the kanji for death was imprinted on the inside. Kouraseru looked at San once more and then shot the ice ball at him. Without wasting time, San flipped backwards avoiding the ball that was coming right at him. As he landed on his feet, Kouraseru was right in front and with the motion of one finger an icy substance formed in the air. Kouraseru performed a slashing motion with his finger, and a layer of ice formed in San's eyes. Kouraseru then side kicked San in the chest and sent him spiraling towards a tree. The impact was so great that the tree just lost its balance and started falling over. Kouraseru then ran at San in a tackling motion and picked him up by the waist. As if matters couldn't get any worse for San, Kouraseru slammed him into yet another tree, followed by another. After about six trees, Kouraseru released San, who still managed to stand on his feet somehow. Kouraseru smiled once more and then speared San into the ground. Crouching over San, Kouraseru brought his right arm up, and his nails started forming into very durable icicles.
Kouraseru: Your stamina and wit are amazing. And, you did put up quite a fight, but in the end, there was no real comparison between our strengths. Thank you for making this fun!
With the final words, Kouraseru started the downward motion of his hand as to impale San. Suddenly, he felt a shadow appear behind him and the body heat scorched him. He quickly, chopped off his icicles and ran off into the forest, leaving San lying in the snow, badly beaten and battered.
***
Takeshi rode through the forests under the overcast skies. The news he was going to deliver was not of the happy variety. He thought to himself about his good friend Majo. Of all the good times they had, of how loyal the man was, and of how great of a fighter he was. Takeshi was not one to cry, but this had brought out a tear even from him. To fight battles was one thing. To lose your own life was one thing. But, to lose a good friend was something totally different. It's only then that Takeshi realized the true definition of war. He remembered the "Twenty Four Day Battle", how Omin, Kagetsu, Kenshi, and Kashyu all put their greatest efforts into fighting against the Revolutionaries. Majo and Takeshi both served on the front lines and it was out of their performance there that moved them up the ranks to serve by Omin's side. A tear came down his face and he just brushed it off with his hand. The horse was wearing a Royal cloak, which flapped in the wind as they rode through the country side. Takeshi felt in his pocket the silver medallion, which was a great honor to have from Omin. It was the medallion that proved a man's bravery and loyalty to the cause. Takeshi's order was to deliver this to Majo's wife. He then remembered about Omin's request for him to take some men for protection. Takeshi had rejected the request, but he knew that Omin had sent some troops anyway. They were well hidden, but he could tell.
Takeshi: (at the top of his lungs) If anyone of you gets in my sight, during my encounter with the widow, I will personally see to it that you won't make it back to the castle!
Still reminiscing about the past he finally made it to the Shindaku Forest. Just beyond this forest lay the Kargin Hills, where Majo's house was. It was almost time to face the woman behind Majo. The truth is that every great man had a great woman behind him and this woman was a solid backbone to the foundation. He rode silently the rest of the way and finally arrived at his destination a little past eight o'clock at night. Disembarking from his horse he slowly approached the house. For a brief period the moon shone through the clouds and lighted the house. Snow started pouring heavier as if to imitate the mood that Takeshi was in right now. He came up the steps of the wooden lodge and knocked on the door. A beautiful woman opened the door. She was absolutely stunning except for the horrible scar that lay over her left eye, the "Scar of Dreams". Around her neck she had a beautiful necklace with a black gem hanging in the center.
Takeshi: Aiko. I'm..
Aiko: The gem already told me. Come in Take-kun. Make yourself at home. I will get us some sake.
Takeshi: Thank you Aiko. I'm very sorry about his untimely passing and I really have to admit to you.. It was my fault that he died!
Aiko: Now, now. don't say such foolish things. Every man has his own destiny and Majo's destiny will be revealed to us soon enough.
Aiko came back from the kitchen with two cups and a pitcher of sake. The two of them sat and drank, while discussing and reminiscing about Majo.
Takeshi: Don't worry about a thing, Aiko. Omin will be preparing a beautiful funeral for your husband and for the man that killed him. He has sent out West County's best assassin, Kouraseru to find and kill that bastard!
Aiko: Oh. Kouraseru you say? Yes. I've heard that name. I thought it was a myth, but I guess that man has lived for 500 some odd years now, cursed with immortality. Let's just hope that he can get the job done, because I see bad things on the horizon.
Takeshi looked into Aiko's eyes and it was almost like he saw the sun in them, the sun rising over the horizon. This woman was going to get her revenge and Takeshi would see to it. He would spend the night at her house and then ride out early the next morning with her, to take her back to the castle for the funeral. The funeral was set for two days after their meeting. It was going to be a long ride back.
***
A heavy cold covered his body. He could barely move himself. After opening his eyes, he still saw black and it took him some strength to pull his arms out of the snow and then brush of his face. He finally saw daylight. It had only been last night that he had fought against that horrible man, Kouraseru. San still lay in the snow and felt numbness all over his body. Suddenly the wait was starting to lift off of him. He couldn't hear much yet, but he could make out the figure of his good friend Renshaku, trying to get him out of the snow. After what seemed like hours, San was finally resting against a tree trying to clear out his mind and to listen to what Renshaku was trying to say.
Renshaku: It's good to see that you're still alive San. I haven't felt such ferocity from a man, since we fought at the Battle for Itachi Hill, where that bastard Kagetsu.
San: Quiet. I can't listen to this right now.
Renshaku: Is something wrong San? Are you hurt badly?
San: I am wounded Renshaku! But it goes past my physical wounds. My pride has been wounded and I seek vengeance against him. Nobody saw our battle besides me and that man. Round two will be on my terms.
Renshaku: Well. speaking of the battle last night. it seems there was yet another observer because I found this next to your body. A note just for you.
San: Let me look at it.
Renshaku handed the note to San and San read it carefully and a concerned expression formed over his face. Whoever this person was, he knew the ice man's weakness!