Chapter Twenty-Nine
Yokohama, Japan:

When he'd been a boy, Kobe had felt lost and alone in the orphanage. While he was not the only child without family ties or even a family name… he chafed under the indignity of being always second class among those who did have them. He'd grown up, an angry and embittered young man, filled with the need to prove his worth. He was often punished for starting fights with other orphans without due cause. It wasn't until the military came to the orphanage that he'd ever discovered what it meant to be a part of something wonderful.

Japan was gearing up for war with the imperialist Americans. There was a place in the military forces for all that wished it. It was here, that Kobe had acquired mentors and father figures in the stern officers, and brothers among the other young men being trained as pilots. He was finally complete, in his dedication to country and emperor. As a child, he'd reveled in the tales of the distant past, and the code of the samurai. As a pilot, he would give his all for his country.

Towards the end of the war, when things were getting desperate, he and several of his comrades volunteered to become part of the divine wind… kamikaze. They would deal out death from above by crashing their fuel-laden planes into the American ships. The gaijin would pay a heavy price for attacking Japan.

On the day of his mission, he'd humbly accepted the white silk scarf and bound his brow with prayers written on it in red ink. He'd prayed humbly at the shrine that he might acquit himself well, and had waved to others on the carrier as he'd climbed into his plane… ready to die for his emperor.

The flight had been reasonably short. Kobe had flown high in the clear sky, filled with a sense of righteousness. His target looked like a tiny toy boat lost on the face of the immense aquamarine ocean. When the command was given… he'd dived in the sure and certain belief that paradise awaited him. His life would at last have meaning… and his name honored on the wall of heroes.

The crash and resultant explosion he'd only barely been aware of. Kobe knew it would be a momentary pain… and then all would be well. He was wrong.

He awoke in hell. His body, wracked by pain was lost in a liquid reality that burned his skin. Again and again he gasped for breath and died. Again and again he awoke to a moment's hellish torture until at last… the pain faded… and he could breath once more. Looking around, he found himself floating alone on the face of the ocean. Even death had rejected him. He was unworthy. He ceased trying to float… determined to drown. But the waters of death did not receive him.

Again and again he tried until he felt himself pulled out of the water and laid on a stretcher. "He's one of ours," an unknown voice said. "But how? There's nothing here he could have come from."

A sudden explosion of pain in his head caused him to draw up into a ball as he coughed and spit seawater from his mouth.

"Take him below and let him sleep. I will speak with him later," came the voice of authority.

So it was that Kobe Shinaru came to meet Hikaru Masahiro and learned that they were immortal… and would one day fight for the prize.

"What is this prize?" Kobe had asked his teacher during the long years of his training.

"Perhaps it is only death," his teacher had said softly. "Perhaps it is an end of all things. Or perhaps it is a chance to grow old and die with honor."

Kobe had bowed humbly and felt his imagination inflamed. "Death and honor would be a very great prize indeed, Masahiro-sama," he replied. He'd faced several challenges through the decades that followed his revival. He was a veritable buzz saw of moves and intent. His challenges died quickly before him. He had yet to meet one whose will to be the best… to give all for the prize met his own. Now, today, having reached the age of one hundred, he had decided to achieve his goal. Once more he would challenge Masahiro. Surely he was at last worthy enough for his old master to accept the challenge. They would be alone. Darkness was already closing about them. Within the secluded walled garden, Kobe would challenge his master. Surely he was at last worthy to face death. Surely his master would not laugh and turn away. Kobe would not allow it. Not this time. Not tonight.

He paused on the path below the wide front porch over-looking the garden, instantly aware that Masahiro-sama was not alone. Kobe could feel others here… other immortals. And… he was certain… they felt him.

He postured on the garden path, sweeping his katana before him and issued his challenge. "I am Kobe. Let he who is without fear meet me in ritual combat."

In the lantern's light, he saw Masahiro rise and gaze at him sadly. "Go home Kobe. This is not the day to die."

"Then one of your guests, sensei. Surely one of them is without fear. I will not leave until one of you answers my challenge. I will, if necessary, wait on the road. I will not be put off!"

He heard the soft murmuring of voices in the darkness. Finally a tall gaijin stepped forward. "Is this what you truly seek?"

"Hai!" Kobe replied. "I seek an honorable combat."

"Would you not rather see the world?" the voice of the tall man asked.

"This world holds nothing for me. But I warn you. I will not go easily. You must best me!"

"Why?"

"There can be only one!" Kobe shouted. Obviously this gaijin was a fool. Then he saw him clearly as he stepped to the top of the stairs, a massive two-handed broadsword in his hands. Broad-shouldered with light brown hair, he stood confidently there and looked down at Kobe with a sad but thoughtful expression.

"Are you so certain about that?" the gaijin asked softly.

"Face me now if you have the courage!" Kobe shouted more insistently. Did this immortal understand nothing? "Let he who is the best emerge victorious and continue the fight for honor."

The man turned and said something to Masahiro, who gestured as if to grant his permission. The gaijin bowed and descended the steps. His woman, if she were indeed his, rose with a cry. Masahiro held her back, admonishing her to obey the rules. "Challenge tendered and challenge accepted. You cannot interfere."

"Ya don't understand," she cried.

By this time the tall man stood easily before Kobe. He bowed slightly. "Derrick Foster."

Kobe hissed and gave his name. "Prepare yourself gaijin," he warned and then attacked.

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For Amber, it was nightmare. Just as when he'd faced Caspar Wingate a few months ago, Amber feared for Derrick. He didn't know… he didn't understand what might happen. She kicked herself mentally that she'd never fully explained the loss of self that could happen. Sure… Derrick could likely defeat the other immortal… but did he have the ability to kill him? Would he be prepared for what happened after? She fought to claw her way free of Masahiro's iron grip.

"Ya don't understand! He's not ready for this!"

"Then it is time he was," Masahiro explained. "Kobe will offer no quarter… nor will he accept it if offered. It is a fight to the death. It is an honorable challenge."

Amber froze. She stopped struggling as the two combatants circled around one another and moved away from the house and down into the dark garden, lit here and there by lanterns in the trees. It was a wonderland… but one that would soon be a killing ground. She could taste bitter bile in her mouth. She moaned and shook her head, wanting to look away… but fearful of doing so. Without even being aware of it… as the initial blows were traded, Amber held her breath.

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Watching his opponent's economical moves and lack of tells, Derrick realized that despite Kobe's relative youth, he was well trained. He noted a few of Masahiro's trademark moves in Kobe's opening. As his opponent swung down on him, Derrick, instead of mounting a block or a defense, moved swiftly to the left. He watched as Kobe wheeled on him immediately, stopping the follow-through of his attack and altering it to a defensive one. He evidently fully expected Derrick to attempt a blow to his open side. He seemed rather surprised when Derrick did nothing.

After a torrent of curses which evidently held Derrick's non-existent parents in low regard, Kobe shifted back and stood sideways, his katana seemingly at rest. His dark eyes glittered, as he remained perfectly still, awaiting Derrick's next move.

Derrick smiled inwardly. Masahiro had taught him that fights are often fought without a blow being struck. That sometimes, one can see the entire fight in the movements of an opponent's eyes. Derrick kept his still, and focused on Kobe who did the same. It was a waiting game now… one that would play out in their minds. One that would be decided quickly when one of them made a move.

In the heat of the summer night, Derrick felt perspiration form and begin to trickle down the side of his face. He refused to blink it away, letting it pool slightly in his left eye before runneling down his cheek and dripping from his chin. Likely Kobe was feeling the same. Derrick heard mosquitoes buzzing in the dark. Soon… one would land and begin to feed.

On the porch of Masahiro's house, Derrick could hear Amber's protestations. But he had no time to even glance at her. To do so would be to give Kobe an advantage. Unless…? Derrick's mind flickered through several scenarios… yet each of them seemed to end in a draw. Unless he knew more about Kobe's abilities… this fight was already a draw. But he wanted it to be a draw… didn't he? Around Kobe, Derrick could sense the black and angry aura of someone in deep emotional pain. Did this man truly want to die? Derrick didn't think so. Surely… if he could offer another way… Kobe would listen. But he'd have to get him to listen. His decision made, Derrick stepped right… letting his left foot cross over before his right as he twirled the Great Sword in his hands, letting one hand and then the other grasp the hilt as he moved it. For a moment… some fleeting memory crossed his mind and he could almost hear and sense the battle raging around him. He pushed the memory away. His battle was here… and now.

Kobe's eyes widened slightly. He changed his relaxed stance to one with the katana overhead… the sharp edge to heaven. He was ready to either block Derrick's stroke… or to remove his head. Derrick continued moving to the right, his blue eyes never leaving Kobe's dark ones. "What do you hope to gain?" Derrick asked.

"Honor!" Kobe assured him with a snarl.

"Are you so certain of that?" Derrick continued.

Kobe yelled and sliced forward and down. Derrick moved out of the way and slammed the Great Sword flat against Kobe's back so that he struggled for his balance. Angrily Kobe whipped around so that the two blades met with a fearsome clang! Three times the blades met… each blow deftly blocked and parried.

The combatants withdrew. Kobe shook the sweat dripping from his hair onto his face away and curled a lip. Derrick resumed his sideways movement and the hypnotic twirl of the Great Sword. Again at his back… he could hear battle sounds. It was unnerving. Again he focused his attention on his opponent. Whatever this was bothering him… it would have to wait.

Kobe hissed, noting Derrick's momentary inattention and attacked again. Again… Derrick managed to evade the blow and to deflect the katana. They traded a few more blows before withdrawing. By this time, the smaller Kobe found he was breathing in burning gasps of air. This gaijin was both well trained… and despite the feel to him as one who had little experience… he was physically strong. Kobe smiled. This might yet be an interesting match.

He drew in a deep breath and pivoted to follow Derrick's movements… all the while continuing to hold his katana steady over his head again. He tried not to blink… or look at where he wanted to go… or where he thought Derrick might be moving.

Derrick suddenly pulled back and raised the Great Sword behind him with both hands. His weight was on his rear leg. He was as ready as he would ever be. He'd seen enough in the few moves he'd drawn out of Kobe. It wasn't much… but it was enough. Then he launched forward… swinging with both arms as powerfully as he could.

Kobe grinned. He had him… He saw the opening and stepped forward… pulling his katana down swiftly and powerfully.

Derrick's lunge turned sideways as the katana came down as he expected. He shifted the Great Sword forward and gave it a twist, circling the katana and catching it up in a disarming movement that Methos had once taught him. The katana flew into the air. Derrick reached out and caught it even as he laid the Great Sword on Kobe's neck. As he caught the katana… he laid it on the other side. "Want to talk?"

Kobe's mouth moved up and down… but no sound came out at first. He glanced each way at the swords poised and ready to end his existence if he even moved. "You want to talk?" he finally said. "I have nothing to say." Choosing his own blade, as he knew how sharp the edge was… he dove to his right. Derrick flinched a moment and then, as the blade sliced partially through his opponent's neck… pulled it back.

"Finish it!" thundered Masahiro from the porch. "You cannot leave him like that."

Derrick saw that Kobe's eyes had rolled back until only the whites shown. Besides blood, there was a thin line of bright light along his opponent's neck. The sounds of battle at Derrick's back were silenced. He could once more hear the hum of the mosquitoes. Kobe weaved around for a moment… still on his feet… not quite dead… not quite alive. Derrick grimaced at the sight, then mercifully swung the katana in again.

Head and body easily parted company. For a moment that was all. The head hit the earth with a thud and rolled a few feet away. The body slumped slowly down. Derrick glanced up at the porch as if seeking answers. Then he saw it… as he'd seen it that day so long before on a beach in France… the slow emanation of power from the neck of the defeated. Like a mist rising from water on a cool morning… blue-white it rose in the darkness. For a moment it seemed to hang ghostlike in the air… then it began to glow, shot through with small bursts of energy. Derrick dropped the katana and stepped back nervously. The glowing mist kept rising and coalescing until it was all about him. He waved his hands at it. As if in answer to his movement, it seemed to head heavenward and circle about him before diving into him… much as Kobe's airplane had once dived into the American destroyer. It exploded about Derrick and he stumbled backward… unable to breath. Then it exploded out of him in dozens of thick tendrils that starburst about him like the fireworks of the ancient Chinese.

Derrick had never felt so lost… and so uncertain of himself. Who am I? Visions of Kobe's life and the lives of the two dozen or so immortals he'd killed in his century of life whisked through his mind like a film on fast forward. Interspersed with the visions… many oddly in black and white… were visions of startling color and clarity… of ancient battles and of unrestrained bloodshed. He fell to his knees as the screams of horses and the cries of the dying about him filled his ears. Slumping to one side as the explosions ended… and the lightning faded, he twitched in unbelievable agony as the visions fought for supremacy in his mind.

He felt the unbelievable presence of another and lifted both hands to his head as he groaned. Amber's soothing voice worked its way into his struggle. "Relax… don't fight it. Make it part of ya." He shivered and pulled into himself… unable to bear her nearness. He rolled away… feeling as though he were drowning in time.

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Masahiro grunted as he watched Amber cradle young Derrick's head. The young man was unusual… he'd felt it years before when he'd trained him… but in his two centuries of life… he'd never seen any of them react to a quickening in this manner. Of course… all handled it differently. He sighed as he stood looking down at the head and body of Kobe Shinaru. His young pupil had always felt cheated somehow that an honorable death eluded him. Well he'd found it now.

Masahiro strode purposely to the small garden shed. They'd have to deal with the body quickly… before first light. Thankfully… he'd always been prepared for such an eventuality. He hoped that any neighbors who'd seen or heard the explosions would think of them as someone setting off small fireworks. He pulled two shovels from the shed, tossing one on the ground next to Derrick and amber. "I require assistance."

Amber glared up at him a moment, pausing in her soothing words and her caressing of Derrick's brow. The young man moaned in his delirium as he shuddered in her arms. "He needs me," she spat at Masahiro.

"It must be done!" The immortal turned and strode to a small area of tilled earth beneath a cherry tree and began to dig.

A few moments later Derrick opened his eyes and gazed mournfully up at Amber. "What have I done?"

"What we all do," she replied. "Fight for our lives."

Derrick closed his eyes once more and nodded… then sat up. Seeing the shovel laying there, he grabbed it as he rose and stumbled over to his former teacher to help him with the digging.

By dawn, they'd dug the hole, placed Kobe's head and body within it, covered it with lye, and then filled it in.

Amber watched Derrick go through motions as if he were on autopilot. His sense of humor and his positive attitude apparently banished… at least for the moment.

Once the ground had been raked smooth, and a few disturbed plants returned to their positions so that nothing looked disturbed, the three immortals stood quietly over the grave.

Masahiro took a deep breath, seeming to growl slightly as he exhaled it. "You spoke of traveling. Today I think would be a good day to leave this place."

"What about someone finding this?" Amber asked.

"It may be found eventually. But I will not sell the property or deed it to anyone for a number of years, nor let anyone live here. I will likely deed it to myself in a few decades and return once all those living in this area have returned to their ancestors."

"Do you think we have them?" Derrick asked morosely and then glanced hopefully at Masahiro. "Ancestors… I mean. Were there those who were before us?"

Masahiro shrugged. "Does it matter? We are what we are. Come, let us bathe and leave before my housekeeper arrives for the day."

"You're coming with us, then?"

Masahiro paused on his way back to the house. "Hai! I think that might be a wise idea. I had thought to travel into China for a bit… but I will sail with you for a time. I would see how this group of immortals exist without fighting… without the game."

For the first time since taking Kobe's head, Derrick smiled.

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