Dusk in China, and in a remote mountainous area of Han, two men are eating and drinking on the hillside along a valley cut in by an ancient stream. The long crescent valley bears lush green vegetation on all sides, it lays east to west, so the sun shines longer here in this valley than in any other.
"What's that Master?" says one man to the other, pointing downhill. Down on the valley floor, a lone figure wearing a red cloak, weaves through the trees along the stream towards a small mining village.
"Hmm, runs like a woman, from a tiger..." the master jokes.
The apprentice turns toward his master, with a mouthful of food and he asks, "How can you tell Master?"
"Many tigers, look!" The master points to the trees behind the red cloak. A dozen dark figures, moving in tandem, pursue the red cape.
"What is it Master?" the apprentice asks.
The master finishes his bread and grunts, "Ready the horses."
"Yes Master," the servant stands up and begins loading the packs and straps his master's quiver to his horse, "finally!"
The red cloaked figure is closing in on the village. Heavy female panting and grunting almost drowned out her fleeting footfalls. She knows she is being followed, she knows they will kill her and she knows everyone in that little village will die if she doesn't reach it first.
The air around her comes alive with whizzing as arrows fly by from behind and from the trees above, with her as their intended target. She turns her head cant to the left, peering over her shoulder, back at those who would so easily take her life. The arrows grow truer, she knocks many away but some tear at her cloak, they line the trees and the earth around her. "So many arrows," she whispers to herself.
She realizes she won't make it to the village soon enough to warn everyone. She closes her eyes and leans farther forward to gain any extra moment she can.
The clouds envelop the moon and the night sky grows ever darker, she weaves toward the side of the trail to take advantage of the darkness. She grows confident, she feels she will make it. Suddenly, a flash, she is blinded by the light of a burning arrow that narrowly misses her head. It lands in the earth in front of her. Her silhouette is cast a hundred yards behind her as the flaming arrow gives away her position. She looks back at her shadow with a scorn of betrayal. As she turns back, her ears hone in on one particular whizzing just as it plunges into her right thigh. "Ungh!" She lets out a painful groan as it hits her and she is forced to dive into a forward roll. Her thigh is burning and the flame makes a ring of fire as she rolls forward. The arrow snaps, she lands on one knee, looks back at the broken arrow, it carries the royal colors. "Muh" escapes her lips as she angrily snatches it from her, then uses the heat from the tip to sear her wound.
Flaming arrows land all around her, lighting her soft pale face. Her eyes are green, her skin pale and soft, enveloped by her glistening, ebony hair. She draws her sword, it is a beautiful white ceremonial sword with gold trim, red markings on the blade and golden tassels dangling from the hilt. She plunges the sword into the ground between her and her attackers, here, she must make a stand. She swiftly pulls a short bow from under her cloak, turns in the direction of the village, and plucks three flaming arrows from the ground. Aiming high, she looses the arrows toward the village, this is her only chance to give them any warning of the impending attack.
She turns toward her enemy, a dozen highly trained guards for the Emperor and their commander, relentlessly they have pursued her to this village. She pulls three more arrows from the earth and fires them into the trees, she repeats with three more into the trees, and again she aims for the bushes behind her enemy. She has formed crescent perimeter of light around herself, any movement by the enemy will give away their positions.
The area is suddenly void of any sound other than leaves rubbing together in the breeze. The silence holds for what seems like an eternity.
She pulls an arrow from her quiver, intently she searches wide eyed, the trees and the foliage. "There!" she whispers as the end of an arrow in a quiver leans out from behind a high branch. She draws her bow, it creaks from the stress, she holds, waiting. The tip of the arrow leans further out and she releases. With a hiss her arrow finds its' mark and a scream is let out when the man falls from the tree, to his death.
She closes her eyes, the smoke and fire is swirling all around, backing upwind to avoid the smoke and draws her bow. The smoke creeps into the lungs of one of the assassins, he lets out a faint, muffled cough. With her eyes still closed, she turns, aims, and releases in the direction of the cough. Just a thump and a thud are heard. By the firelight her arrow is seen quivering erect from his chest, he coughs again, then lays still.
"Get the sword!" an order is shouted, three sets of footfalls quickly grow louder. She opens her eyes, reaches down and pulls her sword from the ground and takes a defensive stance. One approaches from her front, and one from the left and right, they draw closer yet she remains motionless, listening to their footsteps. One set of footfalls is heavier, the one from the left. She turns her head toward him and looks into his eyes. His eyes widen with fear when he catches her eyes. All three men lift their swords in unison as they close in on her, she is motionless. They are upon her and they bring down their swords.
With unbelievable speed she moves toward the heavy one, blocking his slash while dodging the other two, their swords clang together on the grass. She steps on both swords with one foot, leaving the other free to swiftly kick the heavy-one in the face. Tasting the splatter of blood, he drops his sword and cups his face with both hands before falling on his back. In one powerful stomp, she snaps the swords in half, and when they lift their broken swords she spins quickly and again kicks them in the head, landing on the final spin facing away. She closes her eyes, lifts her sword and plunges it downward into the heart of the heavy one, a weak gargle is all that escapes his lips. Behind her the two men stand motionless still wielding their broken swords, eyes open. One coughs and blood is spilled from his lips, a razor thin slice appears in dark red blood across his throat and then the other's throat as well.
They fall to the ground gaping at her heels.
She opens her eyes and turns around to see the remaining seven, shoulder to shoulder, marching toward her. The two on either end are wielding bows with flaming arrows. Next to each of the archers is a pike man. In the center the leader, with his two most loyal swordsman, Yin, the commander of the Emperor's Royal Guard, clad in royal colors, he is highly decorated and a well known warrior. He carries the seal of the Emperor, given to him by the Emperor, bestowing upon him any authority necessary to complete his secret mission.
The men halt their approach and Yin moves forward. "You have fought well Yukiko, you have evaded me many times. You have defeated my warriors, to have come this far, admirable, but you have failed to save your home village, and at last you are alone. Surrender the sword and the seal, and you will have a quick death."
Yukiko assumes an offensive stance, "Come and claim your prize Commander Yin of The Emperor's Royal Guard."
"Your bravery is commendable," Yin draws his sword and steps forward holding it level with both hands. The firelight bathes his face, his left eye has the cloudy white look of blindness, it doesn't move. "This is an excellent sword, given to me by your husband after I defeated the eastern uprisings and was made Commander. I have killed many would be assassins with it, including your brother when he dishonored your family and tried to kill the Emperor. Yes, this is an excellent sword. Tell me little Kiko of Tome mining village in Han Valley, do you think this blade is worthy of Royal blood?"
"My brother wanted to reveal your evils. You massacred poor, unarmed villagers who protested your oppression and cruelty, your reputation is a web of lies and your sword is a medal of hypocrisy, the mark of deceiver and a murderer, I do not know its worth, but any blade that spills your blood Commander, would be royal."
Villagers are shouting in the distance behind her and the village bell is sounded. Yukiko turns and looks to see the villagers torches moving from house to house. She turns toward Yin, "The village has been warned, once again the sword, the seal and I have slipped through your grasp. You have been defeated Commander."
"You are bleeding little Kiko, you cannot run. The village will be no problem for me and my men. Ha!" Yin chuckles, " The the seal, the sword, the village and you, Yukiko, are all before me. Soon you will be dead, the villagers killed and the village burned to the ground, I will destroy the seal, and present your new husband with The Royal Sword of the Emperor of China. Victory is mine."
"You assume too much," Yukiko swings the beautiful blade with an elegant graceful pattern, "you shall be laid to your fate by this blade, having never laid a finger on the seal and my village will celebrate your fall." Yukiko begins moving toward Yin aggressively.
"So brave Yukiko, to the end. Do you think it will matter how brave you were at the end? You have come so far little Kiko, from this remote mining village all the way to the Royal Palace. Now you have returned. I shall tell of how you died screaming and begging, that is how your great story will end. Your bravery is for nothing. You have failed, Empress!" Yin turns to his men, "Bring me her head, the sword and the seal!"
The two archers and pikemen step forward. From the tree line two arrows plunge into the two archers chests, knocking them four feet backwards before they land. Yin spins around and looks to the trees, "What!" Two more arrows shoot from the darkness into the neck and chest of the two pikemen. Yin stands together with his four remaining soldiers. Silence descends, all are listening. "Foosh!" another arrow is launched skyward making another flapping sound then landing directly between Yukiko and Yin. Tied to the shaft, a red banner with a white lion flaps in the breeze. Yin's eyes widen as he looks at the banner. Reaching down he tears the red cloth from the arrow. He takes a step backward and looks around. Yin's men observe his fear and begin moving backward as well. Desperately Yin searches the hillside, "Akira?" He takes another step backward, "Akira!" He looks at the banner in disbelief, lifts his arm in a halting motion and calls to his men, "Fall back!" The two swordsmen look to each other in confusion. Yin turns towards Yukiko, bows, and smiles. "Another time, Empress!"
The five hastily mount their horses and make their way to the tree line from where they came. They quickly disappear into the darkness.
It is quiet, Yukiko lowers her sword and her head, then falls to her knees. She lifts her head to look at the arrow that saved her, to her it is beautiful. She plunges her sword into the ground. The sound of horse hooves pounding vibrate the ground. Her vision blurs, then she passes out, exhausted. A man dismounts his horse and scoops up Yukiko, placing her unconscious on the back of his horse. He pulls the beautiful white sword from the ground. He mounts his horse and the three head into the village.
As they reach the village, an old man steps out into the road, Akira dismounts in front of him, he looks at the old man, Akira's eyes show of recognition, "Uncle?" The old man nods, "It is good to see you again. This is Yukiko, she is wounded, she needs care." The old man calls to his hut and several villager come out armed, they drop their weapons and gather to take Yukiko inside. Akira turns to Uncle, "Uncle, do we still have a blacksmith?" Uncle nods, and Akira points to his apprentice who is holding Yukiko's sword. "I need a very fine sword." Uncle and Akira continue talking while Sue takes a post at the edge of the village.
Far to the west, in the capitol city, many generals gather in the Royal Hall to brief the Emperor on various battlefields. They march down the long and wide, lavishly decorated Hall, lined with soldiers at attention, toward the Emperor's throne. Outside in the grand courtyard, hundreds of thousands of troops stand in rank and phylum at attention. The general's are announced to the Emperor, they pay their respects and are seated at 7 tables below the Emperor. All is quiet, two tables are empty.
All attention is on the Emperor. He is dressed in blue and gold Ceremonial Armor. An empty sword display is laid atop the table before him. He points to the two empty tables. "Where is General Takashi and Senior General Cho? Why are their tables empty?"
"Your excellency?" General Kato stands and bows, "may I speak?"
"General Kato, Loyal Leader of my Southern Army, step forward and speak!" the Emperor commands.
"The General regrets having to inform you that after Senior General Cho moved to the East to reinforce General Takashi's flank, the Senior General and his Army were attacked and defeated by an unknown force. Only a member of the color guard was allowed to live to bring back Senior General Cho's sword and seal."
General Kato turns his head and shouts, "You, color guard, come forward!"
As gasps and chatter arise from the audience, so does a thin, bloodied. unimposing young man, wearing only a torn and ragged robe. His long black hair had a peculiar white band and was barely still in a ponytail. In his hands a bloodied white silk fabric is wrapped around a long object which appeared to be a sword. He hurriedly races down the pristine hall toward the General's table. The Royal Guards, dressed in blue with feathered helms. become alarmed as the color guard looks like he is going to bypass the General's Tables and head straight for the Emperor with a sword in his hands. The Royal Guards step out in front of the Throne just as General Kato extends his arm in front of the color guard's chest, halting him, and shouting, "You fool! Kneel!" The colorguard falls to his knees at Kato's feet, holding up the clothed item and begs forgiveness for his ignorance. Kato takes it from his hands and he falls to the floor with his head down.
General Kato turns toward the Emperor and lays it on the his table. He pulls back the silk cloth to reveal Senior General Cho's sword and Royal Seal, he holds them up and added, "We believe that General Takashi and his army met the same fate."
The Emperor unfolds his hands and stands up, shouting and the sound of shuffling fills the hall as everyone jumps to their feet, then silence. "Be seated!" he commands, again the shuffling. The Emperor calls out, "Color Guard, rise and step forward!"
The color guard is visibly shaken and has been through something, he rises and takes a meekly step forward and answers, "Yes your excellency?"
"Speak clearly. What is your name?"
"Yoshimitsu."
"Where are you from Yoshimitsu?"
"Han Valley"
"Well Yoshimitsu of Han Valley, Royal Color Guard for the Emperor, what happened to your leader?"
"Sire! After Senior General Cho was sent to the east to reinforce General Takashi's southern flank, we arrived on The Great Ancient Battlefield of Ai. To our surprise, it was a burning battlefield, where there lay only armor and weapons, fire had scorched the earth, and no bodies. Only, only, only," fear overcomes Yoshimitsu's face and he grabs at his chest as if in pain, "burned hand prints." Yoshimitsu was interrupted by gasps and chatter from the audience.
The Emperor is intrigued by the young man's story, "Burned hand prints? Explain."
Yoshimitsu clears his throat, "The armor and weaponry had burned hand prints on them," he swallows, "and appeared to be that of only one side, the The Emperor's East Army, all of it was badly damaged and charred. The Senior General ordered we make camp immediately, while he planned our next move. He ordered the battlefield investigated. The armor was of only one army, and was destroyed by arrows, spears, clubs and fire. The only sign of the opposing force was some arrows, hoof prints and all the burned hand prints. Some of the men thought that this battlefield must be cursed and that the men must have been possessed by demons and destroyed each other. Still, others thought that the spirits of the ancient warriors were awakened by the presence of the army and would destroy any force who trespassed on their burial grounds. Then," swallowing again, "devour their flesh!"
The entire court fills with alarmed chatter. "Silence!" The Emperor commands. "What do you believe happened Yoshimitsu?" He inquired as he scratched his chin and sat down in his throne.
Confidently Yoshimitsu attests, "I am convinced it was the dead warriors Sire."
"Go on." The Emperor reassures the shaking witness.
"The Senior General sent riders in four directions to locate General Takashi's Army, at dusk all returned without any sign of him or his troops. Since they should have been there, we knew that it must been General Takashi's army that was defeated on this battlefield the night before."
Another older General stood up, bowed and spoke. "This is superstition! General Takashi was a legendary warrior, his battlefield expertise led his army to victory in every campaign, even against the Mongols. He was the Speaker at the First Imperial conference which led to the Union of all Provinces in China. He was the first Emperor's Senior General. He maintained peace here at the capital for ten years. He was a model for us all. We must honor him. All of China should mourn his fall." He lifts his head and stands erect. Your Highness, if General Takashi was defeated, then this would be a heavy loss to The Empire and demonstrates the considerable power and prowess of our new enemy to the east," he looks into the eyes of the other Generals, "to have destroyed Takashi's forces, who has that power?"
"Well said General Yamato, General Takashi was stubborn and the cunningest of warriors, some thought he was invincible, he would not have fallen easily, unless to a more cunning foe." The Emperor turns his attention back to Yoshimitsu, "and what became of the Senior General?"
"Senior General was slain and devoured by the Spectors..." Yoshimitsu was interrupted by General Yamato.
General Yamato jumps up an points accusingly at Yoshimitsu. "Nonsense, this man is insane, he doesn't know what he is talking about. Spectors! Ha! Look at him, he is out of his mind!"
The Emperor questions Yoshimitsu further, "Did you see these Spectors yourself Yoshimitsu? If you lie, your blood will spill on this floor!"
"I saw them, your excellency, one touched me!" Yoshimitsu pleads.
"Insolence!" General Yamato exclaims, "Lies!" Two Royal Guards approach and seize either of the frightened color guards shaking arms and force him to kneel.
"Wait!" General Kato raises his hand, "stand up Yoshimitsu." he rises and Kato circles behind him, raises both arms and reaches toward Yoshi's neckline.
"General!" the Emperor cautions as Kato's hands move closer to Yoshi's neck. Many guards begin searching each other for what to do. General Kato grabs the fabric around the young color guard's throat, then tears the cloth from Yoshi's chest. Yoshi doubles over and wails, crossing his arms. Kato pulls Yoshi upright and uncrosses his arms.
"He's not lying!" General Kato exclaims, motioning the Emperor's attention to the burn marks. The Emperor's eyes instantly widen in disbelief and he jumps to his feet. Shock overcomes the Great Hall as they stare at his badly burned chest. A perfect, eerie black, right hand print was seared into his left breast, against his young skin, it was a charred and ominous warning. Shrieks of fear and awe filled the air.
"Silence!" the Emperor commands. "Yoshimitsu, describe these Spectors for me."
"Horrifying my lord, when we were awoken that first night, everyone found these spectors standing motionless just outside their tents, completely white cloaks, black faces and glowing eyes. No one could move. Then the Spectors all raised their arms and brought fire down from the sky." He motions with his hands. "They moved above the ground, and made the most terrifying screams. Everyone was scrambling, soldiers fell left and right. Demon horses and flying spirits were everywhere, everything was burning. I was hit by a fleeing soldier and knocked unconscious. When I awoke, it was silent. I stood up and three spectors approached me, I fell to my knees. One came closer and held out General Cho's sword and seal. I took them and stood up. I was on my last breath. The Spector reached out with one hand and did this to my chest. I can't remember anymore my lord." Yoshi falls to the floor spent.
The Emperor deliberates for a minute, then is seated. He regains his command posture and calls out, "General Kato!"
"My Lord?" Kato responds.
"I hereby appoint you to the rank of Senior General. Send General Yamato's forces into The Great Ancient Battlefield of Ai and ready your army to follow him. I will send with you my minister of worship, Nah Ming Te, he will assist you in deciphering these strange events. Be warned, I have lost 2 armies to this scourge, do not underestimate their ability. Do not fail me Senior General, the eyes of China are upon you."
"As you command my Lord! We will show this new enemy the true strength of the Emperor, we shall crush this new foe and send them back to hell!" Kato bows. General Yamato seems pleased as well.
Yukiko has awoken from a deep slumber, she opens her jade eyes and focuses on the silhouette of a figure next to her. It is her uncle, the sun light bathes his old wrinkled face, it had never seemed so beautiful. "Uncle!" she says with a breath of relief, smiles to herself and then terror strikes her, "My sword! The Seal! Uncle?" She searches his face for the any sign that shows all is well.
"The Sword is safe Kiko, and the seal as well. You are safe too. Rest some more, and then you shall meet your rescuer." Uncle lifts a bowl of fresh water to her lips.
Yukiko swallows, looks around and seems satisfied all is well for now. She is curious about her rescuer, but she is too tired to concern herself just now. She slowly closes her eyes and falls back into a restful sleep. Uncle smiles, pats her forehead with a dampened cloth and lights some incense, then backs out of the room, sliding the door closed. Making his way outside, Uncle carries some rice balls on a platter, "Hungry Master Akira?"
"Thank you uncle, we shall enjoy this as soon as Sue finishes his training." Akira turns back toward his apprentice, who is frozen in attack posture while holding a large yellow gourd in each hand. Akira scoffs unapprovingly and repositions Sue's left arm and shoulders, "Balance nephew!" He walks behind Sue and tries to nudge him off balance, Sue wanes slightly but maintains his posture. Sues smiles to himself. Akira does as well, then picks up another gourd and places it on Sue's head and then another on his upwardly bent knee. Sue tries his best to maintain this pose while balancing 4 gourds but as he concentrates he becomes more shaky. It is but a moment before one on his head falls but Sue catches it on his foot. Proud of himself Sue looks to Akira, then just as Akira was looking up, Sue loses control of all the gourds and flailed around to try and recover them but instead the gourds go flying high in the air as Sue loses his balance and falls backward on to his back. One by one the gourds crashed down onto him splitting and spilling on him, covering his young face . Uncle and Akira laugh loudly. Sue begins laughing as well, he picks a piece of the gourd from his cheek and tastes it.
"Yes, let us eat," Akira hands a warm rice ball to Sue, "You must be ready for unfair odds nephew, you did well until you concentration was interrupted as you sought approval. Pride is dangerous, makes us overconfident and thus, reckless. When your thoughts were solely on the gourds, they did not fall. You must keep your thoughts trained on your current goal, if your mind wanders then, so too will success and victory wander away from you."
"Yes Master, I understand." Sue says just before stuffing a large portion of rice into his mouth, "Hmm!" he growls as he gulps it down as one bite.
"How do you get so much rice on your chopsticks?" Akira jokes and laughs loudly and deeply.
In a deep voice Sue imitates his master, "One can do a great many things when one is hungry." He laughs and picks up another unordinarily large portion of rice and holds it up in front of his youthful smile.
Akira finishes his meal, stands up, fixes his robes, and looked up and down the little village. It is bathed in a soothing green light from Great mountains on one side and the bamboo fields on the other , the village is mostly deserted, the men are all mining in the hills, the distant sound of picks and hammer smashing filter down the mountainside. The women are busy washing their clothes and their children squeal and laugh as they splash and play in the river. The elderly move about the town slowly, the sun is bright and the wind blows soft and rhythmically. At one end of the row of 20 huts and houses sit an old gray man with a bamboo flute, whistling a meditative melody. Akira closes his eyes and takes in the orchestra that is this simple village, for him, it is the song of China.
"Sue. Practice your sword technique outside Yukiko's door, I am taking a position on that hill by the river bank, do not leave her unguarded. I am counting on you little emperor." Akira walks up to the hill and pulls some long bladed grass from the ground near the bank and begins weaving the blades together. He finds the right spot and sits down, leaning back against an ancient stone idol which had been laid and broken on its side for many hundreds of years.
Sue stands motionless in an offensive position mimicking his master. Holding the position is hard but he continues to emulate and honor his hero. "Little," he mutters to himself, "I'm not little anymore." To demonstrate Sue performs a high speed left-handed sword form technique ending with a flying lotus spin with a tremendous horse kick and a powerful Tiger Claw chop, stabbing his sword deeply into the ground. He stands and bows before uncle who claps from his porch.
"Excellent nephew, did your master teach you that?" Uncle asks as Sue bows.
Standing up Sue begins practicing again. "Master taught me all of my techniques except for that end part, I added that to make it a more surprising offensive." Gladdened that he has impressed Uncle, Sue smiles to himself and grasps the hilt of his sword and yanks upward. It does not budge. Again, Sue grunts as he pulls at the buried sword. Pulling and jerking violently, Sue works at freeing his sword, he anchors his feet and pulls with his legs and his arms and all his might. Straining desperately, almost to the point of passing out, Sue's face floods beet red, and grunts burst from his mouth. Letting out an almost uncontrolled cry of frustration Sue roars and suddenly, to Sue's surprise, the sword quickly comes loose and Sue's momentum throws him backward flailing, he falls, full weight backwards and his feet fly upward as he hits the ground. His sword spins high and long and defiantly stabs into the ground, again. Uncle bellows with laughter, almost rolling of his porch.
At his post, Akira has watched as well, he smiles and laughs, "not little anymore?" Akira closes his eyes and covers his head with his new hat, made from the grass he wove, it was a perfectly woven hat.
"Your master is wise and he cares for you, why does he call you that?" Uncle asks.
"Master has always called me little emperor, he always made me feel strong and an as individual and safe, even that first day when I was a small boy. It was a vision of fire, I was alone and afraid, battle was waged just outside my door, master came in and stabbed his sword into the floor in front of me. At first I was frightened of him, but he kneeled down and said something to me in his deep reassuring voice, I only remember him saying, "...your safe, little emperor...," and I knew from his eyes and his voice that I would be safe. After that he threw me over his shoulder and as we ran I saw that everyone behind him was dead, still, I felt safe with him. Since then I learned that he saved me that day, I was to be killed along with my family, they died protecting me and when they fell, Master was the only one left, he defeated the murders and rescued me. We have always kept moving because we are hunted. He has taught me everything I know, he is my father."
"Your master is much more than a rogue, I first heard of him during the reign of the 1st Emperor, he was a great general, and was your father's most trusted friend. He did not just happen upon you that night, he came to save your family, after his was slaughtered." Uncle makes a gesture of honor for the dead. "Your destinies are tethered together like the sun and the moon."
Sue is intrigued. "What do you mean Uncle?" he questions.
"One day all of China will celebrate your family's name." Uncle answered, then he turned away and laughed while ducking back into his house.
"What is my family's name Uncle?" Sue asks desperately, "Uncle? Uncle? Uncle!" Sues calls are ignored and uncle can be heard laughing inside.
"Keep practicing nephew!" Uncle commands, then continues laughing. Sue huffs in disappointment and hesitantly continues to practice.
High atop of the village a group of horses are tied together and their riders are huddled together peering down into the village.
"Your orders Commander Yin?" one soldier asks while mounting his horse.
"Seal off both ends of the valley, then report, let no one pass." Yin turns to another soldier, "take one man and go down for a closer look. If you see the queen or Akira give the signal and attack immediately, do not get too close to them, it is certain death."
The two scouts make there way down the hill while the rider heads over the back toward a hidden battalion of The Emperors soldiers.
"Still alive my old friend, after all this time." Yin pulls out the red banner left on the arrow from the night before, "I shall not kill you so quickly this time." Yin calls out to one rider, "On your fastest horse, take this to the Emperor, let no one else see it. Quickly, ride!"
The messenger quickly mounts his horse and rides grabbing the red banner from Yin's outstretched arm, then speeds away, his horse pounds the ground.
Akira is suddenly awakened, his eyes spring open and he looks up at the hills.. "Horses!" He jumps to his feet and hurries back to the village. As he reaches Sue he motions him to go into Yukiko's hut, Sue is alarmed and takes a position at Yukiko's bed. He looks down at the square basket at the foot of the bed, then covers it with grassy mat. Sue pulls out his sword, kneels down and closes his eyes, meditating and preparing.
Akira reaches Uncle's house and calls out, "Uncle?" Uncle clambers out with wet laundry, bows and looks to Akira. "We will soon have visitors, they come for Yukiko and for me, I had to reveal myself to Commander Yin to save her last night." Akira puts his hand on Uncle's shoulder, " I need your help old man," Uncles eyes turn from fearful apprehension to stern conviction, he would easily sacrifice himself at Akira's command, "gather and arm all the villagers, send the women and children into the trees to the south and position the men in the houses around the center of the village."
"Yes General," Uncle bows and looks up to Akira.
Akira face shows his surprise, he looks down at Uncle who is looking back and smiling, Uncle gives Akira a wink and laughs loudly. Akira huffs then his grimace breaks to a subtle smile. Uncle is pleased and Akira rushes out back toward Yukiko's hut.
One of Yin's lieutenants returns on horseback to report, he dismounts before the Commander, bows and waits for Commander Yin's command. The sun has recoiled behind dark ominous clouds, sporadic drops fall intermittently, all of Yin's men are in heavy battle gear and are motionless, awaiting their Commander's next order.
Yin is practicing his unusual swordplay, he is deep in though, he has donned his battle armor bearing his family crest and colors, not those of the Emperor, a bold move even for Yin, who has come to be known as the rogue tiger, despite that he serves as the Emperor's blade. Flashes of his past come to him, Akira's resurface has brought with it many old memories. He recalls when he met the Great Senior General Akira Kura sawa. He was the 1st Emperor's most trusted ally and military advisor. Akira was known for his honor and prowess in war. He was a legend and a hero to all the people except Yin's father, another general, who sought to gain power by ousting Akira from the ranks. Many of Yin's father's best plans failed to bring about the fall of Akira. After many years it was Akira's steel that took Yin's father from him "Today, Akira, fate has laid you out as a sacrifice for my ascension. A blossom for the picking. The final chapter in your story will be written by my sword. Today The Great and mighty Akira shall fall, and my family avenged!" Yin declares maniacally even as the rain begins to wash heavily down on him. Pausing in stance, Yin clears his throat and turns to his lieutenant, "Report!"
The lieutenant rises nervously, "Both ends of the valley are secure Commander, no one shall escape. Our scouts spotted two horses, one warrior practicing, and nothing of the queen or the relics."
"This warrior, he was alone and he was practicing?" Yin questioned. The lieutenant nods affirmingly, Yin's eyes tighten, Akira is at his mercy, he is savoring this battle, lust glazes over his face, "there are so many ways to end Akira's story," he thinks to himself, this time, Yin would not only defeat Akira but he could take credit. "I shall offer Akira the opportunity to surrender!" Yin announces to his lieutenants.
"Sir?" one lieutenant questions, "surrender?"
Yin looks down at him condescendingly, "Akira is alone and greatly out numbered, his prize is injured, he cannot escape. Bringing the seal and the bell back to the capital with the queen and Akira as my prisoners, presenting them to the Emperor for a grand public execution for high treason, Akira will suffer and bear much more with this dishonor," Yin smiles and looks to the horizon, "and at last, Commander Yin shall finally be made a General."
All is quiet in the little village, everyone is as Akira ordered. Food is being distributed throughout the villagers, they consume their rations quietly, fear can be read on their faces, apprehension mounts as they can only await the impending attack. Akira sits with Uncle and Sue next to Kiko's bed as she sleeps. Silence envelops the three as they eat what may be their final meal, peppered pork with mushrooms and rice. Sue is by far the youngest and his level of anticipation is the most easily read. Akira notices Sue's quiet nervousness, Uncle too is concerned about Sue.
"Your people have provided us with a fine meal Uncle, My thanks." Akira continued as he winked to Uncle, "Some of the villagers are getting unnerved at all this waiting, perhaps we should send someone to reassure the women and incite the men. Would you agree, Uncle?"
Uncle turns to Sue, "I do Master Akira, but it is very important and could be dangerous, speed and stealth are required. Who shall go?" Both Akira and Uncle look to Sue.
Sue is empowered by Uncle's words, eager for any chance to prove himself as a warrior and as a leader and jumps to his feet, claps his hands together and bows, "Master, let me go, I can go undetected and I am the fastest ." Sue words have the sound of strength and of youthful confidence. His fear has subsided, replaced by a more powerful sense of duty. He is already reversing his cloak, his leather armor and matching swords are revealed. A heavy gold emblem hangs from his neck , it is painted red and black, but is quickly covered by his cloak.
Both of the older men recognize the talisman, honor and respect fill them, even though it was just a short glance. They look at each other and then at Sue, Akira stands and grasps Sues shoulders, "You shall go my friend. These are not bandits, they are highly trained and deadly, there is no room for mistake or hesitation, stay focused. If you are confronted, show no mercy. When it's over, if you are alone, go back to the monastery. There you will wait for the bell and for the seal. Then you will know what to do." With a fatherly concern Akira looks at his young apprentice. "You have grown into a strong and honorable man, I have trained and counseled you for many years, your skills and ability are only outweighed by your progress. You have been an exceptional apprentice, you have been," Akira pauses, then lays one hand atop Sue's head, " like my son."
Sue is lost in his master's words, he has longed to hear this speech and delights at his master's recognition and praise but it is bittersweet, his master must believe he cannot say these things later. Tears have begun welling up in his eyes, he tries to respond but nothing comes out, he bows in respect and grabs his bow and quiver. At the door Sue stops and turns around, "Thank you Master, for all of it, I..." Sue searches for what to say.
"I know Sue. Go, quickly." Akira growls in his usual tone.
Sue smiles then ducks out the door and into the heavy rain. Sue is unfettered by the downpour, the water pounds the rooftops and falls onto the porches beating rhythmically onto their pots and plopping into buckets, the rain plays an empty, lonely percussion. As Sue patrols he is taken in by the sweet and somber melody of a bamboo flute, it the old man again, he is at north end of town, Sue signals to the women that all is well then bypasses the men at the center of the village and follows the song. The men watch as Sue goes by, talking amongst each other, admiring the young warrior, he is a symbol of strength to them. Sue finds the old man sitting in his chair on his porch, incense burning and a pipe smoking, he is facing up the road going north.
Sue quietly walks up and sits next to the old man. The old man continues and Sue turns to him, "It dangerous to sit here old man, everyone is in hiding, yet you are here. You should hide with the others. The enemy will come this way." The old man plays on and looks at Sue, his wrinkled eyes smile. Sue's words did not waiver the old flute player, it became evident the old man would not move from his chair. "You play very well," Sue smiles admirably and looks to the north.
The old man concludes his song, lowers his flute, picks up a pot and drinks from it. "I am too old to fight." He picks up and draws from his pipe, inhales deeply and exhales the potent smoke. "If these soldiers want to kill me, then I shall die, but I will not make it sweeter by giving them a chase. I will not give them the power that fear allows. I can not wield a sword, so I will play my flute and show the enemy I am not afraid. I shall cut them with my song."
"You are a wise and honorable warrior, old man, you shall injure them deeper an longer than any blade. Play for them the song their mother's sang to them as children, let this be their anthem for their wickedness," Sue stands and looks back at the old man, "hold your song for a moment when the enemy arrives, we shall greet them together." The old man smiles and nods, then begins playing a more hopeful and empowering tune. Sue heads back into the rain towards the men, smiling.
Yukiko opens her eyes, Akira stands, "Kiko! You have awaked!"
Yukiko sits up and examines her gown and then her wound. Her thigh has been bound tightly with an excellent wrapping, she will heal quickly. She looks up at Akira, her eyes soften in recognition and disbelief. "Master Akira, you are alive? In the night, I saw your banner. I knew it was yours but I did not believe."
Master Akira nods "There is still more for me to do. Soon this village will be blockaded from both ends and an attack will soon follow. Your old friend Yin will come to claim you and now, he too knows that I am alive. I will face him, you must return the bell with the seal to Monastery and present young Sue to the court, after the Emperor is defeated."
Yukiko stands and moves closer to Akira, looking into his eyes, "How will you defeat Yin and all his men, there are too many, even for you Akira. I must fight by your side, I do not wish to here of your fall a second time."
"Little Kiko will you ever listen to me? I must make a way for you to escape, if we both die here, all will be lost. " Akira tries to console Kiko, "I shall see China restored, with you as her mother." Akira kneels and bows, "Empress, our land is in great turmoil while evil controls the Empire. Answer the call of our land or China shall fall into darkness."
Yukiko raises her gaze to the heavens, "You call me Empress. I am no Empress, I am just a concubine, a miner's daughter, from a small village. How can I save an empire?"
Akira is quiet, it is obvious he cannot find the words. He places one hand on Kiko's cheek and another on her shoulder, then smiles. "Yukiko, you are the mother of the Emperor's only living descendants." Kiko's eyes widen, well with tears and she tries to cover her face. "Your son and your daughter are alive, and that makes you, little Kiko, Empress of all China."
Yukiko sits down, she is shocked, "Alive? Why do you lie Akira! Why do you lie?" she says angrily.
"I would not lie Yukiko. I have raised and trained your son myself. He is here, guarding us as we speak. Your daughter is a maiden in this village, watched over all this time by Uncle." Akira sees that Kiko is about to run for the door, " No! I am sorry sweet mother, but this secret cannot be revealed to anyone now, not even your children. An entire army would come to destroy them if this secret was unveiled. For now, the seal, the sword, you and I are the only loose ends The Emperor is obsessed with. Let us not give him your children as new targets." Yukiko begins to cry. It is almost to much for her to contain Akira's overwhelming revelation.
Akira lifts Kiko's head, "Yukiko, you are every concubine, every man's daughter, from every village, you are China, in its smallest and largest forms." Akira pulls the Royal Blade sword from its sheath, "The throne is a very powerful sword, but who shall wield it?" Akira slashes the sword through several candles, they fall indiscriminately to the ground. "The one who guides it's blow can devastate, irrevocably, with one swipe," he swings again, but cuts only the wicks off three other candles, "or guide and deliver precise justice with the hand of grace, wisdom and honor. This new Emperor has stolen the throne and placed all of China under siege. He has no honor and his ambition is of himself alone. You, you are China, you shall hold the throne and groom your son to rule with honor and to listen to and be guided by the song of China. The song of our ancestors. Yukiko, only now can the royal house be shaken, if it does not happen now, it will take generations to defeat the evil that will grow here in our land." Akira looks deeply into Kiko's eyes, "I have seen you wield the Emperor's blade, and in my time, I have never seen it held by a more just and noble hand. Yukiko defiantly pushes against Akira toward the door, Akira grabs her firmly, "Please Empress! Why has the sword and the seal remained in your care all this time?"
Yukiko relents and relaxes, she hears wisdom in her oldest friend's words, "Your are wise Mighty General Akira," she picks up the Royal Sword and unsheathes it, "all of China will be indebted to your loyalty."
"I have missed you all these years Kiko. It is good to see you." Akira smiles, "Let us have this time together now." Akira sits opposite of Yukiko's bed, they gaze into each other's eyes.
Outside Sue is talking with the men at the center of the village. A middle aged man, with the wounds of a warrior stands and addresses Sue, "What is this trouble you have brought to our village? We have no chance against the Emperor's troops. These people are miners and farmers. How can you lead these people to certain death?" Many voices in the background are agreeing with his questions.
"What is your name honored warrior?" Sue asks.
The very large man pulls out a very large sword , "I am Simshi," slapping the sword against the chests of the two bald, younger men on either side of him. "These are my sons, Ki and Ku. They are two fierce warriors. Why should we risk our lives defending against the Emperor's troops, when we could just turn you over to them?"
The room is quiet, Sue is concerned about losing the support of the men. Sue paces, rubs his chin, and stops. "Simshi, your new Emperor is set on destroying what was China, he will burn our history, great ancestral writings have already been lost, temples destroyed, this village is the birthplace of the Empress. He will be sure to destroy anything of the old empire that is not of himself. If you do not stand now, you will later. Master Akira has a plan, and if successful, it will dethrone this Emperor and return it to the Empress. We must help the Empress escape at all costs. This concerns each of us. Simshi, you are the mightiest warrior in this village, will you lead them against the fire that threatens to engulf them?"
As a whole, all the men cheer affirmingly. Simshi, nods and smiles, "Very well, my young friend, you shall have my sword and my sons' bows. Besides, it has been a long wait for another bandit to fight!" All them men laugh, and Sue is relieved. Sue bows in respect and leaves for the women's position.
Sue walks slowly through the rain, still listening to the old man's flute, smiling to himself. As he approaches the women he can hear they are gossiping amongst themselves selves. He clears his throat to interrupt. all the women lookup at the same time, he is caught off guard by one of them. One of the younger women is gazing directly into his eyes as though she were unaware her actions reveal her thoughts. She is exquisitely beautiful to him, he was not prepared to speak to such an angel, and he is locked onto her gaze.
All the other women are still waiting for him to speak, they look at each other and back at Sue. One of the older women, laughs out loud, revealing her one tooth and many of the other women join in. Sue realizes all the laughter is about him and he adopts a more serious stature. The older lady speaks out, "You are Sue, Master Akira's apprentice, are we safe under your charge?"
Sue answers confidently, "I have trained for many years, I am prepared to fight of every single warrior."
The older lady stands an move next to the beautiful young girl and pulls her up to a stand, "Let's hope the enemy does not look like lovely, young Meka here." Again all the women laugh, and Sue is obviously embarrassed.
Sue bows, and speaks to all the women, "I was not prepared to defend against women of such beauty." Turning toward the old woman, "I shall train harder, my lady," Sue bows in respect to the old woman's council.
Many of the women coo and laugh.
Meka walks graciously over to Sue, holding his gaze until she is but a breath away. She slowly, almost erotically, reaches down for his sword, but instinctively Sue grabs her hand, it is silky soft. For the moment, they are touching, Sue tries to speak, but fails, so he just smiles. Meka lifts an eyebrow and with her eyes she glances toward the sword and again back at Sue. Sue releases her soft hand, and Meka pulls out the sword. It makes a ringing sound as she examines it. "This is the sword of a general." Meka swings the sword as though it were her own. Sue is impressed by her display. Meka thrusts the sword at Sue' face playfully, Sue moves quickly to evade. Meka smiles devilishly, "I can fight as well." She presents the sword to Sue.
Sue retrieves the sword, "I am relieved, we are...not, enemies?" Sue jokingly questions. Meka winks.
At the north end of town the old man is still playing, he hears something and looks around, he senses that someone is near. Out of nowhere an arrow hits the side of his hut next to his head, as it vibrates, it unrolls a banner, it is unmistakable, it is the Emperor's banner. The old man stops playing and looks south. Then looks toward the arrows origin, five men on horseback approach.
Sue looks around at the women and the children, "No harm shall come," Sue stops mid- sentence and turns his ear north, the old man has stopped playing. "All of you, back into hiding now!" Sue races off intently to meet the enemy. Meka's face is frozen in fear, many of the women begin to wail.
The old man continues his song , while looking to the approaching riders. Akira silently grabs the old man's shoulder to reassure him. Akira is in full battle dress, his armor is worn and beaten, surely every mark was a failed attempt by an enemy. He is holding a pole with his banner on it. Akira motions silently to the old man that he should go, but the old man smiles and shakes his head to signal he is not running. Akira smiles and pulls out his sword. The riders are closing in, and Akira steps out into the middle of the road to meet them.
Sue barrels to the front of town, angry at himself for being so far away when the enemy arrived. Up ahead he can see Akira stepping into the road in front of the riders. All five stop and four of them dismount and draw swords on Akira. Akira looks back and forth at the four swordsmen, he is unconcerned with them as he turns to look at the rider still on his horse.
It is Commander Yin, smiling down at him. Yin looks over Akira, "Mighty General Akira, at last we cross paths."
"Commander Yin, I see you have a new title and have grown fat from years of suckling the Imperial teat."
Akira points his sword at Yin, "Have you come to challenge me?"
"I have come to offer you a chance to surrender Akira." Yin removes his gloves. "I have a battalion of the Emperor's finest soldier's surrounding this village, there will be no escaping for you today. Surrender the sword, the seal, Yukiko and yourself, and I will let these villagers live."
Sue runs up behind Akira and draws his sword, "We would never surrender to you! Prepare yourself for the journey to next world!"
Yin laughs at the young man's threat. "General Akira, who is this foolish boy?"
"He is the village fool. Dropped on his head too many times as a baby, I think. Today, he thinks he is a warrior, yesterday he was Emperor". With a smile Akira turns to Sue, "I see you have even found your Grandfather's armor. Go home boy, this is no time for play."
Yin and his troops laugh and point at Sue.
At first, Sue is confused and hurt at his Master's words, but he quickly remembers that his master is very cunning and often Sue must just follow his lead. Sue acts as if he is going to say something more but just drops his shoulders and turns away dragging his sword back down the road. Sue passes a doorway where Yukiko is watching the confrontation intensely, gripping her sword, she is ready to pounce at an instant. Kiko signals to Sue to come her way. Sue ducks in and takes a position next to her. Kiko examines Sue for the first time, he is beautifull to her, she revels at how her son has grown into a man, a good honorable man. Sue looks back at Kiko, she is entranced with him, Sue is confused, "What?"
Kiko cannot tell him yet, to cover she says, "I am proud of you." Sue just shrugs, smiles and returns his attention to his master.
Akira turns back to Yin, "You are meticulous in your military leadership Commander Yin. You have sewn up all your loose ends in this valley. Surrender seems to be the only option you have left for me." Yin smiles in self admiration. "You have underestimated two things."
Yin is still smiling, an ugly look for him, as his smile is rarely used. "And what are they?"
"Yukiko has already escaped this valley with the seal. She took a horse and made her way south last night. You have also underestimated me."
"And how is that?" Yin scoffs.
"I can kill all five of you right now!" The four dismounted soldiers each take small step backwards. Yukiko and Sue unsheathed their swords taking Akira's words as a ready signal to attack. "I may not be able to defeat your battalion as a whole, but you have divided them. I can kill you though, and what challenge do you think a half a battalion of soldiers would be especially when it is leaderless and so far from home?"
The four dismounted soldiers attack. Sue starts to jump but is held back by Yukiko. Two by two they rush in on Akira, who thrusts his sword into the ground and steps to position himself between the first two soldiers. They are running at him with their swords held back, in the traditional while-running position. They reach Akira and bring down their blades to Akira's neck.
Akira ducks and spins, moving backwards into both of them, grabbing both their wrists, halting their attack. They are shocked at his speed and look at each other just as Akira smashes his armor clad elbows into their chins, they are dazed. The second pair of soldiers are just about to reach Akira and they thrust their swords forward at chest level to Akira's back. Akira pulls the two dazed soldiers forward, then slings them both backward to meet the oncoming blades behind him. The two are impaled by their fellow soldiers and let out painful cries and release their swords to Akira. Masterfully, Akira spins around the two dying soldiers and spins again holding the two blades outward, first chopping one and then the other remaining soldier's head clean from their shoulders, blood spews from their necks. One head flies off toward Yin, who watches it roll in horror. Looking up, Yin sees Akira spin once more, again windmilling the heads of the impaled soldiers a in a successive fashion. Akira stops facing Yin, who is now alone, the last two bodies fall to the ground behind him.
Sue and Yukiko gasp in amazement. Sue smiles and whispers, "he is terrifying"
Akira looks into Yin's eyes, "You are caught in your own trap Commander Yin. Yin rears his horse in shock. Akira throws the two swords to the ground a few feet in front of Yin, "Now Commander, we shall talk terms." Akira reaches under his garment and pulls a white ceremonial sword out for Yin to see. "You have forgotten this."
The old flute player halts his tune, he is mezmorized by the presence of that blade. He looks looks up at the clouds, recalling the days long past, when he was part of a great and proud China. A smile washes over his face as he relives that time, and then returns to the present and his sorrow returns with him.
Yin's eyes widen as he realizes this is the elusive blade The Emperor has sought for so many years. "The Imperial Blade!" Looking at his four dead soldiers lain before him, Yin laughs, "What are your terms Mighty Akira?"
"I shall surrender myself and this blade, if you leave this village as you found it and relent your pursuit of Yukiko." Akira bows to show he is a man of honor. Sue is shocked to hear his master talk of surrender.
"You will surrender to me and turn over the sword to save this little village and a concubine?" Akira nods. Yin is delighted, "I apologize Master Akira for my soldier's unprovoked attack, it seems they lost the heads. I shall accept your surrender, I've no need for the concubine or the seal, your little village shall survive for now."
Yin dismounts and slowly moves toward Akira, fear is behind his smile as he extends his arm, "The sword?"
Akira kneels and lowers his head, arms extended, he holds out the exquisite sword, Yin slowly and cautiously reaches for the sword. He pulls it safely from Akira's hands and takes a step backward to examine it. Akira grabs the reigns of one of the dead soldier's horses, gently pets it and quickly mounts it, the horse is greater just having this rider. Yin looks up, "Do you expect me to allow you to ride free and unbound?"
Akira rears the horse to demonstrate his power of presence, "Would you have me humiliated before your troops all the way to the capital?"
Yin beholds Akira's greatness, and looks again at the four dead soldiers, "None of my soldier's can match your prestige great Akira, nor your honor. I would not allow them to mistreat you. Say that you will not kill me, and by your honor, and I will not bind you."
Akira turns to Yin, steadying his horse, "By my honor, I say to you, I will not kill you Commander before we reach the capital."
Yin smiles devilishly in admiration, "I see. Lead the way General Akira!"
Akira pulls his sword from it's scabbard and slings it into the ground, from the hilt, his banner flutters back as if a desire to return to him compelled it.
Sue and Yukiko are confused. Sue poises to run toward his master but Yukiko restrains him, "Sue! Do not interfere! Your master has a plan, he has given you instructions, do not interfere!"
Sue's eyes stream with tears in frustration and helplessness. Kiko holds him, as Sue tries to grasp the door. "No!" Sue exclaims and pushes her away and flings the door open. Kiko grabs his wrist and pulls him backward, "You cannot!". Sue in turn grabs her wrist to release himself, but Kiko is fast, she lowers her brow and pushes Sue with his own arm, then unexpectedly Kiko spins outwardly and away, flinging Sue backward to the back wall of the shack and into shelves containing scrolls and various pottery which is all smashed onto Sue's head as he falls to the ground. Sue looks back up at little Kiko just as she smiles and says, "I think you will be staying."
Sue relents and smiles back, "You know Yukiko, I think I will stay here." Together they laugh but only for a moment as they are reconsumed by the situation just outside. But as they both look out for Akira they find he is gone only his sword remains. Sue bursts out and runs wide eyed to the sword. When he is upon it, he recoils from the handle as if he were not worthy to wield it. Sue drops to his knees, his head falls and tears flow. After a moment Sue opens his eyes, stands and confidently pulls his master's sword from the earth. Sue cannot let anyone else wield it either, so he shall return it to his master's hand. Yukiko is looking on painfully but still musters a smile for Sue.
Please let me know what you thought of Chapter One, if you were able to visualize the story and how you felt about each of the characters. All criticisms are welcomed and appreciated.
- Geminigma
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