Shadows Behind

a Rising Sun
Dark Age Chronicles
A fanfiction of Midways Mace: The Dark Age

By
Giuseppe Ng

I
It was the blackest of nights and a foreshadowing of an eternal strife within the large wooden
halls of the Hasegawa shogunate. Silver coloured flags with a gold pearl emblem hung high
over a proud shogun as he oversaw a contentious meeting between two influential families in
the Great Empire of Ruffun. One man stood from his seat and slammed the table angrily. "This
is a travesty! We have never gotten a fair share from this shogunate! When will we get the land
that we rightfully own?"
I dont like the implications of what you just said, Nobleman Koto., came the response from
another at the opposite end of the table. You dare disrespect me, Shiro, the merciless? The
Tanegawa family will not let this slide!
Masahiro Koto stood unintimidated by his old foe despite his thin frame. The rivalry between
the Koto and the Tanegawa families had survived many generations, so much so that the
bitterness had become a regular occurrence in gatherings. It was a poison that both sides
gleefully fed and nurtured. One had to wonder if anyone still remembered how the conflict even
started. That however was never ever brought up in the faces of two of the most powerful
families in the country.
I, Masahiro Koto fear no one!, the nobleman declared as his armed swordsmen marched into
the hall.
Not to be outdone by his nemesis, Shiro called in his own men. The presence of your men is a
sign of war in the eyes of the shogunate and the Tanegawa family! Withdraw your men and
your request!, Shiro warned. Swords were quickly drawn and tensions escalated to the point
that someone had to step in and put order back.
Enough!, the proud shoguns voice boomed, hearing enough bickering for the day. I, Shogun
Takeya Hasegawa, declare that the piece of land in question will be reopened for investigation.
Both sides will have their say on the matter. There will be no bloodshed in my halls!
The orders of the shogun called for this latest public spat to end, but Masahiro Koto was not
pleased. How am I to believe that this inquisition will be fair? The last one was paid off by the
Tanegawas!
You dog!, Shiro openly insulted the head of the Koto family. I should move to have the case
of stolen items reopened for reexamination!
That case was rightfully decided!, Masahiro declared. My children did not steal from your
home. You only assume that to be the case!
I said silence!, Shogun Hasegawa once more shouted at the top of his voice.
With all due respect, I, Masahiro Koto, have heard you have a close friendship with Nobleman
Tanegawa, your majesty. I hope that you will not be blinded by your fellowship with the vile
nature of the Tanegawas.

Once more, swords came to play with both families threatening the other. Any violence that
would have happened however was averted by an incident no one saw coming.
The honorable prince of the empire has arrived!
Those mere words instantly dissipated the tension that took no less than a second to rise.
Every armed man in the hall hurried to put away their weapons. Nobody expected a visitation
from the palace. Even worse, it reflected poorly on Shogun Takeya Hasegawa on just how little
control he had in his shogunate.
The large doors of the hall, flung open with many men in black and gold robes surrounding
everyone in the room. Each man bore the gold lotus flower emblem, a sign of their allegiance to
the emperor. There was instant silence when the young prince stepped in. Prince Takeshi
Tsugami surveyed the shocked look all around him as his attendants straightened his rich and
exquisite garb.
Nobody hesitated to bow in respect to the prince. The shogun himself spoke humbly at the face
of royalty. Welcome, Great Prince Takeshi. Please accept my apologies for not preparing in
advance for your sudden visit.
Silence! I knew if I had come unannounced I would finally see why our people continue to
suffer!, Takeshi snapped back with anger. The fiery optimism in his youthful eyes burned
brightly, untainted by the stench of politics. The mysterious plague has taken thousands of our
people and no cure is in sight. Yet all you do here is bicker about who owns what land? Will
you wait till the plague hits you all before acting on it? Where is your sense of duty?
The young prince of the empire took them all to task for utter failure. With more and more dead
bodies piling every month, something must be done. This was the first time he had witnessed
the very cause of the paralysis within the walls of the shogunate.
Everyone respectfully listened to the prince, but they all saw him as an outsider in the game of
politics that they were all so entrenched in. Masahiro Koto and Shiro Tanegawa understood
what was being said, but both of them knew the moment one of them stopped fighting, the other
won. They thought once this little visit was done, things would be business as usual. What the
prince revealed however put that thought to rest.
Shogun Hasegawa, I am staying here for a prolonged period of time to ensure that our people
get the attention they deserve.
There was nothing anybody could do but bow to the whims of the honorable prince.
Accommodations were swiftly made for the princes stay in the shogunate. It didn't take long for
Takeshi to be led to the large guest room that evening. Once alone, he started to ponder on
many things that weighed him down.
The prince could not comprehend how Shiro and Masahiro rose to power. It didn't make sense
that they ruled the kingdom, but this was how the system worked. These men were in power
because of the resources they possessed. They controlled the shogunate and gave it the
power to govern. Fighting the established system was a tall order, especially for a man so new
to the game.

Takeshi put a small statue on the large table that served as the centerpiece of the room and
bowed before it. "Guide me, my brother, Ichiro-san. Give me strength to face all the pressure."
The prince missed his older brother, Ichiro. It had been years since he had embarked into a
journey simply because of things that he dreamt. Everyone thought such an adventure was
simply madness, but Ichiro felt strongly about the dangers in his visions as if his dreams were a
glimpse of a dark future. Ichiro left two years ago, and he never came back.
Just then, a man stepped in, not realizing that the prince was preoccupied. Immediately he
knelt and bowed, asking forgiveness for his error.
You have wronged no one, Hiro-san., Takeshi spoke with no hint of anger. Hiro Masahito was
his personal aide from the emperors palace. Ever since Ichiro had disappeared, Hiro had
become his close friend and confidant.
Honorable prince Takeshi-sama, your requested travel arrangements have been made for
tomorrow.
Thank you, Hiro-san. I want to see for myself how the people are doing in the village.
It was about time that they showed that the palace cared for their people instead of the petty
bickering that dominated the halls of the shogunate. Takeshi hoped that by visiting the plague
stricken places, he would get a better pulse of the peoples plight.
Ichiro-san would be proud of you., Hiro replied solemnly to the prince.
My brother sacrificed the life of comfort to do the right thing., Takeshi spoke, his emotions
giving each word weight. I can only hope to live up to his principles.
You must rest my liege. Tomorrow will be a very busy day.
Hiro Masahitos words could not have been more true. With travel preparations made in haste,
one can only wonder what surprises wait for the prince of the empire.
~o~
Flags bearing the gold pearl emblem fluttered with the winds that cold and misty morn. Large
clouds gathered in the skies, shutting out the sunlight and its warmth. The sense of death was
in the air, dampening the heart of the young prince. Takeshi stepped out of the shogunate to
face a large contingent of men that waited outside.
Shogun Hasegawa bowed low before addressing the prince. Greetings my liege. Preparations
are done for your journey.
Takeya-san... we are not in a state of war. I do not need all of these men.
I beg to differ, Takeshi-sama. You are the son of the great Emperor. It is our heads on the line
should anything happen to you.
It was evident to Takeshi that the shogun was trying to make a good impression after being
caught in such an awkward situation. Nevertheless, he accepted the arrangements made and
4

rode his horse, heading towards the plague stricken village of Ryoto. Hiro Masahito
accompanied him as always. Nothing would prepare them for the scene that greeted them.
There was burning pyre filled with dead bodies just outside the village premise. The stench of
the dead reminded everyone the horrors of the plague. Beyond the halls and silly bickerings of
men in power, people were dying.
As the men approached the village, guards were guiding a line of men, women and children to a
large house, like sending meat to the grinder. The scene was unbearably painful for the young
prince.
Great prince! I have been notified of your visit., a Ruffunian man bowed before the prince. I
am Mayeda, the steward of Ryoto on behalf of Nobleman Shiro Tanegawa.
Just then, one of the women in the line saw the prince and decided to make a run for it. Guards
immediately held her down and dragged her back in line. Takeshi immediately called upon the
attention of Mayeda over the maltreatment.
Sire... please. We are all concerned over your security. Its our heads should anything happen
to you.
This was the second time the prince had heard of that response. He could blatantly see with his
very own eyes the suffering and maltreatment of the people, but then, all of it was for his own
safety against the plague. Should anything happen to the prince, all of them would be held
responsible and the consequences would surely be fatal. Thrusted into this moral conflict,
Takeshi felt lost with no clear choice to take. Clearly, he was not the political breed that his
brother was.
Prince Takeshi dismounted and decided to speak with Mayeda about the situation. With Hiro
beside him, he hoped to learn more on the plague, perhaps even a hint of a cure.
Theres no chance. We dont understand the illness that spreads, your majesty., a tired
Mayeda spoke once the three were in his quarters. Im being honest... but theres nothing
anyone can do about it...
Takeshis brows twisted tightly while listening to Mayeda speak. The words spoken were ones
of hopelessness, but within them was a strange sense of apathy. Maybe it was because he was
working for Nobleman Shiro. Perhaps Mayeda was too ingrained into that poisonous system to
care for his own people.
The people appreciate your visit, Takeshi-sama. But it changes nothing... it is our fate.
As civil servants, we must work to alleviate the suffering of our people... even if it means our
lives! My brother Ichiro ventured far for the benefit of our people... we must strive to have that
devotion!
None of Takeshis words made an impression on Mayeda, especially when the prince mentioned
his older brother. Takeshi could not help but feel there was something wrong about the mans
entire demeanor. As it turns out, he was not the only one who felt that way.

Sensing a great disrespect for the prince, Hiro Masahito pulled out his sword and swiftly pinned
Mayeda down on the table. Ichiro was the princes close friend and brother. The manner in
which Mayeda shrugged off the princes words and disrespect for Ichiros memory drove him on
the assault. You dare act this way before the Takeshi-sama and Ichiro-sama?!
Please! Spare my life, Takeshi-sama! I mean no malice nor disrespect!, Mayeda pleaded like
a coward almost instantly, prompting the prince to instruct Hiro to let him go.
None of this will go out, Mayeda-san. Tell me your honest opinion of what I just said., the
prince spoke calmly.
Mayeda still had fear in his eyes, but he knew that he would have to abide to anything the prince
dictated from him. Sir... I see your wisdom... but I think we all value survival... it is the virtue
instilled by the great Shiro... and your brother..., he was stammering when speaking about
Ichiro.
What?, the prince pressed him.
Shiro often referred to Ichiro-sama as the lunatic in the palace... that his selfless nature would
lead to his demise... that the plague was just a reminder that we had to look for our own
selves...
Takeshi was stunned by the loopy logic that a person who ruled the village had. The system
was truly severely broken if these kinds of people were deemed fit to rule. Even worse, it clearly
showed that a sycophantic scum like Shiro Tanegawa could gain so much power in the empire.
The lunatic in the palace...
Those words lingered in Takeshis mind. Shiro Tanegawa never seemed to openly be at odds
against his brother, but the revelation from a man who feared for his life showed a different side
to the nobleman.
Takeshi remembered the last time he spoke with Ichiro, under the huge cherry blossom tree in
the imperial garden. The tone of his brothers voice was an interesting mix of fear and
excitement. He shared his dreams of a great threat that would arrive on their shores, bearing
the great symbol of a multi-headed dragon. This vision was a calling to him. It was a chance to
earn his spot in the empire at the same time work for the people at a time when the sense of
duty amongst officials seemed to be fading.
Ichiro embarked on that quest for answers despite the wishes and concerns of their great father.
Shiro at the time wished him well, but now Takeshi could tell there was nothing but malice in that
man.
So, you dont think theres hope, Mayeda-san?, he once more turned his attention to the
steward. How do you go about dealing with those afflicted?
We dont., Mayeda responded with clear apathy. We just burn those who have the disease
and try to keep the people away, but this is something we cannot seem to control. Some people
have since turned to a blind monk who arrived in the village not too long ago. I dont know what
his purpose is here, but his presence has not changed the situation at all.

A blind monk..., Takeshi muttered under his breath, his eyes glimmered with hope from this
detail. "Where is this monk you speak off?"
"He stays in a nearby shack, your majesty. We can summon him if you wish."
The more Takeshi thought of the prospect of meeting that man, the more it piqued his curiosity.
Just what sort of treatment did the monk provide for the ill? Surely this monk had firsthand
experience with the plague. If there was any chance for a cure, that visit would be a crucial first
step.
"That is not necessary, Mayeda-san. I will pay him a visit, personally."
~o~
Only the wails of men and women greeted the prince and his aide as smoke billowed from a
small rundown shack. Outside the frail wooden gates of the shack was a line of people,
presumably patients. Dead bodies lay in front of the shack, making Takeshi realize that in this
makeshift cemetery, even the monk himself didnt have all the answers to the plague..
Hiro and the guards stepped forward, separating the prince from the patients. That didnt stop
the prince however from approaching the people, to understand what was it they hoped to find
from this blind monk. Many of them claimed this monk could extend their lives while relieving
the pain and agony. Nobody expected to be cured from the fatal disease.
It didn't take long for a patient to step out of the shack, with a youthful blind monk appearing
behind him while holding a staff. Instead of calling for another patient, the monk had a curious
look, as if sensing esteemed company before him.
"Welcome, kind and honorable visitor., the monk bowed. May I know who has come to my
humble abode?
Despite the anguish and pain all around, the monk had a strange sense of calmness in his
demeanor. His voice alone soothed the heart, and instilled a warmth that the prince could not
quite understand. Perhaps the monk didnt possess the wisdom to cure the plague, but the
prince could tell the man before him had a great understanding in the illness that threatened his
empire.
"I greet thee, kind monk. I am Prince Takeshi of the Empire and wish to speak with you."
The blind monk respectfully bowed again. I am not worthy of such royal company, but if your
highness graces me, I respect your generosity, great prince.
There was barely anything in the shack, only the bare necessities. At the far end was a large
bed, presumably where the monk tended to patients. Prince Takeshi could not shake the feeling
that everything could be contaminated. He was not the only one who felt that way.
"Takeshi-sama... are you sure you want to be here? We can always send emissaries to bring
the monk to the palace.", Hiro Masahito quickly quipped. Prince Takeshi however was not one
to turn away now that he was here.

"I have to see for myself what he's doing.", the prince insisted. Would he be infected by the
plague? It was a risk he was willing to take.
"My apologies, honorable prince. I can only provide little for you. I can assure you however,
that you will not contract the illness from the seats. Please make yourselves feel welcome. I
am Xiao Long, from the Eastern lands of Sung Ku. What do you wish to know, great prince?"
"Sung Ku... so you're a foreigner, then?", the prince asked as he and his aide took their seats.
Xiao Long bowed low as he confirmed that fact. "My journey has brought me to Ruffun, if you
must know, honorable prince."
I have heard tales of a good monk helping my people. Will you let me see you work on the ill?"
"As you wish, honorable prince."
Xiao Long rung a bell from the table, a signal to bring in another patient. He then burned
incense, finding no trouble locating it at all, and began praying on some statuette. As Xiao Long
worked on the ill, Takeshi started to suspect that this monk seemed to possess some
extraordinary perception. It was clear that the monk lived alone and there was nobody to look
after him. For a blind man to live this way was a tall order. Was the blindness an act all along?
That was a possibility, but if that were the case, what did a man from hundreds of miles from his
own country want?
Takeshi began slowly walking to look through the smoke and get a better view of Xiao Long's
treatment as the monk began to insert needles into the patient's nerves. He was driven by
curiosity, but there was also a growing doubt inside of him about the monk.
At first the patient struggled, writhing in pain, but Xiao Long seemed to exhibit some magic
beyond what the eyes could see. The monk began gripping air and pulling as if removing
something out of the patients body. Immediately after, the physical struggles ceased and the
patient sighed in relief. It was truly a sight to behold.
"Please watch your step, honorable prince.", Xiao Long quipped without even looking back.
Takeshi realized had he taken another step, he would have tripped on the wooden steps. There
was something special about this monk. The prince knew he had to take him back to the
shogunate.
What did you just do to the man?, Takeshi asked inquisitively.
I can only ease their path to death, honorable prince., Xiao Long replied while applying
ointment to the patient. I can make them feel less pain from the disease and I try to slow down
the poisons potency. It will not cure them though. I can only give them a few more months to
live.
Soon, the treatment was done. Xiao Long didnt even ask for any payment for his services but
gladly accepted a pouch of rice that the ill provided. Any doubts Takeshi had over the monk had
vanished. The monks heart was pure and good.
How is it that you seemed able to see without your eyes?

I do not need eyes to see, honorable prince., Xiao Long smiled. My training lets me feel
every life force around me. My ears lets me hear every little thing around us. It is a gift. It is a
curse. I use both to help those who seek it.
"Then help me, wise monk. I wish to know about the plague. Please educate me of what you
know of this.
Xiao Long gripped his staff tightly and sat before the prince and his aide, both incredibly
impressed by the skill displayed. I came to Ryota because of the plague, great prince. It was
the right place to study its nature. What I can tell you is that its not from mother nature. It is
concocted with malice. This was a poison brewed by someone with evil intent and I fear this is
only the beginning.
Poison?, Takeshi pondered. If that were truly the case, then whoever did this had much more
sinister schemes planned. Even worse, it would likely be planned by the emperors enemies.
But who would that be? Was it Masahiro Koto? Was it Shiro Tanegawa? You said this could
be just the start, but what is it? Do you think its politically involved? Who could possess such
potent components to create such a powerful poison?
Xiao Long had a blank stare on his face, but the prince and his aide could tell a strange sense
of energy emanated from the monk. It was as if the monk was channeling into a power much
greater than anything they had ever seen. The monk soon snapped from his trance, and then
began to speak.
Honorable prince, I cannot speak of the intent of a person. But I can tell that in order to make
such a deadly poison requires extraordinary means in the form of dark magic.
Dark magic?, Hiro Masahito remarked.
Xiao Longs face turned grim as he asked the prince a question. Honorable prince, do you
know the Prophecy of the Sun and the Moon?
The prince and his aide turned to each other dumbfounded by the query. Both of them knew
however that this would simply mark the beginning of a journey for the two, one that would take
them to the deepest and darkest corners of the empire to unravel its secrets.

II
The sun rises yet bears no light,
blacker still than any night.
Swords descend from the darkness in the sky
its chaos consumes with every cry.
The black moon stands between hope and despair,
keeping men away from the bright flare.
Madness reigns in the hearts of all,
leaving men to whimper and crawl.
The hellspawn born from the sun and the moon
will rise to meet the shadows soon.
The outcast of men will bear the torch,
perishing the night, its sacrifice will scorch.
The poem Xiao Long shared before Takeshi and his aide bore with it no ready answers.
Frustrated and befuddled, they both relied on the monk for his wisdom. The monk made it clear
however, that even he didnt carry all the answers himself.
I can only speak of what I understand from the passage, honorable prince. There is a constant
reference of the sun and the moon, a description which I found curiously similar to that one
morning that seemed to be like night... a morning where the sun turned into a white ring...
Prince, this could be a reference to the Black Morning that happened a few years ago., Hiro
eagerly pointed out. Indeed it was a strange phenomenon when the sun turned black.
Speculation was rife at the time over what it meant, but like many mysteries in life, people
moved on without any real answers.
The monk continued on, sharing with them how the word of the outbreak started spreading
shortly after that strange moment. It was only after Xiao Long got wind of it that he began to
see a link between the phenomenon and the disease, something that Takeshi also concurred.
Everyone of them felt the threat the poem implied within its words and riddles. This sense was
amplified by the fact nothing in the passage revealed nor hinted at who could have done this vile
act against the innocents that already perished from it. The prince felt the only chance they had
was to look back at the imperial archives.
Xiao Long, I know people come here to help you, I need you to go with me to the palace.
Surely the imperial archives will help us find the answers to the poem. You will help more
people if we can uncover the source of this evil.
If fate wills it..., the monk replied. Everyone knew that the requests from the imperial family
cannot be denied. As Hiro Masahito stepped out to address the crowd of the princes request,
Xiao Long simply nodded, resigned to whatever fate had for him.

10

Takeshi would soon depart, but arriving in Ryota revealed that the circumstances had changed
dramatically since he arrived. Many armed soldiers went in and out of Mayedas house. It
made the prince wonder if Shiro had anything to do with this poison Xiao Long spoke of and if
so, was Mayeda simply a pawn for a grander, more sinister scheme?
Hiro Masahito immediately began digging up details, but he didnt need to ask very long to know
what happened. Mayeda was found dead in his home with several wounds on his chest. The
prince brought the monk with him to investigate the dead.
The scene was gruesome with blood everywhere. Mayedas robes were drenched in his own
blood, the freshness of it suggested it wasnt too long ago. His eyes were dilated. His skin
seemingly had burnt deformities. While Xiao Long looked closer to the diseased, Hiro Masahito
immediately spotted tiny holes on the wooden posts of the room, a clear suggestion this was a
work of a ninja assassin. Sending masters of the art of death warned the prince that every evil
act had a purpose to fulfill.
This is the same signs as the poison that plagued this village..., Xiao Long remarked. It
seems to be far more potent though... its effects are accelerated.
When Hiro Masahito finally inspects the body, he finds a note tucked in one of the sleeves of the
dead man.
Every person you meet will suffer the same fate. Death after death, chaos will soon reign.
I think we are close to our answers..., Takeshi remarked. Our enemy feels threatened by our
inquisition.
Little did the prince realize however that this enemy would strike again so soon. As soon as he
stepped out of Mayedas home, a messenger from the shogunate was there to meet him.
Prince Takeshi-sama, you must hurry to the shogunate. Shogun Hasegawa is dead.
Both the prince and his aide knew how fragile the state of the shogunate was. Without the head
of the shogunate, chaos would rule over the rival families. Time was of the essence. The
prince hurried back as swiftly as he could.
~o~
Turmoil and panic. Swords had been drawn. The shogunate had fallen under a terrible cycle of
destruction by the time Takeshi arrived. There was plenty of in-fighting as Shiro Tanegawa and
Masahiro Koto accused each other of conspiring against the shogun. Many lives from the
families had been taken, but what hurt Takeshi more was that the blood that was shed, no
matter the banner they bore, were all his kin.
Enough!, the prince declared as he stepped into the halls of the shogunate with Hiro, Xiao
Long and his men. Nobleman Masahiro Kotos thin frame concealed the ferocity his heart was
capable of. His nemesis Shiro breathed heavily with eyes seemingly possessed by the devil
himself. Both their katana swords dripped of blood, a mere sample of the carnage that broke
around the shogunate.

11

What have you done, I ask you all?, Takeshis voice filled the desecrated halls with frustrated
anger. Have you gone mad? Drawing swords against your own brethren! This is why we
cannot help our people who need us! Because we keep fighting amongst ourselves!
Silver coloured flags with a gold pearl emblem hung high were now smeared with blood.
Countless bodies were scattered everywhere in the shogunate. The scent of death had taken
all rational thought away, leaving killers in its wake.
Takeshi-sama, the shogun is dead..., Masahiro Koto muttered. I am certain it has to be this
snake, Shiro...
Not another word!, Takeshi commanded. They were venomous words, meant to weave a
deadly spell far more potent than the poison that plagued Ryota. I will look into this matter.
Hiro-san, make sure that not a another drop of blood is spilled.
As you wish, Takeshi-sama., Hiro Masahito acknowledged and began to take control of the
halls.
Takeshi and Xiao Long were lead to Shogun Takeya Hasegawas chambers. Laying on the floor
was the proud man, staring aimlessly at the ceiling with a cup in one hand. Xiao Long
immediately inspected the body and deduced that the same poison that killed Mayeda was at
work. The dead shogun exhibited the same physical manifestations as the steward of Ryota.
Takeshi theorized that the toxin was likely placed in a small bottle of wine that was nearby.
The prince quickly spotted a small hole from the ceiling, a possible mark that the assassin had
streamed the venom down to the wine. It was dreadfully clear that the enemies were in the
confines of the shogunate.
Death after death, chaos will soon reign.
Just as written in the note earlier, the next death resulted in this chaotic killing spree. How was
the prince going to catch the assassin? Was the Koto and Tanegawa families involved? This
time, he wasnt sure.
Xiao Long maybe blind, but he could sense the princes troubled spirit. Lingering doubts from a
man thrust into unknown territory. Think carefully, honorable prince. Weigh your choices and
know that the right decision may have painful consequences. Learn and be willing to sacrifice.
Takeshi left Xiao Long to study the body, heeding the advice the blind monk had for him. As
more and more deaths piled up, the weight on his shoulders multiplied tenfold. He had to put a
stop to this symphony of destruction and the longer it took him, the more lives would be lost.
The prince arrived in his quarters to see the small statue on the table. He knelt before it,
seeking not only strength but answers. My brother... what must I do?, he muttered under his
breath.
Prince Takeshi heard a soft subtle thud behind him. Instantly, his heart started to pound, but he
did his best to still his nerves. He could tell that there was a threat that loomed behind him. A
deadly strike came just as he expected it and Takeshi expertly parried the knife swing that would
have taken his life.

12

A kunoichi ninja?
The lady ninja in black twirled and disengaged, maintaining a distance from the unarmed prince.
Who do you work for?, Takeshi quizzed the assassin, but got no response in return. She
swiftly somersaulted, her knife flashing intently at the prince.
Prince Takeshi picked up a wooden stick and deflected another blow and then proceeded to
strike and disarm the ninja. After landing a blow on her chest, the prince immediately struck a
pressure point on her neck, paralyzing the assassin from the neck down.
Without delay, he unmasked the ninja but was stunned by the beauty that hid behind the mask.
Part of him wondered if it was some form of magic, but spell or not, he was smitten. Who are
you?, he pressed her.
Someone who wants to be found..., the ninja replied with a deadly smile.
Before Takeshi could tell what was happening, the ninja blew mist onto his face, its scent
leaving him in a dizzy haze. As his sight began to fade, he could see shadows appear to the
ninjas aid. Deep in his heart, he realized that that moment of weakness proved to be his
undoing.
~o~
Takeshi roused from the soft pitter patter of the rain. Staggering up, the prince could tell he was
still feeling the effects of whatever concoction the ninja spewed into his face. With his visions
blurred, he walked on the drenched pavement hoping to find a clue of where he might be.
You dont remember where you are, do you?
A familiar voice spoke out to him. It was one he hadnt heard of in a very long time.
Ichiro-san? Is it you?, Takeshi asked, not believing what his ears were hearing.
Slowly, his vision began to clear and the prince realized he was in the imperial garden. Just a
few paces away was the large cherry blossom tree he and Ichiro used to play under. Unlike
those times however, the tree was old and frail, likely dead. At the other end, he saw a man in
black and red robes with a large oriental hat on. He recognized the man before him. It was his
beloved brother.
Ichiro-san!, Takeshi exclaimed running to embrace him, but as soon as he tried to touch him,
Ichiro vanished and then reappeared several paces in front of him.
Im sure you have many questions about my whereabouts, Takeshi-san..., Ichiro opened.
Hopefully, my answers provide you with some clarity of thought.
The prince began to think of the burdens that weighed him. There is a plague... its taken many
lives... and I need to stop it. I need to find who is responsible.
I know of the plague you speak of, Takeshi... it threatens to bring the entire empire on its
knees., Ichiro concurred. It is magic that can only be lifted by power that is equal if not greater
in potency... if you hope to be rid of this poison, you must search.
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Where?, Takeshi asked with great urgency.

To where I went, my brother., Ichiro shot a hard look straight into his eyes. To Europa, the
greatest source of power that every man should crave. Do you remember why I went away?
Takeshi reaffirmed what he knew, that Ichiro was obsessed about a threat in the form of some
dragon. Ichiro felt the need to stop it before its clutches ever reached Ruffun, but now, it
seemed that his brother referred to it as power. You used to call it a threat, Ichiro-san...
I went through a long arduous journey, Takeshi-san... Ive made many sacrifices along the
way..., Ichiro spoke with conviction and emotion while pointing at something behind Takeshi.
When the prince finally turned around, he saw countless bodies, all of them Ichiros men. Even
more suspicious was the fact they all seemed to bear the skin deformities similar to the late
shogun. Looking back at the cherry blossom tree, Takeshi could see faces from its bark, wailing
and crying with pain and agony. Leaves grew from the tree as if the people gave it life.
I felt the power of the covenant, Takeshi. It was devastating and dangerous... but it showed me
the power to give life and take it..., Ichiro continued. Against such prowess, Takeshi... fighting
is a futile effort... all I did was bring all the men who swore their loyalty to me to their graves.
You did what you thought was right!, Takeshi interjected, but his brother was not having it.
You think its easy when I have to be the one to bury every one of my men?, Ichiro snapped
back in anger. After losing many of them, and seeing the hard work for naught, I found another
way to save our people from ruin.
Ichiro went face to face with his younger brother. We have to embrace it.
Embrace it?, Takeshi gasped at the suggestion Ichiro put forth.
The Covenant gave me powers beyond your wildest imagination, Takeshi. We can wield this
power to shape society the way we want. We can be rid of the petty bickering of our noblemen.
We can right the wrongs of our system. And, with you by my side, we can muster enough
power to sever ties with the Covenant of Seven...
You are mad..., Takeshi uttered with a sense of horror, before looking back at the dead men
behind him. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that his own brother was the
architect of this horrific poison. You said you knew about the plague, Ichiro... that's because
you brought it here! You killed your own men for power, and you're doing the same to our
people!
I sacrificed, Takeshi... it's about taking the sacrifice. To gain power requires sacrifice!
Sacrifice?! You doomed our people, Ichiro! How many people died for this sacrifice of yours?
Quiet!, Ichiros voice boomed.
understand what Im trying to do!

You disappoint me, my brother.

You are too naive to

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Takeshi saw the Ichiros eyes turn red when a realization struck him. Youre not my brother.
You think you can fool me by using my brothers image? I will not be fooled by your lies! You
monster... I will hunt and kill you and free my brother!
Soon Takeshi found himself surrounded by the dead men that were behind him. The dead
samurais drew their swords, ready to tear him apart.
"Ichiro!!!"
Takeshi screamed as he roused from his slumber, finding himself still in his quarters. Beads of
sweat trickled down his face. His breathing was rapid as if he was running out of air. While
gathering his bearings, he found a coin on the floor, but it wasnt one he was familiar with. On
its face was some crest and under it were the words: Ebrio, 1300. Soon after, the coin
dissolved into thin air.
None of it really sunk in Takeshis mind. Fresh images of Ichiro flashed before him. That
conversation in his dream instilled a new sense of purpose. His brother was somewhere out
there and the enemies were using him physical visage. Perhaps, his real brother was still in
Europa.
Just then, Shiro Tanegawa burst through the doors with a blood drenched sword in hand. The
prince could sense an evil energy around that man. Shiros eyes displayed a tremendous sense
of malice.
Perish! Foolish prince!!!
What is the meaning of this, Shiro?
I have waited long for this moment, Takeshi... when I finally have a taste of true power! Death
is truly a gift, and I will gladly bestow it on to thee!
None of it made sense to the prince at that moment, but he was certain that the self-proclaimed
merciless one was about to strike him down.
Just then, Hiro Masahito leapt in and confronted Shiro, the two engaged in intense combat. The
battle-ready equipment Hiro wore made Takeshi realize that a massive fight had broken out
inside the shogunate, but how did it all happen?
Xiao Long appeared after the princes aide chanting an incantation though its effects Takeshi
could not readily discern. We must hurry, honorable prince.
Takeshi quickly picked up the small statue on the floor, a memento of his brother, before
approaching Xiao Long. He hesitated to depart however, turning back for his friend Hiro.
You must escape, my prince!, Hiro Masahito shouted with a sense of urgency. Run!
Xiao Long equally urged for the same recourse. Heed the advice of your aide, honorable
prince. The enemies here are too strong for us!
What enemies?, Takeshi quizzed as the two left Hiro in battle. The moment he stepped into
the main hall however, he realized the answer was right there in front of him.
15

A large battle spanned through the entire halls, men with swords fighting hordes of undead
samurais like the ones Ichiro showed him. Before his eyes, he saw the shogunate being
overrun by a force of pure evil.
From the far end of the hall, he saw one man come into view, someone he never expected to
see in the flesh. Ichiro had the same black and red robes. Wielding a sword with its blade
reverberating with power, his eyes glowed red as he summoned even more of the undead
abomination to outnumber the living. Ichiro departed from the empire a man hoping to return as
a hero. The man that came back was an agent of death.
Xiao Long once more recited an incantation that seemingly put a field of protection between
them and the undead armies. While inside this protective field, Takeshi could see how the
enemies grew stronger as more were slain. As they escaped, Ichiro simply stood there, his
eyes following Takeshi.
With rage building inside, Takeshi reached for a sword on the floor and tried to attack Ichiro, but
before he could even get close, a kunai struck the floor to stop his advances. The kunoichi ninja
in black once more appeared between the prince and Ichiro, her allegiances no longer a
mystery.
Do not be foolish, honorable prince., Xiao Long whispered into Takeshis ears. To put this
protection up requires great strength, and it will not protect you from physical harm! We must
leave!
Taking the decision to run was not an easy one for the proud prince of Ruffun. Deep in his
heart, he would rather die than face the shame. But if he took his own life, what chance did the
people have against such extraordinary foes?
Facing numerous enemies that swarmed the keep was a daunting task on its own, but with
Takeshis swordsmanship and Xiao Longs martial arts skill, they had managed to escape
unscathed. Takeshis heart however was brutally battered and wounded. Seeing all the men
slain on their way to escape was difficult to bear for the prince. All he could do was hope he to
put their souls to rest and free his land of the dark clouds that hovered up above.
When they were finally safely away from the keep, Takeshi began to grieve over the great
tragedy that had fallen. Good monk, many people died today... too many... its because we are
splintered... divided...
May their souls find peace..., Xiao Long muttered solemnly.
That is the point, isnt it? They cannot!, Takeshi snapped back angrily. Why did they wait this
long before attacking? What can we do? What should we do?
That is for you to decide, honorable prince. Fate has lead you to this point for a purpose. What
that is and all the answers you seek, you must uncover them on your own.
Takeshi sank back pondering before taking out the statue he so desperately retrieved. With it in
hand, he reminded himself of the brother he cared for, not the monster that returned. Ichiro
went to Europa and found the evil that threatened the empire. If the prince hoped to understand
and defeat what abomination was tapped into, he had to go to the very source of it all.
16

We depart for Europa, good monk. We will find and defeat whatever evil lies there.
As the two began their long journey, Takeshi held the statue close in his heart. One day, he
would find his real brother and bring him back.
I will, Ichiro. I promise...
~o~
You let them go, Master Ichiro-sama?
Yes, I did, Koyasha.
What are your orders?
Follow them, kunoichi ninja. Follow them closely.
As you wish, my master.

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