[Story]To Take A Man's Life

[Tenshin]

To take a man's life means to play the hand of God, or the hand of the Tao as I like to think of it. The world needs balance, it thrives on it. People are the root of a break in balance, and because of that people are needed to restore that balance. At times a man with power can grow into a tyrant, and take advantage of what he has acquired. People who live to distort balance must die. It's as simple as that.

---------------

My search had brought me here a few weeks ago. The city of Kyoshi was a smaller but nevertheless bustling place. From the morning to sundown the streets were flooded with people. There was but one Samurai family in Kyoshi, the Bukoda, led by Bukoda Todashi. Fate had brought me to this place, and his name was on my list. He was one bad turn out; he ran his clan like yakuza, terrorizing citezens into paying for services, he even ran a gambling house and a few brothels. One thing was for sure, he needed to be taken care of and I was the one who would have to do it.

Walking through the market, it had just started to clear up. The sun was setting and some stores were beginning to close. I made my way around a corner and into an alley without looking very conspicuous. It was a very easy way to get accross town and was used by most citezens. But I wasn't exactly looking to get from one end of Kyoshi to another, the sky was somewhat dark, and it was time for me to get a vantage point from the town, where I could avoid detection, and in turn, suspition. That's just what I didn't need, attention.

I turned another corner reaching a dead end behind a house. There was no one in sight. I took off my zori slippers and replaced them with a leather footcover that I tied around my foot and ancle for a secure and silent footwear. I took a few steps and ran toward the wall at the end, when I met the wall I threw my hips up as I ran up the wall, after three steps I grabbed the ledge and drew myself up. Once on the roof, I took a look around. There was no way someone could see me as it was too dark, and for hearing me, silence was second nature to me.

Finally, after trekking from rooftop to rooftop, I had made it to the base of the large building in which the clan was situated. It was two stories high, not common for a building in this city. It was also very easy to break into. I changed shoes once again, and lowered myself from the roof. I was gonna have to pull off some show for this to work, I thought to myself, but hey, that was my specialty. Leaping down from the building I made it into the building easily. I had done it before, and I knew of a room that wasn't often used. I walked out casually into the hallway, passed several rooms and ended up in a main room... The gambling room. With my purse tucked in my sleeve, I took a seat. It was a gambling club. And you had to be a part of that club to even enter. But fortunately that was the only place they checked you, and they didn't seem to notice strangers.

I sat at a table to begin my waiting, with a drink. "Sake!" I yelled to the waitress, who didn't look all that bad. I watched her walk out of the room and looked around until she came back with my drink. "Arigatou." I said.

[selmo]

My name is not known since my family where slaughtered when I was a child and my only clue to their killers was a silk scarf with a wolf emblem on it, but that is another story.

Having no real name nor a family I never had much in the way of morals. This led me to the path to my master, a master of ninjutsu he trained me in the art of stealth and fighting. Keeping my one goal in mind I trained and finally my master agreed he had tought me the best he could, and named me Kyuushuu a way of saying revenge. So I left my masters dwelling ,with a name and the ability to avenge my family, in search for clues, or well anything to keep me along my path.

Wandering through a forest one day not having sight of a town for almost a week, growing weary and bored I came across another lone traveler with a warrior look. As I came into view a suprised look came across his face, After a discussion with him I learned his name was Ahondara, and also was a lone traveler. He would not tell me much of his story but we became friends none the less. Now with a companion the jurney was easier to contend with and not as lonely.

Years of traveling led us to a town. Ahondara says it is called Kyoshi. I myself have no knowlege of towns and what not. Upon spending a day in this town we realized this ruler was a total tyrant. Taxing the poor and being a total scum.

Ahondra recomended an inn on the poorer side of town. I went off without his company as he said he had other business; this is not uncommon in our travels. We generally give eachother space which I'm glad for I dont like to talk about my family. The bar was nice enough for the slums isn't the richest dive but better then hanging out with those rich scum on the other side of town. All in all I was grateful for the recommendation, I must remember to thank Ahondra. I called up for sake and sat down at the counter to enjoy my drink.

It was far past sundown when an intesteing scene occured. 3 men walked in clocked and soaked from the rain pouring down outside, they sat at a far table and the inn keeper immediatly brought them drinks...and somthing else. My trained eye noticed somthing else exchanging hands small vail, I had no doubt in my mind that that vail contained deadly poison.

I overheard one of the men say, "We have the means now we just need a way. We need a skilled individual to apply this to the Leader's food. I for one am getting desperate - I'm tired of him oppressing me and my family!!"

"Keep your voice down we dont know whos listening!", another harshly whispered.

By this time I had stopped listening. Family? ...A fire grew from inside my chest and I was decided I would help these men. For the sake of what I once lost.
Causually I paid for my drink and walked over to their table. "I believe I may be of service to you.", I said in a calm tone.

"How could a lone travelor like you be of use to us?" One of the men said with a sneer.

"Ha! All I need to do is use this on the guy right? No problem", I said brandishing the vial that was moments ago deep in the first mans pocket.

Amazed they started talking in hushed whispers amongst themselves. I could have overheard this if I wished but I left the stunned group with all intentions of completing this task.

[Tomoshibi]

Being a ronin does have its ups, despite what others may tell you. No longer do I have to worry about the clashes between my morals, my obedience to my lord and most of all my honor. Losing my honor, along with my two swords has brought me the most excruciating pain, far worse than any blow I have suffered on any field of battle. Unable to deal with the shame but unwilling to part with my life by way of honorable suicide, I take a new name and a new identity. My name is Ahondara, and this is my story.

Exiling myself from my homeland I traveled in search of work, posing as a peasant warrior. On one such day of traveling I happen to spot a man walking towards me on the forest path – I must be getting old for I didn’t notice him until he was almost at walking distance. My samurai days are long over, and I reach for the nodachi I carry in a makeshift strap on my back rather than the two swords that I favor. Before I finish drawing the long weapon this stranger greets me. He was quite the talkative sort, but then again he had quite a story. Surprisingly enough I even start to like him. He is a little naďve (he did approach a completely unknown, strongly armed stranger on a path teeming with bandits) but his heart is pure. His name is Kyuushuu I enjoyed his company for many years.

So, I journey on. We spend some of our time killing bandits and other lowlife, but we are careful not to get caught. Kyuushuu has the uncanny ability to hide just about any number of bodies just about anywhere – I suspect he has had some sort of training in the arts of ninjitsu. This also seems evident when we fight; despite having peasant origins, he can hold his own even without the training and discipline of a samurai. I try to attempt the wrongs when I see them, and Kyuushuu never complains about our dirty work. Life is as good as it gets for a ronin.

That is, until we reach a town I know very well. We have made it to Kyoshi, I tell my companion. Kyoshi, the mere name brings back a torrent of emotions I have held in check for a long time. Fear, pain, sorrow and strongest of all rage. Was it fate that brought me back to this town, my hometown? So I fill my partner in about all of the corruption of this city and its ruler, without mentioning that I used to be part of it. Though he seems quieter than usual, which is strange for the normally talkative Kyuushuu, I believe he is forming the same plan I have secretly brooded over for years. As we head towards the nearest bar I can only hope that I go unrecognized, at least until the deed is done. Due to my hair being no longer cut the way of a samurai and my aging features this may be possible. Besides, it looks like most of the older warriors are out of the game. All I see is young thugs patrolling the streets, all hired by the Bukoda. The innocent are wise to stay indoors I suppose. I feel that the time is right to avenge myself, and hopefully usher in a little more good into the world, which it so desperately needs. I feel that the time is right to kill my former master, Bukoda Todashi.

[Tenshin]

I spent half an hour sipping my Sake before everything was in place. All was going according to plan. The gamblers and drinkers were getting louder. But I looked at the only way up the stairs, shook my head and looked again. Laughing to myself, I knew fate was with me this evening. The samurai who stood in front of the stairs wasn't at his post, all the waitresses were in the kitchen, and the drinkers and gamblers were preoccupied. My master plan to cause an elaborate distraction and sneak upstairs was trashed then and there as I simply walked over, and climbed the narrow staircase. At the top of the stairs I saw the guard who abandoned his post. He was at the other end of the hall and he was walking away, I continued to walk and turned into the first room I'd seen. Luck seemed to have been on my side that night, because I had just stepped into the vacant servant's room, and on the floor was a neatly folded uniform.

This was not even closely related to my original plan, but when an opportunity opens up, I always take it. The whole time I was changing I could hear the laughter coming from downstairs mixed with the conversing down at the end of the hall, upstairs.

I stepped out into the hallway in a plain white kimono with a light blue lining. Not my style, but that's why it's called a disguise. Another servant walked up the stairs and stopped in front of me with an overcumbersome amount of towels in her hand, instructing me to take some and follow her. I didn't really have a choice, as by the time I realized what was going on we were halfway down the hall, headed toward the talking. Turning the corner there was another flight of stairs, it was warm in the room below.

There it was, I thought as I put my pile of towels next to the other servants. The place I'd been looking for. A bath house, that smelled like sake. Many big shots, and leaders from the city were laughing and joking around, cheeks and nose red from alcohol, the fools. Todashi however, was easy to spot out, he wasn't laughing, nor was he drunk. He was smiling however, and speaking to a man from the next city over, a daimyo's spokesperson. But there was something about Todashi, a power, a mindset, and a darkness to him. Along with those bathing, were over a dozen fully clothed samurai, some spoke to one another, others stood sternly on guard for any intruders. My observations had not given me away, but the fellow servant I had helped called me up. She was half way up the stairs and I quickly followed her, catching up.

"You're knew here aren't you?" She asked.
"Yes, it's my first day actually." I responded.
"Well just make sure you follow me. Todashi-sama doesn't like new people."

[selmo]

Walking through the damp streets fingering the vial nestled in my pocket. This should be an easy task. Ha! I dont even need to come near the old fool. All I need is to get into his mansion and get into the kitchens - from there its easy. Walking up to the fenced mansion i notice about three guards at the front gate. Hmph! They think assassins use the front gate? I chuckled to my self as I easily vaulted a wall top.

Upclose this mansion looks alot bigger. Oh well, I have all night and the night is young. I searched the grounds for a dark window, keeping to the shadows. The only one I saw was on the second story. So much hassle for something like this. Oh well I'll just go through a lit window; it has less shadows but I'm sure its managable. Here we go, I thought to myself as I glanced into the first 1st floor window. Hmm, looks like a dinning room, not what I am looking for yet. Next window, maids' chambers - nope, I need a kitchen or just a dimly lit hallway. In this case it looks like third time was the charm.

I glanced into the well lit kitchen. Empty, must be serving time. I hope im not too late. I easily vaulted into the window and glanced around. A few cooking pots and such, a normal kitchen nothing out of the ordinary. Just then my heart lept as I heard the door start to slide open I quickly dived under a table. Looks like i had just made it for the cook and two maids that entered had not seen anything.

"Now we have served the guests it is time to serve his majesty. He likes everything to be perfect so do not mess this up. I have cooked his meal to the best of my abilities. It will be magnificently delicous, like nothing you have ever tasted before", I heard the cook say. My heart lifted; looks like I'm right on time I thought to myself. Taking a peek from under the table I saw the cook reach over and lay a plate on the table.

"Now this plate is his main course, masterful work on my part", said the arrogant chef, gesturing to the plate he had just set down. Ha! Perfect literally laid out on a silver platter for me. I said as I quickly uncorked the vial and when the three were not looking I got the job done. The entire vail emptied, just as my hand slipped back under the table. The chef turned and said, "Now bring this to the lord for I wish great compliments on my culinary talents". The maids took it and left leaving me and the cook alone.

After about half an hour I grew bored of waiting for the cook to leave or word that the assassination attempt had succeeded. I heard an alarming shout, the cook startled glanced out of his kitchen to see what all the noise was from. He gasped at the scene that laid beofore him.

My plan would have worked if it weren't for those two maids. Enthralled by the comments of the chef on how wonderfully prepared the meal was they tried a bite and within seconds they were both dead. Knowing this was the lord's meal an alarm was raised. Damn, I thought to myself, thats my signal to leave. I will acomplish this task though, I thought to myself as I rolled out form under the table.

This is where the major problem occurred. Being drowsy and stiff from not moving for half an hour left me not as nimble as I normally am. I crashed into a wooden pot holder making several loud clanks. I heard a sturdy voice shout "What was that? In the kitchens!"

Cursing to myself I tried to get away before the door slid open but with no luck. Looks like I will need to fight and run when I get the chance. Pulling out my belt knife, having not brought anything else with me for this job, I dove with the speed and agility gained through years of training and by the time the guard saw me he had a knife through his heart. One down, but how many to go? As an answer two more guards appeared in the door way swords out and silhouetted by the light in the hallway. Again cursing to myself I dove to the ground, suprising my opponents and brought up the fallen guards blade through one of the guards' chest.

As the luckless man fell the remaining guard retaliated immediatly. Not taking me for granted (which I must say is smart after what I did to his 2 budddies) he made a violent slash to my torso. Blocking this move I forced him into the hallway with a fast flurry of attacks,which I learned from Ahondra in battle a few months back, I must thank him for this move, because it worked very well. Having pushed him back I dove at him with what would have been a lethal stab but moments after lunging into the hallway a spear butt slammed into the back of my head, sending me into darkness.

[Tenshin]

The servant woman lead me down the hallway and to the stairs, away from the head I was bound by word to take. But I had done enough this evening. Knowing the building well and having seen my target was good work for one night. I did have all the time in the world to finish my task. I may even have been able to secure a position there, and become as close to the man as I needed. But then everything went wrong.

When we proceeded down the narrow stairwell, we heard a chain of screams. I stepped out to see what had happened, a crowd stood around two dead women, servants like the one I was following, and no trace of the cause, but a plate of food, evidently intended for Todashi. Nine samurai rushed down the hall from the bath house and pushed their way downstairs, the chief retainer instructed a few of them to guard all extrances and not let anybody out. A few others ran into the kitchen after hearing a loud crash. It was seconds before a ravenous looking man burst out of the kitchen killing a guard, but he was struck down with the blunt end of a Yari.

I looked over at the servant I was following and copied her reactions, sticking by a wall with a frightened guise on my face. But the guards began to look around, and arrest anybody who didn't look familiar. I didn't look familiar.

-------

It was dark in the cell. They had taken me and a few others outside to a prison house. It wasn't my first time in one of these but it sure was my first time in one that smelled so foul. But there wasn't much I could do. Some of the other prisoners talked, some were drunk, and slept. I sat against the wall and observed. The unconscious assassin sprawled out in the middle of the floor.

"He's obviously the one who tried to kill Lord Todashi." Remarked one of them, "Why are we stuck in here too?" The discussion raged on, but i didn't participate, nor did I listen. Blabbering my mouth wouldn't get me out of this place. In fact, I was quite sure I wouldn't have to do a thing, the man on the floor would have been prosecuted, the rest of us were just imprisoned out of fear.

[Tomoshibi]

Sadly I cannot bring myself to tell Kyuushuu my story involving Kyoshi. Feeling the need for some privacy, I recommend a good bar and inn for him to check out. I have business to attend and I do not wish for Kyuushuu to come to harm. Defeating small time bandits was one thing. Defeating one of the most notorious persons in the region was quite another. I decide to find a place to sit and contemplate my former master’s demise.

I eventually settle myself in the city’s park. Once places of beauty, the bushes and trees have an unkempt look to them, the grass replaced by dirt where careless louts now tread. A miserable sight, the place where I spent most of that sacred time known as childhood. The atrocities fill me with grief, yet I keep a stoic look about my face. It begins to rain. I pick up a lone sakura petal from the ground as I think to myself, “Even the plant life is mistreated in this place…”

Just then a band of samurai came running around the corner. “Quick”, shouted one of the men, “there has been an attempt on our lord’s life!” Wishing to learn more, I rose from my spot and halted them. Before I could inquire what happened, they drew their katanas, except for a man in the back who carried a naginata. This man, who I took for their leader shouted out, “Look another stranger! Let us apprehend him!” The next few moments were pure fluid motion, the way fighting should be.

The first two men charged me, one raising his sword above his head, the other pointing his katana straight out, trying to impale me. In one motion I drew my nodachi, its long blade sweeping upwards and slicing off the first man’s upraised arms. Even as this happened I twisted out of the way to avoid the second warrior’s blade. I felt it graze my ribcage – I wasn’t as fast as I was in the old days. He tried to stab me a second time but I backed away and simultaneously brought my blade down on the exposed area between his neck and left shoulder. The weight of my nodachi took over, almost cutting him in half. A moment later the leader wielding the naginata saw his opening and lunged for me. Unable to pull out my sword buried deep in the corpse, I leapt aside and grabbed for the naginata. More easily than expected, I brought my knee up to his chest with a sickening force and wrested the weapon from his hands. I then slammed the butt end into his windpipe fairly hard. He grabbed at his throat and started gasping, falling to his knees. I don’t think he is going to ever get up. I am thankful that these warrior’s years of corrupt sloth have allowed me to perform such a feat. I suppose fighting me must be a little harder than beating up unarmed peasants.

I look to my left to see the remaining samurai cowering behind a tree, too scared to run. I kick the man’s corpse from my great weapon and sheathe it, not even bothering to wipe it off. I then realize that I too am covered in blood, my own and others. I walk over to the coward and … “interrogate” him. Several broken fingers later, he told me of the assassination attempt. The assassin sounded too much like Kyuushuu to be anyone else, but I was still surprised and touched that he would risk his life to kill an evil man he never even learned about until today. A moment later I get the man to give me directions to the jailhouse where Kyuushuu is being held.

The walk to the jail is eventless. The peasants wisely stay inside their homes to avoid conflict, and it seems the samurai have all gone to the mansion to protect their lord. Only a cowardly man like Bukoda Todashi would put his welfare above that of his people, I think to myself in disgust. I kick open the door to the jailhouse with more force than I intended, evidently the door was unlocked. Two guards sit at a table. They look up from their gambling as I noisily make my entrance. I ask them kindly to leave, and they scamper out of another exit without looking back. Usually such diplomacy has little effect on barbarians like themselves, but I looked like a blood spattered demon with a sword greater than my own height gripped menacingly in my hands.

I walk to the back of the jailhouse, the place with the lone jail cell, overcrowded with people. I look around for the keys and see them lying on the table where the guards so abruptly departed. I open the cell and see a large group of people staring frightened at me. I quickly spot the body of my unconscious partner lying in one of the back corners. “You are all free to go”, I tell the confused and scared people, “but please help me get my friend out of here before the guards return in force.” I couldn’t help but notice one man seemingly unaffected by my appearance, leaning against one of the cell’s walls casually. The time to act was now.

[Tenshin]

I simply raised an eyebrow. It was no real surprise that something like this happened. I've always had exceptional luck, things just seem to go my way, with a few exceptions of course, like getting arrested in the first place. Still dressed as a servant, my slightly dirtied white kimono heavily contrasted the bloodsoaked warrior that stood at the door of the cell. Before I even bothered getting up, the other prisoners scampered away quickly. Maybe it was the mention of the guards returning in force, or maybe it was the man's war weathered appearance, but there was no one but myself left in the cell.

I stood from the wall I was leaning on and walked toward the body, stopping when I was standing over him. "Okay, you grab his legs."

[Tomoshibi]

I decided to do as the man asked. As we lifted the limp form of poor Kyuushuu I desperately searched my memory for some location, some sanctuary we could reach, and fast. I told the mysterious man in the white kimono to follow my lead as we began to run through the winding streets of the city, carrying my friend. As we ran I realized that I didn’t even know this person’s name, or his reason for being in that jail. He wasn’t like the other prisoners, that was for sure. I could sense a powerful aura around this man, some sort of gut instinct of mine. He probably wasn’t the sort to be trifled with. However, fate seemed to force my trust on him at least until we got Kyuushuu to safety.

Stop here, I said. We came to a halt in front of the local temple. We quickly ran up the steps that lead to the temple gate. “We can rest here, at least for a little bit. I’m sure the monks will aid us, they are usually the last part of a city to fall to corruption.” After waiting a few moments, no monks came out to greet us. I began to pound on the temple door, only to have it slowly creak inwards. Only the moonlight illuminated what we saw inside – the skeletons of the monks who used to dwell here. Without a second thought, I dragged Kyuushuu inside. In the distance I could here the outraged yells of men who had just reached the jail, only to find no one inside.

The treatment of the monks sickened me – what had the holy men done to deserve such a horrid fate? I had more important matters to attend to first. I knelt beside Kyuushuu and looked up at the man who helped me out. “I thank you for aiding me and my friend back there. However, things are going to get ugly soon, and you may wish to be rid of us before we are discovered.” Not bothering to see how the man reacted, I turned back to Kyuushuu. “Come on, Kyuushuu!” I said. “Wake up!” I started to shake my unconscious friend, the only way I know how to awaken someone. I hope he wakes soon, or he may not live the night.

[selmo]

Where is he I thought to myself the man who was right infront of me. Gone? Wait...What happened ago that fight seems like hours ago. "Kyuushuu",.... What was that? Someone is calling me. My family, no they were gone long before that fight why was I fighting. "Kyuushuu!" There it is again the voice sounds familiar.

Memories start flooding back to me triggered by that voice. A forest and a warrior walking along a path, a silent friendship, traveling for years, a tyrant...my thoughts trailed off as all this came flooding back to me. Still what am I doing here why is it dark? Am I dreaming? I slowly reaplayed the scene a fight...swords blood....Am I dead? "Kyuushuu! Wake up!" No Ahondra is here I cannot be dead.

I slowly found the strength and opened my eyes Ahondra was standing above me shaking me bloodsoaked and looking distraught. A dark room like a monastary with death so much death. Another figure standing next to him in a dirty once white kimono, I have seen that kimono before...But where? That fight 2 dead maids...White kimonos. Poison, assassin! I finally understood what happened. Not how I came to be unconcious or how icam to be in a skeleton filled monastary.

This was too much to understand, im thirsty. "Water" I croaked as I found the way to speak and gratfully recieved a waterskin from Ahondra. I drank in silence recovering from my blistering headache.

[Tenshin]

I stepped back silently, sinking into the shadows until i couldn't be seen. Soon enough I was outside, I didn't have any more business with them, and if that man was correct, i wouldn't want to run into any trouble. The last thing I needed was more attention from Todashi's Samurai. Fighting for strangers wasn't going to get Todashi killed, besides, I'm more of the type to handle things myself, without help. I left out the back entrance and made my way to the streets.

[selmo]

I glanced around when I noticed the man in white was goine. Maybe I underestimated him he may not be a servant. Once my headach had subsided I relayed my tale to the questioning Ahondra. He seems very curious about my abrupt change in behavior, normally im fairly cool headed, I did not mention anything about my family having anything to do with it. Ahondra im sure wondered why I took such a noble turn.

[Tomoshibi]

It was then that I felt the pain in my side. I looked down see my own blood had spread most of the way down my tunic. The heat of battle and being pursued had let me forget the wound I had received earlier. I cursed the samurai who touched me as I looked around for something to bind the cut with. The only cloth I spotted was the tatter of the monks’ robes. Muttering forgiveness as I tore of a piece, I then wrapped the rag around the wound tightly. It would hold as long as I didn’t get too worked up.

Kyuushuu, who was in the last parts of his recovery, watched my actions without any surprise or worry. We have seen each other in worse states over the years, and we always recovered more or less. “Looks like we only have one way out of this” I told him. “We will strike at the mansion while the guards continue the hunt for us. It will be what they least expect and we’ll get another chance at killing Todashi.” Most people would have balked at such a foolish and abrupt plan, but Kyuushuu simply grinned and started fingering his belt knife. I grinned back – after all, chances were we would never smile again.

So we started moving steadily and stealthily through the streets, avoiding the small bands of samurai roaming the town. It wasn’t too hard, the moon was hiding tonight and the guards were noisy and carried torches. They unwittingly aided us with their light and it wasn’t long before we got within sight of the mansion. Kyuushuu then vaulted himself up to the roof of a nearby building with uncanny ease. I tried the same, but with no avail. Kyuushuu had to eventually help me get to the roof. From here, all we had to do was leap a few feet to the mansion’s outer wall, then we could probably find a way from there to the inside. Kyuushuu leapt to the wall easily, no even making a sound. I wasn’t so lucky. I got a running start and jumped to the wall. However, as soon as I touched it my left leg buckled under me and I fell to the small garden below. I made a loud splash as I landed in the rock pond, which was deep enough that I didn’t injure myself. As I was getting out I saw a panicked guard running towards me, calling for aid and drawing his sword at the same time. He probably would have gotten me too, except Kyuushuu had already made his way down. He leapt forth as if a shadow himself, tripping the man as he ran. Before the samurai had a chance to react, Kyuushuu jammed his blade in a weak point of the man’s armor, right above the shoulder blades. I looked down upon such dishonorable methods, but they had their uses from time to time. We started to run, knowing that our end was near. We might still be able to escape if we made it to the front gate. Halfway there, we were intercepted by one of the small bands of samurai. We tried to turn back, but another group had already made it to our rear.

We had been caught by a pincer attack, surrounded on two sides by high walls and two groups of guardsmen out for our blood. They drew their weapons and started to approach us slowly, menacingly. I drew my blade as Kyuushuu and I stood back to back. “It has been an honor to work with you, old friend” I whispered to him. Knowing my time on this sweet world had just grown immensely shorter, I swore to myself that I would create a field of bloody roses before they finally ended my wretched life. Not even the night time breeze made a noise as I prepared for what would ultimately be my last stand. Fate had thrust me towards this sure to be grisly death, yet I was ready to embrace it with an open heart.

I have done the best I could.

[selmo]

Ahondra's plan was totally insane, completly suicidal but I loved it...I thought being surrounded by guards. Will this be the end? I was tought never to guess the outcome of a battle, bad luck but these seems to one sided to have much hope. Ahondra seems resigned already but I know him well enough to still fight like 10 of these half witted samurai. The odds looked very uneven but I wont loose hope till a blade takes my life away completly. Plus I can't die till I avenge my family so this will hopefully be no place for me or Ahondra to fall.

Grinning menicingly I look up at the group on my side "Let's begin?" I said nonchalantly, belt knife in hand. If this is to be our grave we shall be buried in our oponents corpses.

[selmo]

Back to back with Ahondra was nothing unfamiliar in our travels. We have fought many time in many different situations. Somtimes we emerge unscathed but this would not be one of those times.

I felt our backs leave eachother's as we bothed dived forward into our enclosing attackers gainign the advantage of shock in the fight. This worked extremly well for Ahondra with his Nodachi easily out reaching everyone. I on the other hand had to act much faster to get in close attack and make it back.

All went well we lept back and were back to back once more. This strategy may pick them off slowly but we dont have much time. Our second lunge never goes as well I suprised most of my opponents except one who immediatly brought his blade down with a deadly blow to my back with his Katana. I now appreciate the teaching of my master more then ever as i narrowly dodged the killing blow but wound up with a large gash on my side.

Ahondra must have noticed this as we both mutually decided not to try that lunge again. Waiting....these samurai we underestimated they ar not fools. Having a battle as simple as this they did not through away life uslessly, It was obvious they wanted to get by without a single death and so far where succeeding on my side Ahondra's may be a different story but I have no time to check. The loss of blood started to make me feel woozy, I have failed havent I....this will be my grave wont it?

[Tenshin]

****, I thought. Why would they go back tonight? As I sprinted through the streets I fingered my supply pouch and collected what I would need. While on my way home, I overheard a group of samurai who seemed in a hurry to return to the Bukoda building. I quickly dispatched them and began my rush to their aid. Why? I don't know. I can never let people I've met or helped die.

The front gates were open, and I ran in through there, tracing along the wall in the shadow as I cought an eye full of two men surrounded by quite a large number of men. I had to act quick before they saw me. My hand swung out, releasing what I had taken from my pouch. Seconds after impact, the entire yard was covered in smoke. My straightblade slid from it's sheath as I dove into the smoke. Feeling the presence of my enemies, I ran my blade through them, one after another, keeping low to the ground. When I reached Kyuushuu and his friend, I pulled them to follow me back through the path I'd cleared out of the smog I'd created.

[selmo]

What luck....I have never had such luck before in my life. Facing death...accepting death, but do I die? How did it happen? Was it a change in heart of one of the guards? No, a guard couldnt have pulled off an escape like this. Where is this man leading us?

A hand was leading both Ahondra and I....a white kimono. Was this the same man that was in that church? Who is he? he deffinatly has skill. The smoke was clearing and the man was pushing us faster out of sight of the befuddled guards. I hope we can trust him, but what choice do we have he did just save us.

With adrenaline subsiding I remembered the gash in my side and staggered a bit. The man in the white kimono caught me and supported me still pushing us faster.

[Tenshin]

Making it into the shadows of the wall, I lead them around the corner of the building, out of the sight of the guards. The whole yard was covered in smoke and had just begun to clear as we passed into the safety of the houses shade and cover. There was neat pile of boxes I'd observed earlier in the week, and easy way out that lead over the wall and into an alley.

"Quickly, climb up and get over. My home isn't far from here, just a few blocks through the alley."

[selmo]

Without hesitation both Ahondra and I scrambled over the boxes into the alley way. The mysterious man came over after us and swiftly led us down.

The comotion behind us was fading away with each step. Just as he said a few blocks down the alley and he stopped opened a door and said, "In here"

We followed again without hesitation. Into a small room which apeared to be a recently established living quarters. A place to sleep a table and a few overturned buckets as stools.
"Thank you sir, This is the second time you saved me and I believe I owe you a thanks." I said,"But who are you?"

[Tenshin]

japanese sit on the floor

"My name is Keiyo" I lied. I had to, to protect my identity. Leading wanted men to my home was trouble enough, and even though they were wanted, i wouldn't want them speaking my real name to the wrong people. I walked toward a shoji room separator where my own clothes were.

"I was born a peasant far away from here, trained for war, I excelled beyond most other Ashigaru skill limits. But I don't believe in fighting for the corrupt leaders' greedy cause. So I fled, and here I am."

I moved past the sliding doors and shut them behind me as I spoke. When the doors slid back open and I stepped back into the room, I was wearing my brown kimono, with the tan outline.

[selmo]

"Interesting you may call me Kyuu", I said glancing around seeing nothing out of the ordinary. "Why did you help us? It is a big risk for you. Since I doubt your very popular with the higher-ups."

[Tenshin]

"Well, you would have died if I hadn't intervened. I met you for a reason, fate brought me to save you tonight... Todashi must fall. His karma has cought up to him." I said in a dead serious tone. Lightening up, he leaned forward and grinned, "Care for Sake?"

[selmo]

"I agree since we all seem to be unsuccessful why not join up together?" I sipped the sake in silence for a moment. "After all what one man couldnt accomplish and what 2 men couldnt accomplish 3 men is our next choice.Is it a deal?" I added extending my hand. "We will neither rest till Todashi has been killed, I do believe fate has brought us here today and I believe fate wishes us to kill Todashi and fate wishes us to restore fairness in this town."

[Tenshin]

"You misunderstand." I didn't extend my hand to meet his. "You're the reason I wasn't successful. I have neither been seen nor identified. Those who've seen me are either dead, or didn't catch a long enough glimpse to remember my face. I don't need your help, quite the opposite, but it seems as though you need mine." I sipped my tea, but before Kyuushuu could mutter whatever nonsense this clumsy fool's lips would give way to, I continued, interrupting his outcoming thoughts.

"I have observed for over a month the ways of this tyrant, you on the other hand have just decided to skip the whole learning-your-enemy part and run in blind... the same night that you've failed... I haven't brought you here to talk, just to give you a chance to live. You may rest here, and tend to your wounds. Tomorrow night, you'll leave, I can assure you, Todashi will be dead in a matter of weeks, your effort isn't needed."

[selmo]

Silence...so this man doesn't need us? Verywell it wasn not my place to come rushin in try to take ones pay check. "I understand" I said coldly,"If my help is not needed then I shall go else where I wish you luck on your goal, but I dont need your hospitality." I set down the sake and stood, my side searing in pain but my pride had been too hurt too much already for me to show it. Blood seeping into my makeshift bandages I left his residence. Hmph takes him weeks...I suppose patients was never a blessing of mine. I walked for a few blocks staggering until I was a good distance away, I sat on a crate an an alley way to tend to my wound.

[Tomoshibi]

I watch Kyuushuu go but don’t follow. Instead I walk the entire length of the humble room and pour myself some sake. After taking a few sips, I turn to Keiyo. “Excuse the rudeness of my friend. We are grateful that you saved us, I suppose.” I wait for Keiyo to acknowledge my thanks and then continue. “I would like to talk for a bit, first I shall go clean up and change.” Without waiting for permission, I go into the next room and gently closes the sliding doors behind me.

Once inside, the ritualistic process begins. First I remove my blade and set it gently on a nearby mat. I then rummage around the room, eventually finding an appropriate piece of cloth. Next I wipe off the blade, then reseathe it. The important task performed, the cloth is then used to wipe off my face, arms, and even my chest. I choose a kimono at random, hoping it will fit. Casting my bloody clothes off to one corner, along with the now bloody cloth, I try it on and find it suitable. I finish the ritual by strapping on my nodachi and open the sliding door.

Keiyo looks up, and has seemingly not moved since I departed for the back room. I sit down on the floor and give him a long stare. “You lied to us. I’m not sure which part is truth or not, yet I suppose it doesn’t matter at the moment. I’m going to ask you a few questions though; answer them truthfully – I’ll watch to see if you lie or not.” He nods in understanding, so I continue. “Why did you save us? It was a pointless act, unless you plan to incorporate it into a larger scheme. If you can outdo a large group of guards like the ones we fought, why didn’t you treat us as a distraction and go for Todashi as we fought?” I take a sip of the sake I sampled earlier, and wait for his reply.

[Tenshin]

"I am not a warrior. My ways are different from yours and your friend's. I saved you because it's not your time to die, I moved in and played fates hand, removing you from a situation you were not meant to fall into." I explained, stopping there, as to elaborate would only confuse. I stood to my feet, turned around and moved across the room to a small dresser where I pulled out my smoking pipe. Grabbing a moderate amount of smoking herb, I headed back to my place and sat, soon a red glow filled the bowl as I sipped the smoke gently.

"I'd never caught your name."

[Tomoshibi]

Though I could not understand his response, I could tell he spoke earnestly. I nodded to show I acknowledged his answer, then spoke. “I am Ahondara”. I look thoughtfully at his face for a moment – he looks strangely familiar. Wait a moment, could it be?

“Your face, I recognize you now! You were one of the men I saved from the town jail. Truly, fortune must have reunited us. However, seeing as how you don’t wish for my aid, I shall be on my way. I have… business to attend to.” Giving him a curt bow, I make my way for the door. I don’t even wait to see the man’s reaction, for his attitude annoys me.

Walking down the street I start looking for Kyuushuu – I’m sure he hasn’t gotten too far. The way he risked his life for my cause touched me, I decided it was time to tell him about my past, and in turn confront it. I had much business to attend to indeed, I thought to myself as I walked down the street.

Tomorrow will bring another day, and I shall have my revenge. Only in that revenge, may I redeem myself.