Once a captive to the chains of the night, A young soul struggled to break free from the fright. But in the dreams that held her in a grip, A butterfly appeared with a gentle tip. With wings adorned in the colors of hope, The butterfly led her through the dark with a scope. Past forests and rivers, they soared with ease, Towards a meadow of flowers, a place of peace.
A voice spoke amongst the void, with a soothing sound, "Your nightmares hold no power when freedom is found. Embrace reality, let them take flight, For you are free, in this moment of light."
And with that, the butterfly took flight, Leaving her heart aglow with a newfound sight. No longer trapped in the chains of the night, She spread her wings and embraced the flight. Darkness, entrails.
The fog was thick and heavy, like a veil draped over the groves and trees, obscuring the road ahead. The rain fell in a gentle drizzle, adding to the already damp and heavy atmosphere.
Makio Kamigawa, a wealthy landlord, and his trusted 𝘏𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘰, Yukimura, rode in the comfort of a luxurious carriage, making their way back to the Kamigawa mansion. The journey was slow and careful, as the muddy road was treacherous and difficult to navigate.
Makio knew the dangers that lurked outside, which is why he traveled with three guardsmen on horseback. These were fierce warriors, above the average footmen, as they were specifically escorts of the 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘺𝘰'𝘴 palace. They were trained to have their eyes sharp and alert, ready to protect and die for their master at a moment's notice. In this current era, it was not only the Zenos who inspired fear and trepidation, but also the looming threat posed by humanity against itself.
Yukimura stares at Makio and spoke, his voice carrying over the sound of the pouring rain. "There's a scent of blood in the fog today. We must hurry before nightfall," he warned the coachman, urging them to move faster.
Makio sat at the opposite end of the carriage, deep in thought. Despite his position of power and authority, he appeared younger than his years, with a face that still held the softness of youth.
His hair was pulled back into a traditional topknot, with a few loose strands framing his face and its hue blended in the dark and fine silk kimono that he is wearing, embroidered with ornate designs that spoke to his higher status.
As he gazed out the window, pensive, his dark eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. The sound of the rain tapping against the wooden aperture provided a calming backdrop to his contemplations.
"Our destination will be heading at the Yoshimitsu district tomorrow. Lady Akeno has requested your presence for the coming-of-age ceremony of her son," Yukimura informed him.
Makio raised both his eyebrows as he remembers,
Yukimura nodded, "With that, you should rest yourself, milord," he said, concern etched on his face.
Makio chuckled, "I appreciate your concern, Yukimura-dono. But I'm fine. Do you have the invitation with you?"
"Certainly," Yukimura said, reaching into the folds of his hakama, taking out a sealed letter.
Makio took a small knife from his pocket, the blade glinting in the dim light as he carefully inserted it beneath the wax seal. With a soft creak, the seal was broken, and he opened the envelope, revealing the hidden contents within. As he reads the letter, a smile slowly spreads across his face. "It's Takeo's birthday, huh?" he said, almost to himself.
"Yes, my lord. Lady Akeno would be delighted if you could present yourself tomorrow," said Yukimura
Makio's childhood was filled with turmoil and tragedy. His parents died during the war, leaving him without guidance. But he was not entirely alone, for Lady Akeno was there to care for him. She was a fierce warrior who had fought alongside Makio's father in battle. She had even adopted Kenjutsu martial arts during her youth, making her a formidable opponent to any who dared cross her.
Despite her fearsome reputation, Akeno was a gentle and loving figure to Makio. She took him under her wing and taught him everything he needed to know to become a great leader. She taught him how to wield a blade, how to read and write, and instilled in him the values of honor and courage. Makio saw her as a mother figure, someone who had filled the gap left by his parents' deaths. And throughout it all, Akeno remained by his side, a constant source of strength and support.
"It has been years since I last saw that boy, I wonder if he still remembers me," Makio's hands on his chin, wondering.
When he was still in his youth, under Akeno's regency, Akeno is married into a powerful vassal of the Himagawa and her husband often visits the mansion to practice poetry with her. It was also the time when Makio was introduced to his so-called younger brother, Takeo. He never had a sibling before, so he was excited to have someone to share his life with. When he saw him for the first time, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
As time passed by, he grew increasingly fond of Takeo. He would spend long hours sitting with him, sharing stories and jokes, and doing silly things to make him laugh. As he watched the little baby grow and learn new things, he felt as if he was watching a reflection of himself - vulnerable, small, and fragile. This made him realize the weight of his responsibility towards Takeo, knowing that he had to protect him at all costs.
A sense of duty lingered inside him, and he vowed to never let this precious child feel the same pain he had undergone. He knew that protecting him was the least he could do to repay Akeno's kindness, and he was determined to be the best big brother he could be. Watching Takeo's innocent eyes light up with joy and wonder filled him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he had never felt before. He knew that his life had been forever changed by this little bundle of joy, and he was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of his life.
Makio was lost in thought hat he did not notice that they were already at the sight of the mansion.
Nestled amongst the lush foliage of the Kamigawa district, a magnificent mansion stood tall, exuding an air of dignified grace. The sprawling gardens surrounding it were meticulously tended to, with koi ponds and rock gardens carefully arranged to create a sense of aesthetics. The sprawling gardens surrounding the mansion were obscured by the downpour, but the sound of water cascading from the rooftops added to the serene ambiance. The entrance to the mansion was marked by a pair of imposing wooden doors, with intricate carvings depicting traditional motifs. Lanterns flickered softly on either side, illuminating the way for visitors who dared brave the rain.
It was a symbol of power and prestige of the Kamigawa, and a true reflection of the beauty and elegance. For generations, the mansion had stood strong against countless sieges and attacks, a testament to the strength and resilience of the Kamigawa. Despite its age, it remained an astounding fortress.
As the carriage drew closer to the mansion, it was stopped by the guards stationed at the gate. Makio was swiftly escorted inside, while Yukimura remained outside, left to bear the brunt of the pouring rain. The samurai at the gates walked by his side, offering a 𝘞𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘢.
"Have any letters arrived hours prior to our arrival?" Yukimura inquired,
"The letters arrived through the Shogun's 𝘏𝘪𝘬𝘺𝘢𝘬𝘶, specially designated for Yukimura-dono," responded the guard.
"It seems that I won't be able to accompany his majesty tomorrow," Yukimura thought.
"Please, follow me!" He trailed behind the guard as he was led towards the barracks.
As they step inside the barracks, the darkness of the interior was only accentuated by the dim light that flickered from a few oil lamps scattered throughout the space. The sound of raindrops tapping against the wooden roof and walls created a soothing yet eerie ambiance. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, its pungent aroma mingling with the earthy smell of wet tatami mats. The shadows danced and flickered across the walls. Silence filled the entire space and only the echoing of their footsteps filled the entirety of its walls.
As they walked past the corner, seated on a large cushion, a monstrosity, a fearsome samurai, His armor was black as coal, with sharp spikes jutting out from his shoulders. Its iron plates, marked with soft cracks and purple glowing veins seeping from his skin through the crevices, and his helmet was adorned with fearsome horns that pointed towards the ceiling. His presence emanating a destructive aura that filled the air.
Yukimura takes the last step right in front of him with their eyes glowing purple and gazing at each other. Despite the silence that surrounded them, the air around them seemed to buzz with an almost electric energy.
"Kageyama, you are early," sharp puffs of cloud escaped from Yukimura's mouth and dissipated into the cold air.
The temperature was bitter, but the tension between the two men provided a fiery heat that seemed to warm the cold and dimly-lit room.
"Old geezer, I see you have not quite fared away the pilgrim's path," his voice boomed like a raging storm, a deep and guttural sound that reverberated through the air. His whispers alone could send chills down the spine of even the bravest warrior, for it was the voice of a true monster, a force to be reckoned with.
Amidst the chaos of the old warring times, there was a figure that towered above the Shogun's army, a sight that struck fear into the hearts of all who faced him. He was tall, monstrous, and wore dark, devilish-looking armor that pulsed with a dark, purple energy. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, and sparks of lightning crackled around him as the enemy horde raged towards him. This was a samurai unlike any other, a beast that struck fear into the hearts of all who faced him and his army. In his hand, he wielded a massive blade, 𝘋𝘢𝘬𝘰, the blade itself seeming to be alive with an ominous energy. As he raised it above his head, the very air around him seemed to vibrate with power. But it was not just his figure that made him so fearsome. He possessed powers that set him apart from the other 𝘕𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘶, calling down bolts of electricity to imbue his blade with a deadly charge. With a single strike, a wave of energy would rage through the enemy horde, massacring them in one fell swoop. His enemies knew him as a force of nature, a being to be feared across the entire land. They whispered stories of his ancestry, claiming that he was the descendant of 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘰, the 𝘖𝘯𝘪 of the storms, but it was far from the truth. They spoke of his power as if it was that of a god, and in many ways, it was.
The huge samurai oozed a steam through his nostrils, like a raging bull, the voice in his throat bellowing with each exhalation.
"Old habits die hard, my child," Yukimura replied,
"I received the Shogun's orders,"
"You don't have to bother yourself with that. I have another task for you,"
Yukimura motioned to the guard right next to him, and without a word, the guard approached a small cage hanging nearby. Inside the cage was a pigeon, its wings fluttering restlessly. With gentle movements, the guard retrieved a small, wrapped note that was attached to the bird's leg. The pigeon had been trained to deliver messages, a valuable tool in times of war.
The guard handed the note to Yukimura, who carefully unwrapped it, revealing the contents inside. His eyes scanned the words intently, his brow furrowing in concentration as he absorbed the message. The note contained crucial information, perhaps a strategy or an urgent request for assistance.
"It seems that there has been a change of plans, you're no longer in service for the 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘶,"
"You are to kill, Akari Himagawa," Yukimura said, his voice cold and detached.
"Akari... Himagawa?" Kageyama snorted in confusion. "A foreigner, yet, she bears the name of the Shogun."
"We had the same question in mind," Yukimura said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"There was once a tale," The old man started, his eyes glinting with a story that only he knew.
The land spoke of a prophecy, that long ago, a noble princess was lost, her kingdom thrown into turmoil and tossed, her people yearned for her return, but alas, it seemed they could only yearn.
For years she wandered, lost and alone, the butterfly within her, a companion that was shown. She came to a sage's home, he welcomed her with open arms, and saw in her the power to disarm.
The One-Eyed Wolf, who ruled with an iron hand, had grown corrupt, his reign now banned, the princess had found her true home, and from this place, the butterfly's power would roam.
The sage spoke of a prophecy, of a lost princess who would be, the one to overthrow the One-Eyed Wolf, and take her place as Empress, to stun. With the power bestowed by the butterfly, his demise surely can't be denied.
He saw in her a fierce determination, a will that could not be broken by any nation, and so, he trained her wings in the ways of old, to make her strong, fearless, and bold.
She learned to wield a sword with grace, To fight with honor, not just for her race, The time came for her to leave, And fulfill her destiny, to achieve.
She marched to the capital city, And faced the Wolf, without any pity, They fought a fierce battle, sword against sword, But the princess prevailed, with the power of her own lord.
Thus, the prophecy came to pass, Of a lost princess, with the power to amass, a kingdom, and to overthrow, A tyrant ruler, with one mighty blow.
"You're too old to believe in such fairy tales, old man," Kageyama grunted.
"Perhaps, but you do not share the same emotion as the Shogun," Yukimura replied, fixing his beard.
Kageyama scoffed. "There is no other absolute power, only the Shogun himself," he said.
Yukimura smiled wryly. "It is true that I may have strayed away from the path of pilgrimage, but I have heard enough," he said.
"Enough to stray further?" Kageyama asked skeptically.
"Enough to give you a warning. This Akari, is not to be messed with!" The old man warned.
"She will be eliminated!"