1198-12-08

Bang!

The echo of Nao's hands slamming against the table broke the silence. Nao, a strong, athletic man with dark hair and eyes typical of Tobe, leaned over a map spread across the wooden table. He was tense, his gaze fixed, while I stood nearby, my mind uneasy as I scanned the darkened corners of the room. We waited, our comrades late to arrive, knowing that tonight held all our hopes.

The stillness around us was nearly suffocating. In this empty warehouse, the only sound was the quiet crackle of candlelight fighting against the cold winter wind seeping through the walls. We were the resistance—Tobe's last line of defiance against the tyrannical rule of Kuzan, the cruel king of the East. The once-thriving resistance had dwindled to a mere few hundred, with many escaping Tobe for a chance at survival elsewhere. My own family had done the same, their fate now left to chance and whatever lay beyond our island.

Tobe itself was once a land of beauty, even now a place of enduring spirit. The architecture echoed the traditions of our people, an island nation shaped by the harsh tundra in the north. Shinto shrines nestled in forests, their wooden frames and thatched roofs sheltering our sacred spaces. Our palaces rose on wooden platforms, with delicate sliding doors and sweeping, tiled roofs, while watchtowers and citadels stood as symbols of our once-unshakable strength. Homes, crafted from wood and stone, had paper screens replaced with thicker materials to block the cold, but the spirit of Tobe lived on in each foundation.

Here, in the central city of Shikai, where the shogun and his servants once ruled from an immense palace facing north, we planned our last move. Marano lay to the east and Wara to the south—both lands still untouched by our current struggle. This night would decide the fate of not only Tobe but the world beyond.

"Ayako," Nao's voice cut through my thoughts, making me turn. "What do you think happened to Akira and the others?"

"There's no use worrying," I replied. "We can only hope they made it safely to Ahk."

He nodded, eyes drifting to the map. "Why didn't you leave with them?"

"Tobe is my home," I said softly. "Nowhere else would feel the same."

He looked at me, a rare tenderness in his gaze. "I stayed because you stayed, my queen," he said, bowing slightly.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Those days are long past, my rook."

He managed a small smile in response, and for a moment, the heaviness between us lifted. But we both knew what lay ahead. This was our final stand—our last chance to free Tobe.

The moonlight cast a gentle glow over Shikai, illuminating the streets and the figures moving quietly through the night. People strolled by in brightly colored kimonos, each shade and pattern marking their rank and status. As the night deepened, fewer and fewer people passed, until midnight brought a rare, serene silence.

It didn't last long. One by one, our comrades arrived, slipping in quietly so as not to draw attention. We were only ten now—ten people, the last remaining hope against Kuzan's oppressive rule. They trickled in like the wind, a few at a time, making sure no one followed.

This building—no, this restaurant—was our hidden sanctuary, tucked away in plain sight in the heart of Shikai. The front appeared unassuming, a humble establishment blending into the cityscape, but behind it lay a network of secret entrances and exits. The back served as a makeshift warehouse, stocked with weapons and supplies, allowing us to prepare while remaining unseen.

"Stay on guard, Kai," Nao instructed one of the soldiers, his voice low and tense.

"Shouldn't he be in here, going over the plan?" another member questioned.

Nao answered swiftly. "Kaito knows the plan better than anyone."

"Yes," I added. "He's as ready as any of us."

Tonight was the night. There was no turning back and no room for error. Kuzan would be at his most vulnerable, without his samurai or imperial guards to protect him. We moved to the back of the warehouse, where a large map of Tobe lay sprawled on the table, though it was now in disarray. Nao began reorganizing it, his hands steady despite the tension we all felt.

This was it—the final step.

Nao took a deep breath, his voice a low murmur as he began to fold up the map. "Alright, we've all gone over this a hundred times, but one last review can't hurt. We move in two groups. Ayako, you'll lead the infiltration team into the east wing."

I gave a short nod, feeling the weight of my responsibility settle on my shoulders. "We'll clear out the guards near the servants' entrance first. Then we'll take the hidden corridor to Kuzan's chambers."

Hana leaning in, her long black hair shifted. "I'll handle the guard posted at the east gate. He won't see me coming."

"You'd better be quick about it," said Takao, flashing a nervous grin. "The last thing we need is you alerting the entire palace."

Kai smirked, rolling his shoulders. "You'll have to keep up, Takao. Just don't be late to the party."

Hana cut in, eyes narrowed. "Focus, everyone. This isn't a game. We have one chance, and we can't risk anything going wrong. Kai, Takao—no slip-ups."

Takao, serious now, gave a nod. "Got it. We'll be quick and silent."

Nao turned to me. "Ayako, once you reach the chambers, how do you plan to get through the doors?"

"We'll disable any guards outside, then use the back passage," I replied, tracing the narrow corridor with my finger. "If everything goes smoothly, we should be inside without a sound."

Nao's expression softened just a bit, and he met my eyes. "You're ready for this?"

I nodded, managing a small smile. "I've been ready since we left that wretched place."

The others murmured in agreement, their faces hardening at the memory of how we'd once followed Kuzan, only to watch him turn into a tyrant.

Takao broke the silence. "And if we don't make it… at least we go down fighting."

"No one's going down," Nao said firmly, clenching his fists. "Kuzan will fall tonight."

Nao reached out, gripping Hana's shoulder. "That's the spirit, but stay focused. Stick to the shadows, move fast, and keep your wits about you."

The tension in the room settled into a sharp, determined silence, each of us taking a moment to steel ourselves.

I looked at Nao, trying to keep my voice steady. "What about you? Once we're in, are you joining the attack?"

He shook his head. "I'll be in the rear, watching for any disturbances outside. If something goes wrong, I'll signal and redirect you through the servant's quarters. I've got my own role to play."

I nodded, the plan firmly cemented in my mind.

 "So, what's the signal? A heroic call? Maybe a bird call?" Hana leaned in with a small smile, her grey eyes gleaming.

Nao rolled his eyes. "The signal is silence. Just do your job."

Takao chuckled. "You know, for a plan that could cost us everything, this is actually starting to feel… hopeful."

I managed a wry grin. "It's not hope, Takao. It's vengeance."

Kai's voice softened as he looked at me. "Then let's do it, for everyone who's no longer with us."

Nao held up a clenched fist. "For Tobe."

"For Tobe," we all echoed, voices blending into one—one purpose, one last stand. 

"All this effort… for this? If I wasn't so disgusted, I might actually feel pity." 

A figure emerged from the shadows at the far end of the room, his form tall and imposing, draped in dark silks, and gold trimmed armor. A familiar, chilling smile curved across his face.

"Kaito should've alerted us," Nao muttered, his voice tight with worry. "Where is he?!"

"Ah Kaito, have I forgotten my pawn's name?" he said, his voice detached.

He took a slow step forward. There, standing in our sanctuary, was Kuzan himself, the dragon of the East. 

"Kuzan," Takao growled. "How… how did you find us?"

Kuzan let out a low, mirthless laugh. "Find you? Please. There's nowhere in Tobe that's beyond my sight."

"You can't hold Tobe forever, Kuzan." a voice said .

"You still don't understand, do you?" His voice dropped to a cold whisper. "I am Tobe. This land, this people… they belong to me. And no amount of scheming in back-alley restaurants will change that."

"We're not here to change you, Kuzan," I said, my voice steady despite the fear gripping me. "We're here to end you."

Kuzan raised an eyebrow, almost amused. "End me?" he laughed. "You're welcome to try."

A chill swept over the room, and for a brief moment, our determination wavered. But Nao's hand found my shoulder, steadying me.

"No more words, Kuzan," Nao spat. "It ends here."

Kuzan spread his arms, a mocking welcome. "Then come, show me the strength of your so-called resistance."

The room was deadly silent as we drew our weapons, the soft whisper of steel filling the air. Nao's katana gleamed, and I saw the fierce determination in his eyes, mirrored in each of my comrades' faces. We had no illusions now—this was a battle to the death.

Kuzan's gaze flickered to us, unamused. Without hesitation, Nao led the charge, the katana raised high, and the rest of us surged forward in unison, our blades flashing in the dim light.

Nao was the first to reach Kuzan, his katana slicing through the air in a deadly arc toward Kuzan's throat. I surged forward to join him, but before I could reach them, Kuzan sidestepped with a speed that was almost inhuman. In one swift, chilling motion, he twisted his katana and drove it straight through Nao's chest.

"Nao !!" I screamed.

I tried to push closer, but a brutal force from Kuzan slammed into me, sending me sprawling back to the ground. 

 Nao dropped to his knees, his weapon clattering to the floor as he fell.

Takao, Hana and the others, flanked Kuzan on both sides. Their katana's moved in a deadly dance, slashing and thrusting in perfect rhythm. But Kuzan's blade met each strike with ease, his movements controlled, precise. With a fluid, almost graceful twist, he cut down Takao with one swift motion, then turned and drove his blade into Hana's side, ending her just as quickly.

The others lunged at him, desperation fueling their attacks. Steel clashed against steel, echoing through the darkened room as our resistance fighters threw themselves at him with everything they had. He cut them down one by one.

Kuzan's katana dripped red as he turned to face me, his dark eyes cold and empty.

BANG !

The doors burst open, and a squad of Imperial Guards stormed into the room, their white and purple armor gleaming under the dim light, emblazoned with the crest of Kuzan's reign. In perfect formation, they flanked Kuzan, a symbol of his unyielding control.

"Were these guards always here, Kuzan?" I asked.

"Of course," Kuzan replied coldly.

"Why did you let it go on if it was always futile?" I demanded, my heart pounding.

Kuzan's expression darkened. "The bit of hope you clung to needed to be crushed."

I remained silent.

"Did your father order you to do this? To kill your friends?"

"We were never friends. You were pawns."

"Did you think I didn't know where you were? With the 100-year war over, I've finally had the pleasure of capturing you, my queen."