“Again!” A commanding voice echoed from the darkness of this arena, this blackened dojo of indispensable truth. The truth that war is power, and he who wields the power is but a god in the realm of man.

Standing upon the center mat, his mind focused on his lessons, the young Genshu poised himself, mentally preparing an assault of those who would challenge his power. Scattered about his feet, lay the victims of his growing skill, yet all of the broken; unconscious forms revealed each were considerably younger than the sixteen summers of Genshu.

A young boy, barely eleven years of age, stepped cautiously to the mat. Lowering himself to his knees and bowing to kiss the padded surface, the boy paid homage to the safe battle he expected to assure, as was customary in such combative rituals. Rising to his feet and bowing to Genshu, the young boy waited as the older Genshu’s posture bent slightly at the waist, exhibiting a certain peace of mind in accordance of the formality.

Yet, either caused by the tense excitement of battle or perhaps by response of fear, the younger boy threw himself into the attack, extending his right leg in a full kick. Genshu, still in his bow of respect, threw his arm quickly in a defensive reflex, shielding himself from the fast, yet still awkward attack of the younger pupil.

The punishment for such a dishonored assault was high indeed, yet Genshu would handle this boy’s punishment personally. With his initial attack blocked, the boy countered with a hastened punch toward the chest of the older warrior, but the more skilled opponent too blocked this.

Genshu, crossing his hands in a standard block, caught the younger fighter’s fist and twisted the wrist until the boy was forced to bend at the waist to relieve the painful pressure exhibited from the simple wristlock. However, to the young man’s dismay, as he lessened the pain in his arm, he was quickly met by Genshu’s shin, driving painfully into his face. The sudden shock of opposing forces returned the young man to a standing position, yet again he had not the skill to evade the counter, and Genshu spun his body completely around in a full roundhouse kick, his heel slamming into the back of the young boy’s head, sending him painfully to the mat in a crumpled heap.

Genshu stared at the small, whimpering boy before returning his eyes to glare at the place upon which his master stood, appraising the battle.

“Enough. Genshu, you may return to your place.” The voice commanded, and Genshu did as was instructed, paying little attention to the victims of his skill.

“Quite impressive, do you not agree Da-Tan?” The elder man stated, his eyes shining with a mark of commending approval at the scene that had just transpired.

“If I may speak freely Master Kin, I believe you put too much faith in the boy.” Da-Tan continued, his eyes too staring at the young Genshu, yet a look of disdain tearing from his hardened orbs. “He has trained harder since you have taken the wench from him. I believe he has become dangerous.”

“No Da-Tan, he has become strong.” Master Kin remarked, a smile of satisfaction tugging at the corner of his lips. Then, in a louder voice for those in assembly to hear, Master Kin announced, “Dismissed.” With the words, the assembled samurai bowed in unison to the master and left the training hall.

“Are the preparations complete for my journey Da-Tan?” Master Kin remarked, now turning to face his companion.

“Yes milord. The High Priest is expecting you. An envoy has already been dispatched to inform him you shall arrive shortly. All is taken care of.”

“Excellent. While I am gone, fancying whatever whim the High Priest has planned you will be in charge. I trust all will go well.”

“Of course milord. We will await your return.” Da-Tan bowed, yet his posture did not exemplify his words of respect.

“Very good.” Master Kin remarked. Had he noticed Da-Tan’s half-effort of respect, he made no mention of it. “I have also reviewed your student’s request. It is a sound recommendation and I shall have Zorin accompany me to visit the High Priest and direct the suggestion to His Lordship in person. We shall meet Kalibas when we arrive. While Zorin is accompanying me, Lazarus shall act as your lieutenant, understood?”

“Of course.” Da-Tan responded, bowing once again before leaving the chamber to see to his duties.

Genshu walked through the darkened halls, smelling the deep cedar that cast its aroma throughout the temple. He had not thought of the battles fought, for they were but sparring matches. He did, however, seek to test his skills, and there was one man above all others he wished to humble; yet rumors stated that Zorin would be accompanying the master to meet with the High Priest. Thus, Genshu would wait until his return.

“Genshu, wait up.” A voice called from the darkness that Genshu recognized all too well. It was his friend, and perhaps confidant, Sai. They were brought to the temple at the same time, and had found in each other a comfort of companionship, a light of camaraderie that fended the shadow of madness in this damning Hell.

“I’ve been calling to you for the past 10 minutes, didn’t you hear me?” Sai said, catching up to his fellow warrior.

“I’m…sorry Sai. A little preoccupied I suppose.” Genshu said shortly, turning again to continue his walk, Sai following beside him.

“I just have to ask you, what the Hell were you doing?” Sai asked, causing Genshu to stop in his march and look at the young man, confusion crossing his eyes.

“I am doing what they want me to do. I am beating everyone they bring to me, and soon, I hope to face Zorin, because I will kill him.” Genshu said, the words escaping his lips as if a subconscious trigger had become active.

“Really? Well, before you kill Zorin, you may want to be a little more careful with what your doing.”

“I will take my revenge on Zorin. He will feel the bite of my blade.” Genshu responded, as if he had not heard a word Sai had told him.

“So, you’ll beat the Hell out of kids to get to Zorin. Very noble.”

“I haven’t asked for your council Sai. They stole from me everything. I must atone for what I’ve done.” Genshu said; his voice sheltered with a remorse that seemed to crush his very spirit.

“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, in your attempt to beat them, you have become the very thing you hate.” Sai finished, waiting for Genshu to turn his attention from his own self-brooding and look at his companion. “Those boys you fought, you broke one’s arm, shattered another’s jaw and bruised yet another’s kidney. You could have killed them.”

Realization slowly crept across Genshu’s face as he leaned wearily against the temple wall, a deep, mournful sigh escaping from his lips as he stared aimlessly at the wooden planks of flooring. Had he remembered how, he would have wept.

Seeing the dawning realization cross over his friends face, Sai looked closely toward Genshu. “Are your hands still bothering you?” Sai responded, feeling the need to change the subject, as Genshu had now understood what had come about.

Genshu, uncertain as to what Sai spoke of, looked down at his hands, and realized with a slight state of uncertainty that he was massaging them, almost unconsciously. They had not really hurt as Sai deduced, but the injury from a year prior had permanently left its mark on him. Staring at his hands, one could see the pale, almost white spider webbing scars that radiated across his hands. It was an injury of his choosing, yet the scars of pain had long sense abandoned him, with the exception of a dulling throb when attempting to clutch the hilt of his blade. However, the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional anguish suffered at losing the woman he loved, Marai, to his master Kin. It was now, that she was expected with child. This had only increased his emotional distress, and now, he realized, he took his pain out upon those who crossed his path. He lost Marai because he was not strong enough; it was now obvious he would not win her back by overcompensating.

“Come on,” Sai began, a slight smile tugging at his lips. Yet the concerns in his eyes were as if he could read Genshu’s mind. “We’ll play a contest of Chess.”

“Hmph,” Genshu snorted. “You’ll only beat me Sai.”

“Good, you could stand to use some humbling.”

Master Kin had arrived at the palace of Harmonia, and now awaited his introduction to meet with High Priest Kanuscala Nesoka. The High Priest was known for his benevolence, and his kindness toward his people, yet this façade did not fool all he had hoped it would. Many believed the man to be simply a self-serving dictator, impassive upon the concerns of the people. Others “patriots” of Harmonia, believed him to be the most courageous leader in the history of this great nation.

Yet he was in fact, as so many other leaders, a tyrant. His peaceable ways and kindhearted dealings did little but hide his true nature, and it was but a few close, selected confidants that knew of his true intentions.

Standing beside Master Kin was Zorin, who stood in silent contemplation, as if mulling the presentation of his idea within his mind. Though he was not nervous, he did seem to fidget more than should have been expected with one of his training.

Yet, before Master Kin could comment on Zorin’s apparent lack of discipline, the large oaken doors were opened, and the two were led purposefully into the large antechamber.

“Shogun Kin Ousari, High Master of the Temple of the Silver Moon and Defender of the Priestdom of Harmonia.” The page announced as Master Kin approached the large chamber. Upon entering, Master Kin and Zorin both lowered themselves to the hard, stone floor and bowed deeply to the High Priest.

“Arise.” The High Priest Kanuscala commanded. The words were soft, and almost kindly, yet held a sense of power and purpose to them. Upon rising to their feet, Master Kin and Zorin awaited as the assembly marched their way from the chamber, leaving only a few pages and servants in attendance.

“I am certain you are wondering why I have summoned you Kin, though,” High Priest Kanuscala commented, eyeing Zorin with slight suspicion. “I do not remember summoning this student.”

“Sensei Zorin is here under my recommendation, milord. He has contemplated a means by which to further the reach of the temple’s influence, he needs only your approval. He has come to address this.”

“Very well, you may leave young Zorin, I shall summon you when I have finished my business with Master Kin.” Kanuscala ordered. Zorin, slightly taken aback, did not hesitate and bowed deeply before turning on his heel and departing from the chamber.

When the doors had once again closed shut, Kanuscala continued. “I am curious about some conflicting reports I have received Kin. Rather disturbing comments regarding a young pupil of yours named Genshu, who has fallen in love with a woman. What bothers me most is, he is still permitted to serve the temple? Does he not appear to be ruined by this imperfection?”

“Milord,” Master Kin bowed before addressing his lord. “You have trusted me with my decisions concerning training of the temple. I assure you, in all respects due, that this issue need not concern the High Priest. I shall see to it the young man in question is directed toward a greater cause.

“Perhaps, but I have also been told of your taking this young man’s woman as your own. I have heard she is with child and you are the sire. Is that not a means of hypocrisy? Can you defend taking this woman?”

“I promise you Master Kanuscala, this is not hypocrisy, for I care nothing for the woman. I feel however, that bringing a child from birth, raising that child by the code of the temple may very well create the greatest warrior the temple has ever manufactured. There is no hidden agenda milord, that I attest.”

“Very well Kin, we shall leave it at that.” High Priest Kanuscala continued. “The true reason I have summoned you Kin, as I am certain you are wondering yourself, is because I am calling the Temple of the Silver Moon to action.”

“The lands of Harmonia are only so big, yet despite our confinement, I see that the time has come to lay claim to that which we need. Since Highland has annexed itself from our borders, our lands have shrunk considerably, thus, we are going to war, to appropriate that.”

“The Grasslands to the West have always been a tempting offer, and it is this that we shall claim. The land itself is consumed with barbarian heathens. Uneducated men have no right to life upon this continent. Therefore, I am leaving to you, the ordnance of war. I trust you fully in this manner. Do not prove my trust wrong Kin.”

“Of course not milord, though, with your permission, I would like to assign Da-Tan to lead the invasion force. He is very capable…”

“No,” The High Priest interrupted. “Send Kalibas. I trust him more. I wish to drive a wedge into the Grasslands as far west as the Aerinas CanyonThat will be more land than we need,” Kanuscala continued, marking the large map spread across the table with his finger, indicating his plan.

“It shall not be a problem Your Excellency, it shall be done. Is there any other business to attend to milord?” Master Kin continued.

“No, I believe we have covered it. I wish for all preparations to be complete, and the war to start before the winter snows come, is it understood?”

“Yes, of course my master.”

“Very well, you are dismissed Kin. May the True Runes speed your journey.”

Little truly occurred in the absence of Master Kin, yet Genshu had found his opportunity to visit Marai whenever he could. It was forbidden for him to even be in contact with her, but he could not abandon her in life, just as he had not been able to abandon her in his heart.

Though, despite the chastising speech given by Sai, Genshu was grateful for his intervention, and now sought only to spar with his close friend. Though the contests between these two were furious and difficult, no undisputed victor had ever triumphed from their bouts. In truth, their skills were so equally matched, that many pupils, meant to be training, would watch these two protégé’s battle each other. Yet, Sai had insisted upon battling without weapons, for Genshu still could not clutch his sword without suffering the pain of his past injuries.

However, the moment that had been waited for within the temple had finally arrived. On the twelfth day his Master Kin’s absence, Marai was in labor. Many of the samurai were ordered by Da-Tan to assemble within the great meeting hall and wait with anxiety for reports of the birth of the first ever child within the hallowed halls of the temple. That was of course, all disciples but two.

Da-Tan, upon hearing that Marai had gone into labor, saw to it the priests in attendance were sent to see to her delivery, and then moved to extract Genshu from the temple. It was, a brilliant sunny day, and Genshu’s eyes squinted at the harsh, offending sun as he walked into the forest surrounding the fortress with the High Sensei, Da-Tan. He was unsure as to why he was led from the temple, he had wanted to stay to make sure Marai was alright, and his over eagerness often caused him to look back at the temple that disappeared into the distance.

Da-Tan however, paid little attention. He stared at the darkening path the loomed before him and paused a moment to listen to the wind that screamed through the burdened trees. “This is far enough!” Da-Tan commanded, and as he looked about him, the harshness of the words and the deviation of his stance caused Genshu to tense with anticipation. However, he was yet skilled enough to dodge the bamboo cane that sliced through the air and drove into his jaw, knocking him to the ground.

No words were spoken, yet Genshu fell painfully to his back and watched as Da-Tan stood over him, stepping on the shoulders of the younger man’s outstretched arms. “I want you to know before I kill you Genshu,” Da-Tan continued, “that I share no honor in this act. You have never been worthy of the temple’s acknowledgement. I do this not for honor, or for the glory of the temple, but because a mistake must be undone, and Master Kin is too feeble to see the threat you are.”

A moment of shock and realization exploded across Genshu’s psyche as he stared into the cold, unforgiving eyes of Da-Tan. But he had resolved to himself long ago, that he would not die in the temple. Honor be damned, he would fight not for the preservation of this perversion of ideas the temple proclaimed, but to save his own life.

Curling his legs to his chest, Genshu rolled his weight backwards, the movement allowing him to curl himself into an intended reverse somersault, however Da-Tan’s weight upon his arms prevented him from proceeding further than curled upon his shoulder blades. However he had accomplished his design, and with his legs clutched to his chest in an almost protective, fetal position, Genshu lunged his legs upwards, kicking Da-Tan painfully under the chin as the elder warrior was preparing to finish his blow.

The force of the attack had knocked Da-Tan off his feet. Genshu hurriedly rose to his standard dueling position, sword gripped painfully in his right hand, as Da-Tan slammed into the unforgiving, sodden earth.

“Hmm…I seem to have underestimated you Genshu. That was quite skillful, though I assure you, I will finish this fight.” Da-Tan remarked, as he quickly charged at his student. The swift blow of his bamboo cane by his right hand was quickly blocked by Genshu’s sword, yet the art of cane fighting is established as a two handed weapon, and as such, the cane held in Da-Tan’s left hand, countered to Genshu’s right leg.

The pain of nearly having his leg broken caused Genshu to crumple to his knees as Da-Tan continued the assault, pounding the right, then left cane into Genshu’s tightened stomach. The agony caused Genshu to nearly screamed, yet as he leaned forward in response to the rushing air leaving his tortured lungs, Da-Tan spun around Genshu’s lesser form, and drove the hollow flat of his cane into the back of the younger man’s head. Blood poured from the back of Genshu’s fractured skull as he fell near unconscious to the ground, Da-Tan returning to stand over the fallen pupil.

“Now, I finish this…” Yet Da-Tan never had the opportunity to complete his sentence, as a long blade tore from his chest, the point of the blade sitting suspended a mere moment as if it were some offensive limb.

A gurgle of surprise escaped Da-Tan’s lips as he dropped to his knees once the blade was removed from its station. Genshu, likewise, was equally surprised, and waited for whomever had dealt the blow to come and finish him.

Da-Tan slumped forward, blood pouring from his mouth as he slowly lowered to the ground.

“Oh no you don’t!” Genshu now heard the voice of the, as of yet, unseen assassin. Walking around the sturdy form of Da-Tan, Genshu watched as the man he knew as Lazarus enter into the light. Lazarus was the chosen disciple of Kalibas, and was as shrewd as any temple disciple Genshu had ever met. He was, in Genshu’s eyes, perhaps the most unstable, and yet the most sane of any within the darkened walls.

“Your not dying yet until you see the face of the man that killed you, you bastard!” Lazarus said, grabbing Da-Tan’s face in his hand and lifting his head so he could look into the eyes of his attacker. A look of outrage crossed the elder man’s face as he glared at his killer.

“You…” Da-Tan attempted to say; yet the blood foaming in his mouth had seized his voice.

“Save me a place in Hell Da-Tan!” Lazarus said, and quickly drawing the sword upward, thrust the blade through the High Sensei’s left eye, the weapon tearing from the back of his head.

A shower of blood had painted the area red, splattering the ground and Lazarus, as he pulled the weapon from his victim. Wiping the blade free of blood on the clothes of the steaming corpse of Da-Tan, Lazarus had turned his attention now to the younger boy, Genshu, who swayed uneasily on his feet, a combination of weakness from his injuries and the sheer horror of the scene before him. Yet as he stared at the body, then returned his gaze to Lazarus, he held his sword effectively, preparing to defend himself in necessary.

“You’re a damn fool boy.” Lazarus mocked, returning his sword to its scabbard. “I have no intentions of killing you here, not now, simply because I need you right now. You will tell them that Master Da-Tan, myself and you believed spies were in the area. We came to investigate, you were beaten and Da-Tan killed. This will secure me from any involvement.”

“And…” Genshu said, uneasily finding the will to speak. “I suppose you came unharmed from the battle?” Genshu now found his voice to mock the older warrior.

“Very well.” Lazarus said, taking a small knife from the sleeves of his robe and thrusting it into his thigh. “Happy now?”

“What makes you think I’ll lie for you?”

“I suppose you could be stubborn, but take your pick of punishments. I could kill you here and now, a victim of the attack. I could kill Marai and make you watch. Or, I could tell Master Kin that the infamous Meiyoken is still alive and has a family. I’m sure they’d find it most interesting to see his happy little red headed bitch daughter become a temple slave.” Lazarus paused, enjoying the look of sheer terror that crossed Genshu’s face. “Oh yes, I do know about them, and it would be most unfortunate to have their happy little home wrecked on a slip of the tongue.”

Genshu paused, clutching his fist despite the reoccurring pain that followed the action. “So, why don’t you kill me then. You obviously don’t need me alive, and now that I know what you know, I will seek to end you.”