"So, I've finally found you." The bloody rage in her being made her eyes glossy, tearing up and blurring her vision. She hoped her eyes would not betray her at this moment, betray any weakness of emotion before this man, as she approached his table, interrupting his peaceful moment of refection. Her two orbs sparkled within the dim lights of the room. "I've been looking all over town for you, Lord Genshu."

The man, peaceful in his own isolation, hardly batted an eye, nor did he brake off his foul-smelling drink, taking another sip before answering. "And, milady, may I ask who you are, and your business with me?”

“I’m Valeria, and I’ve come to help you.”

This statement however, did draw Genshu’s attention before curiously raising his eyes to the woman standing before him. He seemed to study her with disinterest, dissecting her words for any meaning he may find.

“Perhaps you could explain to me, your intent?” Genshu responded, returning his attention once again to his drink.

Valeria, uncertain of the coy distance levied by Genshu, took a seat opposite him, her eyes seeking any weakness in this man’s obvious defense. “I’ve heard about the kidnapping of the children. I want to help you bring them back.”

Genshu did not again raise his eyes, he only continued sipping his drink. “So, why then do you approach me?”

“I’ve heard from…a reliable source, that you’re intending to rescue these children. I feel it is my duty to assist you in your efforts.” Valeria reported.

“No, you have misunderstood my meaning.” Genshu responded, his voice low, and never giving away any hint behind his words. “I mean, why would I need your assistance?”

Valeria was taken back by the harshness of Genshu’s words. Whether he meant his words as cruel as they were, or whether he designed another meaning behind them, they still invoked the same reaction, rage. Valeria stood up, the fury boiling within her. First, she came to this town, intent on investigating the murder of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, only to see and smell the fear the coursed through this city like a plague. Then, witnessing the agonizing screams of a mother, her child stolen from his bed, and to hear the young boy, Tuta, tell her of the fear of being out in the streets, even in daylight. Now, she had to endure the ego of this man, testing, challenging her mettle. The stress of such disrespect for human character was more than she could stand.

Throwing the table aside, spilling Genshu’s tea, Valeria reached forward, grabbing this man by the collar of his robe, and lifted him to his feet. “Listen, you self righteous Son of a Bitch, I am not in the mood to listen to you jerk me around. I have seen a woman, collapse on the streets, because a child, HER child, was stolen. I have felt the fear of these people invade me with its presence in this city. I am not asking for your damn blessing, I’m telling you I’m helping…urg.”

Valeria’s words were silenced, as in the briefest of motions, Genshu had clutched her hand, twisted her wrist painfully from his collar, grabbed her by the throat, and forced her against the nearby wall. “This is what I am referring to.” Genshu whispered, moving inches from Valeria’s ear, yet still, his voice held the same, monotone emotionless reaction as before. “With what I am preparing to go against, you would already be dead.” Genshu pulled away to study Valeria. He could not help but notice the defiance and anger burning in her eyes. After many awkward moments of silence, Genshu released his grip on Valeria, but placing his hands on her shoulders, keeping her firmly against the wall, he again came within a breath of her, to whisper in her ear, for these words were not for the gathered attendants. “I see the passion in you, for this cause. But you must understand, anger will only get you killed. I also recognize your strength. You may assist me, if it is what you desire.” And with that, Genshu released Valeria, turned, and walked up the stairs to his room.

Valeria felt around with her hand subconsciously at her throat. That had been a very crushing grip! She could hardly breathed when he held her neck, but now the very air felt like water to a parched throat. What had Richmond sent her to? She questioned the motives of the nosy detective, but soon realized that she had a bigger ego to work with. She comes here to offer him her help, and just as quickly he tosses her away like a piece of garbage? How could she work with a man like him? He didn't want to be helped, so why should she?

Valeria trudged over to what was left of the counter, tossed some potch on it to compensate for damages, and stumbled up the stairs after Genshu, but she was heading for her own room. She had enough to think about anyways.

When she entered her home away from home, she immediately flopped on the bed, and rolled face-up. Valeria answered her own questions. "That man's my only chance of finding my way around here. I can't go to the government, because they would start asking too many questions that I can't answer. I can't find other help, because I don't know when I'll find good help, and even then, if it is reliable and dependable help. This jerk. . .No, I'd better start calling him by name if I'm ever going to stand up to his attitude and his skills. What was his name?. . .Genshu. What did it stand for? It had to be of some significance. Maybe after she went back to Radat, she could get that detective's in behind the tight-assed samurai.

Valeria had to smile at her own comment. She wondered if his butt really WAS tight-assed. The sight of it would be funny.

Genshu had arrived at his room, and had taken his position. He sat on the hard wooden floor, his legs crossed, his mind in deep meditation. The bed, though comfortable, was a luxury he would not allow himself to enjoy, for such comforts could only lead to a soft, self-secured existence, and ultimately, such weakness would lead to ruination. And Genshu knew, even the most subtle of luxuries, would lessen his strength for what he was about to undertake.

And as the washing relaxation of mediation flowed over him, Genshu’s mind unintentionally returned to the woman…Valeria, he believed she said her name was. And with the memory of their brief communication in the tavern, Genshu cursed himself for his actions. How could he be foolish enough to allow this woman to accompany him? She was a talented fighter, Genshu could feel such things about others, but she was wholly unprepared for what the temple was about. And Genshu understood, allowing her to come, was signing her death warrant. How foolish he was, more blood to be laid upon his burdened soul.

But, in the afterthoughts of his condemnation, Genshu reflected the temple ’s power. He had deserted the temple, because he knew he could not defeat them alone. Perhaps, this woman could be of service, though her hate for those responsible for this crime would often cloud her judgment. If she were to accompany him, he would need to address this issue with her. His display of even the most-minute demonstration of skill in the tavern proved how her emotion was a liability to her. She would have to learn, if she hoped to survive this.

But his thoughts drifted from this emotionally charged woman, to the past, and a time of happier thoughts. His memory of Marai, her soft skin and bottomless eyes tugged at the passion he once held in his life. How he regretted his loss, for never in his life was he truly happy, as he was in her shining presence.

“Aaagghhh!!!” With forceful resolve, Genshu tore himself from the meditation-induced memory. He despised such thoughts. Emotion would only weaken him, and he could not accost himself weakness. “Never again” he silently vowed to himself “shall I feel. My life was not meant for emotion.” Yet Genshu could not deny the single tear that burned down his cheek, and the despairing shadow of knowledge, that had he grown to be a philosopher, or poet, he might know what happiness meant, and would not reject the feeling as he did now.

Genshu could see the ever-tainted glow of sunrise, peaking through the window of his room, and casting shadows of ominous nature to push back into the dark from where they came. And for the first time in many years, Genshu blessed the sun, for the shadows of darkness belonged in the dark, the past, away from the present.

Genshu rose to his feet, and walked silently down the hall. It was not as if he meant to cast the shroud of silence, it was just the ingrained habit of a lifetime of training. Genshu stopped briefly at the room where Valeria rested. He had paused a moment, contemplating whether to ask forgiveness for his brash actions of last night, but after a moment of hesitation, he continued his walk. He could show no weakness. He must be strong, for the temple would not be an easy assault. Yet somehow, Genshu had found himself outside the inn. He did not recall walking to the edge of town, as his mind was still plagued with his past, and the present haunted by that past. But as he stood at the edge of town, he watched the sun rise above the horizon. The orange and red of the heavenly fire emerge, tearing through the darkness of night, and again bringing peace to the chaotic world. And Genshu could not help but smile, for today, for the first time in his life, was a day he looked forward to. For today, he would bury his past, finally.

Valeria awoke quietly. She wanted to go to sleep, she wanted to forget al l that had happened, but she couldn't. The fact that he wouldn't accept her help, the fact that Genshu had thrown her request aside like an unwanted piece of discarded rubbish. But as she lay in this soft feather bed, Valeria flipped around the conversation, and her meeting in her own head.

He hadn't said that she'd be in the way, just that she'd be relatively useless. Well, that's what she remembered. Most of the conversation was just remembering about that crushing hold he had on her throat. Well, if she would get in his way, then she would just have to get in his way. Somebody had to save those children, and she would not be able to trust him with a bunch of scared kids. But what hardened her resolve even more, was the memory of the mother, racing through the streets searching frantically for her child. Valeria scowled at the thought of such a mindless act. “I’ll be damned if I let this go any further.” Valeria thought to herself as she rose from the bed. “With or without his blessing, I’m going to take those bastards out.”

Valeria left the building, and breathed in the freedom of the new day. Something seemed very positive about today, though she wasn’t sure what it was. Looking around the town, Valeria caught the glimpse of the thin, yet foreboding silhouette of Genshu. His back was to her, and it seemed he studied the sunrise with intense attention. She strode confidently towards Genshu, knowing that they would be able to overcome this menace...Together.

“You are late.” Genshu stated only briefly, as Valeria walked to the abrasive samurai. He said not another word. He turned around, avoiding facing Valeria, before walking toward the gates of Muse.

“This is going to be a long day.” Valeria thought to herself, as she quickened her pace to catch up to her ‘companion’. “So, do you watch a lot of sunrises?” Valeria asked. Maybe if she started some pleasant conversation with this man, he would not be so unwilling to trust her.

“Honestly,” Genshu began. “I have not seen the sunrise in many years…”

Genshu and Valeria walked through the ever-emptying city streets. For some reason, everyone within the city was eagerly rushing to the meeting hall, something to do with a big announcement by Lord Jess. But this did not concern either of these two, so they disregarded the rumors, as they continued to travel the fear stricken city. Though it took some convincing from Valeria, Genshu reluctantly agreed to allow his companion to stock up on supplies. She bought medicine and healing herbs at the local Item Shop. She wasn’t sure what the kidnappers were all about, but she was damn sure she would be prepared.

“Why do you haggle with such people?” Inquired Genshu, as he and Valeria exited the Item Shop.

Valeria was a little shocked. It had been the first conversation Genshu had initiated, and it took her a few moments to realize he was actually speaking to her. Perhaps this was a good sign. “Because, I want to get the most amount of medicine for the price. Why pay to get 5 Medicines when you can get 6 or 7 at the same price?”

Genshu pondered about the solution to his inquiry. Valeria was happy with her response. Perhaps Genshu was beginning to accept her. “Such a waste of time.” Then again, maybe not. “There is no injury that cannot be healed by the simplest of herbs found in any field.” Genshu did not even pause to reflect on Valeria’s reaction. He only walked past her, and to the city gate.