The second part of Kunimori's Story. Enjoy.
_____In the art of war, the beliefs that we fight for differ from that of the enemy;the same can be said about our adversaries and what they believe in. It is not what's right and wrong that separate us from our enemy, but our perspectives, that separate us. There is no room for morals in this vindictive world of chaos. They only law that exists is “to kill or be killed.” Nothing else matters to the enemy, nor those around you...
_____The home I once cherished lies before me in ruins. My friends, my family...they are no longer of this world. The soul that burns within my body desires the blood of those responsible. My heart however, longs for the love of the one I gave my life to. Such conflicting desires tear at me as the wound I received aches in pain. As I struggled to compose myself, I suddenly realized the sword next to me; the sword that “he” gave me. A blade as dark as the night, but as brilliant as the moon...
_____At first, I wanted to rid myself of that accursed blade, but I had no idea if the emperor's troops were still in the area. Without anything to defend myself, I would surely fall prey to a shameful death. Death would reunite me with my family, however, I would be unable to fulfills Moriya, or rather, Agito's wishes. I finally decided to take the sword and wander the land. With no place to call my own, I had little choice. I would venture deep into the woods. I found it ironic I would dread the place I once sought as my sanctuary.
_____As night fell upon me, I stopped near a stream to rest. The air was surprisingly refreshing, yet my mind was clouded in dismay. To be betrayed by the one I loved...it filled my heart with what seemed to be a never-ending pain. After gathering some of the surrounding debris, I made a fire to provide some warmth. With all the weird rituals my parents practiced, something as basic as starting a fire was simple knowledge. I left the fire to walk towards the stream and to quench my thirst. With nothing to eat, all I could do is fill myself with the stream's water. Little did I realize that I had a unwanted visitor. As I stood up and turned to the fire, a man emerged from the forest. The man wore a black yukata, which seemed odd compared to the more traditional garments most men wore in this day and age. What I also noticed was he was freakishly tall, and his sword was almost as big as he was. I had no idea what his face looked like, since he hid himself under a straw hat.
_____As he started to approach, I immediately drew my sword. The man muttered, “A black sword? Heh...this might be interesting...” Without warning, he had drawn his sword and rushed toward me. In seconds our swords clashed. I barely had any time to react to his blows. Despite his large blade and large body, he could move surprisingly fast. Each blow was only inches away from my body. I evaded his last blow and retreated a few steps to catch my breath. He started to laugh and then finally shouted, “It's been awhile since I've enjoyed a fight...” His comment disturbed me. A shiver went down my spine as he continued to laugh. “Who would have known a woman like you could possess such ability?”
_____“Indeed, such a impressive technique. What do you think, my lord?” I was too busy with the large man that I didn't realize the small, impish man along with the man who apparently holds authority over him. I also realized that they too dressed in the odd black yukata. It would seem I was ambushed by bandits, but their actions didn't make any sense. As I pondered the ideas, the small man muttered, “She may be of some use to us.”
_____“We'll see about that.” The lord jumped in front of the large man and said, “I wouldn't raise my sword towards a woman, but in such circumstances, I have no choice. Shinko, please step back and allow me to take your place.”
_____The man looked away, disappointed. “I was having so much fun too. If it's your wish my lord, then I must step back.” Shinko sheathed his sword and stepped back, as ordered.
_____“I'm sorry, Shinko, but I must test her myself.” He drew his sword and pointed it towards me. “My name is Katamori, Genjiro and I shall be your opponent.” I thought it was odd to think that this swordsman was a gentleman. “Well, my beautiful maiden, shall we begin?” To be called a beautiful maiden reminded me of him. In a blind rage, I ran towards Genjiro. “A direct approach...how admirable.”
_____I swung my blade in a frantic flurry of quick strikes. However, Genjiro evaded each blow with little problems. I didn't know nor did I care if he was taunting me or not, but the only thing that mattered to me was to kill him.
_____“This isn't what I saw earlier. Where is that heavenly technique?” His words didn't matter to me, but as soon as I prepared to attack once more, he struck my throat with the hilt of his blade. I fell back almost immediately, coughing up blood. I tried to get up, but I was already weak from fighting Shinko. As I used my sword to regain my balance, Genjiro muttered, “Such resilience. Now, show me the technique that you used when you were fighting with Shinko.” Suddenly, my body started to move on it's own and rushed towards Genjiro. My body felt light, and my blows seemed quicker and more accurate. Even Genjiro had a difficult time defending against my onslaught of attacks. “I see. I'm sorry, but I must end this now.” In an instant, he knocked my blade out of my hands. As I prepared for the worst, he spun and reversed his blade to struck my stomach with the dull end of the sword. As I felt the blade press against my body, I tried to see the face of Genjiro. Unable to do so, I fell to the ground.
_____“I didn't expect you to be so serious, my lord.”
_____“Nor did I. She is like a rose; there is nothing more beautiful and deadly, as a rose. Shinko, carry her to the camp.”
_____“As you wish, my lord.”
_____I awoke in unfamiliar surroundings. As I attempted to get up, a slight sting of pain fell upon my stomach. As my hand fell upon the injured area, I felt the bandages around my waist. I also realized that I was changed into the clothing similar to those who I fought earlier. I reached for my sword next to me and used it to regain my balance. I exited the tent to reveal that I was transported, presumably by those men earlier, to a camp of some sort. A familiar voice came from behind as she yelled, “Kunimori! You're alive!” I turned to greet my sister, Kumiyo. She was such a loud girl, but she remained as optimistic as ever. “I knew you weren't dead, I just knew it!” She gave me a hug as soon as she could. As pleasant as the gesture was, the injuries I suffered made it unwanted.
_____“So, you two know each other. Interesting.” As I tried to loosen my sister's grip, I turned to see Genjiro, in a more traditional yukata. I would have attacked him at first sight, but with my sister's presence, it would have made things more complicated. “So tell me, besides the obvious, what has happened to you that made you carry a sword?”
_____I didn't say a word. I didn't even want to think about what had happened.
_____“Still angry I see.” My sister looked at Genjiro, confused. Genjiro continued and asked, “What do you think of the emperor? Do you believe he is fit to lead the land?” I told him of my hatred towards the emperor. He gave me a brief smirk and looked at surrounding camp. “I see. Well, I must ask you, will you join me and the rest of the Black Lotus to overthrow the emperor? Surely the emperor has taken away something that you treasure.” The emperor took away my home, my friends, my family. Such crimes must be paid with his blood.
_____I told him that I would join to avenge someone. I would become the deadly rose of the Black Lotus to avenge the deaths of all those that I cared for. I would also be able to fulfill the promise I made that to the one I love. My soul rests with Agito Mutoshima, yet my sword rests with Genjiro and the Black Lotus.
