War Amid the Shadows

 

by Brian Yoon

Development & Editing by Fred Wan

 

 

The High House of Light

 

Many sins dotted Togashi Kaelung’s past. His past was marked with blood, and all too often that blood need not have been shed. In his youth, and in truth well after that, he had done terrible things. On one occasion, at the height his shame, he had murdered several Mirumoto magistrates simply because they were inconveniencing him and those he served. Now at night, in the quiet moments, when all else seemed to stop, these events haunted his thoughts. Could even a lifetime of service repay a lifetime of sins?

These thoughts drummed in his head as he walked down the darkened corridor of the High House of Light, yet these treacheries seemed to pale in comparison to what he was about to do. His reasoning was sound. He knew in his very soul that this was necessary for the survival of the Empire. In order to do it, he told himself, he must betray the trust of one who had welcomed him back and cast away the weight of his sins.

“I am a fool,” he muttered. A passing ise zumi glanced at him but continued. Speaking to oneself was rather commonplace among the introspective monks. He met no one else as he traveled upwards, higher and higher, until he reached the absolute top of the castle. The top of the castle was filled by meditation chambers, simple rooms along a plateau of the mountain that remained open to the elements at all times. He headed forward with purpose, his eyes fixed on one at the very edge of the mountain. It was no longer in use; a nasty mountain slide had separated it from the rest of the rooms with several large boulders. The rockslide also disturbed the foundation of the room and left it unstable at best. While ise zumi might consider that simply another facet of the room, Togashi Satsu had declared the room off limits. It served as a reminder of the harsh realities of life on the mountaintop.

Kaelung knew that Satsu’s decree was not merely for the safety of his vassals. Kaelung slowly eased himself along the face of the mountain. He began to edge along the side of the mountain, puling himself along with the strength of his arms. Kaelung finally reached the chamber ground and he pulled himself up to the room. It was small and, despite the natural disaster, looked quite serviceable. A small bundle wrapped in silk lay underneath several prayer beads. Kaelung reached for the thick scroll and brushed the beads away. It sounded unnaturally loud as they clattered on the stone floor.

“You were instrumental in bringing this knowledge to me,” Satsu’s voice boomed in Kaelung’s memory. “Know that this scroll will be kept where no enemy shall find it.”

Kaelung undid the silk covers and pulled out the scroll. He slowly opened it and stared at the first section. It perfectly matched his memory. He unrolled more of its length and skimmed through the contents. The secrets of the Jade sect lay open to his eyes. As he reached the end of the scroll he stopped. He did not remember this script. The last few sections of the scroll were penned by a different author, one with elegant calligraphy. His eyes widened as he read the mysterious additions.

“Satsu-sama,” he whispered. The scroll almost fell from his hands as he realized what this could mean.

Kaelung’s eyes hardened and he nodded grimly. This changed nothing, he told himself. It only confirmed his path. He knew what he had to do.

He rose to his feet and headed back to the High House of Light.

 

           

Kyuden Bayushi

 

As master of the Clan of Secrets, Bayushi Paneki had long since learned to expect the unimaginable and accept its manifestation without any overt expression whatsoever. No matter how dire the news brought before him, he was as the stone. Even still, he could not help but frown in mild annoyance when one of his court attendants rapped sharply at the open door of his chambers, peering in expectantly. “My lord Paneki-sama?”

Paneki offered the man an irritated look and waved him in. It was best, he had learned, to allow the foolish to speak their piece and leave, and subsequently have them removed from his family’s estate altogether.

The courtier had entered the room holding a small bundle under his arm and bowed deeply to his Champion. “My lord,” he said, “I apologize for coming to you with such trivialities. The owner of Fall Leaves, Golden Hue would like to relay an invitation to the next feast he is preparing. It comes with a petition to allow the use of the Bayushi mon for the event.”

The Scorpion Champion spent a handful of precious seconds looking at the courtier in abject disgust. “Take it to someone who has time for such nonsense,” he ordered. The courtier cringed but did not move, running the risk of truly drawing Paneki’s ire. “Do you have something further,” he asked. “Something of actual significance, perhaps?”

“Paneki-sama,” the man insisted, “I beg your forgiveness, my lord, but I believe this is a matter you would wish to see to personally.”

Paneki’s frown disappeared, replaced with a deadly cold expression. “Leave it here,” he said, emotion stripped from his voice. The courtier bowed profusely and left the bundle in front of the Champion. After he was alone once more, Paneki felt the bundle slowly. The man had been a fool, certainly, and would be fortunate if his next assignment was better than a reeking pigpen in the worst portion of Ryoko Owari. Still, he had managed to pique Paneki’s interest. Who could ever imagine such grossly unimportant trivialities would be of interest to the Scorpion Clan Champion? After he felt assured that there was no immediate danger from the bundle, Paneki removed the package and lifted out two scrolls, one a smaller, correspondence sized-scroll, the other vastly larger.

 

Bayushi Paneki-sama,

 

I apologize for the deception it took to bring this to your hands. It is imperative that you understand the necessity of the action. I have no question that your enemies have you under surveillance in a manner you cannot even comprehend. If this message is intercepted, it could spell doom for any actions you may take once you understand what I have included.

 

You are heralded as the Master of Secrets. I bring forth a secret to unravel, one that hides a great nemesis of the Empire. The Kolat are not dead, as many people believe. The Kolat still extend their reach along every corner of the Empire, wreaking havoc among the people. They will not stop unless they are crushed at the root. The Scorpion alone are equipped for this most sinister task. Read the information I have included, and you will learn of their most dangerous nemuranai, and you will learn where they sleep. Do not hold back. Crush them.

 

This book was once in the hands of the leader of the Dragon Clan. It was entrusted to him, for I was sure that the soul of Togashi would know how to best protect the empire. That time is past. The light of divinity no longer shines upon Satsu-sama, a fact I suspect you may well know already. Our mutual enemies know that we hold this information and, without the prescience of Togashi, there is nothing to prevent their infiltration of our ranks to steal it. Togashi-sama can no longer stop them. You can.

 

I send this book to you, Paneki-sama, in hopes that you have the strength to carry out what must be done for the Empire.

 

Paneki grimaced at the audacity of the author of the letter. It was unsigned, but that would not be much of a hindrance in finding out the man’s identity. He shook his head and turned his attention to the rest of the package. He opened the second scroll and the words “Oni’s Eye” caught his attention. He began to read the description, and soon everything else faded away from his mind.

 

           

Somewhere in the Scorpion Lands

 

Bayushi Tsimaru frowned and stared out at the group in front of him. His mouth turned with distaste. “Is this everyone?”

“Yes, Tsimaru-sama,” a young man dressed in a flamboyantly bright kimono responded. His face was painted white and red in a traditional Kabuki mask style, though he was nowhere near his precious theatres. Tsimaru was tempted to dress the man down for not taking the situation seriously. Instead he turned to him and fixed him with his most contemptuous glare.

“Is this all that your master can send me, Chihiro? Even with Paneki-sama’s personal seal?” Tsimaru demanded.

Shosuro Chihiro looked undisturbed despite it all as he gestured with a small smile on his face. “Atesharu-sama is a great man,” he replied, “yet he can only do so much. You must not view these men and lament the few numbers you have at your disposal. Instead, look at these men and marvel that he was able to gather so many warriors on such short notice. He vouches for the loyalty of each of these men. They will not falter, and if you order them to die for the Scorpion they will all fall on their swords without hesitation.”

“I need them to kill, not to die symbolically with no witnesses,” Tsimaru growled.

Chihiro’s grin widened. “How fortuitous, Tsimaru-sama. Each of these men is a heartless killer to the core. They will not disappoint you and they will not disappoint our lord.”

Tsimaru didn’t like it, but the encoded note sent by Paneki was clear. This task was of such importance that he had been recalled from his recent appointment as a provincial governor in Toshi Ranbo to oversee it personally. He could not approach the usual legions. Instead, he had to ask Shosuro Atesharu for his resources and use only his men. He counted sixty. It was not enough. He hoped the others had better luck with his endeavors.

Tsimaru gestured them closer, and the men crowded around him. Chihiro took a step backward and headed away from the group. At least he understood the importance of secrecy, Tsimaru admitted to himself.

When he judged that all his men were within earshot, he began without preamble. “You will follow my orders to the letter without question. I will not tell you where we are going. I will not tell you who you will kill. All you need to know that the Scorpion Clan requires your abilities now. Prove to me you are worth the training you’ve received.”

The men thumped one fist to chest in unison. Tsimaru allowed himself a tiny smile.

 

           

Kyuden Asako

 

“Bayushi Nomen-san,” Asako Nagami said. She smiled politely and bowed to the masked courtier. “I was glad to hear of your return. I was quite intrigued by many of the ideas you spoke of during Winter Court.”

The handsome young man smiled, his features concealed but his eyes betraying his appearance. His eyes dimmed quickly, however, and his demeanor was grave indeed. “I am happy to be back, Nagami-san, but I am afraid I do not come with pleasant news. May I speak with Asako Toshi?”

“I am afraid he is unavailable Nomen-san,” she replied. “Please, let me know what agitates you. I am a shugenja and I have some influence in this castle. I might be able to fulfill your desires if it is a reasonable request.”

“Tell me,” Nomen said, “do you know of the Kolat?”

Her fan fluttered reflexively and Nagami covered her face to purchase some time. “An unpleasant subject,” she said. “They were a group of conspirators who attempted to destroy the Celestial Order. They proclaimed to desire an end to the ‘tyranny of the Kami’.”

Nomen’s mask made his features unscrutable. “‘Were’?” he asked softly.

“They were purged by Emperor Toturi the First,” Nagami answered uncomfortably. Remembering the widespread purges instituted by the Splendid Emperor was an uncomfortable thought for most within the Empire.

Nomen shook his head. “I must correct you,” he said with a note of apology in his voice. “The Kolat suffered a great blow from Toturi the First’s crusade but they survived. They continue to survive now, amassing their numbers for the next time they can rise up against the Empire.”

Nagami frowned. “Why do you need to speak to Toshi-sama about such a distasteful subject?”

“The Scorpion Clan has finally discovered the location of their hidden fortress,” Nomen said. “Their lands lie between former Phoenix lands and Ox lands. We intend to rid the empire of the threat.”

“You intend to bring war against the Ox Clan?” she asked. “Will you break Imperial Law based on nothing more than intuition?”

“The law protects the Minor Clans,” Nomen said darkly. “It does not extend to traitors of the Empire. Those who stand in our way deserve the punishment.”

“Toshi-sama will not approve,” Nagami said. “I will not call your word into question, my lord, despite how difficult it is to accept the notion of a temple concealed within the Phoenix lands, but without further testimony, you cannot justify openly invading a Minor Clan’s lands. We cannot condone your actions, Nomen-san, not without something stronger than a mere assertion.”

Nomen shook his head. “I am not here for the Phoenix’s blessing, Nagami-san.”

Nagami eyed Nomen levelly.

“If you are not here to seek Phoenix permission, then you have no reason to discuss this with me at all. Why would you even take the risk in approaching us? If this matter were true, then surely the Kolat will monitor all who approach this supposed fortress.” She paused for a moment, and then Nagami’s eyes widened. “Your troops are already there, aren’t they?”

Nomen nodded. “We expect many casualties,” he said softly.

“We will immediately send assistance for your survivors,” Nagami replied without hesitation.

Nomen bowed deeply. “Thank you, Nagami-sama.”

 

           

Several hours prior…

 

In the end, there were two hundred. Many of them had never been trained to fight alongside others. Some were trained to be spies, not fighters. They would have to do. On this day, they were all warriors for the Scorpion. No, Bayushi Muhito corrected himself, they were warriors for the Empire.

The Kolat had patrols for miles around the perimeter of the Hidden Temple. Each group of samurai bore the mon of the Ox Clan and consisted of several men on horseback. It was simple to ambush them. The ninja struck with precision and coordination and the Ox died without raising the alarm. The small army moved forward silently, quickly. When the ancient building was in sight, Muhito glanced over to his right. Tsimaru stared back at him expectantly and Muhito nodded. It was time. Muhito retreated further into the trees and started to circle left around the Hidden Temple. A fourth of the men separated from the group to follow him and they stalked silently past the moving patrol. At Muhito’s command the group stopped underneath a large tree several hundred feet from the building as he searched for his next move.

The guards seemed lax and unprepared for the dozens of Scorpion who suddenly appeared from nowhere. Muhito’s agents began to pull the corpses into nearby bushes as he examined the Hidden Temple. He could see no entrances. Muhito pulled a scroll from his pouch and opened it. It was a map of the area, and he quickly began to situate himself by checking on the landmarks. One of his men came up next to Muhito and pulled his mask away from his face. “Orders, Muhito-san?” he asked.

Muhito recognized the ninja immediately. In his work as yojimbo to Shosuro Maru, he had relayed many messages to her spy and assassin Shosuro Kyuichi. He quickly made a decision to trust this man with whom he had worked before and handed him the scroll. “We are here to stop them from fleeing from the main assault, Kyuichi-san. You will be in charge of the rear guard. This map marks all the secret passageways that lead out into this area. Find all the stragglers and kill them.”

Kyuichi nodded. “None will pass us.”

Muhito pointed at ten men and gestured. “Come with me into the Temple. Follow my lead. We will go when the fighting starts.”

Twenty minutes passed before the loud crack of a thunderbolt rang through the door. Muhito and his men leapt to their feet and raced towards the temple. Muhito reached it without incident and leaned against the side of the building. He pressed hard against some unseen trigger. Muhito and his men passed through the wall of the building before Kyuichi’s eyes.

 

           

“I am Morito, daimyo of the Ox Clan!” the man shouted as he and his mounted bodyguards charged the Scorpion line. “You will pay for breaking Imperial Law and attempting to destroy the Minor Clans! You will not find us easy prey!”

The assault had come from nowhere. A bolt of lightning broke open the gates to the Hidden Temple, and hundreds of black clad warriors jumped through the breach with readied weapons. His men were not prepared and were spread out all over the Hidden Temple. All he could do, he believed, was escape. He made a beeline for the exit and men scattered out of the stampeding horses’ way.

For a heartbeat Morito believed he would successfully escape. His heart sank as a line of pike infantry suddenly appeared to block the way. They lowered their weapons and readied for his charge. He quickly pulled back on his horse’s reins and stopped short of the spears.

“If you touch a hair on my head,” Morito shouted, “my courtiers will reveal your war against the Ox. You will stand in violation of the Emperor’s word, and all you have worked for will be ruined! Your clan will never take the throne!”

“I think not,” Bayushi Tsimaru called out. He appeared on horseback behind the line of spearmen with a katana in his hand. He pointed it at Morito. “You are called Master Steel, and you have conspired against the safety of the Empire. For that I condemn you to death.” Tsimaru continued in an indifferent voice.

“You do not outrank me, Tsimaru,” Morito said. “Your word is against mine and it means nothing against me.”

“There will be no court to plead your case, Steel,” Tsimaru answered. Another line of men appeared around him. These men held small bows in their hands and each held an arrow at the ready.

“Wait!” Morito shouted. “Are you a coward, Tsimaru? Will you shame yourself in front of your men? I challenge you! Let the Heavens see who follows truth!”

Tsimaru laughed. “You care about the approval of the Heavens now, Steel?” He made a gesture with his hand. Ten men simultaneously loosed arrows at Morito and his men. They rained down upon the Ox lord. He fell, knocked off his horse by the impact of the shots. His body hit the ground with a resounding thud and the world swam. Out of the corner of his eye, Morito saw his men fall to another volley of arrows. His horse crashed to the ground next to him, his mouth foaming with saliva and blood, and Morito felt a tinge of regret. Several moments passed as he struggled to cling to consciousness. Finally, the boots of Tsimaru flooded his vision and the Scorpion towered over the fallen Ox.

Tsimaru spat and it landed directly on Morito’s cheek. “You dare challenge me to a duel, Steel? You are only a mockery of a samurai. You do not deserve to die a noble death. Bleed to death in the middle of nowhere, Steel. This is your life’s reward. Enjoy it.”

Tsimaru pulled a knife out of his belt and stabbed Morito in the stomach. With a twist he sliced upwards, leaving a large gaping wound. Morito could barely feel it. His body was going numb.

Morito closed his eyes. “Tokei,” he whispered. “Brother… forgive me…”

 

           

Kyuichi could hear the intense fighting that still raged on inside the Temple. The anger of the kami rang through the air as Scorpion shugenja called upon the elements. Men shouted and screamed as they fell in combat. Kyuichi could hear it all from the other side of the Hidden Temple. He could only wait for his prey to come running out of the exits. Luckily, he had trained his patience so he could wait for as long as he needed to in his line of work as spy.

His forty men were spread out across the valley in twos and threes as they guarded each exit. There were too many to adequately guard each one but Kyuichi assigned his defense as well as he could. They were relatively close to each other, so his men could help each other if they faced a fight. Only one passageway was too far out to be reinforced with any rapidity. The exit led to the mouth of a cave covered by a rushing waterfall, so nature acted as a second defense to any who would come out of them. Naturally, Kyuichi and he alone took the waterfall exit for his own.

He waited for an hour perched on a tree branch overlooking the cave mouth without moving. He remained alert and his eyes were fixed on the opening. That vigilance saved his life when two kunai flew out from the darkness directly at his position. Kyuichi jumped off the branch as soon as he saw the glint of metal, and the two knives struck the tree behind him. In that instant he decided to use his kusari-gama to combat his unseen enemies. He pulled the sickle in front of him in his left hand and grabbed a handful of the chain in his right. The rest of the chain and the weighted iron ball at the end of it trailed on the ground.

Three men climbed out of the opening at once with impressive speed. At a glance Kyuichi recognized their garb; they were assassins. Rumors named Kolat assassins among the best killers in the world. Kyuichi was not cowed. He spun the chain over his head and launched it directly at the closest enemy. When he saw the weight flying toward his head he immediately ducked. The weight hit the Kolat assassin in the middle of his face and he fell back into the cave.

The remaining two assassins leapt to opposite sides to avoid any further attacks. Kyuichi yanked the chain back toward him and ran forward at the same time. The assassin to his right drew several more throwing knives out of his sleeve and sent them flying in his direction. They flew by his chest, close enough to slice open his kimono. The other assassin drew his katana and ran forward, his blade held high over his head.

Kyuichi continued to dodge the thrown knives and watched the charge. When the assassin moved in range of his attack, Kyuichi jerked his chain once more at the assassin’s face. Instinctively the Kolat raised his katana in the way and the chain wrapped around the weapon. With a twist of Kyuichi’s wrist the blade fell to the ground. He struck with the kama in his left hand and the Kolat died without a sound.

Sharp pain exploded in Kyuichi’s back as one of the daggers landed with enough force to pierce his armor. He ignored the pain and turned around to face another thrown weapon coming directly for his face. Kyuichi yanked the weapon out of its deadly trajectory and flung it back at the last assassin. He dodged behind a tree and out of sight.

Kyuichi picked up his kusari-gama once more and swung the chain over his head. He launched it at the assassin as he popped back out of hiding. The assassin rolled under the flying chain and it wrapped itself around a thick branch that hung over the assassin. Kyuichi tugged at the weapon to make sure the chain was secure. He pulled on the chain and jumped upwards at the nearest tree. When his feet touched the bark he launched himself forward toward his opponent. The last assassin raised his armored gauntlets to protect himself from the strike. Kyuichi landed in front of him. He threw a quick punch in the assassin’s stomach. While he was reeling from the blow, he drew his ninja-to with one smooth movement. He struck once more and the fight was done.

Though all his enemies were dead Kyuichi did not let down his guard. His instincts told him that there was more to the fight. He left his weapons on the ground and sprinted in the opposite direction of all the fighting. Sure enough, a man dressed in the black robes of a Kolat Master was running at full speed away from him. He pulled the throwing knife from his back and flew it at the Kolat. He crumpled to the ground mid stride.

Kyuichi knelt beside the dying Kolat Master and stabbed him in the chest. The man shuddered then fell limp. Kyuichi studied the golden mask that covered the corpse’s face. He knew from his conversations with Muhito that the symbol on the mask’s forehead noted which Sect the Kolat Master controlled. This man had the symbol of a leaping tiger. Carefully, Kyuichi raised the corpse’s head and lifted the mask from his face.

Kyuichi immediately recognized the man. After all, he had once followed the man for a week, and he had never suspected him of being anything more than a degenerate gambler. “Ujina Heiji?” he murmured.

 

           

Muhito knew immediately that it was the right room when he first spotted it. Double handled wooden doors dominated the end of one of the hallways. It was taller than every other door he had seen in the temple, and it reached all the way to the ceiling. Ancient words written in the language of the kami lined the walls next to the door. Ornate golden gilding covered the handles in an intricate pattern.

“Stay here,” Muhito ordered. “I must go in alone.” The others bowed and stepped back. Muhito sheathed his katana and placed a hand on both handles. He pulled hard and the door opened with an audible creak.

Muhito could not hold back a gasp of awe as he stepped into the room.

“The Oni’s Eye,” Muhito said softly. He had an expectation of what the item would look like in his head but it did not do justice to the magnificence of the nemuranai that lay in the middle of the room. Paneki-sama’s letters described the large crystal the size of a small horse, but they did not describe the stone’s glow. It was infused with a milky white light as power pulsed through the object.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” a crackling old voice called out, and Muhito snapped out of his reveries. A man in the thick, black robes of a Kolat Master stood behind the Oni’s Eye. Unlike the others he did not wear a mask. He was an impossibly old man. His face was lined and haggard and his eyes glowed with the same light as the Oni’s Eye. How had he missed such a simple sight? Muhito cursed to himself and drew his katana in one smooth motion.

“Put that away,” the man said. “You have no need of it here.”

Muhito did not answer but simply began to circle around the Oni’s Eye closer toward the Kolat Master.

“I saw you arrive, Bayushi Muhito,” the man continued. He gestured to the crystal in front of him. “You managed to hide from my sight as you planned your attack and I commend you for your efforts. Do not believe your assault managed to catch me by surprise. I saw you from miles away. You cannot hide from the Oni’s Eye. You cannot hide from me.”

“Master Cloud,” Muhito said.

The old man briefly frowned but the expression passed by. “How did you learn our secrets, Bayushi Muhito?”

“The Scorpion Clan is ever vigilant,” he answered.

Cloud snorted. “Such a formulaic answer. I expected more from you.”

Muhito frowned. “You do not know me, Cloud.”

“On the contrary, I have been following your exploits,” Cloud said. “I watched your progress ever since your adventures near Crossroads Village.”

“You lie,” Muhito declared. “The Oni’s Eye has limitations. You could never have known all of my activities.”

Cloud chuckled. “If one knows enough about the Oni’s Eye, one can see anything and everything. I am its master, Muhito.”

Muhito stepped closer and raised his blade. He stood only five feet from his target. “Will the Eye tell you what will happen now, in this room? Can it show you the end of your evil reign?”

Cloud shook his head. “You will let me and the Oni’s Eye go free, Muhito. But first, you will kneel at my feet as a devoted servant.”

Muhito tensed as he readied his thrust. Cloud’s next words stopped him cold.

“I know of your love for the Crane woman,” the old man whispered. “She can be yours and you can be hers if you only do as I say. I shall free you from your bonds of servitude.”

Muhito felt as if he had the wind knocked out of him. “A samurai knows only duty,” Muhito said. His voice shook.

“Perhaps, but a Kolat is not bound by bushido,” Cloud said. “If you enter my service, I shall teach you to control the Oni’s Eye. Muhito, you can have unimaginable power if you choose to embrace it.” His voice grew strong and confident. “Drop your weapons.”

A thousand thoughts buzzed around Muhito’s head and he came to a decision. The katana clattered as it landed on the floor.

“Good,” Cloud whispered. “Now step forward and take your rightful place. Kneel at my feet.”

Muhito stepped forward as if in a daze. He stared up at Cloud’s milky white eyes. The Kolat’s mouth was turned upwards in a grin of pure greed. Muhito dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

“Swear your service to me, Muhito, and I will gift you everything that I have promised,” Cloud said.

Without answering, Muhito lunged forward. He bent his fingers into the shape of a claw and dug his fist into Cloud’s chest. Cloud doubled over with pain and Muhito grabbed Cloud’s neck with both hands. He began to apply more and more pressure. The old man’s eyes widened and his mouth struggled to form words.

“I could not risk your damaging the Oni’s Eye,” Muhito said, answering the unspoken question. “You see, Cloud, the Scorpion will learn to master its power. We will use it to root out and destroy everything that might threaten us. Your time has passed.”

Muhito watched with dispassionate eyes as the old man died in his hands.

 

           

Tsimaru and Muhito stood before the entrance to another chamber, and this time there was no banter, no feeling of awe. There was nothing, save a gnawing, cold sensation that might be fear. Alone among those moving against the Temple, Tsimaru and Muhito had been fully briefed by Lord Paneki. Alone among the warriors, they knew what lay within. “The temple has been fully secured?” Tsimaru asked.

“Hai,” Muhito said. “This chamber alone remains.”

Tsimaru nodded. He turned to the five men standing behind the two of them. The men were the most seasoned and experienced veterans present at the temple. “When we enter, ready your weapons,” he ordered. “If anyone or anything other than us attempts to exit, kill it at once. If one of us reappears, and we do not speak the phrase you were given before we departed, kill us at once, no matter what is said. Do you understand?”

The men all nodded and held their weapons at the ready. Tsimaru drew a deep breath to steady himself, and placed his hand upon the hilt of his blade. “Are you ready?” he asked quietly.

“It must be done,” was all Muhito said. At Tsimaru’s nod, he stepped forward and forced open the door.

The chamber beyond was unlike anything the two men had ever seen, and both were well-traveled Scorpion agents with a history of unusual assignments. The chamber was among the deepest within the temple, and it was dominated by large outcroppings of what appeared to be crystal. Scattered among them was an odd assortment of furniture, primarily a writing desk and a shelf containing a large number of scrolls. Tsimaru’s blood ran cold when he saw that there was a man standing in the middle of the room.

No, he corrected himself, it was not exactly a man. He seemed perfectly normal, but his features seemed to flicker and slide, as if they threatened to disappear at any moment. The man smiled, and the expression was the most horrible thing that the Scorpion warrior had ever seen. “You are the men who have undone centuries of work here at the Hidden Temple, yes?”

“You are Master Jade,” Tsimaru said. “You were once a man named Yasuki Taka, but there nothing of that man remains. You are a blasphemous abomination.”

“How little you understand,” the creature sneered. “I labor to save an Empire from darkness, only to suffer constant agony in order to keep my own from overwhelming me. Who are you to judge me? What meager accomplishments can you claim? Children. You are nothing more than arrogant children.”

“Your fellow masters are dead,” Tsimaru said. “You will join them. We will free you from this torturous existence.”

“Stand aside,” Master Jade said. “Free me, and I will redeem an Empire that has lost its way. I will purge the unclean from your ranks, and usher in true purity. The others will hold me in check no longer.”

Tsimaru drew his blade. “Be thankful your family knows nothing of the disgrace you have become. They would surely end their line with steel to avoid the shame of being associated with so wretched a creature.”

The thing snarled and leapt at Tsimaru. No, not leapt. It simply flowed across the room, pouring through the air like liquid. There was a slight tearing sound as it did so, and it seemed as though the surface of its flesh, if it was truly flesh, smoldered slightly from the presence of the crystals. Tsimaru held his blade up and lashed out as the thing loomed before him. There was a hiss of pain, and it recoiled. “What is this?” it spat. “No mere blade can harm me!”

“I have shame of my own to bear,” Tsimaru said quietly.

The thing that was once Taka roared, driven to a frenzy by Tsimaru’s goading. The scrolls Paneki had recovered had indicated that the creature was unstable, and could be manipulated, but this was far more inhuman than he had ever imagined.

The roar took on a jagged and frantic note, and a small length of glittering substance sprouted from Master Jade’s chest. “What is this?” it screamed. “What have you done?”

“Crysteel,” Bayushi Muhito whispered from behind the thing, answering its first question. “Killed you.”

Master Jade screamed again, a piercing, unbearable sound, and then the blackness of his body seemed to fold in on itself, shriveling and disappearing, until all that was left was a tiny, impossibly aged and wrinkled mortal body curled into a heap on the floor of the crystal chamber.

“It is done,” Tsimaru whispered. “The Kolat… are no more.”