Kyu
Kyu woke abruptly, tore away from sleep, his eyes snapping open simultaneously with the morning. Like his soul could sense the disturbance in the shadows as dawn faded from Reiokeni and the first signs of sunrise could be admired breaking across the horizon.
Wasting no time he rose leaving the comfort of his bed and claimed his kaezium katana from beside his futon. He needn't bother to actually look, his hand naturally finding his weapon with pinpoint precision. The spiritual link between his and the blade's Retsu allowed him to locate exactly where it was as long as it was nearby. After around ten metres he could only sense its general location, and the accuracy of their link decayed the further they separated until it was pretty much non-existent at a kilometre.
He quickly dressed in his usual dark attire, instantly blending in with the fading darkness of his room and then like every morning Kyu took a short moment to glance down at his kaezium katana and appreciate every aspect of its existence, from its masterful forgery, to its celestial design and to the inhuman power it bestowed upon him. Kyu concentrated in on their bond, feeling how both their Retsu flowed in perfect symbiosis. It was the undeniable, living proof that he'd done it, that he'd became a samurai of Akuresh. And soon when he finally turned of age he would no longer be an apprentice in training and could stride towards becoming one of the Blades.
A sudden, blinding flash of light pulled him back to the world and Kyu glanced outside to see the sun creeping further over the thick wall of trees that hid his hut. He clicked his tongue, he was going to be late. Tying his katana to his side as he moved, he quickly rushed from his room and to the headquarters of the Rebellion.
Twelve years ago, heresy fell upon Akuresh. The usurper brother killed the emperor. He and his traitors butchered the royal lineage; men, women, child any who could dare to inherit his throne, leaving only him as the rightful heir. The Traitor of Akuresh is now long dead rotting in damnation among the deepest pits of hell however, by the time of his demise his heresy had already sown its seeds deep. His first and only born son now sits his throne and has inherited the imperium.
They believe themselves to be all powerful, believe that no one can oppose them, that no one has the right to, that they are the last of the royal bloodline. If only they knew had they failed that night twelve years ago when they betrayed those they were once sworn to. If only they knew that the true heir to Akuresh still breathes and will soon march across the nation a rebellion at his back and deliver divine judgement.
The traitors betrayed the gods, disgracing the very power they once bestowed upon them and have pledged themselves to sacrilege. They have brought upon the wrath of the gods and the gods will have their vengeance. Akuresh will have its vengeance.
Kyu spent his morning scouting the far perimeters of the Rebellion headquarters, making sure no imperial forces, scouts or even just simple travelling parties accidentally stumbled upon it. Until this day he'd never come across any on patrol but still he kept his blade at the ready, the rebellion couldn't afford to take any chances.
The Imperium and False Emperor knew of the Rebellion but believed it to be nothing more than a dying flame, a futile resistance that will eventually die on their own. As a result the Rebellion continued to play to the rumours, appearing weak and unthreatening to the grand powers of the imperium. They made themselves known occasionally, acting out in the eastern countryside of Akuresh however, never giving reason for the Imperium to unleash their full strength upon them. Years ago they'd sent a few small attack forces into the countryside to end the Rebellion however, when the attack parties never returned and combined with how the Rebellion vanished out of existence after every battle the Imperium gave up on their efforts instead switching to a method of containment and monitoring. It helped that the Rebellion also resided in a region of Akuresh believed to be haunted, known for numerous cases of missing people that were never again found, Kyu wouldn't be surprised if that also played a part in their continued isolation, the people of Akuresh were nothing if not superstitious. But overall, to Kyu, it just seemed like the False Emperor didn't consider them worth the Imperium's time and resources. He expected as long as they never sieged or attacked any major holds or settlements the Imperium would continue to leave them in isolation, only passively searching for their presence. Even if a scouting part was to come across the Rebellion and suddenly vanish Kyu doubted it would ever reach the emperors ears. However, if the Imperium were to ever discover the true strength and purpose behind the Rebellion the consequences would be dire. They'd come down upon them were the full strength of Akuresh and their vile heresy and as much as it pained Kyu to admit it he didn't believe the Rebellion to have the strength to come victorious in a complete headstrong confrontation. They simply just didn't have the numbers. If they were to win this war and reclaim Akuresh, the Imperium must never know what has struck them until it's too late.
Over the next few hours, Kyu patrolled his designated routes and thankfully scouted no threats. They remained undetected for another day. Usually Kyu wouldn't be assigned to the task however, they needed eyes monitoring the outskirts of their base and only the strongest warriors could be trusted that far out. As if imperial forces did come across detrimental truths they could not be allowed to return back to the capital.
With his final patrol complete, he returned home, allowing another samurai to take his place. For the sake of secrecy and protection, the Rebellion was patrolled completely around the clock, with at least five samurai on duty at all times.
Kyu always imagined that when the citizens imagined the Rebellion's base they pictured something small, rustic and discrete in a forest or mountain range and that's how they've always remained like ghosts. How wrong they'd be. The Rebellion headquarters was in eastern Akuresh, nearly directly at the centre of the countryside. But it was neither small, rustic or discrete. In fact they held one of the greatest cities Akuresh had ever known. Thought to be haunted, cursed and destroyed they had rebuilt a city lost centuries ago, once known as Kakureden. Now known simply to Akuresh as the ruins of Ushinato, the Rebellion rebuilt it to its former glory of towering castles sprouting from their stone foundations, beautiful pagodas, rivers and gardens that swept through and decorated shrines and temples all topped off with the dozens of thatch and timber huts to home the loyalists. After its initial destruction the Imperium had planted a vast forest around the ruins in hopes of hiding their past. Now, after centuries of the life, the forest runs overgrown, working against the Imperium, it's towering trees and vegetation concealing the city from any outside eyes. And with no Akureshan daring to enter fearing the wrath of the ruin's vengeful spirits the Rebellion was practically invisible.
Despite only just finishing his patrol shifts, Kyu had no time for food or rest and the second he re-entered the city, he made his way over to the eastern sector where one of the temples had been converted into a grand dojo exclusively reserved for only the greatest samurai of the Rebellion.
In its grand hall once used for prayer and now violence, a man waited for Kyu alone. Wearing a robe of gold and white, the royal crest stitched across his heart, he rested against the entrance hall, his kaezium katana sheathed at his waist. As Kyu traversed up the final steps to the dojo and waved, the prince left the dojo's wall, a grin on his face.
Prince Kintaro Asakari, the last heir of Akuresh and the nation's final hope, the soul behind this entire Rebellion. At a single glance you could tell royal blood ran strong through his veins. If you asked anyone in Reiokeni what an emperor of Akuresh looked like they'd see an older version of Kintaro. Standing slightly taller than Kyu, he possessed that noble handsomeness and of course his long, shimmering hair was the unique blonde of his family's genetics along with his burning, golden eyes.
"About time Kyu," Kintaro greeted.
"I've had a busy morning." Kyu shrugged and a smirk formed on his face. "Not all of us can have a pampered awakening with tea presented before us when we open our eyes," Kyu joked.
The prince sighed dreamily and then Kintaro laughed. "If only that was true. Trust me I pray for it. But unfortunately it is not. Instead I have Runa abruptly waking me at the crack of dawn so I can aid in the operations and running of the Rebellion. Supposedly it's the best training to help me prepare for when I'm crowned emperor."
"It'll serve you well when we reclaim Akuresh."
"I know. It'd just be nice if I could sleep until the sun had at least crossed the horizon. Might make that law when I'm crowned. 'The emperor may not being woken until the sun has reached its peak'," Kin joked. Side by side they wandered into the dojo. "I was told you were on patrol today."
Kyu nodded. "Thankfully no issues like always. The nation's fear of the forest is so strong that most don't even like to get near the treeline never mind enter," Kyu couldn't stop himself from grinning, "and if any ambitious explorers decide they want to see the ruins we just pretend to be vengeful spirits and scare them off."
Kin chuckled. "You need to let me patrol with you one time, let me escape the confinement of these trees. I haven't be allowed to go fight in months."
Kyu hesitated as they reached the dojo's matted floors. "Kin, you know we can't take the risk. From your appearance alone, never mind your power, you may be one of the most recognisable people in Akuresh. Even if they don't identify you exactly as Prince Kintaro Asakari they'll know you're royal in an instant. And if word got back to the capital -"
"I know, I know. But it'd just be nice to get some fresh air." Kintaro shrugged him off and cracked his neck.
"Just go back outside then. Trust me the air is no different on the other side of those trees. It's worse if you ask me, risk catching a whiff of demonic heresy."
The prince furrowed his brows and sighed. "Enough talk, I've had a stressful morning and I would like to work it off." Kintaro strolled across the dojo creating space between them and then let his kimono drop to the ground. He turned to face Kyu and drew his katana, like all kaezium weaponry it was a beautiful relic, the main body, from the guard to the tang, was a shimmering platinum and its bladed edge a deep golden.
Kyu grinned. "Of course, young lord. It's your move." Kyu drew his own katana. It was the polar opposite to the prince's, it's entire body black and it's blade a dark silver.
The two samurai shifted into their stance. Retsu began to flow from the world and through them, imbuing every aspect of their body all the way to their blades like they were natural extensions of their arms.
Path of the Lightbringer, First Art 'Divine Light'
The millisecond Kintaro's Retsu flowed and imbued his Path, his katana's blade was coated in a layer of glowing light.
With a relaxed breath, Kyu allowed his heart to pound and for the power to course through him, his Retsu eagerly tugging at him, begging for him to use its power and channel the power of his sword. Kyu obliged.
Path of the Shadow Walker, First Art 'Blessing Of Darkness'
Suddenly writhing tendrils of the deepest ink rose from within his sword and coated the blade in a skin of pure shadows. The new weapon looked as if it has spawned from the darkest corner of the night.
Wasting no time, the two samurai bounded across the dojo with inhuman agility and strength and their blades clashed at the centre of the room. Instantly they both fellow into motion, riding the momentum of their spar, their duel like a choreographed dance, both fighters perfectly transitioning back and forth between offense and defence, warming up each other's bodies. Light purged away shadows and darkness smothered light. Once Kyu felt like the prince was prepared he forced their training to evolve.
Over an hour had passed since they'd first began and sweat dripped from both their bodies as Kyu pushed the prince to his limits.
Kintaro was forced to leap back high in the air to avoid a cut threatening to bisect his torse.
Path of the Shadow Walker, Fourth Art 'Ire Of The Night'
An arc of shadow shot out from Kyu's slash and tore through the air directly at Kintaro, warning to catch him in the air.
Path of the Lightbringer, Sixth Art 'Strike Of The Light God'
Overwhelming Retsu and light concentrated to Kintaro's katana blade, reinforcing its strength and coating, and he struck down against the dark projectile delivering a powerful, devastating blow that tore the shadow apart.
Kyu dashed forward, blade ready, to pressure the prince on landing. With a deep, concentrated breath he channelled his Retsu into his Path, feeling a comforting wave of chill pass over him like he'd suddenly walked out of the beaming sun and into the refuge of the shadows.
Path of the Shadow Walker, Second Art 'Shadow Strike'
The prince landed, but Kyu noticed Kintaro's footing suddenly faulter and he fumbled his descent in panic. Kyu adjusted himself cancelling his Weapon Art and striking only with his shadow coated blade. Quickly, Kintaro recovered his composure and struck back, their spar resuming with full momentum.
"Focus Kin, a mistake like that in war will result in nothing but death," Kyu reprimanded, as he continued to apply pressure forcing the prince on the defensive, leaving him little time to unleash any Weapon Arts.
"I am," Kintaro snapped, exhausted and getting irritated. "It won't happen again."
"Prove it."
Path of the Lightbringer, Sixth Art 'Strike Of The Light God'
Kintaro came at Kyu with pure power.
Path of the Shadow Walker, Third Art 'Protection Of The Shadowfarer'
Inky, tendrils of darkness jolted out from Kyu's blade, as the samurai blocked Kintaro's attack. With the Weapon Art enhancing Kyu's defences, he perfectly blocked the prince's offensive Weapon Art strong enough to bisect this entire dojo, the result of their clash was as if nothing but two simple steel blades had collided.
Unwavering, Kintaro struck again and again, Kyu perfectly defending every strike. Although the prince attacked powerfully and swiftly, Kyu quickly noticed flaws in his assault. They were only minor and subtle however, could still mean be difference between victory and defeat. But despite this he hesitated to punish them unable to find a way without harming his friend.
Kintaro went to strike again but Kyu moved even faster forcing the prince to retreat back, in hopes that resetting their duel might cause Kin to compose himself and correct his form naturally.
"Stop," a voice stated. It was calm and cold but demanded unrivalled authority. Kyu felt his body shudder and skin pale even further past its natural white shade.
Instantly both fighters froze and their attention snapped to the entrance of the dojo.
'Master Kagerou.' Kyu hadn't even noticed his arrival. How long had he been watching them.
Instantly Kyu sheathed his katana and after only a short pause Kintaro did the same. The Retsu and air in the room settled for only a moment before Master Kagerou stepped out onto the mat and it instantly seemed to gravitate towards him. Kyu quickly dropped to his knee before his master, but like always kept his eyes on the man.
Kuro Kagerou, the Shadow Wolf, one of the nation's greatest warriors and Blades of the rebellion, claiming the position of Shadow Blade. Despite a decade passing he didn't look a day older than when he'd saved Kyu and was still the biggest man he'd ever laid eyes on, standing at two metres tall. At first glance at the man, it was instantly clear were Kyu's dress sense had been inspired as like him his master did not wear any traditional samurai attire and instead chose to simply wear dark coloured clothes and a worn cloak. However in his master's case that may be simply because they were the only clothes that fit his huge frame. Upon his head shadowing his wild beard and stern, aging face was a giant, black Jingasa, crafted from dyed bamboo fabric. His long, white hair fell down the top of his back in thick braids. However, despite his unique look, by far his most definable feature was the giant great katana sheathed freely across his back, its chipped, kaezium steel blade taller than Kyu.
Despite not even hailing from Akuresh and instead from the West, evident in his pale skin and accent, Master Kagerou was one of the hearts of the Rebellion, imbuing his unyielding loyalty into their cause.
Suddenly, Kyu locked eyes with his master and quickly caught onto a flash of irritation and a hint of distaste ... And was that anger? Dread passed over him. That couldn't be good.
"Come Kyu," Master Kagerou commanded.
"Where to master?" Kyu asked, glancing back at the prince.
"Training," he stated simply. He turned to Kintaro and his expression lightened by an iota. "Sora will be along shortly to take over the prince's training. Take this time to recover young lord, I've been told the Heaven's Blade wishes to truly push your limits." Without another word the giant man turned and left the dojo. "Come Kyu."
Kyu wasted no time and trailed after his master, he shot back a concerned and fearful look to Kintaro who could only offer him a wince and sympathetic shrug. Kintaro was by no means in for a fun time with Sora Tenko either however, that was still nothing compared to what Kyu may experience after seeing his master's mood.
As he left the Dojo, Kyu glanced to the shrines of the gods from when it was a temple and sent them a silent prayer.