Japan, Edo period.
In a land where every breath followed a rule, white was purity.
White meant honor.
White meant the gods were watching.
And black—
black was forbidden.
It was said that when a samurai chose black, he chose shadow over soul.
The Rule
The samurai order lived by strict laws passed through centuries.
One law was never questioned.
"No samurai shall wear black.
For black invites darkness.
And darkness invites the Devil."
Those who broke it were erased—not killed, but forgotten.
Eroshick
Eroshick was loyal, disciplined, and feared in battle—not for cruelty, but for control.
His blade never trembled.
His heart never rushed.
He believed in rules because rules gave meaning to chaos.
His closest companion was Shiv—a silent, sharp-eyed warrior whose devotion went beyond the dojo.
Shiv prayed often.
But never to the gods Eroshick knew.
The Night of Sound
One night, when the moon hid behind clouds, a strange sound echoed inside the residence.
A wet sound.
A whispering murmur.
From the bathing room.
Eroshick's hand went to his sword as instinct took over.
He walked slowly.
Each step heavier than the last.
He slid the door open.
The Revelation
Steam filled the room.
And in the center stood Shiv.
Not in white.
Not in armor.
He was wrapped in black cloth, darker than night—absorbing the light itself.
Blood ran down his arm.
In the far corner, something stood—
tall, still, watching.
Its form was not fully visible, but its presence pressed against Eroshick's chest.
A black jinn.
Its voice was not loud—
yet it filled the room.
"The rule is broken."
The creature leaned closer to Shiv, drinking the blood as if it were a blessing.
Shiv smiled.
Not in pain.
In devotion.
Eroshick froze.
This was not betrayal.
This was worship.
The Curse Begins
The jinn turned its gaze toward Eroshick.
Not with anger.
With interest.
"A witness is also chosen," it whispered.
The lantern flickered.
Darkness swallowed the room.
CUT TO BLACK
END OF PART ONE