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THIS IS THE FLASH FICTION WARM UP FOR A ANIME INPSIRED STORY. IT MAY END AT SOME POINT OR MAY NOT BE CONCLUDED, THANK YOU. JUST ENJOY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND TAG OTHERS AS WELL, WHILE IT LASTS.


SYNOPSIS


In the mystical Yōkai Era, where shadows intertwine with the echoes of ancient grudges, Ryuji Takahashi, a former commander haunted by the memories of twelve elite assassins, embarks on a perilous journey. Tormented by nightmares and losing his own memories, Ryuji seeks the elusive Ayame no Kaze, the Wind of Iris, a powerful deity rumored to unwrap and help unlock the fractured mind that holds the key to the ultimate weapon.

Alongside him is Kaito Haruki, a 13-year-old scholar with a tale of resilience. Driven by a desire for revenge and the freedom of his enslaved family, Kaito's journey takes an unexpected turn when he realizes the path to strength lies not in vengeance but in understanding. As he masters the powers and abilities of Ryuji's twelve companions, Kaito becomes a beacon of hope with his innocence, curiosity, and unwavering optimism.

Haunted by the enigmatic Kurogane Kageyoshi and navigating the political tensions within the Celestial Shogunate, Ryuji's odyssey becomes a poignant ballet of sorrow and redemption. The Journals of the Forgotten Blades unfold, each entry revealing a piece of a forgotten past, a lost love, and the consequences of war. In the shadows of the Yōkai Era, Ryuji, Kaito, and the fractured companions strive to unravel the mysteries that bind them, discovering that true strength lies not only in mastering the shadows but also in the light of understanding and cooperation.

Episode One: A TEA AND A TEAPOT




Coming Soon

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CHAPTER ONE

The Armies of the Celestial Shogunate and those of the Shadowed Dominion were locked in a mystical conflict that had shaped the yokai era for centuries.

The Celestial Shogunate, located in the eastern provinces, derived power from celestial beings and sacred spirits, embodying honor and elemental purity.

In contrast, the Shadowed Dominion, in the western lands shrouded in darkness, harnessed the dark arts and yōkai creatures, wielding shadows as both weapons and allies.

This conflict, driven not only by political ambitions but also by a struggle for control over the mystical forces shaping the Yōkai Era, led to constant warfare.

As night reluctantly surrendered to day, rays of light pierced through the battlefield strewn with the bodies of fallen soldiers, left unburied between the war camps. Silence reigned, for the three-day truce was still in effect.

However, its deceit was no secret, especially to the top commanders on both sides. Moments like these shifted the battles to another realm, one veiled in the highest secrecy—spy networks, assassinations, political maneuvering, psychological and mystical warfare—all too intricate for many to comprehend yet crucial for determining the eventual victor and for the past 500 years, the armies of the celestial shogunate had relied on moments like this to seize victories.

But for an ordinary foot soldier relieving himself by the riverbank across the camp, such matters were far from his thoughts. Having stood guard through the night, his discomfort was compounded by his indulgence in a hearty meal of pork meat against the warnings of his older comrades.

"You might not like what awaits you if you do," they had cautioned, but he had dismissed their words, never anticipating guard duty.

Rushing like a bull summoned to the ringmaster, he hastily undressed, discarding armor and weapons in a manner likened to a dancer on fire.

As he prepared to relieve himself, he noticed a heap by the river bank—not something, but someone.

His weapon, hastily discarded in a nearby shrub, eluded his grasp as he eyed the motionless figure.

Cursing softly, he groped for his weapon while keeping a wary eye on the stranger, who remained still except for the gentle swaying induced by the river's currents.

With no luck finding his weapon, he cautiously approached the stranger. It seemed another unfortunate soldier had met his end, whether by hunger, suicide, or disease during the two months of relentless war. The soldier had grown accustomed to the grim reality—many would never return, and those who did would be forever changed.

Observing the stranger up close, he noted what was left of his unfamiliar gear and armor adorned with celestial symbols, they hung on his body alongside some very deep and troubling wounds, casting an air of mystery, hopelessness and death around him.

He was neither a foot soldier nor a high-ranking commander, yet he belonged to their ranks.

His suspicions was divided into a burst of panic and confusion as the body shifted, revealing the stranger's face.

"Oh no!" he exclaimed, recognizing Ryuji Takahashi immediately.

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General Saito Himmamoro, a man approaching the age of fifty, appeared deceptively short and frail, belied by his illustrious military career and sharp intellect.

The veteran general of the celestial army sat alone in his tent, accompanied only by a cup of freshly brewed ginseng tea and a teapot—this was his respite from the relentless demands of the battlefield.

But his true companions were the letters scattered at his feet, typically secured within a jade treasure box hidden from prying eyes.

These missives came from a diverse array of sources—generals, ministers, spy networks, bureaucrats, scholars—each bearing valuable information.

The one he had been perusing before being summoned was from Suki Itoi, his betrothed. A noblewoman within the Royal court, she operated within Queen Asame's inner circle.

In her letter, she detailed the escalating tensions of the prolonged war and the swirling conspiracies within the Royal Court. Amidst the gossip of bravery and sacrifice on the battlefield, she artfully concealed her own concerns and worries for him. Yet, trained to discern such nuances, he couldn't help but yearn for home, for her. But not for long—he sternly reminded himself that the tide of war was turning in their favor.

His reverie was abruptly interrupted by a knock, prompting him to swiftly conceal the contents and the jade box from view.

"What is it?" His response carried a mixture of boredom, impatience, and authority.

"There's an emergency—the other war generals require your immediate presence," the messenger announced curtly.

Waving the messenger away, Saito took a moment to collect his thoughts. Today was pivotal—victory hinged greatly upon their actions, coinciding with the end of the truce at noon.

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General Wan and his cohorts moved back and forth, their discontentment palpable, shifting as the hours rushed towards noon.

Saito joined them, bringing a silence as weighty as steel.

He frowned at the unease etched on the faces around him, even Wan seemed restless and displeased. There could only be one reason, unthinkable but increasingly certain.

Two nights prior, they had convened as the first hour of the truce elapsed.

There was no denying it—the war generals sought an end to the protracted conflict, one that had surpassed many in its duration. Victory was within reach, but at what cost? If they returned in tatters this time, Emperor Jurou's reign would face scrutiny. Their war generals had to deliver victory swiftly and decisively.

In the past, they had outwitted and outmaneuvered the Shadowed Dominion in moments like this, relying on sophisticated strategies and executions unmatched in efficiency.

Be it through assassination, psychological warfare, or biological tactics, the generals had no need to fret over execution.

Over the past twelve years, during which the armies of the Celestial Shogunate had triumphed in eight wars, a clandestine and formidable group of swordsmen known simply as the Silent Celestials had secured victory for their nation through covert missions, including unthinkable deeds like assassination and biological warfare.

This group played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of past wars, though their existence remained shrouded in secrecy, known only to a select few within the royal court. The generals relied on their prowess without hesitation.

"They found Commander Ryuji by the Dofha River bank this morning," Wan briefed Saito, who remained unperturbed by the news, having sensed the tension in the room and drawn his own conclusions.

"Is he dead?" Saito inquired, taking his place at the table with the others.

"No, he's alive. Sustained three cuts to the heart, seven broken ribs, a fractured skull, and a broken leg. The healers have tended to him, but there's more," Wan continued, his gaze steady on Saito, impressed by his composed reaction, despite the looming threat of losing his position and facing treason charges.

"What is it?" Saito's gaze didn't waver, ignoring the probing eyes of the other generals, who sought to unravel his confidence and composure.

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"His celestial energy...the healers can't read it. We don't know how this is possible, but it has affected him. He hasn't spoken, moved, or eaten anything. The healers are at a loss, and he's remained unresponsive. A message has been sent to the capital..." Wan's voice trailed off, laden with concern.

"No need. Whatever befell him and his team, the Emperor's Healers will extract the truth from him. We have no knowledge of any shadow art capable of tampering with one's Celestial energy. We must uncover what happened to Ryuji and his team, and if the rumors..." Saito paused, cursing softly. Glancing at the faces around him, he realized his fears were not unfounded.

A week prior to the truce, spies within the Shadow Dominion had sent a cryptic warning of a newfound shadow creature whose powers could sway the war's outcome and pose a threat to the Celestials.

These spies had since vanished, fueling rumors of a looming counterstrike operation by the Shadow Dominion intended to deal a devastating blow to the Celestials.

Had Ryuji and his team encountered such a creature? There were no answers yet.

"I will escort Commander Ryuji back to the capital. I hereby relinquish my post immediately. Ryuji and his team were under my command, and my plans and strategies have brought shame upon the Emperor and the entire military. I will personally deliver Ryuji to the Emperor and accept whatever punishment is deemed appropriate," Saito declared, shedding his war armor and placing his sword on the table.

From the outset, Ryuji had warned him about the war generals. Now it was clear: the true enemies of the empire weren't on the opposite side of the battlefield; they were right there, among them.

With a bow, Saito swiftly departed, his thoughts racing as he hurried to the healer's house. He yearned to see his trusted friend. What had transpired with Ryuji weighed heavily on his mind as he dashed through the passages.

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Above the clusters of trees flanking the Dragon Path, named for its narrow, winding trails, General Saito and his personal troops, numbering over fifty, rode in silence and determination. Four horsemen guarded the carriage carrying Commander Ryuji.

It was the second day of their journey toward the Shogunate's capital. They had many miles to cover over the next three days before reaching the nearest village, Jorui.

Soldiers conversed in hushed tones, gossip swirling around them. The sudden silence of the assassin commander and Saito's resignation were topics difficult to avoid. Many speculated that Saito's resignation was a calculated move to avoid a harsher sentence if brought before the royal court.

"I hear General Wan plans to appoint two of his commanders to replace Commander Ryuji and Saito immediately," one soldier whispered as they rode slowly, his companion more interested in anything than Ryuji's thoughts or activities inside the carriage.

"He wouldn't dare. The Emperor and the State Security Officer have a say in these appointments," the other countered.

Saito overheard their conversation and strode back to join them, signaling for them to move ahead while he traveled beside the moving carriage.

His mind raced, flitting from one concern to another.

Five years ago, their positions would have been reversed. Saito had been chosen to lead the Silent Celestials, while Ryuji was appointed as a war general as Emperor Jurou's reign began amidst the royal cleansing.

Reflecting on it now, Saito understood Ryuji's apprehension about Emperor Jurou's decision to spare his brothers' lives during the purge. It was a bold move that brought some semblance of peace to Jurou's reign, despite potential opposition lurking in the shadows.

Masashi and Nao, powerful and influential figures, had been spared from the purge that wiped out the rest of the royal family and their loyal allies who could have challenged Jurou's claim to the throne.

Masashi, in particular, wielded considerable influence across the ruling houses and key aspects of the empire, making him a formidable force. If the succession pattern had been followed, Masashi was expected to challenge his elder brother Nao for the throne. However, it was Jurou, the so-called bastard son of Emperor Noboru, who ultimately seized power.

Now, it was clear why Ryuji had chosen to retain his role as commander while relinquishing the opportunity to become a general—it was a calculated decision, not mere carelessness.

"Wan is ambitious, his loyalty lies with Masashi and the other generals under his sway. A knight, not a pawn, should hold this position. While I understand the art of war as a Silent Celestial, navigating the politics of the royal court as a general eludes me. However, you have proven yourself a master of strategy and wit time and again. The Silent Celestials cannot become Wan's personal army, and someone must keep their ears open at the war generals' table," Ryuji remarked to his companion.

With renewed determination, they pressed forward. Wan had already proven to be a formidable adversary, and it seemed the true battle was only just beginning.

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Finally, something different from what have been circulating in nairaland lately.

Fictional! More updates please, these are too short

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General Wan paced back and forth in his tent, his imposing figure adorned in magnificent golden dragon war armor. His long hair was meticulously tied atop his head, adding to his commanding presence. Despite his tall stature and formidable build, it was his steely gaze that revealed the depth of his experience and the weight of his current concerns.

The absence of the Silent Celestials weighed heavily on his mind. This elite group, unmatched in power, experience, and skill, seemed to have vanished without a trace. Only Ryuji, a man who had stood in opposition to Wan's ambitions, remained.

Yet, other numerous uncertainties loomed before him. It had been two days since the truce ended, and the armies of the Dark Shogunate Empire, led by General Gou, had made significant advances. The failure of the Silent Celestials' assassination attempt on General Gou only added to Wan's mounting worries.

Gou had forged a reputation for himself years ago as an astute scholar within the Celestial Empire, his intelligence and insatiable thirst for knowledge earning him acquaintances among war generals and high-ranking families of the royal court. However, beneath this facade of scholarly pursuits, Gou harbored a clandestine identity as a spy, groomed and nurtured within the very walls of his enemies.

It was during Emperor Jurou's royal purge that a dark secret was unveiled by one of the condemned royal families, habiki—a network of shadow spies embedded within the court and strategic positions of warfare, aimed at unraveling the secrets of the Celestials and weakening them from within.

Habiki had claimed to possess a list of these spies. Despite his efforts to save himself and his family, they met a grim fate, and the list disappeared, leaving behind only rumors that were enough to send Gou and his associates into hiding yet not many believed all the spies left.

Five years had passed since then, and Gou had become the prime target of the Silent Celestials once he reemerged as the top war general of the shadow empire.

Whatever transpired during that time weighed heavily on wan's mind as he anxiously awaited answers.

As he stood pondering, the sound of approaching horses grew louder. The blaring of trumpets signaled the arrival of a rider—a herald, from his nation but from the shadow empire, War General Gou was around.



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Kurogane Kageyoshi was born into a lineage of skilled bladesmiths loyal to the Celestial Shogunate, his family revered for their mastery in crafting blades from dragon scales since the era of the Dragon Emperors. Over two centuries, the Kageyoshi clan had amassed both fortune and legacy, now entrusted to the young, adept swordsman who served as the emperor's emissary and special advisor on matters of war and conflict.

Their encounter was not their first; they had crossed paths numerous times at grand gatherings, where Kurogane maintained a stoic presence, his opinions concealed beneath a facade of indifference. Emperor Jurou held him in high regard, perhaps due to his astuteness and strategic acumen, recognizing in Kurogane a fellow ambitious soul bidding his time.

"I wasn't expecting you," Wan remarked as he bowed in greeting to Kurogane.

Kurogane offered a curt nod, betraying no hint of interest in his host's words.

"Here, read this and order the soldiers to stand down," Kurogane instructed, presenting a scroll sealed by the emperor, his gaze thoughtful as he moved about the tent.

Wan's composure faltered slightly as he broke the seal and perused the contents of the scroll.

"At four in the morning, the emperor summoned his loyal subjects and ministers, revealing a dream that urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. The young emperor dreams of peaceful coexistence with the Shadow Shogunate," Kurogane relayed as Wan finished reading, taking his seat with a hint of disdain.

"Yet you do not support the emperor's decision?" Wan inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Kurogane seemed to ponder Wan's question briefly before dismissing it with a wave of his hand.

"Prince Masashi Fujimori and Prince Nao Haruka Aoyama hold differing views on this matter. While your master views it as a bold and wise decision, Prince Nao remains tight-lipped, though it is evident he opposes it. Following the failed assassination attempt, Prince Nao has lost favor among the ministers and his supporters. Plans are underway to dispatch a security committee, led by you and the top generals, to negotiate a permanent peace treaty with Emperor Saochi," Kurogane continued, observing Wan's reaction closely.

"Prince Nao has requested General Saito's inclusion in the committee. Meanwhile, I have been tasked with escorting the commander of the Silent Celestials back to the royal court for questioning," Kurogane revealed.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. Saito has relinquished his post and returned to the capital with Ryuji, the only recovered member," Wan responded solemnly.

"I will see to it, I catch up with the fleet then," Kurogane frowned slightly before making to depart.

"Does the emperor truly mean this?" Wan pressed, his expression strained.

"The better question, General Wan, is why Prince Masashi is aligning with the emperor on this matter, given its direct threat to his aspirations for the throne. The unification of Japan poses a challenge to Prince Masashi's ambitions, unless..." Kurogane's voice trailed off, a faint smile playing on his lips as he vanished from sight, leaving Wan to contemplate his words with a heavy heart.


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The journey to the capital had progressed slowly and steadily through the country's many small villages and provinces. Juro, a boundary-bound village, stood open and welcoming to Saito and his men as they stopped over for the night. By noon the next day, they should have reached the capital.

The soldiers, in high spirits and within reach of good sake, poured their hearts into storytelling, song singing, teasing, and taunting. They displayed mighty shows of their bravery and manliness amongst the dames and courtesans who were present to watch them at the local restaurant where they had lodged for the night.

Up above, in one of the rooms, Saito sat over a hot pot of ginseng tea, while Ryuji on the other side seemed motionless, resembling a still figure. Saito couldn't help but worry; Ryuji seemed lost to the world.

"Suki wrote me again," Saito began, nursing a sad smile as he watched Ryuji pay no attention to him. "She hopes I haven't been too hard on myself or the men. Well, she didn't ask about me directly..."

It was Ryuji who knew more about the ladies than him. In fact, in some manner, it was because of Ryuji that he had met Mya.

"You pork chunk, don't you see she likes you?" Saito teased, remembering how Ryuji had nudged him forward to have a word with her when Prince Nao had invited them on his birthday months ago. Ryuji had helped fix the right words to get him going with Suki

"Some of the men whisper my move to give up my position as an act of cowardice," Saito confessed, his voice tinged with resignation. "It is no small thing for me to let these men who have served me get disbanded so quickly. But I can see how it all goes..."

As Saito sipped at his tea, he nodded, finding the taste quite soothing. Military tea was certainly less tasteful, he added.

"Suki and I... I was hoping to resign anyway, you see," Saito continued, his tone contemplative. "We had made plans before the war started to leave the capital and start afresh, happily married on a farm land south of Peo."

"The war changes men," Saito reflected, his voice a mixture of solemnity and determination. "Suki is afraid of what the war would do to me if I stay on. I wish to have a life outside all of this, without armor on. I know how silly it is, but I like it. If I were to choose my fate, I would have preferred to be a farmer, have a big farm, and rear big pigs!"

Despite Ryuji's lack of attention, Saito felt comfortable and confident. Somehow, Ryuji was there with him.

However, Saito quickly realized how silent the whole place had become. Had his men drunk to stupor and blacked out? No, there was more, something only his experience could interpret.

He smiled ruefully, he realized why the tea taste so different all of a sudden, he had been made a terrible mistake admittedly, Saito produced his blade out of its sheath with short quick breaths, dropping Ryuji's blade before him.

"I will be back, but just in case I fail to keep my words, you must help me keep mine," he instructed, his voice firm. "Tell Suki I love her, find Prince Nao, and tell them what happened. You must find a way and do this."

With a swift motion, he pulled a letter from underneath his belt and threw it before Ryuji, just as the candle began to help shape the dark silhouettes of their assailants began to be drawn on the thin walls of the room.



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Out of nowhere, Saito was hurled into the wall, shadow blades piercing him like darts expertly aimed by unseen hands. Despite putting up a valiant fight against the relentless onslaught of assassins, the poison coursing through his veins rendered him unable to access his celestial energy, leaving him helpless against his assailants.

Pinned to the wall and succumbing to the rapidly spreading poison, Saito watched in horror as more shadow soldiers materialized, mercilessly slaughtering his unconscious comrades before his eyes. With immense effort, he managed to wrench one blade from his body, only to be met with three more hurling towards him, pinning his hand and chest to the wall. The final blade struck true, severing his jugular vein and sealing his fate.

Struggling against the poison's grip on his energy, Saito felt his life slipping away as his blood painted the wall crimson. As the assassins closed in, encircling the room, he knew there was no escape. With his sword falling from his grasp, he whispered his final words, a fleeting glimpse of peace as he envisioned his beloved Suki on a farmland-their farmland away from everything.


Above, the assassins turned their attention to Ryuji, the commander of the Silent Celestials. Despite their confidence in subduing him, Ryuji remained unyielding, his attention focused elsewhere. With swords drawn and determination etched on their faces, they moved in for the kill, intent on claiming his head as their prize.

But as the blade descended towards Ryuji, his eyes fell upon his own sword and a letter nearby. In that split second, time seemed to slow as Hakaku Hiroto, of the Midst Dragon Clan, observed the unfolding chaos from a vantage point high above the clouds.

Yet it seemed he was in imminent danger, he sprang into action, diving through the window and out of harm's way just as a thick mist erupted, engulfing the room in chaos and blasting everything in its wake, evading their grasp and disappearing into the night.


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CHAPTER TWO - CLOUDS AND SHADOWS
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With the celestial power bestowed upon Kisamoru by the wounded dragon, he and his descendants became revered protectors of the Celestial Kingdom.

Across the generations, Kisamoru's lineage spread throughout the provinces and clans, each member harnessing their elemental gifts in service of the kingdom.

They formed one of the most formidable orders within the celestial military force, safeguarding the realm from external threats and internal discord.

However, as time passed, the numbers of Kisamoru's descendants dwindled, and fewer were born with the innate elemental powers. This decline led to a shift in their role within the kingdom, as they were increasingly utilized as high-profile assassins and operatives, their unique skills and abilities making them ideal for covert operations.

Despite this change in their perceived purpose, each province remained obligated to provide one of its Silent Celestials to serve in the celestial kingdom's military.

It was considered a prestigious achievement for any clan to offer a member to join the ranks of the Silent Celestials, a testament to their lineage and capabilities.

In the Celestial Shogunate, lay the province of Azure Mist. Known for its breathtaking vistas and serene atmosphere, Azure Mist was often considered the smallest and least influential province in the Celestial Kingdom.

Within Azure Mist, there were only three prominent clans.

Alongside the Midst Dragon Clan, were the Moonlight Serpent Clan and the Sunflower Blossom Clan.

Despite their small numbers, each clan contributed to the province's unique tapestry of culture and tradition.

The Midst Dragon Clan, though secluded and relatively small in size, proudly sent forth one of their own to serve in the celestial kingdom's military. This young prodigy, born of Kisamoru's lineage, bears the name Hakaku Hiroto, was the first to represent the Azure Mist Province, destined to leave his mark on the annals of celestial history.


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