3 The Letter that Bound Us

The group of warriors entered the village. The wicker huts were scorched and ruined, pillars of smoke ascended from the rubble. The streets were littered with bloody bodies, torn and mangled. Eyes widened, mouths gaping; the horror of their demise still apparent on their faces.

Saito dashed off towards a hut. Tojiro fell to his knees; forcing Sakon to shift quickly and support the rest of Ishida's weight. "Our home." Ishida muttered as Sakon glanced around. Nobushige and Namikasha had kept their composure, the two went about looking for survivors.

"Tojiro won't be able to help as is." Sakon started as he strained to lower Ishida to the ground softly. "I'm going to help them look around, be mindful of your surroundings." Sakon finished as he looked at Ishida. The large man's gaze stared off into nothing, his face quivering with shock. Sakon sighed slightly as he began to have second thoughts about leaving the two so vulnerable. He didn't speak a word, he simply sat down with his legs crossed and folded his arms over his chest. The Setaki's sharp grey eyes studied the carnage around him.

Namikasha wandered around the remnants of the village center. A cherry blossom tree, once a noble symbol of the village, stood withered and burnt. On its trunk was a parchment, held in place with a bloody dagger. "Nobushige." Namikasha called out as he approached the tree. The swordsman pulled the note off as his comrade approached him.

"What is that?" Nobushige asked.

"An ultimatum." Namikasha replied as he handed to note to the bowman.

"Ash to Ash. Dust to Dust. In that we are created and destroyed. All shall be brought to tremble before the pride of the void." Nobushige read. "Do you suppose that demon was the cause of this?" Nobushige asked as he and Namikasha looked to one another.

"There is not a doubt in my mind that it was." Saito spoke. The two men turned around as the silver swordsman approached them. "With this I am the last." Saito spoke, within his arms was the body of a beautiful middle aged woman. Saito's wife had been slain.

Both Namikasha and Nobushige's eyes widened. Saito dropped to a knee as he gently placed his wife on the ground. His eyes flashed with swelling anger as he rose to his feet. "Our hunt has not ended until we send the demon's soul screaming back to hell." Saito spoke with intensity.

"Let us not waste time then; we should leave Tojiro and Ishida to increase our speed." Nobushige stated, Saito noded.

"My brother and I are with you." Namikasha offered. Saito and Nobushige turned to him. Saito nodded approvingly to the wandering sword god known as kishin. "Let me just go and grab Sakon, then we can set off." Namikasha spoke as he walked back towards the village entrance.

Namikasha's eyes widened. "We have a problem." Namikasha called out to his new comrades.

Nobushige and Saito slowly started towards Namikasha, as they drew near they increased their pace. The three men stood shocked at what lay before them. Ishida's eyes were rolled back into his head, his mouth wide open; as if he meant to scream. He lay on his back, his stomach carved out and his innards scattered around the ground. The strong man's blood was splattered about as if an animal had feasted upon him in a wild frenzy. Sakon and Tojiro were nowhere in sight.

Namikasha's eyes shot around as he searched for his brother. Saito moved near Ishida's carcass as he took a knee. "Poison." The silver swordsman muttered as he dipped his finger in a purple liquid. He flicked his fingers clean in disgust as he stood up.

"The demon." Nobushige stated angrily.

"It has our brothers." Namikasha added, the intensity of his voice overtaking the bloodlust of his two companions.

"Gentleman." Saito started as he grabbed a sack he had filled earlier, wrapping it around his back. Okita's spear within his grasp. "We hunt." He finished as he ran off, following a trail of poison. Namikasha and Nobushige tailed close behind as the three began their journey to face the demon…

Sakon's sight returned in a blur, his head throbbing with terrible pain. He was being carried. Sakon glanced up to the sight of the demon, the Setaki was being carried under its arm. Sakon struggled to maintain his sight as he looked past the demon's cold face. Tojiro's body was over the demon's shoulder, lifeless. The demon's footsteps were heavy, and Sakon's bones ached with every rocking movement.

His first thought was to fight, he could feel Darkness still safe within his waist sash. Yet his body wouldn't move, he was powerless. He felt his eyes grow heavy as a searing pain rose in his forehead. Sakon became shrouded in darkness. He sucked at his teeth as he felt his consciousness slipping. His voice came out strained and distant. "This isn't over." He cursed at the demon as his mind went blank...

The three men travelled far. Across rolling hills and deep forests, coming upon decimated villages. Arriving too late to help, scavenging whatever supplies they could. They journeyed for days, sleeping a few hours during the night. Eventually the trail of destruction lead them to a chain of mountains in a distant land. The three assessed the mountain range. "Come, the path leads into the rock." Saito stated as the three continued single file. There was a small path through the mountain side, Saito inspected it.

He sidestepped into it as he sucked in his stomach, shuffling his feet as he went. Nobushige and Namikasha followed suit. Namikasha's dark blue eyes were cold and focused, all he had in this world was his brother. He had never wanted his younger brother to take up the sword beside him, however there was little choice. One had to kill to survive, but Sakon deserved a better life.

Namikasha wanted his brother to have a better life.

After what seemed like an endless struggle, the three men had exited the slim passage. Before them lay a glorious valley, serene and tranquil. A rare jewel of nature, untouched for ages. There was a large pond near the far end of the valley, with a grand cherry blossom tree reaching towards the heavens. "Be on your guard." Saito cautioned as they walked towards the pond.

Namikasha sat down near the tree's trunk, resting his back against it. Nobushige was near the pond's edge, filling a bamboo canteen. Saito stood with his hands on his hips, his eyes searching the area for their dreaded foe. The morning air was cool and crisp. Pink petals floated on the calm breeze, dancing around the three weary men. Namikasha focused on one, his eyes making out dew from the morning bliss. From within the reflection of the liquid Namikasha spotted a figure...swinging a massive blade.

Namikasha quickly barrel rolled forward, dodging a swipe from the demon's blade. Drawing Eclipse as he stood, he backed up as he squared off before the Demon. A breeze shot past Namikasha as Saito dashed towards the demon, his son's spear flashing with tenacity under the rising sun.

His strike was parried, and as Saito ran past the demon, an arrow soared through the air. The barb stuck itself into a soft spot near the demons shoulder, Namikasha saw an opening. His blue eyes flashed like lightning as he jumped high, bringing his blade outstretched wide in one hand. With the twist of his waist Namikasha brought Eclipse down into the demon's pauldron. Eclipse pierced partially into the demon's armor, Namikasha glaring at the Demon. The black jaws of its mask opened as it breathed steam, the purple flare of its eyes locked onto Namikasha.

Namikasha tugged Eclipse away as he pushed his feet off the ground, backing off from the Demon

as it made to strike at him. The Demon stepped forward, but its leg jolted as three arrows consecutively tore through the same mark on its knee. With a slight stumble the Demon planted its hind foot and turned as Saito lunged Okita's spear at it, the swordsman's voice raising into an angry shout. Namikasha's eyes narrowed as the spear tore through the demon's chest. The sword master dashed forward, his blade held low, his eyes signifying an omen of death.

With a swift strike, Eclipse pierced through the air. Cherry blossoms descended around the sword god, Namikasha Setaki. He stood upright as he snapped his blade shut into its scabbard, his hair dancing with a passing breeze. The dragon jaws of the Demon's mask hung open, the helmet slowly rolled off and clattered to the ground.

Nobushige lowered his bow as Namikasha glared back at the Demon's body, daring it to move. "It is done then." Saito spoke as the three men gazed at the Demon's body. The armor was propped up by Okita's spear, one end embedded into the ground.

"We should look around, Sakon and Tojiro are probably hidden somewhere." Namikasha said.

Saito turned to him. "Then let us separate, in order to cover more ground." The silver swordsman offered, his comrades nodded and the three walked off in different directions…

"Anything?" Nobushige asked as Namikasha approached.

"Nothing." Namikasha replied as he sat down, the two sat near the edge of the pond. Saito returned slightly afterwards.

"Find anything?" Namikasha asked as Nobushige gulped water from his canteen.

"I'm afraid not." Saito replied. The three men were still as they watched the sun setting on the horizon. The red tinge of the sky foreshadowing an ominous trial. "They could be somewhere else." Saito added after the period of silence.

"Only if they are dead." Namikasha replied, his eyes grave. They sat in silence once more. Namikasha glanced around, Sakon dead? No matter how hard he thought about it he could not accept it. Sakon was far too skilled and resourceful to have fallen so easily. Caught off guard? Impossible, Sakon's sensory skills were a level above Namikasha's own. His brother would have felt danger before it reached him.

Namikasha looked around frantically. There had to be something, Sakon hadn't died. He couldn't die. Not before finding a woman and watching his children grow into splendid people. As his eyes scanned over the mountainside at the ponds end, he shot to his feet.

"What is it?" Nobushige asked quickly.

Namikasha began to wade into the water, the pond ceasing to rise above his waist. He moved quickly as he splashed water around.

"Namikasha!" Saito yelled after the Setaki. He and Nobushige exchanged glances. Reluctantly the two entered after him.

Namikasha could see it clearly as he approached the end of the pond. A small, jagged cave entrance led into the mountain. Namikasha stopped as Saito and Nobushige caught up to him. The two men stood uneasy, only Namikasha retained his calm composure. An ominous feeling emitted from the dark abyss before them.

"What lays before us may be similar to that damned demon." Namikasha started. "Whether our brothers are in there or not, spite compels me to destroy whatever is producing this malice." Namikasha stated, his eyes harboring sweltering blue flames. "Follow at your own peril." Namikasha finished as he waded into the cave. Nobushige followed after him. Saito stood for a moment, then followed behind Nobushige.

After a few minutes of walking the three men looked upon the inner structure of a massive chamber. It was created of shimmering blue crystals, the three warriors climbed out of the water and on to the chasm floor. Namikasha glanced around as the other's did the same, torches hung from the walls. The lighting was dim and sinister.

Three paths parted from where the warriors stood. They eyed each dark entryway with unease. "Should we part ways?" Nobushige asked hesitantly.

"It would be faster." Saito started, his voice lacking confidence.

"We were only able to defeat the demon with our combined skills." Namikasha admitted.

"If our brothers are alive, time is of the essence." Nobushige retorted.

Namikasha thought of Sakon. The archer was right, they would have to take the risk. "Fine then, I'll take the center." Namikasha said as he walked forward, his companions dispersing as he did...

Namikasha ventured through the winding, crystal hallway. His eyes affixed on a doorway that sat near the path's end. He stopped before the large oak door, strange glyphs and symbols were carved within it. The previous feeling of anxiety was replaced by an irrevocable manifestation of terror.

Namikasha pushed against the door, it stood shut. He stepped back and squared himself off before the door. His inner fury rising as he drew his right arm back. With his frustration he disregarded his principles as his eyes flashed with ferocity. The fifth technique within the Forbidden Arts, Fury.

Namikasha drove his hand forward with immense power, stomping his foot down as he did so. As his palm met the oak of the door a shock wave emitted around it from the massive force. The crystalline wall cracked and fractured in wake of the strike. Namikasha released a heavy breath as he stood upright. The door was left unscathed.

"Tougher than you look." Namikasha muttered. A rumble sounded from the door.

"I cannot permit entry." A ghostly voice spoke to him. Namikasha's eyes widened.

"Why so?" Namikasha asked, his hand resting on Eclipse.

"I cannot permit entry." The voice repeated.

Namikasha paused as he took a moment to think. There must be some phrase to open the door. He racked his mind as he attempted to recall anything of significance. Minutes passed ceasingly. Finally he raised his eyebrow. There was something that he felt when he crossed blades with the demon. A sense of pride, that hung around without cause. And he remembered the note the demon left, referencing the "void." Clues began to piece together within the swordsman's mind.

"Pride of the void." Namikasha stated. Silence.

"Welcome, Pride." The voice greeted as the door creaked open. Namikasha walked in. The room was relatively small and bare. There were torches at each corner of the square space. Near the end of the wall there was a large sword stand, with a banner hanging over it. A woven silk with purple characters stitched into it. Pride is poison, it read. This was the demon's lair, but there was something more here…

"I cannot permit entry."

Nobushige stood before an oak door. He studied the carvings as he began to decipher its meaning. "This is a metaphor." The ranger stated as he neared the door, placing a hand upon it. The image on the center was a large black circle, with words swirling into it. They were in different tongues, however Nobushige recognized one. The language of the northerners, he had seen the writings during the war. Shamans placed them on more valuable objects. "Wrath." Nobushige spoke. His eyes moved back to the center of the image. "This must be the void." He whispered.

"Wrath of the void." Nobushige stated, there was a pause of silence.

"Welcome, Wrath." A ghostly voice answered. The door began to creak open, Nobushige took his bow in his left hand. As the door opened his eyes widened. "Sakon!" He exclaimed as he rushed into the room. The Setaki warrior laid strewn across the ground, his body unharmed. His prized blade nestled next to his waist. Nobushige knelt beside Sakon, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sakon." He called out.

Nobushige's eyes shot wide, he was so worked up at the sight of his lost comrade that he didn't notice the aura of the room. The area was filled with bloodlust. Nobushige slowly looked up, a black blade with golden accents sat upon a stand. Behind it sat a massive body clad in armor. It's face mask that of a dragon, golden and wicked. The golden accents of the armor glinted under the dim light. Behind the figure, a banner hung from the wall. Its colors the same fashion. Wrath is fire, its golden characters read.

Nobushige felt a pit form in his stomach. He glanced back at the armor. The dark void of its face slowly lit up, as two golden orbs opened into a glowering stare. "Sakon, get up!" Nobushige shouted with panic…

"I cannot permit entry."

"Yes I heard you the first time." Saito muttered in frustration. He sat before an oak door, his arms crossed over his chest. He studied the strange glyphs before him but couldn't make anything from it.

"Dark demon?" He asked with impatience.

"I cannot permit entry."

"I don't have time for this!..."

Sakon's sight returned in a blur. "Get up!" Sakon looked around, his head throbbing. "Come on Sakon. Get on your feet!" Sakon stood up as he held an arm out to regain his balance. His vision slowly cleared. The demon swiped its blade at Nobushige, who ducked and dashed away from it. This demon was different however, its armor was golden.

"Help me, before Wrath kills us both!" Nobushige shouted as he shot two arrows quickly at the demon, who swiftly moved his blade to parry each bolt. Its golden eyes glared at Nobushige as it held its blade low in both its hands. It stood in a sturdy and disciplined stance, much different than the first demon that seemed to rely on its strength.

Sakon didn't know what was going on, however he knew he had a score to settle. His grey eyes lit up in fury, drawing Darkness up into both his hands. He dashed forward as he and Wrath locked blades. The two struck at one another, their blades screaming as they met. Nobushige stepped back as he looked for a lead to send an arrow, but Sakon and Wrath were too close and moving too quickly. Nobushige was filled with awe as he watched Sakon engage his foe.

Wrath was easily twice the opponent as the first demon. Its movements were quick and sharp, it used its body similar to how Saito fought. Seeing how the first demon gave them so much trouble, Wrath would have been a handful for Nobushige, Saito, and Namikasha. Yet here Sakon was meeting it on equal footing.

Sakon dodged his head as Wrath's blade glanced off the side of his helmet. He stepped forward with a strike then brought an elbow into the Demon's chest. It stumbled back slightly, its chest armor was made of a thin material. "Nobushige!" Sakon called out.

On cue arrows sank into Wrath's chest, the bowman's assault was relentless. Nobushige moved forward as he fired arrows, his eyes narrowed with his focus. The Demon of Wrath jolted to dash towards Nobushige. Sakon moved forth to meet it. The Setaki dashed passed Wrath in a low stance, bringing Darkness through its torso. Wrath fell to the ground in two pieces, the gold of its eyes dying as its face darkened once more.

Sakon stood upright, sliding Darkness into its scabbard. Nobushige slung his bow over his shoulder, releasing a sigh of relief. The two looked at one another. "I'm glad to see you're alright, I pray my brother shares your luck." Nobushige said.

"Tojiro was with me, I barely recall seeing him." Sakon replied.

"Saito and Namikasha are searching as well, one of them will find him." Nobushige informed.

"What of Ishida?" Sakon questioned.

"Dead." Nobushige replied. Sakon sucked at his teeth.

"Come." Nobushige said as he moved to exit the room. Sakon glanced back at Wrath. His eyes falling upon his foe's glorious blade. The metal was pitch black, similar to Darkness. Sakon moved to the blade as he took the scabbard that lay on the ground. He snapped the blade shut within it as he followed after Nobushige. Stashing the blade beside Darkness on his hip…

Namikasha returned to the cavern entrance, wonder of his comrades situations on his mind. "Brother."

Namikasha turned with widened eyes. Sakon and Nobushige walked side by side as they approached him. The blue eyed Setaki's worry was alleviated at the sight of his younger brother.

Sakon's presence seemed different than before, more confident. A strange apprehension surrounded him. "The demon took me by surprise, Nobushige told me how the three of you defeated it." Sakon stated as he stopped and put his hands on his hips.

"It was a conclusion too long in the making, that damn monster won't be causing us any more trouble." Nobushige responded.

"Listen we fought another demon, a golden one." Sakon told his brother. Namikasha's eyes widened.

"Is that so?" The older Setaki asked.

"That's right, we took him down within a few bouts." Sakon replied. "It seemed weaker than the other." He added. Nobushige looked at Sakon, Wrath's skill was scores higher than the first demon. Sakon's own skill simply exceeded that.

"See this blade." Sakon started as he motioned at the blade beside Darkness. "It was that Demon of Wrath's blade, it was too glorious a weapon to leave for a pile of armor. It's similar to Darkness, but far from being superior." He finished. Namikasha's lips curled into a smile behind his black mask.

"Come, we need to find Saito. Hopefully Tojiro is down the path he took." Namikasha spoke. Nobushige and Sakon followed after him as they entered the way Saito had journeyed...

As the three neared the end, they saw the silver swordsman sitting on the ground. "Saito." Namikasha called out. Saito shot to his feet as he turned around.

"Sakon." He stated as he saw the younger oni, who nodded to him.

"Tojiro should be in there." Namikasha started.

"As well as another demon." Nobushige added as he moved towards the door, studying its features.

"Another demon?" Saito questioned.

"We defeated a second one within the chamber I was in." Sakon explained.

"Really?" Saito asked, Sakon showed him the blade as proof. "Unbelievable, you three defeated him?" Saito asked in wonder.

"No, I wasn't there." Namikasha replied. Saito turned to Nobushige.

"The two of you defeated it on your own?" He asked in disbelief.

Nobushige didn't break his gaze from the door. "It was the Demon of Wrath, twice the foe of," Nobushige looked at Namikasha with question.

"Pride was the first." The older kishin said.

"Twice that of Pride." Nobushige finished, running his hand over the door.

"Wrath didn't seem all too difficult an opponent." Sakon offered.

"That's because you are twice the opponent it could ever be." Nobushige stated. Saito and Namikasha looked at Sakon.

"This one is Fear. Be prepared to face him." Nobushige stated. The three swordsman drew their blades behind him. Taking his bow into his grasp Nobushige spoke, "Fear of the void."

"Welcome, Fear." The door acknowledged as it creaked open.

Fear sat before its own banner of vitality. Its characters were a bloody crimson. It read, fear is power. The Demon of Fear's armor was decorated in black and red. Unlike Pride and Wrath, its mask was that of a human's skull. Before it was a large scythe, as dark as the void worshipped by the monsters. Tojiro lay limp before the third and final demon.

Fear's eyes lit up into a red flare, its mouth opening as a jet of steam shot out. It stood tall as it reached for its weapon. "Don't give it time to react!" Saito shouted as he and the Setaki brothers shot forward. Nobushige sent an arrow into Fear's gauntlet. The archer turned away as Saito engaged the demon.

Nobushige knelt near his brother. "Get up, Tojiro!" He commanded, shaking his brother's shoulder. Tojiro shot up in terror, looking at his brother with widened eyes. Nobushige wrapped his free arm around Tojiro in a strong embrace. "I'm glad you're alright, but we need your help." Nobushige spoke after he and Tojiro drew back. "There isn't time to explain. All you need to do is fight." Nobushige said with strength as he and his brother stood tall. Tojiro felt an unfamiliar feeling in his chest. The feeling of confidence.

The young man took his bow in his hands, his brother turning and firing at Fear. Tojiro drew up an arrow as his eyes fell on a weak spot in Fear's armor, he released his grip. The arrow flew true as it shot through Fear's elbow.

The demon swung its scythe around wide. It was bombarded by a relentless assault of arrows. At the same time the three swordsman engaged Fear consecutively, the men attacking as if they were one. Not allowing the demon a single moment of respite. An arrow sank into the crimson of Fear's left eye, blocking its light. Namikasha dashed past Fear as he tore Eclipse across its chest. Saito ducked below a strike as he dashed forward, sinking his blade into Fear's arm. The Silver swordsman retracting his blade as he dodged a strike, shooting backwards.

The demon spun its scythe around in a vicious swing. Namikasha tracked the weapon with his eyes, he wouldn't be able to react in time. "Gah!" He exclaimed in pain as the edge of the scythe carved at his stomach, Namikasha dashed backwards. Saito glanced at Namikasha with worry. Fear brought the opposite end of its scythe towards Saito's head. Saito's eyes widened as the cold steel struck him across the face, he was tossed to the ground.

Nobushige walked forward with his shots, attempting to overwhelm Fear. The demon shot towards Nobushige, spinning its scythe around high as it went. Nobushige's eyes widened as Fear skidded to a halt before him. The demon swiped its weapon around high then low. Slicing Nobushige into three pieces. Blood splattered around the two as Tojiro felt his heart stop. "Nobushige!" He screamed as he fired a volley of arrows at Fear. His vision clouded by tears. The demon turned to the young man.

Sakon sucked at his teeth as he motioned forward. Namikasha held his free hand over his wound, Eclipse within the strong grip of his opposite hand. One eye closed with pain. He tracked the demon's path. "Tojiro!" Namikasha shouted as Fear shot towards the young bowman.

Sakon's eyes widened as Fear approached Tojiro, he ran to the aid of his comrade. Tojiro stood his ground as he watched Fear. At the last moment he fired an arrow and dropped to his back, kicking at Fear's legs as it approached him. The demon tumbled forward, past Tojiro. Tojiro stood up, Sakon flew before him. He had Wrath's sword drawn. He held both blades up as the back end of Fear's scythe glanced off them. Sakon jolted forward past the strike. Pushing Fear's weapon away and laying his shoulder into the demon's chest. The demon stumbled backwards.

Sakon turned to Tojiro. "You'll need this." He said as he offered Tojiro the Blade of Wrath. Tojiro slung his bow over his shoulder as he accepted the dark blade. He held the weapon as knowledge coursed through his mind, strange sword techniques revealing themselves to him. The two rushed the demon of Fear. Sakon met Fear's scythe with Darkness, the two pressing their weapons in opposition of each other. He angled his blade down as he forced Darkness through the scythe handle. As Sakon cut through he spun low, swiping his blade through Fear's ankles. His movements quick and unpredictable.

Tojiro lunged over Sakon as Fear fell backwards. Wrath's blade became a dark flurry of movement as Tojiro striked at Fear. His voice raising into a shout of strength. Ten cuts, seventeen, thirty. Tojiro's speed was unparalleled. Namikasha and Nobushige watched in shock.

Saito had moved towards Namikasha, the silver swordsman's eyes were wide as he looked at the blood flowing from the Setaki's wound. Namikasha had just noticed upon Saito's arrival. "Argh!" He exclaimed as he felt his strength wane.

"Lay down." Saito spoke as he dropped his blade and helped Namikasha onto his back.

Sakon watched Tojiro carving Fear apart. Tojiro ceased his assault, the Blade of Wrath held up in a high stance. The young man's breath was heavy, his eyes cold and narrow. Fear's armor fell to the ground, its eyes light dying long ago in wake of Tojiro's fury.

"Sakon!" Saito called. Sakon turned, his eyes widening immediately. He ran to his brother's side. As

Sakon knelt next to Namikasha, he studied his older brother's wound.

"The cut is deep, we need to stop the bleeding." Sakon started. Namikasha glanced at his brother.

"If I had been a moment slower, my innards would have been disgorged." Namikasha stated with strain as his brother and Saito sat him upright. Sakon quickly took his brother's heavy helmet off his head and placed it on the ground. The older kishin's hair spilled around wildly as Sakon pulled his brothers cloth mask down to his neck. He did the same for himself afterwards.

Saito glanced at the Setaki brothers as he realized why they had kept their faces covered. The two had soft, feminine features; pleasant to look at. A blessing to some, a curse to others. No warrior would take two men seriously with such gentle faces. Sakon quickly undressed his brother's torso armor, laying it aside. He pulled his own face scarf from under his armor and began wrapping it around his brother's waist tightly. "If we give you a moment your condition will stable, afterwards we can take you outside and treat your wounds more thoroughly." Saito spoke as he aided Sakon in undressing the remains of Namikasha's armor.

Sakon glanced back at Tojiro, the young man knelt over his brother's scattered corpse. Silently recalling his older brother's life. Glancing back at Namikasha, Sakon felt reassured to see his brother's breathing regulate. "I'll be right back." Saito said as he stood and walked away.

Saito knelt beside Tojiro, placing a hand on his shoulder. Namikasha placed his hand on his brother's arm. Sakon turned to him. "Listen, Sakon. Within the demon of pride's lair I found something terrible. We must destroy it." Namikasha explained, his eyes grim.

"For now let's get you outside, so we can clean out that wound." Sakon replied as he helped his brother to his feet. Namikasha leaned on Sakon as the two stepped towards their remaining comrades. Tojiro stood up, Saito did the same. Tojiro moved towards Sakon, offering to return Wrath's blade. Sakon reached at the scabbard with his free hand, holding it out to the young man. "Keep it." Sakon said as Tojiro slid the blade in after receiving it. "You're far too skilled a swordsman to rely on a bow alone." Sakon added. Tojiro nodded as he dug the blade into his waist sash. The four men walked away…