Day of Thunder (fiction)

Day of Thunder is a fiction written by Rich Wulf. It is the ninth of ten parts from the Dawn of the Empire promotional ccg set. 

Annotated Story
Previously: A Gathering of Thunder.

Kaimetsu-uo reflects upon the knowledge he has gained from Unmei's stories, but Unmei reveals that he will finish the tale Kaimetsu-uo had come to hear.



In the Shadowlands, Hida Atarasi looks out into the distance in contemplation. He says out loud that they had been beautiful once but have been murdered by Fu Leng, revealing that he knows Shosuro is there. Shosuro is impressed he heard her approach, and Atarasi reveals he would not have lived long had he not learned how to read the shadows. She asks how long he has known she was there. Atarasi reveals he knew for two hours and she asks him why he said nothing. He did not wish to interrupt her, and after a moment of studying him she asks why he finally spoke now. Atarasi thought she would be the most able to understand what has been lost to the Shadowlands, their two clans having suffered greatly during the War. Shosuro says doubt can kill a man more swiftly than a sword, and Atarasi reveals he knows but still cannot live up to his father's image. Shosuro has no words that can reassure him, and Atarasi hopes that battle will come quickly so all doubt will be removed. Shosuro will be glad to see this over quickly, and Atarasi points out that their shared strength will make them stronger. Shosuro has always fought alone, and Atarasi knows that in the end they are all alone but until then they can make a difference.



Somewhere at the edge of the Shadowlands, Shiba contemplates his decided course of action. He had been loyal to his father and mother when they abandoned him and his siblings. He had loyally served his brother's new Empire, and had cast aside pride to kneel before Isawa. Shiba knew humility was the truest form of courage, and would gladly give his life and honor for the Empire. But he could not let the Seven Thunders die. Shiba was not sure Shinsei was correct that only the Thunders could defeat Fu Leng. What if they could not. Shiba looks at the blade his wife had made him, and thinks of the people risking their lives and what Shinsei had said. "Any but the Thunders who stand before Fu Leng will be ground beneath the wheels of destiny." Shiba resolves that what will be will be and enters the Shadowlands.



Back with the Thunders, Matsu tells Isawa that he should put ou the fire. Isawa asks why and Matsu thinks he is a fool if he does not think Fu Leng's servants will see the smoke. Isawa reveals that he has spoken to the smoke and they will not be seen. Matsu looks at him for a moment before calling him arrogant. He asks her if she needs anything, and she storms off to the other side of the camp. A voice tells Isawa that Matsu is very angry and Isawa is surprised when he realizes Otaku sitting nearby. It was the first time he had heard the Ki-Rin speak, and he tells her it is merely Matsu's way. She is a killer, but vigilant, and they are lucky to have her with them. Otaku asks if what he is reading are spell scrolls. Isawa nods, revealing they are used to purify bodies and souls of the dead and bind them to the walls of Gisei Toshi to protect the city. The scrolls remind him of his sister, and they help him focus. He is searching for a way to defeat Fu Leng, and Otaku asks if he cannot use the scrolls to bind Fu Leng's soul also? Isawa explains that it is not so simple because of the different realms they occupy. Otaku points out that Fu Leng is from the Celestial Heavens wielding the power of Jigoku. Isawa attempts to rebuke her theory, but cannot think of any valid points. He contemplates it for a moment, but discards the idea because Fu Leng would still be alive when bound. Otaku points out that Shinsei only said to defeat Fu Leng, not kill him. Isawa is not so sure, but realization dawns and he suddenly appreciates this girl much more than he had before. He begins digging through his scroll bag, thanking Otaku for her assistance. Otaku asks if she can help, but Isawa begins to tell her it is too complicated. He stops, smiles at her, and agrees to let her help.



Somewhere nearby, Mirumoto is training Doji Konishiko. She begins to perform a complex kata but is cut off as Mirumoto tells her she is putting too much weight on her leading foot and her counterstrike is too slow. Konishiko grows frustrated and points out that she did defeat Matsu. Mirumoto points out that she disarmed Matsu, not defeated, and Matsu could have killed her had she not seen her as a child. Konishiko thinks her brother's soul will guide her, and Mirumoto bows to her before telling her to kill him. Konishiko's eyes widen and Mirumoto lunges at her unarmed. She swings her brother's sword at him, but he slaps the blade aside and kicks her to the ground. Mirumoto points out that Fu Leng will not see her as a child, and Konishiko glares at him before closing her eyes in humiliation. Mirumoto helps her to her feet and she shakes as she wonders how she could fall when her brother's soul guides her. Mirumoto points out that Yasurugi may dwell within her, but so does Konishiko and she is inexperienced. Mirumoto intends to teach her as much as possible in the short time they have, and Konishiko points out her father thinks his technique is superior to Mirumoto's. Mirumoto regrets not having the chance to test that theory, but as her father is not here she will have to learn from him instead. Konishiko agrees to learn, but her father's way with one blade. Mirumoto agrees, sheathes his wakizashi, and they continue the training.



Elsewhere, Shinsei and his crow enter a small cavern. Shinsei moves slowly, giving those waiting for him a chance to see him. He announces that he has come to keep his promise in a clipped language. A large humanoid rat, a nezumi, with many scars steps out to meet him. The nezumi reports that humans have left rice for them, and Shinsei reveals that he had told them to do so for luck against bakemono. Chieftain A'tck agrees that it brings luck, as it helps the nezumi kill bakemono. Shinsei is glad and asks for help in return. A'tck agrees to help, but thinks that Shinsei's plan will get them killed. A'tck gives him a map showing him where to go, a place called Heaven's Grave. The center of Fu Leng's power and where to find the dark god. A'tck asks if they go to fight Fu Leng, and Shinsei reveals that they must. A'tck understands, and thanks Shinsei for his help. Shinsei smiles, turns and leaves with the map.



Far from the others, Matsu kneels alone in meditation. The thinks of her husband, her Lord Akodo and her comrades in the Lion's Pride. She had left without saying goodbye, but was glad. Fear, desire and regret were the only things that could have come from it, and those are sins to a samurai. She knows she will not return. She does not fear death, but she had hoped to die amongs the Lion. She recalls her life before the Lion Clan, a life of banditry and slaughter. She had even loved the son of the bandit leader. She had realized how meaningless her life had been, and had moved to a small village to teach the use of weapons in defense. When Akodo came she saw him as another killer, but over time he proved himself and Matsu finally understood the true meaning of honor. She had hoped to die with the Lion but could not go back, and wiped tears from her cheeks. Matsu vows to bring an end to Fu Leng, and his death will be sung about for a thousand years. The Shadowlands will remember her name and fear all who bear it.



Sometime later, the Seven Thunders and Shinsei stand on the crest of a hill looking down into a valley. A vast gaping pit nearby coughs oily smoke into the sky, and beside it stand the ruins of a nezumi city. Many ghoulish creatures dance around it's edge, killing and devouring eachother. Atarasi feels ill just by breathing the air, and Isawa agrees there must be some corruption in the very land. His magic will protect them for now, but it will get worse. Shinsei says the maps have led them here, but he did not expect anything like this. Otaku points to a large obsidian structure, where Shinjo had found her brother previously. Isawa uses magic to conceal their approach and asks Shosuro to lead the way. With the magic and Shosuro's cunning the eight slipped past the hordes and reached the entrance to the keep. Matsu suggest they find another path in, and Mirumoto is surpised to hear strategy from her. Matsu points out they are here to kill Fu Leng not throw their lives away, and Mirumoto concedes the point with a grin. Shinsei turns to Mirumoto and tells him that Fu Leng must not escape when they confront him, and Mirumoto nods. A roar from behind announces the arrival of a creature, and the doors begin to swing open. They turn to see a large oni of shifting flesh and bone, with seven baleful eyes. Shinsei recognizes the First Oni, and orders everyone into the keep. They move quickly, but find themselves in a massive chamber of dark stone. Konishiko realizes they are trapped, and Shinsei agrees that Fu Leng must have known he would face the Seven Thunders. But he had avoided the conflict for as long as possible, building strength and will face them himself. Mirumoto does not think so as dozens of samurai in obsidian armor enter the room. Isawa can sense Fu Leng's presence, and Matsu is surprised at the presence of humans. The leader of the obsidian samurai laughs and reveals that there were some who followed the Emperor's order to bend knee to the Kami. The leader knows Matsu, and she recognizes him as Mutsuhito, her former love. Mutsuhito offers to kill her quickly, honoring their past love. She makes him the same offer, but he merely puts his mask back on. The two groups launch at eachother, Isawa creating a flash to stun the corrupted samurai in the room. Mirumoto and Konishiko launch themselves at the obsidian samurai while Matsu goes straight for Mutsuhito. Shinsei shouts that they cannot afford to be delayed. Atarasi understands and charges trough the opposition creating a path for Otaku, Isawa and Shinsei to follow. Shosuro has disappeared. Mutsuhito and Matsu are locked in combat, the man seeming the stronger and he berates her for choosing the weaker path. Matsu recalls her former life and regrets heir tribe continuing their path of death and crime after she left them. Matsu rises with a cry and breaks Mutsuhito's sword, cleaving into him. With his last strength he throws his blade, which Matsu easily steps aside. Only too late does she realize it was not aimed at her. With his last breath he tells her to defeat his god now, as Isawa falls with Mutsuhito's blade in his back.

Atarasi urges them on, using a large statue of the Dark God to block the path of the pursuing obsidian samurai. The Seven Thunders are retreating, and for every one that Mirumoto or Konishiko cut down another three take their place. None knew the way out, and Shosuro had not been seen for some time. Climbing a set of stairs they close the trap door behind them and move a stone altar to block it shut. Matsu thinks Shosuro has abandoned them, and Mirumoto places Isawa carefully on the floor asking how he is doing. Isawa does not have long, but he wishes to begin the ritual. Konishiko hands him his scrolls but Otaku points out that Fu Leng is not here yet. Isawa knows he is close and points out that Fu Leng will come once the ritual starts. Shinsei suggests Isawa should heal himself first, but Isawa thinks the wounds are unimportant. He will need all his magic and concentration to bind Fu Leng to the Twelve Scrolls. A few moments later and Isawa seals the first scroll, and inky blackness crawls across the previously white parchment.

To be finished

Characters

 * Kaimetsu-Uo
 * Unmei
 * Hida Atarasi
 * Shosuro
 * Shiba
 * Matsu
 * Isawa
 * Otaku
 * Mirumoto
 * Doji Konishiko
 * Shinsei
 * A'tck
 * The First Oni
 * Mutsuhito

Not Present, But Mentioned

 * Fu Leng
 * Hida
 * Shiba's Father
 * Shiba's Mother
 * Shiba's Brother
 * Shiba's Wife
 * Isawa's Sister
 * Konishiko's Brother
 * Konishiko's Father
 * Akodo
 * Shinjo