Test of the Heart

Test of the Heart is a fiction written by Nancy Sauer and edited by Fred Wan. It was first released on the Alderac Forums on the 14th of January 2007. .

Annotated Story
In the month of the Goat, 1168, Bayushi Shinzo is in Ryoko Owari Toshi. He is praying at a shrine to the Fortune of Virtue when he meets Shosuro Maru. Shinzo has many doubts about his fears.

In the month of the Rooster, 1168, a man is preaching to assembled peasants. Shinzo is disguised and hiding among the peasants, and from the appearance of the man preaching it is obvious it is Kokujin. As the peasants are dispersed Kokujin talks to Shinzo, obviously not fooled by the disguise. Shinzo attacks Kokujin, but is easily stopped. Kokujin offers to take away Shinzo's fears and make him his apprentice, and Shinzo accepts. It is presumed he accepts so he can get close to Kokujin.

In the month of the Boar, 1168, Shosuro Yudoka is being informed by Shinzo about the whereabouts of Kokujin. Yudoka and Shinzo go to find Kokujin. When they do, Yudoka attacks Kokujin but is betrayed by Shinzo who kills Yudoka.

In the month of the Rat during Winter Court in Kyuden Otomo, Bayushi Paneki meets with Toku Inao, Yudoka's sister. Paneki informs Inao that her brother has been killed, and passes on to her his favourite weapon, Pincers & Tail. Inao contemplates stepping down from the position as Monkey Clan Champion and passing it to one of her sons. Inao asks that Paneki promise her the people responsible for her brother's death will suffer, which he does promise.

Characters

 * Bayushi Shinzo
 * Shosuro Maru
 * Kokujin
 * Shosuro Yudoka
 * Bayushi Paneki
 * Toku Inao

Not Present, But Mentioned

 * Toku, Fortune of Virtue
 * The Righteous Emperor
 * Lord Moon
 * Lady Sun
 * Hitomi
 * Yakamo
 * Inao's daughter
 * Inao's son
 * Inao's son

Relevant Tournament Results
Unknown.