A Gathering of Thunder

A Gathering 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: Fires of the Phoenix.

Unmei continues his story, explaining that the armies of Fu Leng were slowing making their way north and the Crab struggled to hold them back. He is certain Kaimetsu-Uo has heard this story before, but Kaimetsu-Uo wishes to hear it anyway. Unmei thinks Kaimetsu-Uo may not of heard this version of the story, and Kaimetsu-Uo is intrigued. Unmei reveals that there was a ninth individual who rode south with Shinsei and the Seven Thunders for a while, but his existance was buried for history. The individual told the story to Hida, who told it to Unmei.



The story begins as the individual explains that his father taught him some events were always destined to occur, but in truth the more important the event the less inevitable it becomes. Important things should never happen regardless of the actions of others, or it would not be very important. Choice defines people, and all destiny does is offer choice. Especially when it is not desired. He recalls that he was just a child then, as he stood in the shadows of the throne room watching his father speak. The most important men and women in the Empire hung on his words, including the gods. Of them however, Akodo never seemed to trust his father, and Togashi rarely spoke to him. The son was always most frightened by Togashi and his eyes, after Fu Leng that was. The Kami had been gathered here by his father, coming away from the war in the south to hear him speak. He showed no arrogance, only patience, wisdom and a slight hint of mischief. His father tells them the end of the War Against Fu Leng is approaching, and Emperor Hantei (recently grievously wounded in battle) points out that Fu Leng's armies are preparing to strike at Otosan Uchi again. By Hantei stands his son Hantei Genji. Hantei asks if the Little Teacher is telling them they are doomed or if the defeat of Fu Leng is near. His father tells the Emperor the end is still for them to decide, but Akodo demands he be more specific. Hantei points out that the struggle between Jigoku and the Celestial Heavens is eternal, and their champion must be defeated. Shinjo is uncomfortable with discussing the defeat of their brother in this manner. Hida tells Akodo he should not have hesitated to kill Fu Leng when he had the chance. Akodo is angry at Hida, saying that none of them can murder their own brother. Hida is about to retort, but stops. Doji asks if their brother can be saved, being as careful as she always was not to speak his name. Shinsei tells her it is out of their hands, and mortals must be those to face Fu Leng. Togashi thinks it is impossible, but Bayushi points out that some of the mortals are quite extraordinary. Togashi tinks any mortal would die in the attempt, but Shiba points out it would be little different from how the war is currently going. Would not a small sacrifice to end the war be worth it?

To Be Concluded in: Day of Thunder.

Characters

 * Unmei
 * Kaimetsu-Uo
 * Shinsei's Son
 * Shinsei
 * Hantei
 * Hantei Genji
 * Shinjo
 * Akodo
 * Hida
 * Doji
 * Togashi
 * Bayushi
 * Shiba
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Not Present, But Mentioned

 * Fu Leng
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