《Triblade: Maximum Atomic Fury》


 Hot Pebbles & Pointless Philosophies

    In the Art of the Blade there are multiple kinds of styles, one or two of which are practiced and perfected by a single swordsman throughout the course of their life. The way of the samurai boils down to one man¡¯s discipline being swifter or stronger than anothers. Some styles may trump many others, but there always exits variants that may counter and defeat even the most skilled swordsman. It is a combination of adaptation and luck. You of all people know. Said the shogun.


    So why are you telling me this? Jiyu asked, unamused.


    Because I want you to remember what you died for. I want you to pass on from this world with no regrets. Replied the shogun, Hanto.


    The only thing I¡¯m regretting is prolonging this enough to hear you babble. Jiyu replied, winding back his blade and breaking into a sprint.


    There came the crack of steel against rocks as pebbles shot up, past a katana which flew high. Hanto moved back, raising his blade and avoiding the pebbles Jiyu had smacked up and forward. Hanto, in this opening, retracted his arm and brought his blade forth through the debris to pierce Jiyu¡¯s thrusting swing. Jiyu caught sight of this and darted right as quick he could.


    He failed to clear the blade as the end of Hanto¡¯s katana sliced his upper breast, leaving a small, stinging cut. As Hanto retracted his arm for another blow, Jiyu forced himself back, losing his balance and landing on his rear. Hanto stepped back, repositioning his sword and taking a stance.


    Jiyu gripped his sword harder, slowly beginning to come to his knees as the shogun¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave his gaze.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    If this is your style, I am unamused. Hanto said, sternly.


    Shut the hell up. I ain¡¯t started yet. Jiyu replied with startled anger in his voice.


    Hanto came forth again, thrusting his blade in for another pierce. This time his attack was met with Jiyu meeting the shogun¡¯s blade vertically, intercepting the thrust on its side.


    Not this time. Jiyu yelled as he pulled a dagger from his back.


    Hanto said nothing and moved forward, almost jolting past Jiyu as a cold feeling struck him in the hand holding the dagger. When Jiyu looked down there was a slice across his palm and the dagger was on the ground.


    Jiyu looked up, suddenly noticing the shogun was no longer standing before him. Before Jiyu could turn there came a swipe as Hanto brough his blade up, slicing into Jiyu¡¯s lower back, near his right kidney, which sent the swordsman toppling over in pain.


    Jiyu fell backward as his sword was knocked to his side. Once again Jiyu lied, sitting on the road with Hanto¡¯s blade staring his down.


    The strength of the superior swordsman¡¯s power shows its hand. This art, which is the law of the land, dictates the strong and the weak. There is no wavering from this line. I will end you now. Hanto said, coldly.


    I didn¡¯t wanna waste this. Jiyu grunted as he pulled a hand-cannon from under his happi.


    Seeing the fuse on the firearm was already lit, Hanto¡¯s eyes went wide.


    I ain¡¯t got time for this shit. Jiyu said as he pulled the trigger on the gun, firing a hot metallic ball into Hanto¡¯s chest.


    The shogun coughed up blood, fell to his knees, placed his hand on his chest and fell forward, dead.


    Jiyu, tossing the gun aside, scoffed.


    How you win in battle is irrelevant. You of all people should of known that.


    As he got to his feet, Jiyu felt his back and moaned in pain.


    Why¡¯d it have to be there? Jiyu questioned as he snatched Hanto¡¯s sword and started on down the road, limping.

 Man of the Feather

    There came a man from the Southeastern shores. They say he  arrived on a singular row boat. Witnesses saw him stand at the front end as the vessel rested itself upon the sand by the docks. The man carried a strange blade at his side, a crow on his head and a large contraption made of fur, string, beads and feathers on his back.


    Kabuku, a powerful underling of the shogunate, was instructed by his superiors to hunt this mysterious foreigner down, for fear that his arrival may have been in response to territorial disputes taking place in Northern Edo. It was around this time that that mysterious man, who had come to call himself Hando, found trouble along the road.


    Now listen here. Said the man in the road.


    My wife is dying. My kids are starving. All I got in this world is my family and my blade. I¡¯m at the end of my rope. He cried with his sword pointed forward.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    The man, who stood four feet away from Hando, was shaking as the Indian stood motionless, his sword sheathed.


    What is your name? Hando asked.


    The man replied, angrily.


    Never mind my name! Just give me all your money!


    Hando replied coldly.


    A man who carries no name is in lack of being an individual.


    What the hell did you say? The man yelled.


    Hando continued.


    Though life has done this to you, I cannot solve your problems. I have no money.


    You¡¯re lying. Said the man.


    You¡¯re the mysterious stranger with feathers, beads and fur on his back! Ain¡¯t nobody here walking around all flashy got no coins to spill!


    It is called a dreamcatcher. Hando interrupted.


    What?


    The contraption of feathers, beads and fur on my back. It is called a dreamcatcher.


    The man¡¯s voice piped down as he went into a whisper.


    What is it worth?


    The man stopped shaking and began to grin. Hando replied, gripping the handle of his sword.


    To the individual, more than you could imagine. Hando said.


    In that case I¡¯ll be taking it. The man replied.


    As Hando¡¯s blade began to move from his holster, the man in the road stepped forward.


    I¡¯d have to advise against that. Hando said, revealing his blade.

 The Bastard鈥檚 Apprentice

    Kabuku sat, with his rice hat down, within the walls of a government room. Standing before him, and facing the door, was Rengo. Kabuku raised his hand, moving his hat up to get a glimpse of Rengo who was almost jumping up and down with glee.


    Sit down, boy. Kabuku said, sternly.


    You do realize, any moment Suji could come in with a new assignment! Rengo replied.


    And?


    And!? Moments like these don¡¯t excite you?


    Listen, kid. I know you¡¯re fresh out of the academy, but we had edict here. being so eager for missions will land you burnt out, over expecting victory in the face of odd odds.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    So¡­ I should sit down and keep it all in?


    I¡¯m saying you shouldn¡¯t get fired up over something that might be just an escort job, or a delivery. Working for a lord doesn¡¯t always mean a life of action. If you¡¯re lucky, you¡¯ll never have to kill.


    And if I have to?


    It will come to you as easy as breathing. After all, it wouldn¡¯t be the first life you¡¯ve taken. Would it?


    No, sir.


    Then as your supervising superior in the field, I advise you lay low. Save your energy for when those life or death jobs come along. Then exercise your excitement in battle.


    Rengo sat down beside Kabuku, folded his legs and placed his hands in his lap.


    Kabuku¡­ Rengo said, curiously.


    Do you get it anymore? The excitement? The feeling that each time might be your last time. That maybe there really is someone out there that¡¯s better than you? And maybe¡­ that one day you¡¯ll meet them?


    Son. Kabuku replied.


    I lost that spark a long time ago. Though I¡¯d do anything to get it back again.


    Rengo looked down, almost in disappointment. As he did, the door before them both swung open as Suji stood on the other side, holding a scroll.

 Dual Fates

    Jiyu and Rengo faced each other, bent forward with their swords draw. Jiyu held his lower side with his left hand as blood flowed from it. Rengo had both hands on his sword, but looked visibly drained, as if he would drop at any moment.


    Jiyu straightened his back as Rengo did the same.


    Well, shit. Jiyu said.


    I sure wasn¡¯t expecting someone like you to come along.


    Rengo looked surprised.


    You mean not a single shogun has stood to face you up until now?


    I mean not a one has lived to tell the tale.


    Rengo appeared visibly shocked, then angered, before responding.


    A murderous bastard. That is what the Dynasties say about you. Who else would of murdered the southern Emperor, Xio Lang, in such a cowardly fashion. Killing a man of power when you were supposed to be defending him. Cutting him down when you were supposed to be helping him make his escape.


    Crap. If I¡¯d of known killing that old bag would of brought me this much fame, I¡¯d of passed on the deal. But seeing as how it keeps bodies coming my way, I gotta thank the northern dynasty for helping me put my steel to the test this past year. Jiyu replied.


    Disgraceful. The northern Dynasty of Yin may not of had the greatest relationships with the south, but even we respected the resolve of the Yan Dynasty. That is why our forces seek you out.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Jiyu smirked before speaking.


    Is it that? Or is it for that juicy bounty people keep throwing around with my name in conversation?


    I do this for the shogunate. Rengo said.


    Shame.


    What¡¯s that?


    Just bad luck that you¡¯re on the wrong side of history.


    What do you mean? Rengo asked.


    Do you really think I just turned on the old emperor out of reluctance? Thinking I could run away to the north for an easy life? I was hired by the Yin Dynasty.


    That¡¯s a lie! Rengo screamed, charging at Jiyu.


    Their swords clashed and swung three times until the force of both their blows pushed them back again. Rengo came to a rest and spoke again.


    The Yin Dynasty is honorable. They would never resort to assassinations!


    Then explain me! Jiyu retorted.


    Jiyu ran forward this time, slicing away madly as Rengo blocked each strike. Again their blows deflected until they both found their footing, six feet apart from one another.


    Jiyu laughed.


    What¡¯s so funny? Rengo asked.


    Jiyu responded.


    You sure can move pretty good for someone I¡¯ve cut about fifteen times.


    Rengo, giving into the situation, looked down and felt the intricate cuts Jiyu had placed all over his body during the duration of their fight. He grunted in pain.


    Is that what they teach you when becoming a shogun? Jiyu asked, cockily.


    Ignore all pain. Is that how your kind can pillage the weak and still stand proud? Is that the


    As if I¡¯d ever listen to the reasonings of a murderous rouge! Rengo cried.


    Maybe it¡¯s time you learned, cause this rouge is gonna kick your a¡ª!!


    Jiyu fell to the ground, paralyzed.


    Rengo stood, sheathing his sword and stepping forward to look at the fading Jiyu.


    My blade is coated with toxins that make all those who I cut with it go into a slumber. This toxin is not lethal, but it leans the odds in my favor. You¡¯ll be able to listen this next part, so before you pass into the land of dreams, hear this. I am taking you north, to Yin, to be turned over to the Shogunate officials. If you attempt to escape I will kill you. Rengo said, just as Jiyu¡¯s hearing drifted out.

 A Deal of Devils

    Rengo heard Kabuku¡¯s voice in his mind.


    The truth of the matter is, none of us are strong. We all just float on by, swinging and hoping the other guy doesn¡¯t move faster than us. No one swordsman is better than the rest. There will always be someone stronger. I just haven¡¯t found my superior.


    As Rengo opened his eyes, Jiyu was coming to, laying in bandages before the night¡¯s roaring campfire.


    Where the hell? Jiyu said softly as he began to wake.


    Rengo, poking at the fire with a stick, addressed Jiyu.


    You are week. I¡¯ve carried you nine miles since yesterday. Your wounds are almost healed, but I wouldn¡¯t suggest moving. My toxin did a number on you.


    Toxin? You piece-a-sh¡ª!! Agh!


    Jiyu found that when he moved, his body felt agonizing pain. Wishing to avoid this pain, he lied still.


    Like I said. Rengo said.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Try not to move. If I have to I will poison you again, and this time I¡¯ll keep it sustained all the way to Yin.


    Jiyu¡¯s eyes grew wide as his attitude altered in an instant. What was first a harsh and angered tone became soft and eager.


    What was that? You say you¡¯re going to Yin? Jiyu asked.


    That¡¯s where the shogunate central is. Yes. Rengo replied, leaning back on a log.


    Well then it looks like you and me are headed in the same direction. Jiyu responded.


    What do you mean? Rengo asked.


    Lets just say¡­ I have someone I gotta meet up there.


    Another target? Rengo asked, sarcastically.


    ¡­


    Jiyu fell silent, looking up at the stars.


    Rengo smirked, feeling as if he¡¯d struck a nerve, before continuing.


    Ignore me if you want. It just looks like we¡¯re going to be traveling with one another for a while. Figured we¡¯d just get used to it now.


    You can take my shackles off. Jiyu said calmly.


    Hmm? Rengo murmured.


    I won¡¯t run away. Like I said, I was headed to Yin when you grabbed me. heading up there was all part of the plan. Even better if I got a slimy prick like you to defend me. Not that I need defending.


    Rengo shot forward in anger.


    I¡¯m not your damn bodyguard, pal! You killed fifteen of my fellow agents! I¡¯m taking you up north to be hung, not reunite you will old fiends.


    Rengo crossed his arms and laid back, continuing.


    With any luck they¡¯ll hang your rat-bastard friends too!


    Yeah¡­ maybe. Jiyu whispered in a jovial and calm tone.


    Rengo overheard, looking confused, but discarded the subject from his mind as the fire grew warmer into the night.

 The Nomad鈥檚 Origins

    There came the clanging of swords, pounding feet, drums and the screams of hate. There was fire, siege and cannons, few as there were. The skies remained blue, filled with only few clouds that were dimmed by the smoke out in the fields. Men with swords, by the hundreds, marched past trees and took to towns, destroying everything their eyes caught sight upon.


    There was no mercy as women and children were sliced down, running from their homes. Men were tossed skyward and caught on seas of spears as this barrage of soldiers swept through the town life a flame engulfing a dried leaf. In the madness he stood alone. He had no family. He was young. Without a thought he reached for his blade and swung into the crowd of killers.


    Hitting a few, their swords made their way to him, dicing his arms and legs with cuts here or there. In the chaos he dropped to the floor and crawled beneath the feet of the men with swords. While crawling he could hear gunfire. He felt slugs ripple, blasting past the soldiers above, hitting them and scathing him.


    On the ground, crawling through muddy water and puddles of blood, he felt nothing. Looking up there was a light that existed beyond the legs of the invaders. That is where he went, fleeing and not looking back once he was free from the sea of soldiers being blasted apart by cannon fire. As he ran he began to feel warm, looking down he saw that a bullet had hit him.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    By the time he reached the trees, beyond the sight of the townspeople or their pillagers, he had grown dizzy, almost passing out. And for a few seconds the world went dim. in this moment he was at peace. The world floated away and he could see a boat on a white river reflecting into nothingness. The ferryman wore a mask and extended his left arm.


    He awoke to birds. At the start of it all there was a breeze, humidity in the air and the bright sun peaking through a spell of clustered clouds. There was little noise atop that hill, more or less the faint noises of the town past the trees, beyond the lower field. It was the sound of men crying out. It was the sound of fire and war.


    So he sat, an arm on his wound where the bullet had gone in; and in that instance he looked out at the sky and field with a blank mind. He felt tired, like one would after a great struggle of agonizing physical exertion. Jiyu, finally realizing his location, took his hand off of his wound and spoke quietly to himself.


    So this is gonna be it, huh? Damn shame. I was hoping for something a little flashier. Ah, well.

 Same Old Savior

    They say that in your last few moments of life all that be seen is the afterlife you desire. It¡¯s said that moment last forever, just on the brink of death. Others believe your life flashes before your eyes. I believe¡­ when you die¡­ your mind has trouble comprehending its destruction so it attempts to rationalize your demise with distracting thoughts. It¡¯s either that or you go mad in your last few moments. The rouge spoke, holding a katana to Rengo¡¯s throat.


    Which one of us will go mad first, do you think? The rouge said.


    Rengo, young and inexperienced, had nothing to say. he closed his eyes and waited for the sword to pierce his throat.


    What¡¯s the matter? Lose your nerve already!?¡ª


    Rengo opened his eyes to see the blade lifting from his throat. As he laid on the ground, looking up, Rengo saw the sky, trees and his would-be killer with a blade thrust through his chest from behind. The rouge fell as the silhouette of a man in a rice hat appeared before the sunlight.


    Lets get you up boy. Looks as if you¡¯ll live to see another day.


    Helping him to his feet, Kabuku conversed with Rengo.


    My name is Kabuku Jinotsuka, but you may call me Kabu, if you like.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Thank you, sir.


    Do not address me in such an implication. I am a shogun. An agent of the state. It was my duty to intervene. The man I killed was wanted on three counts of murder. Kabuku said.


    A shogun? As in¡­ a member of the shogunate of Yin? Rengo asked.


    That is correct.


    Wow. Thank you again! If you hand¡¯t stepped in, I¡¯d be pushing up daisies! But I gotta say¡­ the shogun usually travel in twos. Where¡¯s your partner?


    I do not have one. The state has found my singular skills reliable enough for me to be out on my own.


    Well I hope you don¡¯t like traveling alone, because I¡¯m gonna be a shogun too!


    Kabuku looked confused.


    A shogun who can¡¯t hold his own against a street rogue? Laughable. Kabuku said.


    Just wait and see! Rengo cried back.


    In time I¡¯ll be just as strong as you. Until then I won¡¯t leave your side!


    You¡¯re young, kid. Kabuku said.


    It¡¯ll take a few years. Kabuku finished, sheathing his sword and turning to leave as Rengo ran behind him.


    My name¡¯s Rengo, by the way.


    Rengo? Hmm¡­ union.


    What? Rengo looked up, asking.


    Nothing. Kabuku said.


    First things first. We¡¯ll have to get you a sword.