Chapter Three
A few short days ago…

     “He thinks you‘re lower than him; lower than all of them!  He thinks you are scum!  He insults us, mocks us, and walks all over us; spitting out every one of his condescending opinions!  My people, I ask you, what powers have we here?  None, that‘s what!  He and the other surrounding countries have stripped us of it; we have no authority, we don‘t make the laws.  They make for what suits them, and do you deserve that?  Do we deserve this tyranny?  I say, we fight!  He wants us--no, dares us, to challenge him!  He calls for us!  So men, do we answer his call?”  The people in the crowd hollered, motivated by his speech and moved to act with their leader.  “Then onward!  Destination: Bishonia.”  And with a smirk, he led his people to battle.  It would take about a week of traveling, but in their minds their resolve was clear.  So with vengeance and anger in their hearts, they marched onward.

* * *

     “Splendid, splendid!  This is absolutely just splendid!”  Lady Hanai of Kenton City, also known as “the city of roses“, was sitting in all plight, almost clapping her hands in spite of herself.  She is the kind of person where every little thing is too perfect, or too charming; everything was “splendid.”  Some would even go as far as saying she was too dramatic and far too naïve--but none dare tell her; she does have a stubborn streak to her.  But for the most part, she was just a radiant, jovial person to be around.
     “Hanai, you can be so foolish at times!  This, by far, is NOT splendid.”  Lady Miharu of Ginsora, the land of silver skies spoke.  She came from a mining city, silver being their biggest export.  In fact, silver carries a symbolic meaning in Ginsora.  Silver is said to contain more worth than gold.  All of the sophisticates adorned themselves in it, even Miharu, who was in an elegant black gown with silver lining, silver jewelry on her wrists, neck, and ears--even her hair was tipped silver, and shimmered in the sun.  “I have received threats to my eastern quarters; Ai, something must be done.”
     “And I would like to carry this out as painless as possible.”  Ai closed his eyes in worry; he did not understand exactly what the people of Kahen were capable of, but he knew that something definitely was impending.
     “You said it yourself!  They.  Won’t.  Listen.  End of discussion, we hit ‘em hard.”  General Kazeshi Chao of Central Imperial Command almost rose out of his seat in a mix of anger and disappointment.  “Damn it Ai, you always try to find the most peaceful way out of things!  You live in a fairy tale!  This is the real word, and not everyone is going to be up for negotiation.”
     Annoyed, Ai replied “I am fully aware of this General, however if I can make this a peaceful effort, then I must.  It is my duty to not put my kingdom at risk.”
     “But that’s what the Imperial Guard is for!”  Lieutenant Commander Issao Hasonage; a definitive man with a temperament similar to Kazeshi.  Kazeshi and Issao fight very wall hand in hand, both die hard warriors and strategists.  Though Ai thinks them crude somewhat for their melee manner and their eagerness of battle, he depends heavily on them for purposes such as these.
     “Lieutenant, with all due respect, I haven’t used the Imperial Guard for the length of my reign, and I intend to--”
     “They’re bored Ai!  I mean, what’s the point of having the most elite fighters at your disposal, if you don’t even use them?”
Frustrated and losing patience fast, Ai rose.  “Because,” he slammed his hands on the table and looked Issao sharply in the eye.  “That sir would make us no better than bullies if I decided that I could end my every little feud and quarrel with a pointless battle!”
     “Okay, so the peaceful way may be the best for you my lord, but what about us?”  Placing down a glass of wine, Miharu pushed back her hair and became more involved in the conversation.
     “Yeah, what about us?  We’ve been receiving threats left and right.  I’ve even had a couple of my people slain!  This certainly is not splendid, not splendid indeed!”  Hanai puffed.
     “Hmph, what a child, picking on everyone left and right.  I say, we take the fight to him, if it’s peace you’re so concerned about.”  Kazuho finally spoke up.  Ai closed his eyes.
     “I have never heard of this slaying before, so I guess I have no choice.  The war against Kahen has been a cold one, full of discerning looks and harsh words.  So let me end this cold war with one final battle.  The only thing I wish could have happened is being able to hear Kahen’s demands.  If we simply had complied then maybe none of this would be necessary.”
     “We’re right behind you, as always.” Miharu quietly consoled.
     “Call us if you need reinforcements.” Hanai smiled.
     “We won’t need them.”
     “You have a plan?”  Lieutenant Issao shot up an eyebrow while raising his glass to his mouth.
     “First things first, we leave this evening.  I refuse to bring this to my people.  Madera, watch over my people.“
     “Understood.“  She nodded.
     “My plan is simply to talk to their leader. Ask their demands and end this.”
     “And if they don’t listen?”
     “Take him out.  If the leader falls, they all fall, if not immediately then much faster.”
     “And what if that’s their plan?” Kazeshi barked.
     “Well it wouldn’t be much of a loss, really.  This room is filled with leaders, naturally you all will continue in my stead.  But for this to work, I only ask for my most skilled warriors, I’m only bringing about a hundred with me.”
     “That’s suicide!  You know their numbers!”  Kazeshi slammed his fist to the table, outraged that Ai still wanted to take the “peaceful” route.”
     “Trust me.”  The prince smiled.  The belligerent commander stared deep into him, eyes crossed.  But after a moment, he rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat.  “Now then, we have much to do and little time.  Kazeshi, Issao, inform the men and ready them for departure.  I ask that Hanai and Miharu retire here for the next few days.  If there are any questions, I leave them to you Madera.  Kadensia, please keep the peace and try to keep this under wraps.  We will proceed with everything as normal, understand?”  Everyone nodded or vocalized their affirmation.  “Very well.  Dismissed.”  They all took out their certain tasks; as the price stated, there was much to do, and he wanted to leave in the evening hours.  Daisuke caught up with the prince and walked along side him.  “It’s official then.”
     “Ah yes, you’ve not sat through a counsel meeting before.”  Ai said with realization.
     "I haven’t seen you act so…so…commanding, I guess.”
     “Yes, it’s a side I do not like to use, but it all comes with being a leader of your people.  Those decisions l would always love not to make, but when I have to…”
     “What do you think is going to happen?”
     “I cannot say just yet, Adonushi was always unpredictable.  And this is why I asked you not to fight.  If something were to happen, I’d rather you take my stead.”
     “I considered that…but I’ll let Madera take over, it’s too much to think about, I don’t fashion well with daily headaches.”
     “Brother!”  Ai muffled his hair, he knew Daisuke was joking inside, and would gladly accept the thrown if need be.
     “I think I’ll train some more before our departure.  As a matter of fact, I’ll go down with the guard and spar with them.  See you in the evening.”
     “Don’t train too hard brother” Ai smiled warmly.
     “Me?  Never.”
     “I’m talking about the guard; I can’t battle with them overworked.”
     “Okay, I’ll take it easy.”  Daisuke winked and smiled wide and ran down the halls leading to their lower quarters where some guardsmen were waiting; preparing to leave and hearing the news from their higher ups.

* * *

     “No way!  Nu-uh!  Forget it!”
     “Aww, come on guys?  Won’t anyone else fight with me?”  Daisuke stood tall above a defeated cadet of the Imperial Guard.  He had been sparring with people left and right, training the newer ones and testing the experienced.  There has not been one fight that Daisuke has lost--unless Prince Ai himself was included.  Issao let out a hardy laugh.  “Thought the prince told you to be easy on them.”
     “This is my easy!”  Daisuke gave a cheesy grin.  “Hey Mr. Issao, you want to show them how it’s done?”
     “Who me?  Nah, it’s more fun to watch.  But…I think Kazeshi’s been ichin’ to fight all damn day.”
     “Wha?”  Kazeshi stammered over his words.  “Come on man, he’s a machine!  Not that I wouldn’t crush the little brat, but I just don’t want to smash his oversized ego.”
     “Yeah, right.”  Daisuke laughed and stood down.  Issao looked to his men, almost disgusted.
     “You fools!  Is there anyone brave enough?  Come on you cowards!”
     “I’ll fight.”  Two women emerged from the crowd of men and stood before them.  One had long blond hair in two braids.  The other had short black hair, tied back in a bun.  Daisuke held an indifferent look, but smiled at the dark haired young lady, who kept a dead serious face and posture.  The blonde one walked forward with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.  “Hello boys.”  Issao walked forward cautiously.
     “So the great and honorable Major Maki is going to honor us today with her undying prowess in martial combat.”
     “Please,” she scoffed, “you wish, I’d destroy him.”  Her smile grew wider as she flipped one of her braids to her back flauntingly.
     “Destroy me eh?  How about you eat your words?”  Daisuke smirked and prepared himself in a battle ready stance.
     “Watch out young prince, they don’t call her Maki the Killer for nothing.”  Kazeshi, who worked in her company a great deal of the time, had full knowledge of what she was capable of.  Maki was kind and calm, but changed in combat drastically.  Her unmatched apt on the battlefield and her deadly, merciless tactics easily gave her a less-than-endearing nickname.  Maki closed her eyes and smile.
     “You’re highness, I’m sorry, but I’ll save you a blow to the ego.  However, you’d be a gentleman and fight my young apprentice here, won’t you?”  Daisuke looked in the eyes of the dark haired woman.  Her face was solid, and her eyes were big, soft, but had a loot of sheer will and determination.  She had not moved since her introduction; she was very well trained.  Daisuke smiled.  “State your name soldier.”
     “Sir, Juniko Suzuyama, sir!  It is an honor to make your acquaintance, sir!”  She gave the imperial guard salute and stood tall.
     “Hey, don’t need to be so formal Suzuyama; it’s just a friendly battle between fighters.”  She still stood erect, carrying the same cold hard expression.  “All right…” Daisuke said with a little hesitation and uneasiness “…guess it’s down to business then.  But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re a girl.”  He smiled and prepared himself.
     “I wouldn’t dream of it sir.”  She backed up and extended her hands in a battle ready position.
     “Hm hm, I’ll put up 50 sems that Jun will win hands down.”  Maki, Issao and Kazeshi were talking amongst themselves.
     “Ha!  I’ll raise your 50 and go 75, for the boy.”
     “Throw in a bottle of wine and we’ll make it a deal.”
     “Deal.”  Maki and Issao shook on their little deal, as Maki walked to the now cleared circle for the fight between Daisuke and Juniko.  “All right you two, fight on my mark.”  She raised her hand and waited for the crowd to hush, everyone looking in anticipation.  “Mark!”  Her hand came down, and Juniko charged at Daisuke with almost blinding speed, jumping and kicking multiple times.  The crowd around them immediately started backing up to give them more space, as her quick kicks put Daisuke on the immediate defensive.  Daisuke blocked the best he could, but her kicks were taking it out on his forearms.  He managed to drop his arms and push her legs down, but it only gave leverage for a swift spinning back kick with her left foot, which landed square on Daisuke’s face.  The power of her kick knocked the young prince back.  He was not expecting a mere meek looking woman to carry such technical power.  He wiped his face with the back of his right hand to check for any blood.
     “Guess there’s more to you that meets the eye.”  Daisuke spat on the ground, the taste of salty blood in his mouth, though he was not bleeding.  Juniko smirked, which in a way scared Daisuke; he had not seen her with any expression at all the entire time.  But at the same time it thrilled him, made him want to try even harder.  “Alright then, I’m not holding back!”  It was Daisuke’s turn to take the offensive, and he charged at her with a sharp right hook.  She ducked out of the way, and he was prepared for this, putting all his power in a right mid kick.  She bent her back far, getting just low enough to miss the kick.  Daisuke span around and swept with his left leg, knocking her over, but only briefly.  She sprang back up only to receive a punch in the face.  She let out a yelp and backed up, holding her face.  “Oh crap, I’m sorry, you okay?”  Daisuke suddenly stopped walked toward her.  She smiled and swung, knowing that he would let his guard down.  As she struck Daisuke she said “Rule number one about women: we‘re dirty fighters.”  She kicked high toward his face, but he managed to grab the back of her calf and pull it toward him.  Juniko tried to punch free, but with Daisuke’s remaining hand, he caught her left fist and his grip grew tighter.  They looked in each others’ eyes; Daisuke could not deny that he was not enjoying this, and Juniko tried her hardest to release herself from Daisuke’s grip, but to no avail.  They were in close quarters to each other, with her leg raised high above his shoulder, and every time she would try to punch with her remaining hand, it would involve her loosing her balance, falling closer into the prince.  She began getting very angry, and started blushing and gritting her teeth.  Daisuke did not realize why she was blushing until he looked at the expressions of the other guardsmen, including Issao, Kazeshi, and Maki.  He started blushing profusely, but that was just the break she needed.  Due to his distraction, his grip loosened, and she, who blushed as a cover, instantly turned aggressive and butted heads with the prince, then with her right leg, gaining enough leverage to jump and kick him in the face once again.
     Though his grip loose, it was not lost as he still had her leg in his hand and was now slowly twisting her ankle while she lay there on her stomach.  She tried kicking his hand by hoisting her body around, and continued to drop her heal on his hand until he released.  He shook his hand, which was now in much pain, and kicked her side almost instinctively.  She let out a yelp, grabbing her side, and he once again left himself out of his guard, feeling foolish for such a tactic in a friendly atmosphere.  She used that and swept him to the ground, springing up and back to her feet.  Daisuke tried to balance himself out, but was ambushed by a barrage of kicks.  She back kicked with her left leg, but it was pushed away.  Daisuke attempted a strong punch, but Juniko ducked and span behind him.  She grabbed him with her left hand digging in his neck and her right arm hooked under his.  Daisuke could not shake her loose, so he quickly leaned forward, flinging her in the air.  She rolled to the ground and recovered, but not gracefully, putting a hand to her back.
     As they went to charge again, Maki shouted.  “Okay, that’s enough you two.  Cease!”  Both Daisuke and Juniko were breathing heavily and sweating.
     “But we didn’t finish!”  Daisuke, though bruised and scratched, carried much disappointment in his tired voice.
     “With all due respect you’re highness, that’s quite enough; we have a battle to look forward to.”  Belligerent as he was, he gave in, bowing to Juniko.
     “Good fight, you almost had me.”
     “Thank you sir.”  She bowed back and returned to Maki’s side.
     “Now Juniko, that was fair, but don’t think you’ll have complete advantage because you’re a woman.  You can’t let a man’s weakness become your main strength, understood?”
     “Sir!”  She saluted.
     “But good job, you knew to use your feminine energy for this man anyway.”  She turned to Daisuke smiling.  “I can’t say I’m not disappointed in you you’re highness.  You let the fact that she was a woman hold you back.  So let this be a lesson to you as well.”
     “Yeah, I know…what can I say?”  He smiled wide.  “Women are my weakness.”
     “Very impressive both of you!”  Issao clapped his hands and patted Daisuke on the back.”
     “Hope you all took notes, you cowards!”  Kazeshi glared angrily at the men who were too afraid to face Daisuke themselves.  “You let this mere woman show you up?  You’re all wimps!”
     “I didn’t see you volunteering, eh Mr. Kazeshi?”  Maki closed one eye and smiled.  He was silent, which satisfied Maki greatly.  “Now come on men, we have some preparing to do and not much time.  Let’s--”
     “Hey!  I make the commands around here!”
     “Okay Mr. Issao, by all means.”  She opened her arms and backed up.
     “Okay men, you heard the woman!  Move out men!”