[To Tanaka Shibuya] A demon has attacked No-zaki village, despoiling our crops and killing the livestock. The men and women are being slaughtered, their bodies left hanging from the trees and the children enslaved. Therefore it is prayed, not only for the succor of our village, but also that your lordship's tribute of 10,000 koku rice be saved, orders be speedily issued for the dispatch of soldiers to kill the demon. Since the roads are difficult the village elders beg leave to write on half sheets. It is desired that the import of this letter be presented to Lord Tanaka.

With reverence,

Nikaidou Yukinaka
Isaku Munehisa Takahashi Rumiko

Lord Tanaka looked up from staring at his hands and motioned for Senji to come closer. “Senji, summon my youngest daughter from her watch. I must speak to her on this matter.” Lord Tanaka sighed as he looked out the window towards the setting sun. “It seems that I have just gotten her back from one campaign to send her on another. Now go!” Lord Tanaka said, realizing he hadn’t given Senji leave to depart.

“Yes my lord.” Senji said, bowing as he backed out of the room.

“I fear for her life, and yet I know that of all of my children she is the only one capable of handling this new threat.”

Senji heard the despairing whisper as he closed the doors behind him.

************************************************

Senji took the fastest horse from his master’s stables. Although Senji’s right leg was crippled, he still remained a formidable horseman and archer, having been honored with the duty of teaching these skills to the Lord's daughter. Pressing on at a furious pace he arrived at the Western Tower, a squat stone and timber structure that guarded the mountain passes from the fierce warrior monks. It was dusk when he arrived within bowshot of the tower, and he was immediately challenged.

“It’s Senji!” “I’m on an important mission . . .” “He wishes the audience of his daughter Akina!” Senji shouted. “Open the gates.”

The request to open the gates was echoed from soldier to soldier until it reached the gate guard. It groaned under the pressure of ten soldiers straining at the ropes. They slowly opened to reveal the inner bailey and the Lady Akina.

Lady Akina moved with the free and easy stride of a seasoned warrior, the flickering torch light gleaming off her red lacquered armor, trademark peacock-plumes on her helm swaying gently with each step. In addition to the short and long swords thrust through her sash, marking her as samurai, strapped to her back she carried a matched pair of no-dachi, whose huge curving blades were as long as she was tall. Her long black hair was tied tightly in a long rope that ended just above her waist.

The expression in her steely gaze bespoke years of battle experience. Growling in a militant tone of voice, Akina barked out orders to the soldiers coming out of the supply shed.

Senji hurriedly knelt at his lady’s feet and bowed low until his forehead touched the ground. “My Lady Akina, forgive me for interrupting, your lord and father wishes your audience before the end of this day.”

When around the other men Akina had to portray herself as their Lord’s daughter, giving no quarter for the slightest infraction. When Akina spoke, it was in a softer tone as she recognized her old teacher. Only with Senji, and her father, was she able to let her guard down.

"What is wrong, Senji?" Akina asked, knowing that only the most urgent need would cause her father to summon her so soon after her recent battle.

"I know not, my lady, only that my lord bids you come," Senji replied.

Akina nodded her head. "Very well,---- Yoki! Saddle my horse! Tenaki! Take Senji to eat his fill and rest. Konochi! Finish up tallying the supplies for me.” Akina mounted the roan stallion and galloped out of the tower bailey.

*****************************************************************

It was dark when Akina arrived at her home. A guard hurried forward and grabbed the horse’s bridle while Akina dismounted. She nodded her thanks and hurried towards her father’s study. Akina was worried and it showed in the lines of her face. For her father to have called upon her so formally was enough indication that something was really wrong.

The corridors were lit by torchlight, making the shadows stand out in stark relief. Akina walked up to the doors and lightly tapped the screen. “Enter!” Came Lord Tanaka’s gruff voice. Akina took a deep breath while schooling her features into a blank mask and entered the room.

My lord father, you have summoned me?" Akina asked, kneeling before her sire.

Tanaka looked at his daughter, trying to see her gentle mother's features in the fierce warrior before him. "No-zaki village has been attacked by a demon," He said without preamble. "You will kill the demon, arrest whoever summoned it, and restore order."

"As you command," Akina replied calmly, moving to leave immediately.

"Hold, daughter," Tanaka ordered.

"The headman sent a messenger who arrived earlier today," Tenaka passed the letter to Akina, whose face tightened with anger as she read it. "The demon is slaughtering every living thing," Tanaka added, but hating to send his daughter into such danger, "except the children, who are being made into slaves." also knowing that there was no better warrior in his small clan. "and the women----" Tanaka's voice faltered, speaking no longer as a lord, but as a concerned father. "who are . . .who are . . ."

"Not very imaginative," Akina said impassively, reading of the horrific deaths suffered by the village women. "I like a little artistry when a demon tries to kill me. Like the Maiden of Uni who rose from her grave every full moon to seduce young Samurai, or the cursed futon of Tottori . . ." she paused, thoughtfully, "and the Spider-witch of Willows. Now _there_ was an artist." She said as she nodded towards the head mounted on the wall above her father’s desk.

“You will wait until tomorrow. I have summoned your bethrothed as well. He will be here before dawn, and will accompany you to watch your back. Tenma will be here in the morning.”

“But, sire, I wish to leave now.”

“No!” “You will wait until Tenma gets here. Perhaps I indulged you too much, allowing you to join the ranks of my samuri . . .even though you have proven yourself a capable warrior,” Tanaka added as Akina’s face tightened. “I promised your sire that I would make sure you were safe and raise you as if you were my own daughter.”

Akina’s face softened as his words brought back memories of the time when she lived with her real father----a happy time. He would take her fishing, teach her how to ride a horse, and show her how to use a sword.

But then the bad memories flooded her mind’s eye. Akina scowled. The soldiers busting into her room demanding to know where the traitor was. Being pulled from her bed and dragged into the courtyard to watch the execution of both her parents. She remembered the vow she made that day. To hunt down the real traitors . . .and kill them. But in order to do that she had to become Samuri.

It was then that Lord Tanaka came. She remembered how kind he seemed, but he was saddened by his friend’s death.

Akina remembered all the years of hard training, the laughter of the men when they saw a woman trying to be a warrior. Over the year she became hardened to the slights and deaf to the taunts, in effect she became a living weapon. Eventually Lord Tanaka gave her a chance to hunt down the traitors and turn them in. Akina smiled as she remembered the fear in their faces when a lone samuri cornered them, Then she frowned. Somehow they had managed to escape her.

“When I finish with the demon I can continue my blood hunt for the traitors!” she muttered, then was jolted out of her reverie by her father’s words.

“Besides, it’s better to have someone to guard your back than to leave it exposed for a fatal strike, is it not?” Lord Tanaka said as he raised his eyebrow in an inquiring gesture.

“But, Father, he’s really no help in a fight. You know I’m a better warrior.”

“Akina! Is it not the wise man who bides his time? Besides even if he is not as good as you as you, he still is a good warrior. He will make you a fine husband someday. Right, Daughter?”

“Yes, Father.” She said as she lowered her head and stared at the floor. “Idiot can’t even throw a spear. It’s not like I asked to be betrothed to him,” she muttered quietly to herself.

Lord Tenaka pretended not to hear her comment. “Good. Now go and get something to eat, then prepare your traveling gear. I want you well rested before you leave. I will not be seeing you tomorrow as I myself, have been summoned by an urgent request from the emperor. I’m leaving in one hour. I wish you luck in your task. If I do not see you again, know that I love you very much and we will meet again in the next life. But, I pray that is not the case.”

“Goodnight and goodbye, my daughter.” Lord Tanaka said while hugging her tight and kissing her cheek.

“Good night, father. Do not worry, I will be back, if only to drive you crazy with worry. I will not fail,” Akina said while returning the embrace. She slowly pulled back and bowed to her father. She then turned on her heel and quickly exited the room.

*************************************************************

The next morning as the shadows ate the light of day, turning the mountain path into a maze of shadow and rock, Akina and Tenma carefully picked their way down the mountain. By the time Tenma and Akina saw the flickering lights of No-zaki it was night; only the stars and a feeble sliver of moon were left to light their way.

"What . . .what do you think we'll find when we arrive, Tenma?" Akina whispered, the evil and oppressive aura emanating from the village subduing even her fierce spirit.

"I do not know," Tenma replied, hoarsely, “but we’d best be on guard until then." He glanced lovingly at his companion, a dark shape close at his right stirrup. The look in his eyes was missed due to the dim light. "I suggest that we maintain silence so that any sounds may reach our ears.

“Like you know how to be quiet?” Akina retorted.

“Hey, it wasn’t me that caused the stampede at the fair last year!” Tenma yelled.

“Oooh, like it’s my fault? I wasn’t the one who threw that stone!” she replied sarcastically.

“Hey the guys dared me, besides no one was hurt,” Tenma mumbled.

“Really? I seem to remember the horse breeder’s wife got knocked into the dung heap! STUPID!” Akina glared at Tenma.

“Well, what about the time when we had to go chase that minor demon in Kuoto? Who was the one who wrecked grainery? Stupid! I know it wasn’t me,” Tenma retorted.

“Are you blaming me for that?” she asked.

“Hey, if the armor fits!” he replied.

“TENma,” she growled. “Take that back or I’ll do something to you, or you’ll regret it,” she swore.

“Oh,” glaring at her. “Can’t take a little bit of blame can you? You,” he pointed his finger in Akina’s direction. “Just didn’t want to get into trouble with your father. If he had found out that it was your fault for chasing the demon into the shed, he would have taken away your weapons and told you that you weren’t allowed to ride with the men anymore. I mean you’re a girl and girls shouldn’t fight,” he pontificated.

“Tenma, Shut up! You wouldn’t be so jealous if I wasn’t a better fighter than you!” she yelled.

“Oh, so who’s better at unarmed fighting huh?” He asked.

“Well,. . . Ok, so you’re good without weapons, but I’m better with a sword! Now shut up!” she yelled.

“Fine I’ll be quiet, only because we’re getting closer to the village. You are so uncute.” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that? What did you just say?” she asked.

“Nothing,” he sighed.

Tenma and Akina rode on is silence for another twenty minutes. As they neared the village, screaming noises reached their ears. Then a loud roar echoed through the forest. This caused the horses to sidestep and roll their eyes in terror.

“You hear that?” Akina said as she drew her Katana.

“Yes, c’mon lets go!” he said as he dug in heels. “Heeeya!”

“Ya Heeya” Akina yelled as she chased after Tenma.

When they arrived, they saw people running without thought as to where they were going. The dead and dying lay in the streets and up in the trees. The remains of half eaten animals lay on the ground, swarms of flies were congregating on the carcasses. The smell was so sickening that Akina covered her mouth and nose with the back of her hand. It took but a moment to settle her stomach. When she recovered enough she lowered her hand and scanned the area with her battle-honed sight.

“Look there, to your right. Do you see it?” Tenma shouted to her so she could hear him over the noise.

“Where? All I see are shadows!” she replied.

“Look deeper! Now do you see it?” he asked.

“Yes! It’s the demon!” she replied.

“Forward to battle!” Tenma yelled as he surged towards the demon. Akina, not far behind, reached for one of her No-dachi and turned to the left to end up behind the demon. The element of surprise was on their side. Before the demon noticed its attackers, Akina managed to land a vicious slash along its side. The demon roared and bounded out of the shadows to meet its attacker.

Akina finally got a good look at the creature. Its body and features were somewhat catlike, the claws the creature sported were two feet long, and the tail had pointed barbed structures that oozed a green acidic substance. When the stuff struck the ground it left smoking craters. The most startling feature on this creature was its size. The thing was as big as a house.

Gulp. “Oh boy, that thing is big! They want me to kill that?” Even as Akina said this, the wound on the demon closed up as if it had never been inflicted. “I’d have better luck fighting in a Kimono wearing flowers in my hair, weaponless, than killing it.” She muttered.

“Human! Now you die!” Came the words from a voice that shook the ground while sending chills up her spine. The demon leaped forward so swiftly that it punched through a retaining wall of a villager’s house, sending shrapnel in every direction, while destroying everything in its path. The demon fixed its murderous gaze in her direction then drew a deep breath, spitting acid from its maw. The acid flew through the air to fall just short of its target but splattering her horse with a few drops of the caustic substance, it wasn’t enough to do any serious damage.

As Akina’s horse shuddered in pain, but held its ground, Tenma rode up behind the demon trying to hamstring it. The demon noticed his futile charge and swung its tail in Tenma’s direction. While stiffening its muscles, it shot the poisonous spikes straight towards Tenma, causing his horse to pull up short. The demon continued its running gate towards Akina, then the demon started to circle her in anticipation of the kill.

"Shit! I have to get it out of here", she thought, trying to bring her horse under control. "Maybe to a cave----somewhere far away from here." Her stallion whinnied in terror as it danced away from the circling demon. “Now I need to set a trap. I must be crazy to want that thing to chase me, but Tenma will just screw up! He’s such a dunce when it comes to things like this. Besides I’m a better warrior then he is. I’ve also got the fastest horse. There were some caves north of here. I think. It's been so long since I was here last. You'll have to catch me first!" she shouted as she spurred her horse toward some nice deep caves----she hoped.

“TENMA! Stay here and help the people!” Akina yelled over her shoulder.

“You will not escape me! I will take great pleasure in killing you and enslaving your soul. Either way you will be mine!” With that said, the creature bunched its back muscles and leapt a good forty feet in a running bound that quickly caught up to the fleeing horse and rider.

“AKINA! NO!” Tenma yelled after her. “Damn reckless woman! Why does she always do this to me!” he muttered as he quickly spurred his own horse to chase after the two. But, he had a really bad feeling in his gut that he wouldn’t make it on time.

*****************************************************************

Akina could feel the creature breathing down her neck, she cringed slightly in fear, but she was determined to do as her father had bid her. Akina glanced over her shoulder and was surprised to see the demon so close, and getting closer still. “I must hurry!”

With a loud cry, she spurred her horse faster. As they rounded the bend she lost sight of it. Quickly taking advantage of the cover that the brush provided, Akina focused on the road ahead and the caves just coming into sight. The horse had gone no more than three miles when its legs were swiped out from under it. Akina felt the jarring motion, dropping her Katana, she immediately jumped straight up and over the demon’s head. The animal screamed. There was a loud cracking sound and the horse went down with a loud crash. Growling in frustration the demon searched the area with its cold gaze looking for its prey.

“Come out human, and I will go easy on you,” The demon roared.

Silence.

The creature cocked its head from side to side trying to utilize its catlike ears to catch any stray sounds. But the squealing horse covered up any sounds. With a motion of its paw, the creature brought its lethal claws to bear and severed the horse’s head from its body immediately silencing the animal. It then raised its bloodied claws to its mouth, tasting the sweet coppery substance with a look of pleasure on its face.

High up in the trees Akina watched the scene unfold. She was saddened that her horse was destroyed. But, she knew that if the demon were allowed to roam free, more people would die. “I must wait until it walks under me then I will have to wound it badly to slow it down. Once it has slowed down I have to get it to follow me into those caves and imprison it.” With her decision made she gave a quick nod of her head, reached up behind her back, withdrew both No-dachi and waited. These two blades were the only things that could actually harm the demon and slow down the healing process. When she had first started hunting demons, she journeyed many days to get the special blades that could wound a demon.

The demon finished cleaning its bloodied claws and looked around the clearing some more. Akina watched it slowly scenting the air with its nose as it moved closer to her perch. Suddenly the demon froze, as it seemed to catch the scent it was looking for. Its head whipped around towards the tree she was perched in, the caves just behind it. The demon opened its mouth in a toothy grin.

“Ah, So that is where you are hiding. You should not keep me waiting like this, my delectable morsel. Although, the hunt does make it more exciting.” The demon purred. It then stalked forward slowly, liking its mouth in anticipation.

Akina started to sweat as she thought. “I must make my move now.” Even as she bunched her leg muscles to spring into the attack, the demon had raised its clawed paw and severed the tree trunk. As the tree started its plunge to the ground, she flipped desperately away from the falling tree while also avoiding a vicious swipe of the demon’s claws. The demon turned to attack as soon as her feet touched the ground. Akina barely dodged the demon’s claws by centimeters. Then the tail whipped around spewing deadly acid. She back flipped to get some distance between herself and the monster. When her feet barely touched the ground, she rebounded towards the demon’s head. The demon saw this and was surprised. This left Akina enough of an opening to slash two horizontal cuts to the demons face and neck splattering the ground with its blood.

“ARRRRRRRR! You daughter of a whore! Now I will not only eat you but I will enjoy torturing you as well before I tear you apart!” With that said the demon went full out against its prey. It drew in a great lungful of air, aimed its gaping maw in her direction and spewed acid towards her. Akina ran to the left, then dodged to the right while avoiding a claw swipe. Then she jumped back to get some breathing room.

“I can’t keep this up much longer. I shouldn’t have told Tenma to stay at the village. I need his help now more then ever. But, I am Samurai, and Samurai must weather all odds.” she panted to herself.

“Demon, I will defeat you. If not to save myself but to avenge all that you have slain!” she yelled and charged. The steel blades became extensions of her will as they bit and slashed numerous wounds into her foe. The whirling blades became a barrier against claws and teeth. Throughout the battle she never stayed in one place, to do so was death. As her strength began to wane and her breath to wheeze, she finally saw another opening just as the demon lifted a paw to slash at her again. Swiftly she ran under the gaping maw while lifting her swords and slashing its underbelly wounding it gravely. Once out from under the demon she headed towards the caves. The demon turned and followed right on her heels.

“Almost there,”she thought as she neared her target. As she entered the cave she noticed that it widened into a huge cavern. There was just enough room to fight. She could feel the demon right behind her. She tripped on a loose stone and started to fall, quickly she tucked and rolled to her feet. But, as she came up into a guard position she twisted her ankle limiting her mobility. “Shit!” Akina thought as she brought her weight to bear on her right leg. This injury changed everything. Akina started to pray quietly under her breath as the demon came closer and closer. As it reached a distance of five feet it leapt with both paws outstretched to pin her to the ground. She twisted to the side while deflecting the claws closest to her. But it wasn’t enough. While she had avoided the claws, the tail had whipped around, splattering her with acid, embedding the spines deep into her flesh. As the demon pulled its tail away, the spines remained. Akina felt a burning sensation in her side then pain. The pain was so intense, it had to be a mortal wound. Steeling herself against the pain, she charged once more. This time, not towards the front of the demon but towards the tail. Crossing her blades over each other, she then brought them apart in opposite directions severing the tail from the main body.

The demon grunted in pain, but kept itself focused on killing the human. Twisting so it faced her again the demon spewed its acid at her face. Akina jumped to the left then ran towards the demon in a zigzagging pattern, conveniently using a boulder as a stepping stone to vault to the demon’s back. Twisting, bucking and slamming its sides against the stalactites the demon tried to dislodge her. Akina was determined to finish this. “Now demon, you will suffer.” she said as she brought her blades down, momentarily paralyzing it.

The demon fell with a loud thud. Throwing herself clear, Akina rolled several feet away and staggered towards the entrance while pulling the wards out from her sleeves. “Those swords won’t stay in for long, and even if my blades come out this demon won’t die. The healing process is slowed down some but eventually it will heal and wreak havoc on everyone.” she said as she placed the wards all over the cave mouth. When the wards were in place, a magical barrier appeared in the shape of a boulder covering the entrance. To anything that came near, the cave opening would appear as a seamless wall. This would ensure that no one would accidentally free the demon by passing through the wards.

“Human, when I get free I will hunt you down, and when I’m through with you, you will wish you were dead! When I do catch you, your soul will be mine to command! You will be my slave! I will take away everything you hold dear to yourself and others. I saw the other one you were with, I saw that vile red thread leading from you to him. He will also suffer when you are mine. As you will suffer from being apart. Even when you both are in different bodies I will know who you are! Mark my words, Human! I Will Get Free!” the demon roared.

“We will be ready for you, spawn from hell. In this life, and in the next.” Akina said as she staggered in to the clearing and fell on her side sending fresh waves of agony throughout her body. As she lay there gasping for breath, her vision slowly started to fade. The loss of blood and poison from the acid and spines were slowly shutting down her system. In the distance she could hear the pounding of hooves, then they stopped. Boots hit the ground and then the running of feet on the hard-packed soil. Then she distantly heard her name being called.

“Akina! Are you all right? Did you banish the demon?” Tenma asked as he gently touched her shoulder.

“I have completed the task father gave me but I will not last long in this world. I have been mortally wounded,” she gasped out while placing her hand against the ground and rolling over to lie on her back. This revealed the wound to him.

“No! No please don’t die, Akina. I love you, Akina. I love you.” he whispered in grief. He waited for her to say the words back to him, but she did not. In all the years that he had known her, they were always fighting, and she had never said that she loved him. He knew that saying those words were a big risk, but he also knew that this was the last time in this lifetime that he could say them to her.

“Hush, it is too late for me.” She raised her hand to cover Tenma’s lips as he drew in a breath to talk. “No do not speak yet, let me finish.” Tenma nodded. “Thank you.” she whispered. “Here is the account of my last battle. . .”

Akina told Tenma of the battle and the demon’s last words. “He swore revenge on both of us Tenma, in this life and in the next. So next time when we are reborn we must be on our guard. I’m telling you, Tenma this was not one of the lower ranking demons. This one was very strong and powerful. I think this one was one of the Demon Lords. You must take this information and my body to father. Have him post a watch here to maintain the wards so the people may be safe.” She gasped, grimacing in pain. “As. . . long. . . as.. the.. . wards are maintained it cannot get free. Will you do this for me?”

Tenma nodded his head, then realizing that she could not see him as her eyes were closed, he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yes, I will do as you say.” he replied. “G. . .Good.” She gasped out.

It was getting harder for her to talk, and her breath came in spurts now. She could no longer feel her body anymore. Akina’s heart cried out to tell Tenma that she did love him. She had wanted to tell him for so long but her pride and fear always interfered. She made her decision to tell him while she still could. “Tenma. . . she gasped. Reaching for his hand and brought it to lye over her heart. “I love you, Tenma! I’m. . .glad. . .that. . . you love me. . .too.” she said with tears running down her cheeks.

When Tenma heard this he started to cry. Hugging her to himself he said. “I will find you in the next life and we will be together again. This I promise on my soul and on my honor. When we do meet again we will get married like you have always wanted deep within your heart. I know you have never said it, but your heart has always spoken to mine. We will know each other when we meet again.” he whispered brokenly.

“Yes, Tenma, we will know each other when we meet. If not by sight, then but deep within our souls. I will wait for you at the gates of Heaven.. . my.. . l..love.” These were her last words as she went limp and died in his arms.

“AKINA! I will be with you soon. I will meet you at the gates as soon as the task you have given me is completed.” Tenma yelled in a ki-voice so strong that it surpassed the veils of the mortal plane.

**************************
As his voice echoed throughout the Kami plane, it caught the attention of the higher gods. They heard the love and pain of loss in it and were made to weep with sorrow. Saznaoo stepped forward, taking Akina’s soul into his care. “I will place you where you will learn much, little one, but for now you will rest.” Saznaoo sensed the soul’s agitation and worry for her friends and family, he smiled as he said in a soothing tone. “Do not despair, they will be fine. I am confident that everything will go according to my plan. Your soul mate will be joining you soon. I will keep you here for a while until you two are needed again.”

**************************

Back down on the mortal plane. Tenma picked up Akina’s body and draped it over his horse, tying it securely. Unnoticed by Tenma, Akina’s amulet slipped off her neck and fell to the ground. Turning one last time he surveyed the scene of the battle then turned, mounted his horse and rode towards Narima and the castle.

*****************************************************

As Tenma rode forlornly into the castle bailey, soldiers stopped what they were doing when they saw the body draped over his horses back. They immediately formed a procession behind him as he made his way towards the stairs that led into the castle. Lord Tanaka came running out and saw his daughter’s body lying across the horse’s back, steeling his features in to a blank mask to hide his grief he asked. “What happened?”

Tenma bowed before his lord with tears in his eyes. He raised his hand to stop Lord Tanaka’s questions and said. “I will explain.” Then he went on to say. “My lord, your daughter fought bravely but was grievously wounded during the battle. When we arrived at the village it was to find the demon on a rampage. We both sprang to attack, but your daughter drew its attention and lured it away. Sh...She told me to say behind, but I followed and I wasn’t there in time. Akina fought it in the caves but received a hit to her side, she did manage to wound the demon and ward the caves to imprison it. But she later died by the demon’s poison and by blood loss. Before she died, she asked me to come to you to report. She also said that you must post some people here to maintain the wards that hold it in its prison. This was her last request my lord. Will you do this thing?” Tenma whispered the last words so brokenly that Lord Tanaka heard the grief in his voice, he reached out his hand and placed it on Tenma’s shoulder then he nodded his head and smiled at him with tears of grief in his own eyes while he replied.

“Yes, Tenma, I will send some troupes to form an outpost to guard and maintain the wards. But first we will mourn for my daughter and you will rest and recover from your ordeal. You are now my heir, Tenma, as was my daughter. Come let us prepare.” Lord Tanaka said as he drew Tenma closer to his side. “Is this acceptable, Tenma?” He asked.

“My lord, it is kind of you to offer, but I fear that I’m not for this world much longer. With the death of your daughter went my soul. I have lost the will to live. I am heartbroken. I will die soon and will see her again as she said she would meet me at Heaven’s gates.” Tenma replied as Lord Tanaka led him into the hall and down the corridors towards the family shrine.

“Ah, I see. This does sadden me that I will lose the two of you but any one with eyes could see that you were soul mates.” Lord Tanaka said.

Then he went on to say. “There is a legend that tells of humans joined at one time. They were of one mind, one soul, had four legs, four arms and two heads. But, one day they were split into two beings and flung in opposite directions.” It is also said that when they were split apart that they desperately searched for their missing half.”

“Sometimes, the two halves do not meet. Those are the ones that are doomed to go on searching throughout their lives for their missing half of their soul. When they found that half they were complete again. But, if after they had found each other again and that if the other died of some accident or sickness. The other would follow within days, weeks or months of the others passing. I will miss you as I miss my daughter. I wish you well on your journey. When you see my daughter again, tell her that I love her and will see her soon.”

“Yes, my lord, I will tell her and I will miss you as well.” Tenma said with a watery smile. He then turned away and walked off towards his chambers.

Lord Tanaka watched him leave. He then felt the weight of his forty years of life. Turning to leave he smiled sadly at his wife’s shrine letting the tears flow down his face. “My love, I had a feeling that this would happen some day. But, it is good that the people were saved. Our daughter is now with you. I know that you will look after her, and when Tenma arrives you will watch over both of them.”

*******************************************

Three weeks later Tenma died in his sleep. As his soul ascended into the heavens, he saw two people waiting for him. One was a kind looking old man who had the look of someone with the knowledge of the ages in his eyes. He seamed to glow brightly from a light within. The other was too indistinguishable to tell until he got closer.

“Akina!” The other was his love. He rushed forward to join her. As he approached, the old one smiled and said. “Welcome Tenma. Welcome home. Now, come it is time to rest until you are needed again.” The kami motioned to his left asking them to follow him into the light.

Tenma glanced askance at Akina, who smiled and nodded while following the old one. As the two stepped into the light Akina said jokingly, “Oh, by the way, did I tell you I have a new boyfriend?” Tenma glanced at her, saw the twinkle in her eyes, and yelled. “Akina, that’s not funny!” The light flared once, then the hall of the souls was silent except for the whisper of little children’s laughter, and then that too faded.

*******************************************

The next day Lord Tanaka buried Tenma next to his daughter. Then word came of how the demon came to be in the mortal plane. The traitors, in their greed to posses Akina’s dowry-- her father’s land-- summoned the demon to hunt down his foster daughter and kill her. But something went terribly wrong. The demon they had summoned was much too powerful for them to control, They were killed, the demon was free to kill as it pleased, but part of the spell of summoning still held, the drive to kill his daughter had still remained. In the end the demon had succeeded in its task, but at a price to its freedom.

Lord Tanaka was greatly saddened by her death, but he knew he must continue with his life. His two remaining daughters Miomi and Nara had many children. He doted on them until he became to old and frail to do much of anything until the day he died.

Many years passed and the wards were maintained by Lord Tanaka’s grandchildren. Until one day, war came to Japan. In the aftermath of the war, many of the grandchildren were killed. Only one too young to remember the demon survived to carry on the Tendo name. The wards were forgotten.

*******************************************************************

Deep within the cavern the demon sensed the wards weakening and smiled evilly. The demon began its work on the wards. Now to anything that came near the caves would see an opening. It knew that the wards would keep its physical form imprisoned but not its will. After time, the demon was able to send its mind questing for the two souls that imprisoned it. The wards held and would hold until the one who imprisoned it crossed over them.

The demon decided to wait. Many centuries passed before the demon sensed the two being reborn. “Now you will be mine and my revenge will be complete. I will be free from this thrice damned spell.” It said smiling to itself, then he settled down to wait for his prey.

***************************************************************