Chapter 2

The night arrived as the last stroke of the sun went out from the horizon, a crowd of silhouettes came into view between the trees who were now asleep. Their loud laughter and horses surrounded the deepest part of the forest. Light each corner with their torches and these men have swords tied on their hips, clanging as they drag their feet. A long line of samurais now settled on the soft grass with fowl meat roasting on flames, steamed miso soup, and a chug of sake.

General Jomo had his fifth drink behind a tree not far from the rest when two of his men dragged a soldier before his presence.

He wiped the remaining sake on his mushy mustache with the back of his hand and like a growl of a tiger he then said. "Suru, the man I want to see. Where have you been this afternoon?"

The little man immediately lowered his head to the ground. "Forgive me, I have been out hunting with the others in the woods all day."

"You have been a good friend, Suru. You helped me in defeating those nasty wolves at the river this morning. Raise your head, comrade. Now, do you still have it? The map?"

Head still on the ground and in fear he couldn't tell his superiors what had become of the map that he was entrusted with however he must still confess. His fingers trembled as he pulled out from his black kimono a piece of cloth torn in half and then held it out to the general. General Jomo palely looked at it and back to Suru. His sake cup on his hand broke into pieces, a large fist flew straight to the comrade's cheek. A knock-out tooth rolled over at his feet.

"What have you done, fool?!"

Suru, mouth bleeding still managed to get down to his knees and begged. "Forgive me, my lord. While hunting I aimlessly tore it with my sword when a bear had me by surprise. It almost ate it! I was gone to retrieve the other half the whole day, but I failed. Please spare my life! I have a wife and children waiting back home."

The general paced at the corner, wiped his face in frustration, and cussed. He knew this better since he was the one who ordered the samurai to keep while they were on the battlefield. One of his men was about to draw his katana when Jomo motioned them not to. "Enough with this! We must find the other half right now. And don't let the Young Master know—"

"What is it I must not know about, General?" A fine man appeared from the back. He had his arms crossed under his crimson kimono with a white sleeveless coat marked with a black sakura symbol. Followed by two other men behind him who wore the same symbol on their chest plate armor. His dominant grace overshadowed, making General Jomo and the rest bow down to their knees.

"Y-Young master..."

"I came here to discuss tomorrow's expedition, but it seems trouble wants to come along. Speak now before I shall have all your heads off."

The moon was on display with the stars, underneath it is the samurais. One of them was about to have his last night under their Young Master's command. General Jomo had tried but had no luck in changing his mind unless they were given the chance to look for the map.

"Without the map, we cannot find the treasure. Surely, enough you knew that it is also our only way back to Akeishi. Now, we are nothing but lost sheep in this forest!" Toge, the right-hand commander couldn't hold back his temper. He drew his sword and had its blade at the general's head while his master was sitting under the tree deep in thought. The general did not flinch nor show any fear, yet he cried in defending his friend Suru.

"I beg of you, my lord. Spare my friend. I am the one to be blamed. I was a fool to even give the map to a mere samurai-like him."

Young Master Genjiro finally stood up and tap Toge's shoulder then with just a glance Toge gave up his sword to him.

"Very well, General. You must pay for your sin," he then said. The general looked over his friend who was now ugly crying. He gave him an assuring look. It's my turn to repay you. I had never met a friend like you, General Jomo said in his head.

The sound of the sword being thrown aside startled them. They all looked at Genjiro in disbelief.

The master continued to say, "If you do not find the map until next morning, I will have your head hang in front of our men." Genjiro was about to leave them when another of his men came running.

"Young Master! We caught a yokai from one of your traps."

"A yokai?!"

"Yes, come see to it yourself."

The word of yokai spread all over, tons of samurais had their swords ready as they heard from the old legends that these supernatural beings can be dangerous and can bring ill fortune like calamity and even death. The samurais gathered around the fire with worry wavering across their faces as they discussed the dilemma. Voices lowered when all the samurais gave way to their master as they saw him approaching.

"Where is this creature you telling me?"

The samurai pointed at the crate by the tree. "Be careful it might wake up from its sleep." He added.

"Toge. Hinata."

His bodyguards stepped forward. One drew out their sword and the other a bow, positioning themselves, and then both glance over the Young Master. Genjiro nodded in approval. Toge went closer to the wooden box, using the point of his sword he lifted its lid. It flung open to the side. Slowly, Toge stepped back away from it. Hinata has his arrow directed to it. And like everyone else, Genjiro could hear his heart pounding in his ears while waiting for the yokai to reveal itself to them.

She felt something warm. A light enveloped around, causing her eyes to squint. Everything was a blur. Amber rubbed her eyes, she moaned as a shot of pain went through her body, and every inch of it ached. A memory of her falling into a trap rushed over her head like a flash. That almost killed her.

"I have to get out of here," she thought. Convincing herself that she could do it. She build up some strength and slowly laid her hands out, gripping the sides of the wood then with a groan she pulled herself up.

"My head hurts like hell." She groaned as she touched her temple and then felt something wet. Chills run down her neck when she saw blood on her fingertips. Suddenly, Amber held her breathe as she noticed a shadow looming over. A long blade pointing, close enough for her to be decapitated.

"One wrong move, yokai. My blade will taste your fears." The young master gave her a penetrating gaze that it shoots daggers to her soul, enough for Amber to faint back to her crate. Genjiro lowered his sword when he saw her fall back inside with a bewildered expression on his face. An uproar was heard behind. His men cheered as they witnessed their lord scare the yokai to death with just one look.

"All hail to Lord Genjiro!"