The Blazing Tempest

DISCLAIMER: This story is a non-commercial work of fiction based on the anime/manga Samurai 7. Original copyright of Samurai 7 belongs to Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, Hideo Oguni, MICO, GDH, GONZO. Absolutely no monetary gain has been made with this work.


THE BLAZING TEMPEST
By Rory V. Pascual (Edited by Saiyukihana)
© Original Version 2001; Samurai 7 Version June 29, 2006


Chapter Forty-One

On the outer borders of Ain Mehira, the Sultan of El Djezair observed the exodus of the last ragtag band of the city's inhabitants through a long scope. As he tucked the segments of his telescope close, three riders broke away from the stragglers and rode towards him. Halting their steeds before the esteemed ruler, Masamune, Kyuzo and Heihachi bowed respectfully to him.

"My Lord, this is the last of them," said the scribe. "The only people still in Ain Mehira are those who remain loyal to the Amanushi."

"Fools who remain fanatically loyal to an evil leader," Heihachi muttered in disgust.

Although the Sultan nodded, a dark frown formed on his brow. "This is too easy. I don't like it. Ukyo should have made moves to stop the people from departing, but there is no resistance whatsoever."

Kyuzo put in, "Perhaps it is because Ukyo believes that, once the demon is free, there is no place on Earth safe from it." The Bandit Chief gazed at the horizon where the shadow of the moon peeked at the edge. "In a few hours, it will all be over for us, if we don't put a stop to it."

"As if we could do something about it." Gorobei went up beside the Sultan, sitting on his white stallion. "The only thing we could do is to sit here and wait. If the demon should escape from the city, it will be our duty to stop it from proceeding any further. That is the plan after all."

Heihachi turned to gaze at the massive army waiting behind them. The Sultan's troops, Kyuzo's bandits, warriors from the desert tribes, and, surprisingly, an armed contingent of the Shikimoribito -- all awaiting the command to attack, all ready for the coming battle.

"It is difficult to wait, not knowing what is happening in there," the moor commented. "The men are restless, but they will wait for our signal."

The Sultan gave a wry laugh, tinged with deep worry. "Never in my lifetime did I imagine that I would be fighting side by side with bandits. Ironic, is it not, that the survival of all humanity depends upon a Samurai and, more so, a brave, beautiful whore." He looked at his companions one by one. "I do not want Shimada Kanbei to die."

"Neither of us do," said Masamune. "That man has suffered all these years. His life should not end like this."

"But this is what he wants," Kyuzo remarked in deep sorrow. "To die with the dignity and honor that was taken from him in life. To sacrifice all for the sake of those he loves. A warrior's death."

Gorobei, however, countered, "I do not believe that Kanbei will give it all up so easily. I refuse to believe it."

"That is why we are all here -- soldiers, bandits and learned men," the Sultan declared. "We shall not allow this sacrifice to take place."

"But if it does?" queried the Bandit Chief.

A handsome young man brought his mare alongside Kyuzo's. With confidence in his green eyes, he said, "Then we shall see to it that Kanbei-sama does not give his life in vain. We shall finish what he started. We shall destroy the Odalisk, and send it and its master, the Amanushi Ukyo, to the gates of Hell."

Masamune lowered his head, eyes closing. // Choose wisely. Kanbei, please keep yourself safe. Our salvation would not be the same without you. //

Kyuzo turned somber eyes to Ain Mehira. // My dearest Merida! I pray to you to watch over Shimada Kanbei. Please let no harm befall him. And Shichiroji...take care of our brave general. If he should die today, I swear, by my sword, that your life shall be forfeit.//

~~~~~~~~~~

Kanbei sat inside his chamber, head lowered, as the four serving women, two of them Liamina and Tamar from the caravan, went about grooming him for the ritual. The concubine was dressed in a white and blue caftan of watered silk. The hem and collar were embroidered with gold roses. A necklace of diamonds adorned his long, graceful neck. His face was lightly dusted with powder and his lips painted rose red with vegetable dye. His beautiful eyes were shaded with kohl.

The whoremaster slowly looked at himself in the mirror. His luxurious brown tresses had been brushed meticulously, giving it a lustrous sheen. A jeweled band circled his brow. Three serving women, Tamar included, were painstakingly affixing tiny gemstones to the strands of his hair. A second vial was offered to him with much hesitation by Liamina. Sighing, his lips parted to allow the woman to give him the drug to drink. When he had consumed all, Liamina got down on her knees once more and opened his caftan, pulling the garment down from his shoulders and baring his chest. With gentle care, she kneaded his filling, aching breasts. As he looked on, Liamina squeezed his nipples between her fingers, pearly white drops forming at the tips.

Kanbei closed his eyes for a moment, wanting to shut out his image in the mirror. But his reflection remained etched inside his mind. The image of a whore.

There were fearful expressions on the faces of the women when the whoremaster raised his hand, a clear order for them to stop.

"It's all right," he gave them a reassuring smile. "I could finish this on my own."

"But...we cannot," Tamar stammered. "Our Lord...the Amanushi...he would be very angry with us."

"His anger is the least of your worries. All of you, please leave me now. Better yet, leave Ain Mehira and don't look back."

Liamina fell to her knees before the concubine. Taking his hands, she begged him, "Please, dear Prince! You must come with us."

Kanbei smiled and brushed away the strand of hair that fell on her brow. "My destiny is here. I cannot leave this place. Liamina, please take care of sweet Zumillah for me. I will forever hold the memory of your daughter here in my heart."

"No," the serving woman shook her head. "You speak as though you're going to die. I won't let you stay here to die!"

"Better me than all of humanity." The whoremaster pressed his lips to Liamina's fingertips. One by one, he shook the hands of the weeping servant women. "Go now! Please! I will not have you die in this place with me."

Tamar eased a hesitant Liamina to her feet. Turning to their beloved Master, she asked, "Is there anything that we could do for you, my Prince? Any final service?"

"Yes, perhaps there is one last thing."

"What is it?"

Kanbei looked at the women through the mirror. He could see the hope in their eyes. "Pray for me."

As one, the women gazed upon him with concern, crestfallen that their Master was determined to remain. The four women gave the concubine a respectful bow before departing.

When he was finally alone, Kanbei took a deep breath, hoping to halt his tears with that sudden in-rush of air. His tears came, nonetheless, as he exhaled. He wrapped his arms around his body, hoping to calm his nerves. If only Moeru were here with him, perhaps he would have the strength and courage to meet his fate. And then there was Shichiroji. With his sworn love and tender kisses, the Samurai would have given his heart and soul a taste of freedom and Heaven.

The concubine stood up, shaking his head. // No, if they were here, they would just dissuade me from my cause. I have to do this, for the sake of all whom I love. But still, I would give anything just to hold them in my arms again. Forgive me, Shichiroji, Moeru, for letting you both down. I hope the two of you are together now. I don't want either of you to be alone. //

There was a soft tinkle as a ruby fell loose from his hair and landed on the tiled floor. He stared at the gemstone, lying between his bare feet with the jeweled ringlets glittering at his ankles. Rather than pick it up, Kanbei went towards his chest, not minding the gems that fell from his silk tresses. Kneeling, he opened the trunk. He reached under his old garments, removing the false bottom. Carefully, Kanbei pulled out his most prized possession.

As he pressed his cheek against it, the whoremaster's jaw hardened. Gazing out the window, he saw the shadow of the moon rising up to the sky for its rendezvous with the sun.

"If I am to die this day," the concubine swore firmly, "I swear I will not die a whore."

As he spoke this, two insidious voices whispered inside his head, "We are waiting for you, Little Prince. Are you ready?"

Kanbei wiped away his tears with his hands, his jaw hardening. "Give me a few minutes more. I'll be coming to you."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Where the hell is that whore?" Ukyo fumed and frothed at the mouth. "I told those women to bring him here once they were through prettying him up!"

The three warriors stood before the closed doors of the Odalisk's chamber. Same as Ukyo, Hyogo and Kikuchiyo were dressed in black robes, ready for the conjuring. Kikuchiyo glanced worriedly at the Samurai. Shichiroji was leaning casually against the wall, his hands tied behind his back. Sitting beside Shichiroji, with coal black eyes wide with fear, was Moeru.

The Samurai laughed mockingly, "Perhaps he has already escaped with those serving women."

Ukyo glared at his Brother. Striding towards Shichiroji, the Amanushi let his hand fly out, granting him a hard slap on the face. Moeru growled at Ukyo, but the Samurai extended his leg before the colt. Turning his face to the side, Shichiroji spat out blood from inside his mouth.

"Let's just say he hasn't escaped," Shichiroji began, an evil glint in his eye, "but do you think Kanbei a fool that he would ask the Odalisk to grant your wish? Your precious Little Taisho is not that stupid!"

"You still haven't gotten it into your thick skull?" Ukyo spat in Shichiroji's face. "As long as I have you and this poor excuse of a horse, my whore will do everything I say!"

"You don't know him like I do. You'll be making a big mistake if you underestimate him." The Samurai turned to Kikuchiyo, who had lowered his head in shame. "What about you, Kikuchiyo? I thought you loved Kanbei. Have you turned traitor as well?"

It was Ukyo who answered, "But, like you, he is also my prisoner. He has no choice but to obey."

Ignoring him, Shichiroji cried, "What the hell did he promise you, Kikuchiyo? That he would spare Kanbei? If you complete this ritual, you condemn Kanbei to eternal darkness! You'll doom us all!"

Somehow, Kikuchiyo managed to give Shichiroji a sorrowful smile. "I know what a big fool I am for allowing to go through with this. But things have already gone too far for us to stop. Only one man could do something about this, and I trust him. You spoke strongly that he is not to be underestimated. You must believe in him now, Shichiroji. Kanbei needs you to have faith in him."

Shichiroji fell silent. Kikuchiyo always manages to hit his words home. Despite his declaration earlier, the Samurai harbored serious doubts. He still had no idea which master Kanbei had chosen. So much is riding on that one choice. The outcome, however, would still be the same. If only he could share Kikuchiyo' faith.

"Giving up easily, Samurai?" Those two voices whispered insidiously inside his mind.

Shichiroji was about to speak, but Hyogo interrupted, "Shall I go and get the whore?"

Ukyo shook his head. "No need. He shall appear soon enough. But we could already begin the ceremony. Kanbei will not disobey me since we have his dear friends prisoner." The Amanushi grinned. "Give him a little incentive so to speak."

Going towards the closed doors, Ukyo, Hyogo and Kikuchiyo raised their arms above their heads and began to chant.

The Samurai glanced down to find Moeru looking up at him, the colt's eyes wide and alert.

"Did you hear it too, Moeru?" Shichiroji whispered to the little horse. "It was the Odalisk, wasn't it?"

Moeru quickly nodded.

Shichiroji moved so that his bound hands were waving before the colt's round eyes. "Help me free, Moeru. We must save Kanbei ourselves."

Moeru did not have to be told twice. He pressed his nose to the Warrior's hands and proceeded to gnaw through the ropes. Shichiroji waited impatiently for the colt to finish his task, all the while watching the other warriors as they chanted the spells of the ritual. Moeru had nearly cut the ropes when Ukyo suddenly lowered his arms.

"Something's wrong," the Amanushi declared.

Reaching out his hand, Ukyo pushed on one of the doors, and it slowly opened. A frown formed on his face as he looked at Hyogo. As one, Ukyo and Hyogo entered the chamber, with Kikuchiyo following behind them.

The Samurai had just freed himself from his bonds when he heard Ukyo bellow, "DAMN IT! IT'S NOT HERE!"

"Can't you see?" Kikuchiyo replied, with a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "It doesn't need us anymore. With Kanbei now willing, he himself is allowing the demon to tap into his powers lodged inside the Amesha Spenta Stone."

"Kanbei, you mustn't!" Shichiroji muttered under his breath as he let the ropes slip from his wrists. "You don't know what that thing might do!"

Before he could escape, the Samurai stopped in mid-step as a frigid aura enveloped his entire being, his vision wavering and dimming. Blinking hard, he found himself looking through the eyes of another, who was walking through the hallways of the Palace. This person, however, was not going to the catacombs; he was heading for the Throne Room. Reaching the chamber, there was an apprehensive pause before the ornate doors, followed by a quick glance down at the floor...and at the taisenshatou he held tightly in his hand.

A gasp escaped Shichiroji's throat, seeing the door of the Throne Room open a crack, and a male and female voice said invitingly, "Come in, Little Prince! We've been waiting for you!"

"KANBEI, NO!" Shichiroji cried out aloud and inside his mind.

In his ear, he heard Kanbei stammer, "Shichiroji? What? Where?"

The telepathic connection between them, however, was cut off. Having heard his cry, the three warriors rushed out of the demon's erstwhile prison, stopping at the doorway to stare at the Samurai. Ukyo immediately noticed the pallor on the Samurai's face.

"You know where they are!" the Amanushi of Ain Mehira shouted in accusation. "My whore and the demon!"

Before Ukyo could say anything more, Kikuchiyo shoved him aside, his large fist ramming into Hyogo's face. As he ran outside, the door was kicked close by a grinning Moeru.

Shichiroji called to the smart colt, "MOERU, RUN!"

Together, the two warriors and the colt ran through the catacombs, making their way through torturous hidden passageways in the hopes of eluding their pursuers, heading up to the Palace. Soon enough, they reached Shichiroji's chamber. To buy them time, the Samurai locked the hidden entrance. Sure enough, he heard a furious Ukyo and Hyogo banging on the door. Moeru whinnied excitedly, reminding the Samurai of the urgency of their mission. Nodding, the two friends hurried to the Throne Room.

Just as they turned at the main hallway, Shichiroji saw Kanbei standing before the Throne Room, its doors now wide open. The Samurai's breath was caught in his throat.

Instead of the usual desert garb, Kanbei had chosen to wear the clothing from his homeland. The concubine was clad in a white and brown frock uniform with a flowing white robe on top. A sash hung from his upper arms. His silky brown tresses were like a cascading waterfall down his back. The whoremaster looked every inch like the samurai that he was.

Hearing the noise, Kanbei turned to face Shichiroji and his friends. At first, both men could not speak. Then, a heartbreaking smile formed on his full lips, tears filling his chocolate brown eyes.

"Goodbye, Shichiroji, Kikuchiyo, Moeru!" Kanbei said softly, giving his lover a final bow.

"KANBEI, NO! DON'T!" cried the Samurai, breaking into a run, as the whoremaster took a step towards the room.

Before the Samurai could reach the older man, however, the doors slammed shut. Frantic, Shichiroji and Moeru banged and kicked on the doors with fists, feet and hooves, trying desperately to get in.

"Kanbei! KANBEI!" Shichiroji shouted in blind panic. "Open this damned door!"

There was familiar laughter behind him. Whirling, the Samurai faced the Amanushi and Hyogo.

"It's out of your hands now, Shichiroji-kun," Ukyo sneered at him. "You're too late! Kanbei belongs to the demon now!"

Sure enough, inside the Throne Room, the Odalisk declared, "So beautiful you are tonight. A true Prince!"

Cackling, Hyogo called out to the concubine within, "Don't forget your Master's wish if you want your lover to live!"

"DAMN YOU!" Shichiroji lunged at Ukyo, fingers bent into claws, eager to rip the Amanushi's head from his neck. Hyogo quickly stepped forward, brandishing his sword, ready to defend the evil ruler. Kikuchiyo grabbed Shichiroji back before Hyogo could attack, holding him in a bear hug.

"No, Shichiroji!" Kikuchiyo muttered in the Samurai's ear, his voice strained. "They're armed! You won't stand a chance against them!"

"Because of them," the Warrior pointed a furious finger at the two men, "Kanbei is going to die!"

Kikuchiyo slammed Shichiroji against the wall. "Get a hold of yourself! There is nothing we can do...for now. It's all up to Kanbei now."

"Damn it, Kikuchiyo! Are you saying that I should just stand here and do nothing while Kanbei...and that demon..."

"YES, WE MUST WAIT! Wait for Kanbei to perform what he is destined to do! Wait for the outcome!"

"And after... What happens after?"

"Have you forgotten that he is the champion in the prophecy?" Kikuchiyo rasped inside his ear.

Something long and hard was pressed into Shichiroji's hand. Kikuchiyo moved that same hand so that the spear was concealed behind his comrade's long leg as well as the length of his robe.

The mechanical samurai gazed at Shichiroji with firm determination. "After...it will be our turn to do what needs to be done."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Merciful Allah!" Masamune exclaimed, training his telescope in the direction of the city once more. "There are women out there!"

To everyone's surprise, it was the Sultan himself who rode out first. After brief glances at each other, Heihachi, Gorobei, and Kyuzo followed after him. Just as they reached the frightened stragglers, black-clad soldiers on horseback started pouring out of Ain Mehira. Taking off into the skies where the Nobuseri hordes.

"Come on! Hurry!" Kyuzo ordered as he pulled Tamar up on the saddle behind him. The other women went with Heihachi and Gorobei.

Liamina, however, countered, "No! We cannot leave! Our Master...he is still in there! Please! You must help me rescue him!"

A hand reached down to her. Looking up, she beheld the smiling face of the Sultan.

"It is Kanbei who told you to leave this place, did he not?" the Sultan inquired.

"Yes, but..."

"He would not order you this if he didn't want you safe."

"Please, Liamina!" Gorobei begged her. "We must go before the soldiers capture us. Think about your daughter, Zumillah!"

"I cannot leave my Master!" argued Liamina, tears trickling from her eyes. "If it were not for him, my daughter would be dead!"

"Then, live for your daughter, Liamina!" Kyuzo said firmly. "Heed Shinno's words! Do not let his sacrifice be in vain! Please come with us!"

For a moment, Liamina hesitated, glancing back at Ain Mehira and at the soldiers who were riding out. Nodding, she allowed the Sultan to help her get on his horse. Swiftly, the four men returned to their troops.

As the soldiers helped the women down from the horses, Heihachi asked breathlessly, "Where are they? Are they following us?"

Gorobei, however, shook his head. "No."

At that reply, they all gazed back at the oasis.

The soldiers and Nobuseri had formed a protective cordon around the city, all determined to defend Ain Mehira and their evil Master with their lives.

Masamune looked grimly at those dark-clad warriors, before turning his eyes to the heavens. The moon's shadow had already traversed half the distance between the horizon and the blazing sun.

"So..." the scribe softly remarked. "It has finally begun."


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