A side story to the character, Shiragami, Kunimori. A back story before the events of the story.
_____The ground is stained with the blood of the fallen. The air is fouled by the stench of rotting corpses. Such images are nothing new to me. As I stand in this lifeless wasteland, memories long lost flood back to me. Days I once loved. Days I once cherished. The memories that return to me bring me not happiness nor bliss; but pain and suffering. The scar my eye bears reminds me of that fateful day, and the vow I made to the one I fell in love with...
_____I lived in a peaceful village that resided in the outskirts of Tokyo. Everyone had little to no care in the world. During the days of peace, I would often venture into the woods that surround the village. Whenever I needed to be alone, or whether I needed to recollect my thoughts, the forest air would cure anything that bothered me. It was in the very same forest that I would meet the man that would not only change my life, but the course of the country.
_____One day, news of the deaths of my neighbors troubled me. The neighbors contracted some unknown disease that even our local doctors had no knowledge of. My parents told me not to worry, but to no avail. I refused to believe such healthy people to die so suddenly. I felt so much grief for the deceased, that I stormed out of my home, despite my parent's wishes. As usual, I headed toward the forest to clear my mind. I rushed toward what some may call a sanctuary. The essence of nature filled the area; a sacred ground that's been untouched by the problems of man. However, I felt as if my troubles were going to be intensified when I realized that another soul has found my sanctuary. It didn't take long for the person to notice my arrival.
_____“Oh. Are you lost?” The man looked no older than me. He seemed like any other person, but for some reason, he was somewhat different from the others. The sword he carried didn't make matters look any better. I shook my head and sat on the tree stump next to the grove of flowers. “What is a lovely lady like yourself doing in a place like this?”
_____I didn't answer. I was too troubled by the current events to talk.
_____“You look troubled. Is something the matter?” He started to approach me, but in response, I turned away. He stopped where he was and responded, “Is it so much trouble to be concerned with a beautiful maiden?” His response was somewhat soothing, but unwanted. The sanctuary I once treasure has been tainted. I decided to travel deeper into the woods, in search of another place I can call my own.
_____The swordsman quickly yelled, “Where are you going!? You shouldn't be going out there alone!!” His cries were useless. As he yelled, I ran deeper into the forest. I can hear his footsteps as he ran after me, but it didn't matter to me. After a few minutes, the sound of his footsteps slowly died away. It would seem that I finally lost him, however, due to my desperation to lose him, I got lost myself. I cursed myself for allowing myself to fall into such a predicament and began looking for a way home instead. It would seem my mind would have to find bliss some other day. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be given the satisfaction. One problem after another, I was surrounded by thieves.
_____“Well, well. Look at that pretty face... come with us, little girl.” As one of the three thieves approached, I became frantic and kicked the man between the legs. As the man fell, writhing in pain, the others attempted to approach me, which at that point, I started to run.
_____“Don't think you can get away, wench!” The thieves began chase. I was already tired from running from the swordsman, so it didn't take long for the thugs to catch up. Exhausted, I fell against one of the trees. “You gave us quite some trouble girl. You even attacked our boss. I feel sorry for you, but your life ends here.”
_____“You should feel sorry for yourselves...” The familiar voice caused me and the thieves to look where the voice was coming from. It seemed close, but no soul was seen. The thieves reached for their daggers, which made the swordsman I met earlier appear before us. He immediately killed the first thief with a swift blow across the chest. As the man fell, the other thug charged the swordsman. I watched as their blades clashed. The thief was skilled, but no match for his opponent's bloodied blade. As he attempted to block a blow from the swordsman, his dagger was shattered as a thunderous blow fell before his weapon and eventually his shoulder. The sword nearly cut the man in half, and blood splattered across the ground. The swordsman took a cloth and cleaned his blade. As he sheathed his blade, he turned to me and asked, “Are you alright?”
_____I nodded. This was the first time I've seen the death of man by the way of Bushido. I was stunned, but marveled in the execution.
_____“This is no place for a butterfly like you. Let's retreat to a nearby village.” I told him that I lived in a village that was nearby. As I told him, he looked shocked, and then he gave me a brief smile. “Is that so? I've been there before. Let's head toward your home then.” He suddenly lifted me from my feet and carried me on his back. “Let me carry you the rest of the way, alright?” I was a little surprised by his sudden gesture. He carried me home and as he did so, he said, “My name is Moriya Mishima. It is a pleasure to meet you.” In return, I told him my name and soon enough, we started to get to know each other as we headed toward the village.
_____We returned to my home and my parents scolded me for my actions. Afterwards, they thanked the swordsman and offered my home as their gratitude. He graciously accepted and stayed for a few days. Those days became weeks, which later became months. It was as if fate had drawn us together. During those months, it was inevitable that we fell in love with each other. It was also during that time is when I asked Moriya to teach me swordsmanship. He was hesitant at first, but eventually my persistence got the best of him. It didn't take long, as I soon became adept with the sword, that I even impressed him with how quick I learned. I thought that the days would remain like this forever. I was foolish to believe such lies.
_____It would seem that the village was falling under hard times when more and more people fell victim to that disease. I went to the forest to relieve myself, however, even nature couldn't heal my aching heart. That pain would soon come to reality when I saw smoke coming from the direction of the village. I rushed toward the village, only to see it in flames. Amidst the smoke I saw the emperor's soldiers igniting the homes in a fiery blaze. I rushed toward my home, only to see it engulfed by flames. As I searched for the arsonist, I couldn't believe my eyes. Moriya himself set my home, my village ablaze. Without any thought, I drew my sword and rushed toward him. He drew his own and knocked my blade out of my hands. He then struck me with an attack of his own, slicing my left eye. As I fell from the shock of the blow, I looked at the man I fell in love with.
_____“I'm sorry you had to see this, Kunimori. My true name is Agito Mutoshima, one of the emperor's generals. I must admit, I was going to poison you like the others, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. Someone so beautiful didn't deserve to die in such a manner. My love for you hasn't changed either. However, the orders I've received are absolute. You must hate me for what I've done. I will have no regrets when we meet again. I would love to die by your hands.” At that moment, he took his sword and returned it to it's sheath. He then threw it before me. “The blade before you is like my vision of you in the moonlit night. For now, I will return to my emperor. I'll be waiting...my love.” He bowed and then turned to disappear from my sight.
_____I love him, yet, I hate him. As I stood before the ruins of my home, I swore revenge upon the emperor and those who serve him. In my heart, I promised that I would honor Agito's wish and kill him with my own hands. To fulfill my promise, I would use a blade as dark as the night, but as brilliant as the moon; with this sword, I would become the deadly rose of the Black Lotus.
