White and Black

Life, Identity

At the sound and light, the gathered crowd looked as one to the center of the arena. There, under a fading shower of fireworks, stood an unfamiliar figure and The Black Blade of Doom: Date Masamune. They faced each other and seemed ready to battle. From the southeastern quadrant, a gasp rang out. It was Katakura Kojūrō. Neither she nor Masuda Kita seemed thrilled at the appearance of another Date Masamune.   Indeed, there were some murmurs worming their way through the crowd. Wasn't Date Masamune dead, obliterated by Musashibō Benkei in the tournament? Mōri Motonari's voice cut through the muddle like a blade. She chided both the unknown figure and Masamune. There were no further fights scheduled that day and, what's more, their intrusion on the field when she was about to announce the champion's prize was far too presumptuous. At a swelling of support from the crowd, the two rivals backed down. They would have their battle after the ceremonies concluded.

Ryūzōji Kagetada had left the field to deliver the plush dolls of Yagyū Jūbei and Shōta into Ryūzaki Sanosuke's possession. She returned presently. As champion of the clan tournament, she and the Silver Meteor Storm were to receive prizes from the Mōri Clan.   It seemed, however, that Kagetada's own reward would only be announced tomorrow, along with that of the winner of the independent matches. For now, Mōri Motonari only put voice to the Silver Meteor Storm's prize. That was control over Chikuzen Province. Owned by the Mōri since their war with the Shimazu some time past, their continued occupation of Tachibana Castle had been a sore point with the Hashinara Clan, now allied with those very same Tachibana. Recently, Sanosuke himself had led a scheme composed by Takenaka Hanbei which resulted in a nonviolent takeover of Tachibana Castle and, effectively, Chikuzen Province. Motonari did not seem to know this, however. That, or this "prize" was a deliberate snub.   Meanwhile, the unknown figure (known to some as Matsumoto Ooawagaeri) had blipped out of the arena only to reappear as Fubuki in the midst of The Wolfpack. Right next to the sudden apparition, Tarō managed to keep his composure. Maxim, however, was not to be found. He was still discussing some...particulars with Vepar some distance away.   That was fine. Fubuki's aim had not been an audience with the Knight Commander in the first place. Rather, she* had simply stopped by to test something out. With a brief explanation, Fubuki offered an ethereally-shimmering blade to Tarō. His grip would tell if normal people could wield a Wampwyrd weapon without any ill effects. The eager ashigaru gripped Hakujitsumu in calloused hands and completely failed to bleed, mutate, or otherwise fall prey to horrific dreamstates. Other than commenting on the lightness of the blade, nothing else transpired. It seemed Wamp-forged items posed much less danger to humans than the creatures themselves.   Maxim, at that very moment, was resuming his conversation with Vepar about their shared future. The Knight Commander wished for some help with a problem later that night. Something related to their "list." Vepar, however, was not ready to offer her help so freely, even in pursuit of the aims of Wrath. She would help, but only for something in return. Something which would not harm Maxim, but which she was certain he would not like. They did not come to an agreement. Instead, Maxim left with an assurance that he would seek Vepar out later. It couldn't be hard to find someone of her impressive height (length?). Indeed, the demoness said that he'd find her with the Shimazu Clan, should he choose to look.   As the other demon left, Haures nearly erupted with barely-contained rage. If Ira Sathana was not keenly watching the actions of all her archdemons, Haures claimed, Vepar would have already been reduced to ash. Demons of Wrath did not cooperate easily. It seemed that only the promise of punishment from a greater power kept them from striking each other down at each meeting.   Returning to his group, Maxim stumbled upon a strange congregation. Fubuki, Tarō, Nagasone Kotetsu, and Kiban were all clustered around a shimmering longsword. Kiban swung it around, commenting on how it didn't have enough weight to be a real weapon, while Kotetsu seemed to agree. A weapon forged of tin couldn't be expected to keep an edge. Tarō, however, seemed more in favor of the thing. It was so light that even someone of his small stature could use it effectively.   The discussion seemed to be winding down and Kotetsu shot Maxim a dirty look as he approached. She obviously still had not forgiven him for wasting her time earlier that day. What's more, the poor knight still didn't have a satisfactory solution. Fortunately, Kitsuno did. Although still seated with the Hōjō princesses, Maxim's adviser had been counsel to his worries. A full contingent of little homunculi, each capable in lifting and smithing, stood ready to soothe Kotetsu's woes. Although she was admittedly a bit nonplussed at the burly-yet-diminutive pink figures, Kotetsu accepted the help. They would no doubt be of great help in making her deadline. Now a bit placated, the smith left to return to her work, a small army of homunculi trooping manfully behind her.   Finally, the battle was ready. The arena floor had been cleared and both Date Masamune and his unknown opponent had returned to its surface. All watched, rapt, as they prepared to face off against each other. This was certainly a curious match, as Masamune seemed intent on calling himself the "Black Blade." What's more, he declared his opponent a "pretender." Perhaps the leaders of the Date Clan might have had something to say about it, but they had since vanished from the stands.   The battle began with a fierce, "Have at you!" Neither side had at the other, however, as a sphere of utter darkness suddenly blanketed the arena floor. Those in the stands found themselves entirely unable to see what was happening within. Only Kashirin, with her aspect of darkness, could pierce that veil. Unfortunately, her reports to Maxim were vague at best.   Within the solid night, the true Black Blade sensed something rather than saw it. Turning, she* was just in time to parry an attack from a yet-unseen assailant. This was not Date Masamune, but Tomo Sukesada, a ninja who had been shamed by Fubuki during their battle during the "End of Igamono" incident. But Sukesada had been captured and imprisoned by Ryūzaki Sanosuke. What was she doing here?   In the end, it did not matter much. Despite her many advantages, Sukesada fumbled her strike at the pivotal moment. It was a simple matter for her target to deflect the strike and answer with one of her* own. The blow was near-fatal and Sukesada fell to the ground and did not move again. Perhaps fortunately, Date Masamune seemed as baffled by the darkness as anyone else. This was not, apparently, any part of his plot.   It seemed possible, then, that whoever was responsible for this benighted magic might still be within its radius. Gripping Jigenmaru and channeling magical energy into its blade, the true Black Blade rose slightly off the ground. Then, she* released all that force in a fiery explosion directed straight at Date Masamune. Although her* target was unharmed, the blast had its desired effect otherwise. Forced to defend themselves, no fewer than three other assailants were revealed within the black sphere. One of them was obviously behind this magic: a face from Ooawagaeri's past, Osakabe-hime.   Behind the furious princess and sweating Masamune, both Katakura Kojūrō and Masuda Kita were forced to abandon their hiding spots to avoid the flames. They had apparently planned on joining the fight on Masamune's side. Three enemies of Matsumoto Ooawagaeri, all striking at the same time, and apparently without knowledge of any of the others. Could this truly be coincidence?   Osakabe-hime was visibly seething with rage that her ambush had failed. She swore that, no matter what form he took, Matsumoto Ooawagaeri would never escape her vengeance. The wrath in her darkness was so great that, even far away in the stands, Maxim could sense it burning like a flame. Osakabe-hime snapped her fingers and the darkness fell away. Immediately, all could see the aftermath of what had transpired. Tomo Sukesada was on the ground, unconscious but alive, while Date Masamune and Osakabe-hime were only a little singed. The two other Date generals had not fared as well. Both Kojūrō and Kita bore visible wounds from Jigenmaru's fire.   Osakabe-hime seemed equally surprised to see Sukesada on the ground, but she recovered quickly. Moving forward with a sea of shadows at her feet, she began to press the attack on Ooawagaeri. Masamune joined as well, firing a shot from his pistol and following it up with a strike from his blade. Their target did not stand still for long, however, suddenly relocating atop the wall at the edge of the arena.   At the same moment, Sanosuke dashed into the arena and picked up Tomo Sukesada. Gently, but at speed, he returned to the stands and rejoined his group. The care he showed was curious, or perhaps not to anyone who knew Sanosuke well. Still, far more strange was the lithe figure now making its way across the stands to his position. Aotsuki Tsukamoto recognized him at once. It was the Bandaged Avenger who had ambushed and nearly killed him on a recent trip to Ōtsu Castle.   The Avenger did not seem hostile. Instead, he struck up a conversation with Sanosuke. Even so, Aotsuki could feel his own fist tighten in fury and anticipation. That man had almost killed Tama through his actions. To Sanosuke, the experience was certainly queer, but much less intense. This was apparently the man who had attacked Aotsuki, yet here he was addressing Sanosuke with a disarming familiarity. He wanted to speak with Tomo Sukesada and nothing else. Sanosuke, however, was not about to allow that, not least because the kunoichi had not yet awakened from her near-fatal wound.   Knowing that it would not be wise to press the issue with Sanosuke, much less while surrounded by his many allies, the Bandaged Avenger backed down. He requested that he be allowed to speak with Tomo Sukesada when she awoke, but was careful not to make any moves that could be taken as aggression.   Meanwhile, Date Masamune had joined Ooawagaeri for a duel on the wall overlooking the arena. Osakabe-hime stood closer to the bottom, supporting the combat with shadowy tendrils and midnight wolves arising from her darkness. Masuda Kita and Katakura Kojūrō moved to engage as well, but suddenly found themselves blocked by a massive figure in imposing armor. It was none other than Knight Commander Maxim, who politely but firmly asked them to back off from what was supposed to be a fair duel.   Kita, who was rubbing a sore spot on her head for some reason, took a moment to consult with Kojūrō. From so close, Maxim had little trouble catching their whispers. It was something about "just making a new one." Having heard enough, he commented on the secret conversation himself. This sent Kita into a rage and Maxim had the sudden opportunity to discover why many of the Hashinara did not like speaking with her. Insults and accusations aside, both of the Date generals were in poor shape. They had little chance of facing Maxim, so reluctantly agreed and quit the arena. As they left, Maxim thought he saw something in the darkness near the lee of the arena. Or perhaps it was just his imagination.   Back on the wall, Osakabe-hime lashed out, only to find that Aotsuki Tsukamoto was there deflecting her blows. Just like Maxim, he had an interest in keeping this to a fair duel. Therefore, he wouldn't intrude between Masamune and Ooawagaeri, but all other attacks would have to get through his stalwart shield first. For his part, Masamune took the opportunity to strike a manxome blow. His katana came down and met no resistance, slicing Ooawagaeri cleanly in half!   Aotsuki gaped. Masamune goggled. Osakabe-hime smiled.   After such a speech as that, to have his friend cleaved asunder right in front of him...Aotsuki felt sick. Yet something wasn't right. There, on the other side of the arena, stood the girl all now knew to be Ooawagaeri in disguise. She* was unmoving, but very much alive. Masamune whirled and put a bullet straight through the newcomer, only to have it ping harmlessly off the rock beyond. An illusion? To what purpose, if Ooawgaeri was already dead?   As the collected tried to figure out just what the heck was going on, a blurred figure shot past them and into the arena. It was the Bandaged Avenger. Rather than join the fight, however, he stopped short at Osakabe-hime's side. The Avenger's words were short and to the point, but none could miss their meaning. He seemed to offering Osakabe-hime a job. A second chance at vengeance, as the Black Blade seemed to have outmaneuvered her this time. As the princess seemed to consider this, a sound like "poof!" came from atop the wall. It was Ooawagaeri's body. Or rather, it wasn't. Where a cleanly-severed girl lay in pieces just before, now a plain-looking log did the same.   That seemed to cinch it. Osakabe-hime accepted the Bandaged Avenger's offer. Aware, perhaps, of a certain champion of Freedom lurking in the audience, he first asked her permission and then swept the princess into his arms. Together, they burst away from the fight and toward the opposite side of the arena. There were those who would not let their foes flee so easily, however.   In a moment, both Maxim and Ooawagaeri (perhaps the true Ooawagaeri, hidden in the shadows all this time) intercepted the Avenger's trajectory. Their quarry did not stop. As he passed by, however, he opened himself to a strike from both. Maxim lashed out with Hokkuken, a divine strike which was parried by a near-equal block. The wolfen blade rebounded off the Avenger's metal arm. Ooawagaeri struck then, swinging Susuki Masamune in a skillful arc. It was not enough, however. The Avenger's heavy hand slammed the blade out of the way and pushed its burning palm into Ooawagaeri's chest. Although his innate defenses kept any real damage at bay, a visible hole had still punched its way through Ooawagaeri's armor, stopping just short of the skin beneath.   Then, the Bandaged Avenger finished with a mighty leap. Over the stands, past the Shogun's box, and into the forest beyond. He was gone. The implications of what had just happened fell over the Hashinara generals. Their new foe, as he seemed to be, had not come to the tournament to fight. Rather, he was headhunting. For what remained unclear, but their enemies banding together could not be a good thing.   Such thoughts were not as close to Aotsuki's mind, however, as he was deep in a dialogue with The Black Blade of Doom: Date Masamune. The other seemed wounded, almost, that Aotsuki did not recognize him. Aotsuki Tsukamoto, the Black Blade's dear companion, with whom he'd struck down the Chōsokabe all that time* ago. Aotsuki could only give a sad smile. Unfortunately, the Man with the Golden Arm knew his friends, and the real Black Blade was not he. If he liked, Aotsuki suggested that Date Masamune could look in Kagami's mirror himself.   The other obliged. What Masamune expected to see in that mirror of truth is unclear. Perhaps he thought to witness Matsumoto Ooawagaeri's visage in the reflection. In truth, the reflection was unchanged. Masamune was himself, no more, no less, and no different. But if he was not the Black Blade, then just who was he?   Aotsuki had the answer. He was Date Masamune, Daimyō of the Date Clan. In response to the young lord's warm words, the blackness seemed to melt away from Masamune's armor. Soon, he was standing resplendent in plates as white as the clouds. He was not the Black Blade of Doom. No, he had simply been deluded by Osakabe-hime's dark magic. The White Blade of Hope: Date Masamune thanked Aotsuki for his help in seeing that.   And yet Aotsuki was not quite done. He suggested that Masamune didn't have to be the White Blade of Hope either, if he didn't want to. It was okay for him to be his own person. That thought seemed to sit heavy in Masamune's mind for a long moment. Then, he flicked his sword out and pointed it accusingly across the arena. At first, Maxim thought that it was a challenge to him, but the White Blade's target was obviously Ooawagaeri.   Masamune fired no bullet nor released any secret technique. Instead, he suggested a truce, for now. The White Blade had much to think about, and perhaps a score to settle. To have been corrupted by darkness, even so temporarily, did not sit well with him. Without hesitation, Ooawagaeri agreed. Was that a smirk on her* darkened face, or merely a trick of the light? Regardless, Masamune took his leave. His own person? He had much to think about.   As silence descended upon the arena, all eyes turned once again to Ooawagaeri. The true Black Blade addressed the crowd, thanking them for staying for the unscheduled post-match entertainment and requesting that they look forward to tomorrow's matches. Another explosion of fireworks burst from the ground around her*. When the sparks cleared, the space was empty once again.