As the cherry blossoms fell, I could feel the dusk coming. The shadows had grown strong, and among them my favorite student. He had always sought favor - acting rashly - little did he see, as he already was. He sought forbidden arts and foolishly I did not teach him, and maybe I never did. I remember banishing him from these grounds and now I must accept him back.
As I rose to my feet, I tired. My age has almost gotten the better of me. My son, Shen, helped me, "Father, why are you so sure of him being able to return? Believe me, he is my brother as you are my father, but he cannot be trusted."
"Silence, there will be balance, even if you do not understand."
It seemed he had become mildly upset, yet he held his tongue. He did not know my fate. He recognize something greater was in the works, though he did not have to agree with it's machinations.
Ionia has lost it's peace, if unrestrained power is needed to bring it - I must allow it for the future of balance in this land. As I walk through the gardens I contemplate on the past.
The red mists of war melting the land and its people, forging exiles. Among them was an orphan, one named Zed. He was my second son, and he always felt the need to impress me. Yet when it came to my son, he was always equal. He always spared with Shen, always coming to draws. I could not see how infuriated he was these outcomes, because I had trained them both personally. He sought forbidden techniques. Armed with a secret edge, my pupil challenged Shen, and this time he defeated my son. He expected praise and recognition in his moment of victory, but I knew Zed had used forbidden ways with his movements, and banished him. I was filled with anger and disappointment, and it had clouded my judgement. Now my decisions begin to manifest at my front door.
As I waited with sword in hand, I knew Zed and his disciples would be here soon. He seemed shocked that I was welcoming him when he arrived. I laid down my sword at his feet and began my greeting.
"I have failed you my pupil, I was wrong to banish you by doing so I have doomed you to darkness," I spoke, "Enter the temple, destroy the box, and lead your followers to balance."
I motioned for him to follow. As I began to walk, I faltered both Shen and Zed rushed to help. "This is for Zed alone, only he can accompany me into the temple." I ordered.
Shen and the school, along with Zed's disciples bowed towards me to accept my order. As the doors closed behind us, I could feel his confused stare upon my back. I chuckled a bit.
"What is so amusing?" he asked.
"Do you not understand why you are a guest?"
"I do not, especially when I sought overrun the temple."
"That is because you will, my son."
"Son? I am not Shen, do not mock me!"
"Zed, you are my son and you were always my favorite." I revealed to him.
"Do not try and sway me with trickery!"
"This is not any trick, this is fate."
"Old man, why do say these things?"
I glanced over at the youth, I could feel his sadness - his anger and confusion radiating onto me as if it were chilling breezes of winter.
"It is so the coming events will come to fruition, the Kinkou have become too weak to protect this land."
"Neither would Shen," I smiled, "I am old, and I need a successor in the near event of my passing, and I have chosen you."
"I thought you wanted me to destroy the box?"
"Oh, you will with time and you will restore balance, not to your own accord."
As we arrived in the sanctum containing the box, I could hear the slight murmur of a sob. As with most things he kept his mourning silent. My pupil walked over to the box, learning its secrets. When he finished he strode over to me and bowed, returning the gesture I smiled.
"Thank you, you have completed your training."
I heard Zed scream in pain at these revelations, closing my eyes I accepting my fate. Darkness would shroud Ionia for those who would harm it.
"What I have done... cannot be undone."
