Two-The mission

The sun hung low in the azure sky, the horizon in strokes of crimson and gold as Ryuu slowly rode his horse through the bustling streets of Hoshigaoko, having taken the entire day to travel from the southern lands to the capital. His horse, a robust steed of midnight hue was barely able to navigate the bustling crowd.He was enigma, his frame wrapped in an oversized cloak that concealed him, and a brown sack precariously balanced on one side of the saddle contained the bizarre head of the Koji demon. The air vibrated with laughter and music, colourful lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, thier warm glows dancing above the heads of festivals goers celebrating the sacred Matsuri for rain. The air was rich with the exotic fragrance of grilled fish and sweet rice cakes waffling through the crowd, mixed with the sound of flutes and drums. Riding straight towards the palace, he felt the heavy weight of the sack and grimaced, not at the demon head itself but at the ever looming sense of impending doom that accompanied every undertaking for the Emperor.

As he approached the grand palace gates, he dropped the cloak from his head, exposing his sharp features and onyx dark hair. The palace guards instantly recognized him, acknowledging him with curt nods as he rode inside. He dismounted as soon as he was inside and a palace guard quickly attended to his horse.

Within the palace, the vivid decoration of the rain festival bursted into view , a riot of colors adorned every surface. Ryuu could hardly see any palace staff as he strode to the caremonial hall where the officials and nobles were attending the festival held by the Emperor . He approached the enormous structure and the guards bowed, opening the door for him. Nobles and officials were seated according to thier privileges in rows of tables on each side , leaving a walking path that led to the throne.

The Emperor in his luxurious robes and shimmering crown sat on his throne, deep in conversation with the Empress. The crowd suddenly became silent as Ryuu walked in carrying with him a brown sack.

"General Ryuu", the Emperor , resplendent in robes dyed in the deep hues of twilight, golden dragon embroidery covering the arms of his robes, addressed him loudly as he approached . "You return in triumph?" he called out with a booming voice that carried over the thrumming heart of the festival. The crowd became dead silent, all cheer and chatter dying down as Ryuu approached the Emperor and bowed his head deeply,

'Your Majesty, l have bought with me the head of the demon that had troubled the southern villages 'He unfastened the sack and laid the severed head at the foot of the dais. The crowd gaped in horror and some in awe.

' It is done. Banish the darkness, the heaven are opening for us."the Emperor stood up, shouting.

The crowd started cheering and joyous cries resonated through the hall,echoing like a chant.

Ryuu stayed momentarily, enough to accept the congratulatal words of the nobles and officials but as the dancers took to the stage, swirling thier colourful skirts, he retired to his quarters, his house outside the place walls.

The grand house adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant tapestry was his sanctuary far removed from the bustling palace.

As dawn broke,the next day, Ryuu was immersed in his reading, after having woken up from yet another round of nightmare,the soft rustle of parchment and the flickering candle light created an atmosphere of calm. But that tranquility was shattered when a messenger arrived summoning him to the royal chambers.

'General, His Majesty requires your presence immediately'

Ryuu sighed, preparing himself for the discussion of duty and politics.

Inside the palace, he strutted to the west side where the Emperor quarters where located. The head eunuch announced his arrival and moments later, he was bowing to the Emperor. The Emperor was seated in his private quarters, reading the latest updates on a white scroll. He closed it, putting the scroll aside when he saw the general entering.

"Ryuu," he began, his expression grave,

"the time for festivity has ended too quickly. New troubles are surfacing"

Ryuu straightened, concerned at the seriousness of the Emperor's tone,

"what troubles your mind, your Majesty"

The Emperor paused for a while, playing with the ring on his finger,

" The black scorpions. "he stated, his voice low and hesitant , ''It is but a sinister fiction believed to be mere tales whispered around fireside in villagers.But recently, they have been reports that they are not only real but organized with intentions that threaten the very grain of our realm' s peace. "

Ryuu nodded, recalling vague stories of a cult that worshipped the darkness, shrouded in secrecy and fear.

"What would you have me do, your Majesty?"

"I need you to gather the truth, if the real black scorpions have returned or if these are amateurs. Uncover thier intentions before they strike. Gather a small force, to kage mountain where they were last sighted . Be discreet, blend in the shadows and cut the root of thier power"

A heavy silence followed, the weight of the decree anchoring Ryuu to the ground.

"With your word my Lord, they will not escape me. " Ryuu declared, his voice resolute.The weight of the duty surged over him greater than before, the demon he had slain was but a chapter.

He bowed respectfully and withdrew from the royal chamber.

The black scorpions were a mysterious dangerous group of mages that believed that the monarchy across the lands was an outdated system, one that needed to fall. The cult had been believed to have fallen having been defeated by Kagimo, the high Priest and the white army sixty years ago. Ryuu had only heard rumors and stories about thier dark rituals,thier ability to manipulate force beyond imagination. He would never shield himself from danger though, it was his duty.

Stuck in his thoughts ,he stood at the moon bridge, barely noticing the colourful fishs dancing in the water below or even Prince Takeshi who had approached him.

Ryuu found himself face to face with the prince, often seen as a playful soul amongst the court's somber realities. Today, however he seemed to have a seriousness about him,

"It's good that you are here, perhaps you can join me on the game hunt tomorrow. The nobles are always looking for pleasure thus father has commanded me to participate in the hunt, for celebrating the slain Koji" Ryuu who had agreed to join the prince for his morning walk halted and turned to Prince Takeshi , his brows furrowed,

"Your highness, l am afraid that l will not be able to. His Majesty has assigned me on a mission"

"Mission, what kind? You have slain a demon. A demon!, you can't even join on the celebrations"

" l am afraid that is the fate of a general." Ryuu shrugged nonchalently.

"The black scorpions, isn't?." the prince said quietly, his voice carrying more weight than normal, "He has been paranoid by them. Sakumi has been busy with talismans to bury around the Emperor 's quarters."

"Really?"

Prince Takeshi sighed. "You know how fragile the Emperor mind has become. He sees threats everywhere. Perhaps Sakumi 's involvement will ease his anxieties."

Takeshi looked at him, understanding the weight of thier conversion.

"And what will you do? Hunt the black scorpions under the Emperor' s order?"

Ryuu expression hardened,

"l follow orders. I will confront them with reason and justice to avoid bloodshed"

"You are loyal, I can only hope that someday you will serve me like you do my father." Ryuu lost with words, only gave him a small bow.

The air between them grew thick with anticipation and Ryuu offered an quick excuse to leave the prince's presence, contemplating the brewing storm. The sun rose higher, casting long shadows across the palace courtyard.