==

The plan was a success.



The agents peered curiously at the pile of warped steel and crushed rock. Beneath the tangle of concrete lay two loose ends, finally tied; Hanzo and Genji Shimada. The two had contacted the Clan to discuss relations; to repair what was once lost and restore what used to be. In a generous gesture, the Clan accepted. So a ceremony was had; a great celebration to relive past glories and to look to a new future.



However, the brothers had forgotten that when a dragon loses its wings, it becomes akin to a snake. So it is with the Shimada Clan.



The Shimada Clan does not tolerate treachery and abandonment; not even from the line of the founders. A choice was made. And tonight, the plan was set in motion.

—



A blinding flash. Searing pain. Then, silence.



Hanzo blinked into consciousness. His whole being screamed, his senses overflowing; telling him everything at once. He shuffled unsteadily to his feet, a motion which suddenly felt foreign and unbalanced. He could not feel his arms, because now there were none.



What happened? Was there an ambush? Somebody clearly wanted him dead. Where was everyone else? He was walking with the Clan members down an alley while talking to–



Panic suddenly set into his half-addled mind. He began frantically displacing rubble with his feet. Please, he thought, please no-



Some distance away, a young boy in bed could hear a pained wail, enraged and mournful. He pulled his blanket over his head, suddenly remembering the stories his Obasan has told him about the Oni that stalked the night and ate misbehaving children. He hasn’t seen one yet, but he was sure he just heard one call out. Across the sky, a blood moon slowly began to rise.



The Demon of Hanamura has been awoken. And he was hungry for vengeance.



===