They’ll skin me alive if they catch me. Too bad they never will.
   A barrage of waves traveled the surface of a lake, assaulting a young man with hair the color of forest leaves.
   I mean, even if they did. How would they know? Although drenched, he smiled, retaliating with his own barrage of waves. You know what. I’m not going to worry about that right now. I’m having way too much fun.
   Feminine laughter exploded into the quiet atmosphere like notes from a trumpet.
   A woman just as young, wiped droplets from her mahogany eyes. “Okay, okay, you win.”
   “Victorious yet again,” said the young man, impersonating a grandiose persona.
   Laughter ensued once more, this time a duet.
   Moonlight danced atop the young woman’s olive complexion as she reclined to a float. “You cheat.”
   The young man gave her a playful side-eye. “Never, you just suck.”
   She let out a mocking gasp as he reclined to float alongside her, his spiky hair swaying in the water. 
   “Why haven’t we come here before?” He gazed up at lantern-adorned chains suspended between the surrounding trees. “This is way better than that meadow you always take me to.”
   “You already know why—too risky.”
   Specks of lake water flicked about as he jolted up, his handsome face fraught with irritation. “I’m sick of sneaking around all the time.”
   “Oh, really? Isn’t that what your people are trained to do?” she asked with sarcasm.
   A grumpy look found him, but it soon crumbled behind the weight of a smirk. “This is totally different, and you know it.”
   “Can we just enjoy the water?”
   “Okay, but think about it. It’s been five months already and nothing’s happened. We could get away with anything at this point.”
   Flipping over, she rush-swam to shore.
   “Babe? Where are you going?” called the young man, his face scrunched in confusion. 
   Splashing water was the only response he received. 
   What’s up with her?
She ascended the sandy, underwater slope, exposing her fit physique to the summer breeze. Liquid beads dripped from her silver hair down her white bathing attire. A knit bag curled up beside tree roots lured her over. From it came a purple towel with a symbol emblazoned upon it. Full of frustration, she dried herself with it.
   The young man vacated the water as well then took pause. He couldn’t resist admiring the anatomic view with his steel-blue eyes. 
   Many sensual thoughts flew like comets through his mind. “You’re not going home already, are you? We have plenty of time.”
   “No, Obake. You have plenty of time. I don’t think you get it. If my mom ever finds out what I’m doing, she’ll…”
   Obake’s tongue shriveled up. Great, she hates me now.
   A dingy leather satchel waited for him. He pulled a plain towel from it then dried his black swim shorts and toned caramel skin. A white and purple kimono and setta sandals clothed the young woman. Subtle flickers of shame passed through her eyes. In a contemplative manner, she sat down, pushing tear-drop-shaped candies past her plump lips.
   Obake put on his black keikogi and zori sandals then sat beside her. 
   “Don’t worry.” His heart played the drums. “One day we won’t have to deal with all this.”
   “I hope so.”
   The strong trace of melancholia in her voice didn’t go ignored. 
   “You know, next time we meet we’ll be back in my neck of the woods. Want to go somewhere new or head to the usual spot?”
   “The usual spot. I could use some more relaxation.”
   A ruffle of bushes and shuffle of sand caught Obake’s ears. He and the young woman spun around with whiplike speed.
   “What do we have here?”
    The forest seemed to have learned speech—until an imposing man marched into the moonlight. He sported a conical hat, ebony hue and jian sword. His expensive armor bore a symbol identical to the one on the young woman’s towel.
   Oh shit, a Gazzo Samurai!
   “If it isn’t little Meilana, sneaking around in the early morning with some punk.”
   Obake scrambled to his feet, sand shoveling beneath them. “You know this guy?”
   Meilana stood up with caution, mumbling something unintelligible along the way, unable to peel her eyes from the new arrival.  
   A whistle released from the imposing samurai and the bushes began to shake. “The Grandmagistra isn’t going to be happy about this.”
   Nine additional men wearing the same armor surrounded the couple, their hostile energy suffocating the area.
   More of them? So much for never getting caught.    
   “I’m spending time with a friend. It’s no big deal,” said Meilana.
   “Where I come from, friends don’t cuddle together under the stars.” The imposing samurai snickered. “Especially not at Illumino Lake.”
   The other samurai snickered as well, Obake’s focus darting between them. Most looked average except for two. One of which could be mistaken for a child. The other, a pinkish man, carried extra weight that complemented his black beard and bald head, the sides of which sprouted stubborn spikes of hair.
   Meilana whispered through fastened teeth. “You need to make a run for it.”
   “Are you crazy?” Obake whispered back. “I’m not leaving you.”
   Her tone shifted to one of confidence. “I’ll be fine. They wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me.”
   What’s that all about?
   “Hey now, we like secrets too. Isn’t that right, fellas?” said the imposing samurai. 
   “Got that right boss,” said a large-nosed samurai, he and his companions nodding along.
   Meilana ambled closer, her arms outstretched like a zookeeper trying to calm a lion. “I’m sorry. Don’t tell my mom. I won’t sneak out again, I promise.”
   The imposing samurai rolled his shoulder in an irritated fashion. “No can do. I’ve maintained her trust for nearly a decade. I’m not going to screw that up for you and your hormones.”
   Is her mom somebody important?
   “Come on, Juroiza. Please!”
   “I said no!” Juroiza’s voice boomed with enough force to rival a demolition.
   Who does he think he’s talking to like that? Fire joined the blood coursing through Obake’s veins. “Hey! Do us all a favor and get the fuck out of here.”
   “Would you look at that? Seems we have a tough guy on our hands. What clan are you from, kid?” asked Juroiza.
   “All you need to know is I’m here visiting your wife.”
   Juroiza laughed aloud. “You’re a funny guy. I see why she likes you. Tell you what. I have a feeling you know how to fight. Why don’t you show me a thing or two?”
   Meilana’s eyes widened with worry as the other samurai murmured with excitement.
   “I’d love to,” said Obake vigorously.
   Meilana refused to move. “No. This isn’t necessary.”
   Juroiza reached for the embellished sword fastened to his back. Distress twisted Meilana’s features.
   Sliding past her, Obake snapped into a combat stance. “I’ll be fine.” Maybe I should’ve thought this through. How am I supposed to defend against that? Maybe I can take it from him.
   The child-sized samurai came forward to receive the sword.
   An exhale of relief spilled from the young man. Okay. Perfect.
   Obake rushed forward, catching everyone off guard. Jumping through the air, he delivered a kick designed to remove his opponent’s head. Juroiza’s arms shot up, blocking with the efficiency of steel bars. Obake followed with an elbow that became snagged in Juroiza’s palm. He cocked a fist but Obake was much too fast. Like a charging bull, he planted a foot in Juroiza’s gut. The samurai hunched over, breath shooting from his mouth. His gaze turned savage. He feinted a kick then switched to a punch that rocked Obake. 
   After shaking it off, Obake rushed forward again. I’m going to rip his head off! He evaded a series of jabs and hooks before countering with an uppercut that missed. He can’t dodge me forever.
   Throwing a kick in retaliation cost Juroiza another strike to the gut. His eyes bulged while saliva sprayed between his teeth. Obake concluded his combo with a hook of his own. It connected with such force that his enemy went flying. Like a wheel on the loose, Juroiza’s fancy hat bounced and rolled across the sand.
   Not so scary after all.
   Meilana and the other samurai stood dumbfounded. With ferocity, the samurai brandished their weapons and advanced.
   Juroiza thrust himself up. “No!”
   All of them halted, as though any further movement might make them combust. 
   “That was a mistake,” said Juroiza, prodding at the dribble of blood on his lips. 
   He launched a soaring knee to the head, but Obake repelled it with both hands. A leg sweep came next, when that missed, Juroiza front flipped.
   What is he—?
   A boot crashed onto Obake’s head like a falling stone. As his mind struggled to process the shock, he saw another boot headed his way. Seizing it, he pushed Juroiza down. As the samurai fell, he clenched Obake’s wrists then tossed him over. On impact, the sand stung Obake’s backside.
   Both combatants staggered back to their feet. A woozy spell embraced Obake, but that didn’t stop him from throwing a desperate punch. Catching the punch mid-strike, Juroiza jerked Obake into his knee. A heel then collided with Obake’s spine like an axe through wood. He hit the sand face-first, so hard it was a miracle blood didn’t burst out of him. A malevolent grin spread across Juroiza’s lips. He then shoved his opponent’s face into the sand with his foot.
   No, no! He’s trying to kill me. He’s trying to kill me!
   Obake’s nose sank into the sand, cutting off his air supply. He couldn’t breathe through his mouth either—sand flooding in, like an hourglass in reverse.
   I can’t go out like this. Not like this.
   Frothing with joy, Juroiza continued grinding Obake’s face into the sand. “That’s right. Go to sleep little man.”
   As Meilana rushed forward, two of the samurai manhandled her. She lurched free, then tossed an elbow at the large nose behind her. The samurai’s head whipped back with a dog-like yelp. She then clobbered the mustached samurai in front of her. Once again, she ran, but didn’t get far. Three additional samurai jumped in, restraining her like a vise grip. 
   To no avail, she squirmed and writhed. “Get off of him!” she said, frantic terror embedded in her words.
   Leave her alone, you bastards.
   Juroiza’s leg began lifting against his will. “What!”
   Sand trickled down Obake’s face as he rose up. I won’t let him win. 
   Saliva infused lumps of sand dropped from his mouth, granting a much-needed breath. Like a cornered wolf, he growled—eyes bloodshot, face vibrating with fury.
   Juroiza applied more pressure. “Get back down there!”
   With great force, Obake thrust upward, sending Juroiza stumbling back. 
   Unsteady, Obake got to his feet, fists raised. “Time for round two.”
   Meilana was beyond thrilled; Juroiza and the other samurai, however, looked anything but pleased.
   Retrieving his hat, Juroiza brushed it off then placed it on his head. “I have to hand it to you, kid—you’re one tough son of a bitch, but I think we’re done here.”
   He reclaimed his sword as well, then turned toward the forest. After another whistle, a deep thump echoed, then settled into a steady rhythm. Half a minute later, a gorgeous white stallion came trotting along. In a paternal manner, he caressed it. The stallion nudged against him, soaking up the attention.
   “Bring her to me,” he commanded.
   The samurai restraining Meilana dragged her over to their boss. She resisted with each step, but it didn’t help.
   “Get off her,” said Obake, shuffling toward them as best he could.
   “Shut up.” The black-bearded samurai shoved Obake. “That’s enough out of you.” His voice was thick and choppy.
   After forcing Meilana onto the stallion, Juroiza joined her. 
   The child-sized samurai made his approach. “Should we accompany you to meet her mother, sir?”
   “Imbecile. Never refer to the Grandmagistra that way. Show some damn respect.”
   The child-sized samurai winced. “Yes, sir. My apologies, sir.”
   Juroiza sighed. “I’ll ride ahead and take her back to the castle. The rest of you bring her little boyfriend. I still have questions.”
   Did I hear what I think I heard? No. I imagined it. There’s no way she’s her daughter. Right? As Obake contemplated, an epiphany washed over him like an icy wave. What do I really know about her? Her family is...? Well, she has a sister… I think. She has a dog. No, a cat… wait. I don’t know.
   His head spun with questions he wanted immediate answers to. Meilana looked back at him with unease and shame. 
   Her lips quivered then mouthed: “Go. Please.”
   Juroiza snapped the reins and set off. In a blink, Meilana was gone, the stallion’s hooves thundering in the distance.
   Although exhausted, Obake could feel his second wind approaching. Each of the samurai scowled at him, but only the black-bearded one spoke.
   “We’re going to have some fun with you first.”
   That doesn’t sound good. He sized each of them up. I can’t fight them all.
   “What did you have in mind, Agalo?” asked the child-sized samurai.
   Agalo looked upon Obake, considering his fate. “We’re going to take you someplace real fun.”
   Damn it. It’s true. They really are going to skin me alive. After that, they’ll feed me to some wild dogs. No. They’ll probably make me their slave first. I have to get out of here.
   Agalo gestured at his companions. “Let’s go, gentlemen.”
   In unison, all nine of them whistled. A melodic stampede answered. Nine horses of different colors and sizes galloped into the vicinity. The samurai mounted their steeds as Agalo circled behind Obake. 
   “Put your hands behind your back. Won’t have you doing your fancy moves on me.”
   Jangling chains filled Obake’s ears as cold metal kissed his wrists. Before Agalo could fasten the shackles, Obake headbutted him. Teeth dug into his skull but it didn’t slow him down one bit. He beelined for his satchel first, then for the one available horse. After mounting it, he gave it a hard smack on the rear. Soon enough, he was charging through the trees at great speed.      
   He glanced back, hoping luck would’ve taken his side; it hadn’t. All of the samurai were gaining on him. Agalo rode in tandem with the child-sized samurai, affording him the luxury of unoccupied hands. He drew many arrows and let a volley hit the night sky. Some arrows streaked past Obake’s head. Others ended up striking nearby trees. 
   Go faster!
   Five of the nine horsemen caught up, three in the rear, katanas at the ready. Two of the horsemen preferred weapons of a different variety, a bō staff and a hatchet. They rode up on either side, boxing Obake in. 
   Come on!
   Obake caught the bō staff swinging at him, tugged it away, then threw it back. It repelled off its owner with a rowdy thud. The hatchet came swinging next. After dodging each slash, Obake felt a vibration behind him.
   Don’t tell me…
   He looked back to find the bō staff wielder balancing along his horse’s spine. Grimy fingers soon laced around his throat. Every tree ahead blurred as the pressure intensified.
   Again, the hatchet came, and again it missed. Obake pivoted his horse, forcing the bō-staff wielder to lose balance and topple straight into the cleaving weapon. Blood gushed from the fatal neck wound in a sudden, cascading rush.
   Oh, shit… I’ve never…
   The bō-staff wielder’s eyes rolled back as he fell, the hatchet still lodged in his neck. A sickening crunch echoed with each roll of his body, and the shadows were quick to claim him.
   Unable to pry his eyes away, the hatchet wielder froze, giving Obake time to kick him in the chest. As he flew off his horse, he grabbed the saddle, but his fingers slipped. He dropped beneath his horse and was trampled. The snapping and cracking of his bones made Obake cringe.
   What did I just do?
   The horse balked, then circled back toward its fallen rider. At that moment, Obake heard another arrow whistle by. He turned to find that Agalo was firing at him again. His next arrow approached so low, Obake had to lie down. Zooming overhead, the arrow struck the horse near the ear. It squealed then fumbled over. Obake jumped to the bō staff wielder’s horse, which still ran alongside him. Upon landing, he peered up through the canopy. An enormous wall drew ever closer.
   I can’t let them follow me any further.
   Seven horsemen were still hot on his trail. He reached into his satchel; despite the commotion, it remained strapped to his body. After a bit of rummaging, he retrieved two kitchen knives. With precision, he threw them at his targets.
   One knife aimed at the horseman closest to Agalo, the one with the mustache. It hit him center mass, he flopped forward, dead. His body bobbed about in eerie fashion as the horse continued at full speed. Before long, the bloody corpse tumbled off, prompting the horse to slow down. The second knife went for Agalo and his child-sized partner. They saw it coming and swerved out of the way. It hit the horseman riding behind them, plunging deep into his eye. As he fell, his foot tangled in the reins, and he was dragged several feet before the horse realized.
   Five left!
   Obake pulled out a round, iron object with a button-like protrusion. Upon pushing it, the object became hot and started to smoke. He lobbed it behind himself, right into the path of his pursuers. Not a moment too soon, the child-sized samurai steered aside. The object hit the ground with a furious explosion. Nothing but smoke and debris met Obake’s eyes when he looked back.
   A horse then pierced through the smoke, followed by a second. Of those remaining, two horses didn’t make it out. The horses, along with their riders, took the full brunt of the explosion. When the smoke cleared, he saw them. Glued to the ground, they wailed together in agony, like ghosts singing in a quartet. Extensive damage befell the child-sized samurai as well, his throat sliced open from the shrapnel. He made a repugnant gurgling noise before Agalo shoved him off the horse.
   A feeling of disgust invaded Obake’s mind. I’ve never killed anyone. What am I now? A monster? He kicked the thoughts away and refocused. How do I get rid of these last two? Wait… that’s it. The Nuojo Grand Chasm!
   Veering off course, he headed straight for a gaping chasm. Speeding up, the final two horsemen passed Obake. Agalo hopped across the chasm with ease. The other horseman—his large nose now bloodied—jumped too, but came up short. He and his horse slammed against the chasm walls again and again before finally meeting the jagged rocks below. 
   With his nerves on fire, Obake pet his horse. “You can do this.”
   His attempt to boost the animal’s confidence failed. As soon as the horse saw the edge, it panicked then slid to a halt. Obake went airborne—right into the chasm’s air space. To his surprise, he cleared it, finding himself several feet above Agalo.
   Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!
   The bearded samurai aimed his bow, firing a single arrow. This time, Obake couldn’t evade. It impaled his right bicep; the pain was strong, but not stronger than his will to live. He twisted, slamming his shoulder into Agalo. They fell together, but Obake landed on top, driving Agalo into the rocky ground.