Aya

By Justin Vim

As the two travel throughout the world pursuing their mission of revenge, they will come across many different forces and many hidden worlds. Some of these people will be helpful for Aya and Ajax's goal. People will be equally vengeful towards the same people the Okura's are hunting. As Ajax and Aya Okura follow down this dangerous path, they must decide what is right for both them and humanity. Will they continue to hunt this treacherous path, killing elite players of hidden societies? Or will the siblings cut their ties, abandon their path of rage, and find their redemption away from death and violence?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781667885353

Book preview

Aya

Copyright @ 2023 Justin Vim

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious.  Any likeness to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1-66-7-88535-3

Table of Contents

Act 1: Revenge

1 Shogunobi, Junin-Kage, and the USA

2 Cataclysm

3 The Okura Siblings/Brotherhood

4 The Plan

5 The Myers Brothers

6 The Heist Pt. 1

7 The Heist Pt. 2

Act 2: Vicious Cycle

8 A Quiet Life

9 The Lost Case

10 Making a Monster

11 Ajax Okura vs. The Junin-Kage

12 Everything Ends In Fire

13 Atom Andromeda

14 AYA

15 Epilogue

Act 1: Revenge

I was once blessed with my faith, but then the universe offered me knowledge into our own reality. I forsook everything I knew in order to find answers to our being. The world would hate me for it, my people would hate me for it, but what I would find was miraculously inexplicable. When I dove off the edge of the known world, I discovered infinite others almost identical to ours. I found infinite creations that have never been seen, never been known. I got a look into the future, into the death, carnage, and hate this world has to offer. Never in my life would I have imagined becoming the person I am, or do the things I will do, but it is because of what I have seen and know that I choose this path. I carry my faith in my heart, but this knowledge will always fall on my shoulders. And that’s the issue with knowledge.

The more you learn, the less you know. For the knowledge we know is but a drop in a well. A well that as you dive into it becomes an ocean, a galaxy, a universe. And once you see the knowledge and the entirety of creation, you realize the only path to righteousness, to peace and freedom, is by doing the unthinkable. Our biggest fear is finding what is on the other side of life once you die. If given the opportunity to see it for yourself, you’d surely realize that death is the only way to our goals. I may do unforgivable things in this life, but I know it’ll be worth it in the end. Once I meet the Creator and can see the ocean of knowledge the way it is intended, our world will be saved. –A.A.

A group of men and women walked through a large meadow. The grass was lush and green, blowing softly in the wind. In this group were all people of oriental descent, and most were wearing traditional armor. Of these thirteen individuals six were males, six were females, and one was a child. They walked along the beautiful meadow, some stomping along in their threatening Shogunobi gear. A total of six men and women, including the young boy, were wearing traditional Hakama and Kimono. All of these people were well equipped, carrying katanas and daggers on their hips and legs. The year was 1953. Ajax Okura, the ten-year-old boy, trod along quietly behind the council members. He was following the four elders, leaders of the Okura Clan. The eight warriors carefully scouted and maneuvered around the elders to protect their masters and leaders.

A few more minutes, the elder in the front announced in Japanese to the back of his clan. A younger woman, no older than thirty years of age, looked back to the young Ajax Okura. Seeing sadness on the young boy’s face, she nudged the younger elder next to her. He looked over to the elder to his right with confusion. She gave him a gnarly stare and locked her eyes with the boy’s. The young man, around the same age as his equal beside him, finally realized what she was trying to do. He looked back hastily and saw the child in distress. The man looked back to the woman as she gave him an even more dangerous stare. He flinched in terror and turned back to the young boy. 

Raikou Okura was a newly appointed elder, meaning his title as Shogunobi had proven so fierce and just that he became a master in his clan. A well-renowned achievement for the Shogunobi. His wife, to the right of him, was Hiriko Okura. She had been in the Okura clan since she was around five years old. Yet her inner fire burned through like that of a dragon, and within a decade she had become an elder. Her ferocity won the heart of Raikou, and they married shortly after at the age of sixteen. A few years after that they had their son, Ajax, and had been training him in their ways.

Raikou quickly addressed his son in fear of his wife. You know what is about to happen? Raikou asked him.

I’ve read the history many times. I’ve studied the war strategies and tactics over and over. I don’t need to know the details; I know what the outcome will be, Ajax replied.

Raikou looked to his saddened son with shock, as he turned back to see his wife smiling, but still looking forward. Raikou shook his head. You’re much like your mother. I’m glad you have that intelligence, son. But do you know why we exist? Do you know our true purpose for being Shogunobi? The reason our enemy formed? Raikou asked seriously.

Ajax looked at his father more curiously. Like why did the Shogunobi and Junin-Kage come to be? Father, you have told me this since I was an infant. I heard it every single day. I know this story in and out, he replied with annoyance.

Then tell me the story, son, Raikou replied.

Ajax went to answer but found himself unable to speak with complete thought. He closed his mouth in shame as his arrogance left him.

Son, just because I’ve told you things before doesn’t mean you comprehend them right away. Now be quiet so I can tell you the story before we arrive, Raikou said as Ajax kept his mouth shut. Now this was many centuries ago. Our ancestors roamed the earth with beauty, might, and vigilance. As chaos consumed the lands of Asia, order had to be maintained. So, one day a great man by the name of Minamoto Yoritomo formed an allegiance with men and warriors from all of Asia. His family were the first to be deemed Shogun; that’s when he united and formed the Shogunobi. Our job is to protect those who face harm and danger from the wicked, from the corrupt, and from the demons that roam the earth and consume our hearts. We helped unite and form what you know as China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and many other nations. Of course, most knew us by another name. You remember what we are known as, my son? Raikou asked.

Yes, Father, Shogunobi are what’s known in the common world as Samurai, and the Junin-Kage are ninjas, right? Ajax answered.

Exactly, son. We were both bold and silent in our methods of protecting the people. Some cultures hated our presence, so we could not jeopardize ruining relationships with our work. Things were great for quite a long time, until three of our houses fled and began terrorizing villages and farmers. They began taxing the farmers and seizing half of the supplies from towns. Soon half of our factions and villages that had rallied under us became ransacked and war-stricken. That’s when we realized the horror done by our own kind, Raikou said with a heavy heart.

 "Our clans found one of the rogue houses, and they promised to reveal all they had done in return for asylum. We agreed and searched to stop the terror brought upon our fellow Shogunobi, only to find that there was already a war brewing amongst the towns and villages across Japan. We tracked both our rogue Shogunobi and unknown attackers down after months, but only found corpses and half-eaten bodies left in the wilderness. The Shogunobi found local survivors and got them to say what they had known. Our men found out that the farmers and local villages became fed up with the soldiers pushing them around. The locals revolted and began attacking and annihilating the warriors in the middle of the night from behind while they were going to the restroom. Many wicked and conniving tricks were unleashed on these rogue Shogunobi.

"The Empress at the time was red with anger—she wanted revenge to be had. She tried to remain calm and take it as their punishment, but she knew she’d be looked on as weak for letting common folk do this to her military. She sent a famous house,  along with the leader of their Shogunobi, known as Drakujin. The warrior tracked him and his rogue shoguns when he ran into the leader of the revolt of the villagers. A man known as Ono would come into play and form the Junin-Kage. He was taken prisoner by Drakujin, but none of the Shogunobi were prepared for his followers’ loyalty. The Junin-Kage, newly formed, had ambushed the Shogunobi in the night, killed, and shamed many of the warriors. The Empress learned of the attack, and from there starts a war with her own nation. Ono would use this to his advantage and gain control in nations such as Japan, Korea, and China.

That’s when our never-ending war started. Throughout all our history our main enemy has been the Junin-Kage. While our soldiers wore armor and used traditional weapons and military strategies, the Junin-Kage would wear light armor and dark clothing to sneak around. They used many farming tools and basic ingredients to conjure bombs and pellets to blind and stun us, or even poison. These wars have been in favor of both sides, sometimes barely winning or winning with no chance from the other side. And here we are again today, ready for another battle.

Ajax scrunched his brow as his father stopped speaking. And now? Do you think we have a winning chance? I’ve heard stories about the new leader in the Junin-Kage. Makoto is a well-established warrior. In fact, he hasn’t lost a battle yet.

Raikou smiled. He patted his son in the back and looked him in the eye while the rest of the group continued walking. We all lose at some point, my son. It’s the way of life. Is that why you are down? You’re afraid we’re going to go to war, and you will lose? Raikou asked.

I just don’t want to disappoint you, Ajax said.

Ajax, you could never disappoint me. It’s your mother you need to worry about. She’s the crazy woman from a local village who became elder faster than anyone since Minamoto Yoritomo himself. Raikou joked as father and son laughed. Listen, my son, there will always be warriors stronger than you, faster than you, even smarter than you. The goal in being a fine warrior isn’t being better than this person or enemy, it’s being the strongest you that you can be. If you can hone all your strengths and learn all of your weakness, then you have more knowledge than any enemy will ever have on you. As long as you know what will break you, and what you can break others with, you will be fine, son.

Ajax smiled and felt more comfortable now. So, am I going to battle? he asked.

Possibly, I’m hoping not, Raikou revealed.

Why? I thought you weren’t afraid of the Junin-Kage, Ajax mocked.

Raikou shook his head. I’m afraid we’re not going to meet to Junin-Kage. The people we are dealing with are an entirely different breed. We are facing forces of dangerous intent. The Devils in the West, he replied.

Ajax became much more serious. The United States? The ones responsible for Hiroshima and Nagasaki? he asked with a loss of breath.

Yes, the very ones, but we cannot judge them all based on a few people’s actions. Do not forget our history, son. Our people started that feud with the US, we have done just as many bad things as them. But yes, they have demanded a meeting with us, Raikou informed his son.

The two stood for a moment in disbelief of the current situation. Ajax was just a toddler during World War II, but the stain of the bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forever stuck with the nation of Japan.

Raikou! the lead elder called out from afar. Raikou and Ajax followed quickly and rejoined the squad.

How was it? Hiriko asked her husband.

You know, life lessons and preparation for what is to come. Usual stuff, not really up the Drake woman’s alley of conversation. Raikou said not even trying to hide his sarcasm.

Hiriko giggled as they neared the rendezvous. In a large space in the middle of the plains, there were a couple dozen soldiers waiting. A man stood confidently in the front with a child about the same age as Ajax. The multiple soldiers surrounding the blond-haired man and boy were equipped with assault rifles and military weaponry. The man was no older than thirty, yet his stance, his confidence, and lack of worry were intimidating. He smiled as he saw the Samurai walk in their traditional garb. The traveling group slowly approached as the American man in front spoke. 

The Okura clan. The strongest clan of all the Shogunobi. Hanzo Okura, Jai Okura, Hiriko Okura, and Raikou Okura. It is a pleasure to meet you all, you’re all well-known fighters in the unknown world. I’m Atlas, and I’ve asked you here to make a deal, the man said, announcing his enemies and himself.

Is it smart to have a child in the front of a possibly dangerous meeting? Jai Okura asked.

Well, he’s part of the deal, Atlas stated. This boy has a great mind, and together we have come up with a new chance for a better world. A better world for all of us. You see, I’ve been studying many things that this world has spit out into existence. Things you wouldn’t imagine. Even hearing about your kind, I was amazed.

We know who you are, Atlas, Hanzo said. You have an infamous title. A warmonger, ruthless soldier, evil genius. You set out in World War Two with a vengeance, and you achieved that goal very well. Your deeds were deemed too valuable for public knowledge, so the government hid them all during the war. We were there, though, Atlas. We remember your dangerous hands. Not many men can live to talk about you, but I must say, you gave the United States its term Devils in the West. Is it true? Were you really one of the people who helped the Americans with Project Manhattan? Did you help create the atom bomb? Hanzo asked.

Atlas smiled. He looked to the rest of the Shogunobi and scoffed. No, I did not create the atomic bomb. I wish I could take credit for that but it was not me. I was the one who found the scientists to help create it, though, and I did have a say in whether to use it.

At this, many of the Shogunobi become upset and slowly unsheathed their swords. Jai Okura, the elder in the front, raised her hand to stop the warriors.

What is it you want from us, Shinigami? Hanzo asked.

Atlas smiled. I hear your war with the Junin-Kage has not been in your favor. There are over fifteen clans in the Shogunobi now. But since the last couple of years after Makoto became leader of the Junin-Kage you’ve been at war with them. They have taken over four of your households already. They even seem to be taking aim at your household, taunting you to face them head on in battle. I hate to say it, but the way it’s looking, Makoto will take over the Shogunobi in the next twenty years or less. Atlas paused, then continued. That’s if you don’t gain allies. That’s why I’m here. The US wants to help you in your war, supply you with all the firepower you need, in return for partnership in your land, he announced.

The elders were shocked at how much Atlas knew. Ajax listened from the back and was also worried about outsiders having knowledge of his clan.

How much land do you want? Hiriko questioned.

Half, Atlas stated, and the elders murmured amongst themselves.

You really live up to the legends, Hanzo said. Some say your real name isn’t even Atlas. They say you were given that name because of your many travels around the world. You’ve seen things in this life, in hidden pockets of this life, false dimensions, you really are something. I am not certain how you know of our current affairs, but I can feel the danger radiating off you. It surrounds you and your men and wraps itself into that boy. It doesn’t matter our situation, we will never surrender our history, our culture, over to you.

Atlas’s face dropped, and it took him a moment to reply. Listen, we’re trying to help you. You won’t make it long without assistance. Let’s face it, after the war, we crippled the Japanese economy, your military disbanded, and only you were left as the large law enforcement. We even managed to take away your House’s peculiar gifts after the bombs dropped. Because of the war your people are leaving your traditions in the past. Soon you might be only a memory. You owe us reparations for your actions. We’re trying to work with you, there’s no need to get angry with change. Ultimately us being here will boost your economy and safety tenfold, Atlas announced.

We already paid enough for our mistakes. Or have you forgotten the depths your people went through to end this war? Jai replied.

Atlas exhaled heavily. I would choose your next words wisely; you might just find yourselves in another war, he snapped.

The Shogunobi stayed quiet. The soldiers stayed still, ready for a fight. The air dripped with tension.

Listen here, Atlas stated. I’ve sacrificed much of my reputation to try and work a deal with you goons. If you can’t see my generosity, then you will be handled with the might of the greatest nation on earth. We will get what we want, we always do. So, realize the chance you’re being given, and stop risking the lives of your people over your pride.

The Okuras stayed quiet, looking around at one another. They nodded and looked to the newest elder, Raikou. Raikou looked to his son and nodded in reassurance. Raikou walked to the front and faced Atlas. Atlas looked at the young Japanese man fearlessly and waited for an attack.

This is your one chance, Raikou said. Leave now, or you will face the wrath of the entire Okura Household. You have four hours to leave Japan, or we will be forced to deal with you in lethal matters. If you try to approach me, I will be forced to use the wrath and gifts handed down to me by my ancestors.

Atlas snarled in anger as his young partner crept back behind the crew of soldiers, who by now had raised their weapons. Are you sure you want to test me, boy? Atlas sneered.

Raikou unsheathed his dual swords and drove them right in front of Atlas’s face. The soldiers shouted and aimed as the Shogunobi drew their weapons and readied for battle. Raikou stared at the leader as Atlas watched the blades fearlessly.

You’re gonna regret that someday. Jordan, let’s head out, Atlas announced as the boy and his soldiers followed behind him. The Okura Clan waited until the soldiers were out of sight before heading back home.

You were very brave, Hiriko said as she kissed her husband, Raikou.

To be honest, my wife, I wish it were you out there fighting. You were always the better fighter, Raikou said nervously.

Hiriko laughed as she blushed over the compliment. Well, you can only blame yourself for that, she said as she rubbed her belly. Her stomach was round as she was far along in her pregnancy.

As the Shogunobi walked back to the Okura Clan to deliver the news, Ajax asked, Do you know if I’ll have a brother or a sister?

We’re not sure yet, honey. We will know soon. She should be here in the next month or so, Hiriko said. The boy smiled as he looked upon his confident mother.

The Okura clan headed back home, which took them a day and a half to reach. Hiriko was told to stay home and nurse her health due to the expecting child. Hanzo, Jai, and Raikou returned to the full council of elders and revealed what Atlas had told them. As the elders pondered their next moves with the US and Junin-Kage, they knew they must decide if they had resources to continue their battles.

Raikou spent the next few nights stuck in the head dojo with the rest of the elders arguing to ensure their success and protection of traditions. While the Okura household struggled to find answers, Atlas and his protégé were plotting up a new plan to achieve their goals. Atlas, the young boy, and a few soldiers rode in a helicopter, flying across the lands of Japan. They flew in on a small island off the coast a few miles and landed. 

Atlas walked with his protégé, Jordan Lowell, as the soldiers cleared the path for them. Have you been paying attention? Atlas asked.

Yes. It’s quite impressive. I don’t understand how you managed to be right about everything so far, Jordan replied.

Atlas smirked. It’s intuition, kid. With it I’ve learned all the patterns in life. With the tales of history on my side, I can bend what will happen by simply using my resources. We will not grow up to be losers, Jordan. Even if we fail, our visions will carry on to the new world and shape our world forever. I promise you that. Atlas rubbed the young boy’s back.

Jordan was pushed ahead of Atlas as he quickly followed the dark trail. They walked for miles before they reached any civilization.

Do you remember what I told you last year when you fully became my disciple? Atlas asked Jordan.

"I will make this world blind by the true horrors of our work. But because of the sacrifice I made in my Era, the world over will forever receive the benefits of our efforts," Jordan quoted.

Atlas smiled. Good. Now let’s go meet our next ally, he announced.

About a dozen soldiers followed the blond-haired man with blue eyes, but three of them stood out. One, a large muscular Samoan man with long dark hair and a long beard, had a threatening glare. Another was a woman in a combat suit and the same height as her boss, Atlas. She had long black hair and her brown eyes could trick and seduce nearly anyone. The last man was a short Asian man, but not of Japanese descent. He wore regular clothing and only had a few weapons on him. His hair was short, and face was cleanly shaved. As the soldiers approached the large village, they were quickly surrounded by men in dark and stealthy clothing.

We are here to speak to your leader, Atlas announced in Japanese.

The men were led to the center of town where they were met by more official-looking soldiers. Who are you? a man asked in Japanese.

Atlas. These are my men, Atlas replied in the native language.

The crowd murmured and then fell silent as a tall Asian man crept out of the tent fifteen yards away. He rushed to the area and scouted the men. Atlas. As in THE Atlas? the man asked in English.

Atlas nodded. You must be Makoto. I’ve heard many things about you, Atlas replied.

Get us drinks. Tonight, we are to celebrate. Come with me, Atlas, Makoto announced as the men entered Makoto’s large war tent. They began drinking heavily and discussing Atlas and his plans. So, you plan to use the wicked temptations of man to take what you need? Sounds about right coming from an American, Makoto announced.

And you, ninja? Atlas said. How are you any different? We all do what we need to in order to survive. We do whatever it takes to make something of ourselves. We can help each other here, or we can take things to extreme measures. We don’t want to come down to ruthless measures here. We just need to get rid of our competition. We need to make way for new ventures in the modern world, Atlas said as he drank. Makoto drank his beverage and slammed it down when it was empty. 

We are Junin-Kage, you motherfucker, Makoto slurred.

Sorry, Junin-Kage. My apologies, Makoto, Atlas said with his head weaving.

For a thousand years, the Junin-Kage have fought the Shogunobi because of their corrupt nature. If I help you, how would that be different? Helping a government that only wishes to take from its people? Makoto questioned.

The men stopped for a moment so they could finish their beers. They both walked outside and took a piss on the ground.

Your people, the Junin-Kage, from what I learned about the history, are very formidable assassins. And they will do just about anything for the right price. So, what if I give you an offer so ridiculous that your jaw would hit the floor if I said it out loud? Atlas said as he zipped up his pants. The two men came back in and threw their drunken bodies back on the ground on the padded floor.

You see, all you would be doing, Makoto, is wiping out your archenemy. The Shogunobi and Junin-Kage have fought for a thousand years, and you have an opportunity to finish your organization’s mission. You wipe out the Shogunobi, Japan is all for you. You let us have certain pieces of land for purposes left up to the United States government, and we go about our separate business. We will take a small percentage of the women in Japan and start using them in our businesses, bars, clubs, et cetera. You let us do this, and every month you will get your payout for simply looking the other way. You will never have to deal with us again. We can end this battle with the Okura’s in a month if you agree to work with us.

Makoto reflected on his options. He looked across the room and saw his only child, a young girl barely old enough to wear the Junin-Kage garb. He worried about her but knew rejecting the American would cause just as much trouble as working with him. Makoto thought about whether it was worth it, and then decided. Okay, I’m going to take a chance. Once we wipe out the Okura household, our work together is finished. You get the land, and you take your women here and there for your personal pleasure and that is it. I get the money and resources promised from you. And we never cross paths again. And if you dare step on my toes, I will have no choice but to retaliate and come at you with full force. Does that sound good? Makoto asked.

Atlas chuckled. I was going to say the same exact thing. Sounds like we have a deal. Atlas brought out paperwork for Makoto to sign. He gave the man a pen and stuck his hand out for a handshake. Makoto sighed as he looked over the paperwork. He looked up at Atlas and shook his hand. 

 Two days after their encounter, Atlas and his newfound ally Makoto set out to conquer their enemy. Makoto and hundreds of men fled off toward the house of the Okura Clan. Atlas and his soldiers, along with the boy Jordan, all headed for the clan’s temples from the east. Multiple helicopters readied their blades as the hundred-plus members of the group began to make their assault. Atlas guided his young protégé toward their helicopter. They entered with a small crew and then flew in a different direction than the Junin-Kage, led by Makoto. Makoto led the assault of warriors from the south as they headed toward their enemies. It would be some time before they arrived, so the men conserved their energy as best as they could while speeding through the forest.

Master, why would we ever work with the Americans? They are our enemy as much as the Shogunobi are, a Junin-Kage leader said as he approached the master Makoto.

We must look past what was and behold what could be. These American men, they’re fucking savages. So are we, and that is our only similarity. Once we achieve our goals, we will have no ties to them. Especially Atlas. He is dangerous. Someone so self-aware does not come around often. He knows more things than even I. But that matters not, for we are the masters of our craft, the shadows are our ally, and the swift strike of our hands plunge through the enemy of our people. Let’s put an end to these claims of the Great Okura clan, Makoto replied vaguely to his disciple. They pushed forward as the sun rose slowly.

Atlas sat beside Jordan as they flew close to a mountainside. Have you been paying attention? Atlas asked.

Yes. I must say, I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to be learning. Why do you train and discipline me the way you do? Jordan said as he lowered his head.

Atlas clenched his jaw and looked directly at the young boy. You know, when you go to war, you learn how evil men can truly be. I was a mere boy when I first experienced war. I knew very little of our enemy, but he was considered the greatest there was. As his armies claimed our lands and our leaders were forced to flee and hide, we were trapped. Brave men and women gathered all they could, and all the allies that would join them, and they fought back. So many people died that day, bodies toppled on top of each other. Women and children slaughtered in front of their homes. Buildings destroyed, structures burned to ash. We came out on top, and I thought that would be the end of my troubles. Turns out my troubles would only spread, Atlas said as he reflected his life.

That’s when you entered the Second World War, right? Where you met my father? Jordan asked.

Yes, boy, exactly right. Again, I faced the end of days, and yet I somehow evaded it again. I realized towards the ending days of the war that you don’t win by doing what’s right. You win by doing what needs to be done. That’s why I met your father, and that’s why I’m working with these ninjas. You don’t win by doing right, you do what you need to do. Same goes with everything in your life. The hardest choices will push you to your strongest self. We will change this world forever. You think my methods of training and discipline are strange and cruel, yes? Atlas asked Jordan.

Yes. I can’t even begin to understand any of it, Jordan stated.

"And that’s exactly why it’s done. You will always remember your mistakes, and you will always strive for improvement. My methods will