But that was easier said than done. He felt so alone. All he had on his side was a young kitsune and an untrained child.

I’m too old for this. Even his bones ached.

“Sensei!”

That one word tore through him like a dagger. It reminded him of the man he’d once been and the students he’d sworn to defend. Students like Ryuichi. Like it or not, he was a samurai.

More than that, he was a sensei.

Determination choked him as he began to fight what he knew was a hopeless battle.

“I’m here, runt. I’ll never leave you.”

Ryuichi heard those heartfelt words and was strengthened by them. He felt the shadows trying to take hold of him. Possess him. It ached in ways he wouldn’t have thought possible. “How do I fight them?”

“The light. It controls them and holds them back.” Keiko had transformed into her human form to battle them. “It will weaken them too. Think of what brightens your heart. Don’t let them inside you or your thoughts.”

“What warms you, kid?” Koichi asked.

Ryuichi tried to think. He had so few things in his life that made him happy.

But there was one . . .

Closing his eyes, he thought of his friends. Those who had fought with him, even when they had no reason to.

His broken brothers of the Kai-dan, and Kato, Takara, Pim, Mikito . . . even Toshi.

And Masaru.

He had nothing else. They were the only family he’d ever known. His mind whispered that they weren’t worthy. That they had betrayed their oaths and honor.

This time he didn’t listen. For all their faults, they were family. And he would fight for his family.

“Get off me!” He shoved at the shadow beast that was trying to seize him. It had the worst breath he’d ever smelled. Teeth that were sharper than a tengu’s. Eyes so white they glowed.

“What are you?” he asked.

Without answering, it hissed and again tried to seize him.

Koichi grabbed the creature by its neck and yanked it back. “Let him go!”

“No!” it cried. “I must have him. I must.”

“The only thing you must have is a bath. Preferably sooner rather than later. Seriously . . . do you melt in water?” Koichi choked on the stench.

Ryuichi rolled his eyes at his teacher’s humor. “If he does, please toss him in some.”

Keiko grabbed Ryuichi by the arm and pulled him free. She ran with him, away from the creature.

“Hey!” Koichi called. “You forgot something . . . me!”

“You’re doing well. Keep up the good work.”

The last thing Ryuichi heard was Koichi saying, “I hate you.”

As they rounded the corner, Ryuichi skidded to a stop. So did Keiko. For there in the darkness was the last thing he’d expected to see.

“Takara?”

She turned to face them. Relief spread across her face as soon as she saw him. “Ryuichi?”