Username :: Яapscallion
Name :: Sasano (Sasa) ||
Gender :: Male
═══════════════════════ Theme ═══════════════════════The call for battle has grown... the demons have come yet again!
Fight, brothers and sisters- fight to preserve the peace in which we were born!
Whether we be the poor or the rich,
The gracious monk or vicious witch,
All must come together in this day
To join in this diabolical fray!═════════════════════ A Mistake They Made ═════════════════════The late afternoon sun set the maroon shingles of the Kamatachi dojo's roof ablaze, giving it a fiery presence. Tall, dark cherry blossom trees raised their branches to the orange sky, leaves tinted with saffron. Below was a dirt path leading towards the building, large wooden doors wide open as if embracing those who walked within.
The path was crowded, as was the opening to the dojo. Recruits, new and old, made their way to and fro. News had reached from the village of Takeshima, where the dojo was built, to over the mountain pass into the villages beyond. Those who wished to fight or act as support came, and those who mastered the field left to continue enlisting new and willing trainees.
Overhead was a wooden balcony, where two individuals watched. They looked at the scene below, making out faces and determining potential. One wore a suit of armor, red as the roof above. The other wore a simple kimono, a dark yet washed-out blue. Together they stood steadfast in their watch.
"Quite a bunch, eh? All here to defeat the demons and their uprising. With these numbers, we could take on anybody!"
The armored kalon did not make a move. His companion continued on.
"Then again, who wouldn't want to fight for peace and prosperity? Those who have no reason to not join might as well become one with the enemy, right?"
He laughed. The armored kalon turned his head to the other, and smiled.
"It's not you to be chastising others, Tomo. Are you really so excited for battle you'd look down on those unable to fight?"
Tomo made to reply, but then sheepishly looked back over the railing.
"Ah... sorry, Sasa. But you know how it is with me."
Sasa chuckled to himself. He adored his friend's liveliness, a contrast to his own stoic self. Of course, he had to be stoic- a good leader knows to stand tall and firm like a pillar, the very foundation to grand buildings. Tomo however was the opposite, bringing out the beauty and grace in that same foundation. Together, they balanced each other out- both on the field and in their lives.
"Don't worry about it. Say... it looks like the crowd is starting to thin out. Why don't we introduce ourselves to our new recruits?"
Tomo smiled, the embarrassment slipping away quickly as it'd came.
"Sure!"
-------------------------------------------⋆
Late Evening -------------------------------------------
"Sasanoha, sir! You must come to the front immediately!"
An acolyte stood in the doorway, a slight tint of bewilderment in their eyes. Sasanoha perked his head up from the text he was reading, and stood.
"What is the matter?"
"A new recruit has come to us from the pass- he's been wounded! It could be the demons...!"
"Hmm."
Sasanoha walked past the student, and made his way down to the dojo's entrance. Lighted paper lanterns illuminated the scene, and a few students still awake in the eve crowded the front. The kalon pushed through, and was met by a bedraggled Tomo.
"Ah, there you are Sasa! Come quickly!"
The pair met up with a few students of the medical caste, and kneeling before them was the recruit.
"There were so many... I don't know how I was able to live through that..."
The stranger took a raspy breath, and trailed his eyes to Sasanoha before lowing his head. A girl with large glasses inspected him, noting the cuts and stabs on his body.
"Will he be alright?"
The girl looked to Sasanoha, then back.
"Yes. His wounds aren't deep, seems to be missing some fur here and there... just have to bring him to the ward for checking..."
Sasanoha crouched before the boy. Now closer, he could definitely see what she was talking about. Spots of blood, fresh and dry, dribbled on his dark coat.
"Hello. My name is Sasanoha, student head of class seventy-seven and the current stand-in for Master Kamatachi. You are...?"
"Kuma... I came from across the pass after hearing about your rebellion. I want to fight... even if I'm like this, I can handle it..."
Kuma gave a crestfallen chuckle, which became a heavy cough. Sasanoha gently pet his back, thinking on how this stranger before him still had the will to fight, even in the current state he was in. He watched the youth, then stood and walked towards Tomo.
"Take him inside- he can begin classes within a week's time, I'm sure."
Sasanoha and Tomo watched as the students brought Kuma into the dojo, the crowd dispersing as others made their way towards their rooms. A tense aura hung beside Sasanoha, and he turned to see Tomo standing still, silent and watchful. His eyes were glazed over, as if concentrating on something that was not there. When he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, the kalon shook himself as if reawakening on the spot.
"What's the matter, Tomo?"
"It's... doesn't it seem odd?"
"Odd? What would be odd?"
"That kid, Kuma... isn't it odd he survived an ambush? As that girl said, his wounds weren't deep- which must mean they did not intend to kill...?"
Sasanoha eyed his companion. Tomo took this as an invitation to continue on.
"Plus, he came alone. Everyone knows traveling alone, especially at night, is extremely dangerous; not only because of robbers, but the vast increase in demons is enough to stop anybody from trying to travel..."
Silence.
"Tomo... we can investigate this tomorrow. It's late as it is, and you may as well be getting tired."
The two walked back through the entrance, and the doors closed behind them.
What Tomo saw was the devil,
Smiling at him oh so cruelly;
Slipping away under the hazy eye
Of the one beside him, the foolish samurai.═════════════════════ Their Favorite Place ═════════════════════Two weeks had passed since Kuma's entry to the dojo. Although Sasanoha remembered Tomo's troubling warning, he cast it aside. His friend Tomo was obviously quite excited to be on the battlefield, and it may have gotten to the point of paranoia. Worrying wasn't in his best interest as of now, however; if it came to it, Sasanoha would be ready to help his companion.
A fish splashed at the water's surface, and Sasanoha refocused on reality.
The Kamatachi dojo's courtyard. It was large, enough space to have a different use in every area. Where Sasanoha stood was its center, a pond of beautiful calico koi. Across it was a red, arched bridge, which brings together the eastern and western sides of the yard. Splitting the yard was a stream, fenced with bamboo at each end of the pool so the fish weren't swept away.
To the west was where students went to meditate or study. It was quiet, and the willow trees obstructed the sun's bright rays. To the northern end was a small shelter, three tables and twelve seats under its red-shingled roof. At the moment a group of three sat at one table, seemingly discussing quietly among themselves.
To the east was where students went to be their rowdy selves or practice fighting. There was much laughter and play, the sound of wood being struck resonating with their voices. Here, the trees were sparse, so when the sun was at its highest many flocked to the south of the yard, under the dojo's large shadow.
"What a place... never seen a community as lively as this."
Sasanoha did not notice Kuma walking towards him. With a glance over his person, he saw how his scars were healing nicely, and the bits of fur missing were starting to grow in again. The kalon nodded towards him, and looked out to the pond again.
"Nice to see you out and about. Only seems like yesterday we found you out in the front..."
Kuma smiled. He set himself beside Sasanoha, and he too looked out to the pond, watching the fish lazily go about their little lives.
"I must thank you in some way, some time. I was worried that, perhaps, you'd send me away once I've healed, since someone like me would appear unfit for battle. Thank you for trusting in me."
Silence.
"We need everybody we can get, Kuma. Everybody able to and with the will to fight will not be turned away. We may unify to defend the peace we all cherish in this way."
Kuma nodded.
"Say... is there something you're fighting for, sir?"
"Sasanoha's fine. But... why do you ask?"
"Oh, I was just wondering. Everyone's fighting for something, right? I mean... peace is a good general objective, but everybody has something for themselves too."
Something for themselves, huh? What would I be fighting for...?"So... what do you fight for?"
"This, I guess."
Sasanoha looked across the yard, from the willows to the shelter, to the groups over by the dojo's walls to the stocks; and Kuma understood.
═════════════════════ Their Biggest Flaw ═════════════════════Today was the day.
The sky above the troops' heads was as fiery as the passions held in their quivering hearts, the trees black and ominous like the fear tugging at their souls. A bird called to them, her caws akin to death's constant warning. Friends kept together, and the faithful prayed to their gods for strength in the oncoming battle.
On that same day's morning, a scout team rushed to Kamatachi dojo with dreadful news. Two of the trainees lay dead, and three more injured; with this, they proved that the uprising was beginning. Sasanoha felt troubled that he was to pursue this ordeal without the guidance of his master; what had happened to him, he wondered?
Nevertheless Sasanoha called for every student, recruit, and trainee to come together in the courtyard. For their sake he held his head high and jut his chest out boldly, continuously calming their worried hearts and souls. He planned out the battle with the stragetics team, listening to the scouts' reports; how big were the devils? How many? What did they look like?
Morning became noon, and the beat of a drum thundered into every ear, and shrieks of joy lashed into the midday sky. From the yard's fence curious folk looked onto the path beyond, some shrinking away at the horrific parade sounding out below. Sasanoha tore himself away from his huddled group and set himself beside the onlookers, where he saw for the first time living, breathing demons, with large fangs protruding from wide mouths and many a horn to be had.
Now, they could see those same features from across the path, their drums and laughter still reverberating in the tense air.
They wanted blood.
Archers cocked their bows,
Ready to send death's blows;
Shots from both sides rang out,
And here came war's vicious bout.Amidst the flurry of battle, Sasanoha and Tomo found each other again. The ninja and the samurai- two differing, opposing classes, came together to create a virtuous duo. Sasanoha dealt heavy blows, his sword especially designed to give weight to his swings. While he deflected, Tomo jumped onto the gargantuan marauders and slipped a knife across whatever he could grasp, blinding or choking his unlucky targets.
"Sir... Sasa... noha...!"
Sasanoha heard a muffled cry across the field. He pushed an enemy off of him, clicking to Tomo as he leapt towards the source of the outburst.
By a shadowy cherry blossom tree was Kuma, body pushed against a tree as a tengu choked him with its claws. Sasanoha sliced at its head, and it dropped Kuma in its retreat.
"Th-Thank you...!"
" Get up on your feet, and come my way if you feel you cannot stand alone."
"Ah... you're much too kind, sir... much too kind..."
The instant Sasanoha bent to lend a hand to the other, a knife was slashed across his neck. Thankfully, the rope securing the helmet on his head was in the way, and it took the blow. Unfortunately, however, it was cut in two and his helmet slipped off his head.
Taken aback by this sudden action, Sasanoha looked to Kuma in bewilderment. The other's eyes were staring at him dangerously, their gentleness gone with the sudden change of heart.
"Kuma... you?!"
"It's hard to believe you didn't notice- even your friend knew, yet you felt no need to investigate further? I mean, how
could anybody survive an ambush, in the dark, traveling alone?"
"Because I trusted you...!"
"And that trust will be your downfall!"
Kuma thrust his knife at Sasanoha's face, scraping the other's nose. Blood bubbled from the cut, and the scent filled Sasanoha's nostrils.
"Why... why did you... why would you help them?"
Kuma scoffed
"A good guy like you wouldn't understand. My true name is Akuma, and I'm a wanted criminal up north. A murderer! But since I came here, the law over there couldn't touch me in another province- so I can kill again without worry."
"Doesn't mean you have to side with the enemy!"
Another strike. The sound of rushing water tinted the air.
Already so close to the edge?"I don't want to fight you, Kuma. You may be a murderer, but the gods can forgive you. Live your life righteously, and help retain peace with us. Afterwards, you can turn yourself in to the authorities..."
A silence between them came about. As a sign that he didn't intend to cause any harm, Sasanoha dropped his weapon, and began walking towards Akuma. Akuma looked to the ground as if contemplating those words, then brought his head upward with a snide gleam in his eyes.
"Like I'd ever do that!"
"Sasa!"
Sasanoha was grabbed by the collar of his undershirt and was thrown to the ground. Akuma held the blade as if to strike, but was pushed away by Tomo. The two wrestled for the knife, rolling about violently in the grasses. With those two distracted Sasanoha made his way to his sword, before a bloodcurdling cry tore through his senses.
Akuma stabbed Tomo in the stomach, and as he withdrew the blade blood leaked from the wound. Tomo fell to the ground, and Akuma grabbed his body.
"Tomo... Tomo... no...!"
Sasanoha hurled himself at Akuma with incredible anguish, knocking him down. Akuma shoved his arm over, and Tomo was dragged dangerously close to the edge.
"Kill me... and your friend'll be taking a dip..."
They locked eyes, but when Sasanoha moved to his friend Akuma kicked Tomo over the side.
"No!"
Sasanoha grabbed Tomo from under his arms, and realized the situation he was in. His hands full, he couldn't defend himself...!
"See ya, you stupid samurai."
Akuma kicked Sasanoha over the edge, and the two companions fell into the raging riptide below.
═══════════════════════ Aftermath ═══════════════════════It was a miracle he survived.
Despite being thrust about by the powerful currents, Sasanoha kept his hold on his consciousness and his friend. Soon they were swept into calmer waters, into a roadside river. Weak and bruised from the journey downstream, the kalon dragged himself and Tomo to shore. He coughed, choking up water that had made its way into his mouth. Cold and overwrought, he lay by his companion in the sun's glaring rays.
"Mm..."
Sasanoha sat upwards. Had that been...?
"Sasa... Sasa..."
He knelt by the other, gingerly moving aside his forelock. Eyes barely just slits, he looked to Sasanoha and smiled.
"Looks like... we both got a bad break, eh...?"
"Tomo..."
The kalon coughed profusely, and blood dribbled down his chin.
"Ah... it seems like I might not make it out of this one, isn't that right...?"
Despite his strained laughter, Sasanoha could not take it. Tears began to well up in his eyes, mixing with the river water in his fur. He clenched his hands in frustration, and looked down towards the ground.
"I'm sorry, Tomo... it's all my fault... if I had looked into it further, if I had at least a speck of doubt...! I... I won't trust anymore, if it means someone'll get hurt because of it...!"
Tomo's playful facade faltered.
"Sasa... don't blame yourself, please... don't blame yourself for trusting others so much..."
A smile came upon his face again, one more genuine than the last.
"That was one of the many things I admired about you, you know..."
He shifted his face away from Sasanoha.
"Ah... do you hear that, Sasa...?"
Sasanoha perked his ears, but heard nothing.
"What is it?"
"It's God... he's speaking to me, Sasa..."
"God!?"
"Shh... he's talking... talking about how it's my time..."
"Tomo..."
"I have to go where God wishes, Sasa..."
A tear trickled down the corner of his eye, his smile still in place.
"God... he tells me, he tells me you have to keep going... save us, save us from evil..."
Sasanoha clasped a hand over his friend's. Was he watching his friend...
die? He shook his head. This couldn't be. This...
"Tomo, please, we can go find a doctor, I can help you!"
Tomo looked at Sasanoha again, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Sasa... don't make it harder than it already is..."
A silence.
"I promise you... I promise, I'll always be with you..."
A shaky breath. A limp hand. A despairing cry.
A warm feeling rose through Sasanoha's body. He blinked, and a strange happiness bloomed into his heart.
I'll always be with you.Sasanoha looked into the river, and reflecting back at him, eye to eye, was his companion's undying love.
Until we meet again.═════════════════════ Miscellaneous Details ═════════════════════
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