My Curse

[Tainted Bushido]

Thread open to one participant. Would like some one who isn't the eager Lawful Good and violent about it type. Please PM interest before just plowing into the thread.

The samurai shrugged as he shouldered the pack. His steps were heavy as he strode his eyes looking on the horizon. After his encounter with Lady Sakurazuka he was lucky to even be alive. Very few lords tolerated the presence of a Ronin, especially a Ronin of Taka's standing, who had become a Ronin for failure to protect a charge. He needed to get out of Akishima, get out of the oppressive caste society that saw him as no better than a peasant. He needed to strengthen himself free from the constraints he was forever bound to.

Rengoku seemed to whisper to him. He couldn't make out what it was saying, but he knew the sentiment, he would have to face his fear eventually. Fear, perhaps the most dangerous of the three deadly sins, clung to his heart. Fear gave rise to perhaps the most cowardly acts a human was capable of, betrayal, abandonment, treason. He knew that he was walking a thin line with regards to his desire to study abroad. He could lose touch with what made him a samurai in the first place. Or worse, he could cease being an Akashiman at all.

He vowed that wouldn't happen but it was a possibility, one that perhaps strengthened the residing fear in his breast. He knew he would have to face his failures, and one day be exonerated of them. The problem was that he would never see anyone he cared about again. He was an outcast, and to be any different was a blasphemy of the celestial order he was raised to uphold. How could one so low on the totem pole ever hope to rise above their station? It seems like something that would be sung of in an epic, a man who saved the land and rose to take a station above all others. However, that epic would be fiction, for no one would ever care about a Ronin.

As he walked down the road he drew a stale rice ball from his pack and began to idly chew upon it, thinking about what he could accomplish. Nothing seemed to immediately come to mind, but he had to keep trying, if only to figure a way to redeem the sword that even now bore his charge's soul. Perhaps this was the true punishment, forced to bear a blade that would forever remind him of his greatest failure. It was only supposed to be a routine mission, but with no proof of the Oni nor the crazed Blacksmith, he was without an ability to cleanse that shame.

He felt a tug, deep within his heart, which seemed to speak to him. It whispered words on the winds, and gave him a tempting solution to his problem. He was afraid of the ramifications of such a decision, but it was there all the same. He closed his eyes as he heard the words, speaking from deep within him;

Why not kill a Lord? When you take his place, you will have that which you seek.

[Raimeiken]

“…From what we have seen, this country is very much like our own, Ojousama.”

A foxgirl spoke up as she stared out at the open fields of grain on both sides of the well-beaten dirt road. The sun crept down the big canvas of the heavens, painting the clouds a vivid shade of orange and red. The same colors as those of the burning flames. The same shade of colors such as those upon her traveling companion’s beautiful hair.

“Therefore, I believe we shall not have much distress in acquiring a resting place for the night. Once we have reached the next town, I advise that we immediately contact the village elder and request for a night’s stay. If this very same country has very similar customs and law as ours, I anticipate that we may not be safe camping outside in the night.”

Nanakaze Setsuna spoke calmly as she diverted her eyes from the golden fields of grain to look at her companion and best friend, who had been asleep for much of the journey. It was their very luck of the day that they had found a friendly trader who was on his way to North Akashima from the harbor town of Yanbo in East Akashima. If it had not been for the amiable old man, the foxgirl was extremely worried that they might have to travel on foot to reach their destination.

But now that the two young Kitsuna had the problem partly solved, it made Setsuna more than relieved.

The Kitsuna travelers had arrived in the new land only several weeks before and they immediately found that the country, though somewhat small in comparison to its neighbors Corone and Scara Brae, was a country that almost had an air of nostalgia to them. While the first few weeks they had spent their time attempting to become accustomed to the new land in the home of a gentle but powerful nine-tail ronin, both Setsuna and her master realized there were still much to learn. And therefore, they continued on their journey to explore the land on their own.

Setsuna smiled as she watched her master Konoka stir from her sleep, fiery auburn locks neatly coiled and combed to keep them from becoming tangled, and her thoughts flashed back to their short stay within the Doji home. Setsuna had vowed to protect her master, despite knowing full well she could lose her life, but it was her one and only duty that gave her life meaning. After all, they were friends from the day the Nanakaze family came into service of the Fujiwara – Konoka’s own – from ages unmemorable. And her family had served the Onmyouji clan as their servants, protector and demon slayer… In defense of both the nation and their greatest lord from then on.

But Setsuna was an anomaly to her family and the Kitsuna nation as a whole. The maiden looked up at the fire-touched sky, then glanced down at her own charcoal locks of hair. As she knew, no one in the nation had seen a genko - a black Kitsuna such as her - for ages told. For many, it was a sign of bad omen ruin. Thus, the young Kitsuna was stigmatized for her anomalous coloration, even within her own clan. It was only through the intervention – and salvation – of her current charge that the black Kitsuna found any meaning in living this far.

“Unnn~ Sets-chan, how far are we from our next stop…?”

Setsuna smiled, looking back at her master while the red-hair Kitsuna stirred from her afternoon slumber. The maid thought of nothing more than doing everything necessary to protect and support her charge, be it physically or emotionally. After all, her duty required it. And more.

“We should reach the next village shortly before sundown, Ojousama.” Setsuna replied, a tiny smile peeking out from the corner of her lips. “I will make sure our room is ready once we address the village elders.”

Her lord was her life. Her only reason to live was to be at her master’s side.

[Tainted Bushido]

Upon reaching the village the Ronin moved slowly his jingasa pulled down over his face to conceal it as he did so. The words he had thought of were frightening to say the least. Such an act was surely damning, and he would be judged harshly for this act when he finally died, and Enma-O overlooked him and his accomplishments. Would he wish to face the Kami of Death with such a visible stain to his honor? No, he could not afford such a thing, not anymore. Rengoku saw to that, in its own way, encouraging his actions and punishing him for the dishonorable ones.

The sun beat down upon the ronin as he entered the small village; his straw cloak neatly rolled up and attached to the side of his pack. There was no need for such a thing, and even his armor felt far too stuffy for such a warm day, but he was willing to endure. A ronin who entered a town unarmored was a target, one perceived weak. Only perseverance and discipline would keep him safe from peasants who were eyeing him. As it was the border of the eastern provinces he was sure that a few would resent the presence of a samurai, for the borders were seldom patrolled. It was these people he tried to look strong for.

The village was small, the peasants working their fields and carefully preparing them for the summer. Water had flooded the fields from the nearby river flows, allowing the rice to begin growing in preparation for the harvest. The houses were a simple wooden construction he had seen numerous times, cool enough to escape the insufferable heat of summer, but come winter, they would probably huddle into the only tea house in the place. Serving as a community center as well as a place for travelers to visit, it would be here that Taka would probably rest for the night.

Slowly he made his way to the tea house as he prepared to stay the night before moving on as he had countless times before. Sitting at the table he ordered a pot of the local tea and waited patiently as he drew out his book of samurai tales. He was currently in the middle of one that spoke of a ronin who traveled the lands, in search of worthy foes to duel and vanquish. A master of wielding both Katana and Wakizashi, it intrigued him to see such an odd character, so carefree, and yet so powerful. One of the stories spoke of him arriving late to one of his duels, merely to unnerve his opponent. He bordered on blatant disregard of Bushido, making him the perfect foil to Taka, as he took to heart the lessons.

Surely great power came from someone similar to this ronin, but he was not a true Samurai. He would eventually pay for his misconduct, and be slain, as all Ronin were. He was simply too high a profile of fighter, to be allowed to constantly insult his opponents. His jingasa by now had been placed atop his pack, as to not get in his way as he sat in the cooler building. When he finally heard a soft voice clear he looked up at a young peasant woman. She seemed expectant of something from him, and he nodded before he set his book down and spoke, “I’m sorry, my manners…”

She smiled upon him her raven black hair was loose and flowing over her shoulders. Her kimono was conservative and closed, it was obvious that she would have nothing in common with a geisha, but held a simple elegance and beauty that Taka felt a geisha could never touch. She had a warmth to her actions that made it seem as if she truly enjoyed her work, and wished for nowhere else. It brought a rare smile to Taka’s own face as he looked up expectantly. She continued to favor him with a smile before she spoke, “May I help you Samurai-sama?”

Taka nodded as he spoke, “May I have some of the house tea please?” He then sighed before he said, “And please, call me Taka, I do not wish us to stoop to titles.”

[Raimeiken]

"Great apologies for our shortcomings, young lord. We have but a small inn room for your accomodation on such short notice."

Setsuna watched the village elder as he conversed with her lord, the maid herself seated silently to the side by the sliding door. Konoka smiled innocently, accepting the old man's apologies as if the inconvenience was nothing to be worried of. The genko remained silent through the entire exchange, allowing only a vigilant glance around the small center room to search for possibly hidden dangers. But when her eyes fell on the lively young lord, the genko's worries melted away like the snow on a summertime mountain.

"We are very grateful of you to allow us to stay for the night, respectable elder." The Kitsuna bowed with respect, prompting the village elder to bow in return. "However, if you do not mind my intrusion into your personal affairs, would it be alright if I ask you one small question?"

The elder's tired grey eyes flickered, if only for a mere second, but Setsuna caught on to the sudden change in disposition immediately. She was a trained warrior - the elder's sudden stiffness was like the ringing of a giant temple bell in the early dawn of spring.

But the black Kitsuna remained silent, waiting for the old man to make his move.

"...I will answer your question, young lord, if it will not endanger you in the end..."

-!

Setsuna felt like her muscles had turned to stone.

"Thank you, elder." Konoka bowed in gratitude before continuing on. "On my way into the village, I noticed some of the houses had been torn down and items scattered across the ground."

The old man kept silent, listening intently to the young travelling lord. Finally, he opened his mouth for a reply.

"...it is but a strange gust of wind, young lord. The weather here is quite unpredictable."

"Perhaps, you are telling the truth." Konoka pushed on, the smile normally worn on her lips had already melted away. "Though I must assert that the damage was most likely none that nature could do. And if the weather is as unpredictable as you have stated, I would be surprised there is so much grain in your stores that you had to leave ten sacks outside in the village square."

Setsuna's eyes went wide as she heard her master's synthesis. She remembered they had seen a ransacked house on the way to the village elder's own, but she was not sure how it came down. The maid thought she had seen strange marks - akin to those of claws - tearing into the bamboo frame and split door frames hanging off what remained of the villager's house.

And she distinctly remembered seeing a group of strong men hauling bags of grain out to the village square. She had not given it any thought, reasoning that they were probably just moving it to a new location. But when her master had put those two together, a grim realization had dawned within the young servant's mind.

"Please, elder. If there is plight, please allow us to help in return for your hospitality."

The old man remained silent as he sat listening to the foreigner's words, barely any movement could be seen by a chance observation. Setsuna, however, could see his shaken hands gripping at the hem of his yukata sleeves.

Her eyes narrowed, anticipating his reply.

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka sat at the table quietly, occasionally sipping his tea as he slowly read through the stories, hoping to one day add a few of his own to the pages. Still, he kept his head down, so as to not attract attention, even as a group of men came in. The colder wind that blew through the door gave him a slight shiver as his eyes drifted up to occupants of the entry way.

They were Ronin, their garb giving this away as instead of wearing the colors of a family; they were dressed drably, much like Taka. At their hips were the standard Katana and Wakizashi daisho that functioned as their only weapons. He recognized a few of them as veterans from the west, their demeanor giving this away, as with the death of their lord, and no new one to swear fealty to, saw many Samurai cast as Ronin. While the Samurai were a dying breed, even they understood the importance of having a Lord, and so probably were traveling to the east, in the hopes of the Duke Asakari allowing them to swear fealty.

Taka lowered his eyes to his book once more as he continued to read before he heard a throat clear in front of him. Taka ignored it, figuring it was merely the serving girl trying to be polite, and who would be on her way when he merely refused to acknowledge her. He was disabused of the notion when a rough hand reached out grabbed the book and set it sharply on the table in front of him. Taka felt the heat of anger rise to his cheeks, giving them a rosy blush in sharp contrast with the snow white locks of hair that adorned his head.

Before him stood the group of five ronin, an expectant look upon each one’s face. They appeared to be studying the smaller ronin by their standards, and it would be easy to see why. They were obviously well fed, for they had a much more muscular build to them. About half the group was eyeing him with their arms folded across their chest, the other half had hands near weapons, incase the young Ronin should grow violent. Taka smirked inwardly at the notion that they were so threatened by him. The leader however merely remained still leaning over the table with his hand on Taka's book, before he rather loudly cleared his throat again.

Taka gave him a polite smile as he spoke, "Can I help you my friend? It appears that you are in urgent need of me, to so bother my reading, I had almost finished that story as well, a shame..."

Chuckling erupted from the group as Taka recognized the patterns. These men were employing common wolf pack tactics, one leader and a pack of dull witted wolves, surrounding and confusing their prey. One would try to claim leadership now and again, but the only truly dangerous one of the bunch, was before him. This man merely smiled as he asked politely, "May I join you wave man? It is not often we see one of our kind alone in such a place."

Taka gestured to the cushions about him as he said, "Certainly, I would certainly be selfish to refuse the company of a fellow ronin."

"I had, thought as much. I actually was merely stopping in town, when I heard talk of a ronin in these parts. I of course had to investigate, for if a fellow wolf was running alone, I am duty bound to ensure his safety with the pack..." The man said smiling.

"A...wolf?" Taka asked letting a hint of curiosity hit his voice. He had never been referred to as a wolf, and yet this man clearly referred to him in such a manner.

"Ronin, wave man, wolf, it doesn't matter, we're called many things. We prefer to call ourselves wolves, for it is in packs that we guarantee survival my friend. A lone wolf is but a rebel looking to die, in a world that doesn't give a rat's piss about him. You obviously are a new wolf to these parts, and for that I offer my sincerest welcome," The man said as he grinned, his smile no less predatory for the jovial tone of his voice.

"I see, I must of course accept your welcome, I am Taka," Taka replied as he nodded his head in respect. The man eyed him for a moment before he too returned the nod.

"They call me, Akihiro, and it is a pleasure Taka. I am sort of the head ronin of these parts. Most of the other ronin look up to me, and I in turn take care of them, any job I take, I make sure the needy ones get in on. Like I said, a wolf alone dies alone, but a wolf in a pack, survives," Akihiro replied never dropping that predatory smile from his face.

Taka could tell what was going on. This man was recruiting, and Taka, being without a lord, was a perfect candidate. As he sipped his tea he remained calm, keeping the polite smile on his face as he replied, "Must be a tough job, keeping so many mouths fed, huh?"

More chuckles escaped the pack's lips as the man leaned forward, "I got a job, rather big one, I think a smart guy like you would fit right in with my company, what do you say? Join the pack, win a bit of glory for yourself and some food in your belly?"

Taka looked the man in the eyes as he searched for something in them. He couldn't tell what this man was hiding, but he obviously needed manpower. Why else would he be hunting down ronin to do the job? That alone set off warnings in the back of his head. Closing his eyes he sipped his tea, before he set the cup down and spoke clearly, his eyes opening and drilling into the leader's own, "I shall need time to consider such an act, as I had plans in the making. I may not be able to afford the time of a job."

The leader leaned back as he nodded softly, almost impressed with Taka's reserve, "Alright, take your time, I'll be back within a week, if you're still here, I'll assume you want to sign on board. Till then I'll be around, feel free to seek me out."

[Raimeiken]

"...They were courteous enough to leave us alone when we did as we were told. Ten sacks of grain for their protection every month. We were fine with it, as they also left us alone for most of the time."

Setsuna sat watching their exchange from her place near the door, however always within reach of her master and her sword. With the prospect of being ambushed by honorless men, no matter if they had lived an honorable life before their fall, the genko began to feel the nervousness of an impending conflict.

"But do not worry, young lord. The protection has been paid for and they will leave us safe for the month. In return, they have promised us their protection should any wandering bandits happen upon our village. Rest well for the night, for no harm shall come to you."

"I thank you for your kind assurance, elder. We shall take your word to heart and be careful with our conducts. We thank you again for lending us a place to sleep for the night."

~~~

"Are you sure it will be alright, Ojousama? We are in a village controlled by ronins."

The two Kitsuna left the elder's hut as soon as their business was done. Setsuna herself wanted to leave the village as soon as possible. Perhaps even tonight, but the servant could not think of a safer place besides the comfort of an inn. Her thoughts leaned towards camping in the wooded forest, but there was neither comfort nor safety from the possible attack of the dishonorable ronins. She could not trust the words of a ronin, for their kind could do anything their tainted minds could conjure.

"Let us hurry to your room, Ojousama. I do not want those dishonorable rogues to catch us out in the open."

Konoka, having been walking in front since they had left the house, looked back at the apprehensive servant with a comfortable smile on her face.

"I believe what the elder said, Sets-chan."

"Ojousama?"

The Kitsuna lord paused in the middle of the streets, now deserted saved for the few shadows coming from candle-lit windows of the farmers preparing for their night-time rest. Her normally fiery locks, dulled by the twilight moon, still flowed brilliantly even in the absence of the full moon's light.

"Whatever reason this village has, they have to do what's best for them in order to survive. You've heard what the elder said about wild bandits. I understand you have a bad experience with ronins, but they are warriors as well. The code of a warrior still holds, as long as they do as they promised we will be fine."

Setsuna could not believe her lord actually agreed with what the elder had to do, but it was a neccesity for the villagers. They could not fight off the bandits alone... but to trust in the ronin's words meant things were far more serious than it appeared.

But her master had made up her mind. Setsuna could do nothing to sway the Kitsuna's opinion now.

"...Yes, perhaps it is best we keep to ourselves."

Perhaps it would be time to head to the inn...

The establishment was not difficult to find, considering it was the only two-story building in the entire area. With moonlight guiding the Kitsuna towards their destination, they carefully crossed the village square where a group of strong men hauled away bags of grain in creaky old wagons. Avoiding the lit torches of the ronin band, Setsuna and her master finally made it to the large tea house where they would be staying for the rest of the night.

Though the genko breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the homely glow of the teahouse, a sense of anxiety hovered about her from the moment they entered through the door. True, the elder had said the ronin would not act rashly now that they had their store of grain... but the slayer maiden felt something was amiss in the entire affair.

How would they know if the villagers had not given out the ronin's location to the authorities, considering that nothing stood in their way of doing so in the first place?

But even as Setsuna was still pondering over the possibility these uncultured sword-swingers were not being honest, her eyes caught those of the outcasted warrior seated at his table. Almost on instinct, the Kitsuna's fur stood on ends as she tried to suppress the very sensation of terror as it coursed through her veins.

No words could describe what the servantmaid felt as she remained frozen at the entrance, one hand grasped tight around her white oak sword and her other around her master's own.

"...Sets-chan...? Daijoubu?"

[Tainted Bushido]

"Akihiro-san, what did you think of him?"

The words drifted as the man led the cart of rice out towards the ronin's camp. Their march was made so as to cover the wagon, their sole source of food for the month, between the jobs at the very least. As they walked through the forest the leaves flitting in the occasional breeze Akihiro sighed before he looked upon the ronin who spoke up, "He is strong minded, perhaps too much so. He will be trouble, I fear."

"Should we kill him?" One of the others spoke even as his hand went to the hilt of his ono, the large axe strapped precariously across his back, ready for action in a mere moment.

Akihiro paused as he thought about the ronin Taka. Finally he looked back at the Ronin as he said, "We'll give him his shot when we reveal the plan. Things go well he should fit in, if not, no one cares about a ronin's death."

Solemn nods crossed through the band as they all agreed with those sage words. A few of them set about leading the horse off the path, in turn bringing their food on the correct path to reach camp. While the trail was new, it had already begun to die as the flora made way under the tread of boots; soon they would need to cover their tracks somehow, possibly with the help of a ronin Shugenja. A priest of the Kami might be able to hide them a bit longer, when the dukes of course came to take their share of the rice. Ambushing the collectors after it had been collected would mean no one would be the wiser.

However, this relied on the ronin in town not ruining it for them and telling anyone else of their plan. He would regret having to kill a fellow wolf, but such things could not be avoided. All that mattered was him and his men eating, anything else was merely a luxury.


~*~

Taka watched the men leave as a chill entered his bones. He could see them occasionally looking back upon him, and he could almost tell something was off. When they left an absent minded sip of warm tea restored the heat to them, but did not leave the sense of foreboding. It was an ominous sign to say the least, and he was more than certain that the offer of employment had an underlying "or else" at the end of it. As he finished sipping the tea he set it down before he raised eyes to see a pair of Kitsune at the doorway, at least that’s what he thought they were. It was hard to tell in the dimming light even as the young peasant woman sought to light up the inn for the evening.

He saw the more armed of the two was tense, almost prepared for battle as their eyes locked in what seemed like an eternity. Words unspoken seemed to rush between them, before Taka showed his disinterest in the two travelers by pouring himself more of the tea and sipping it, picking up his book deliberately and opening it to the story of the ronin who wielded two blades. A snort of disinterest left him even as the light while dim began to spread out across the tavern. It would be hard to make out distinct features, but one could easily manage to traverse the tavern without stumbling over the belongings of another.

Finishing the story he snapped the book closed irritably as he looked about the modest tables and the pillow he sat upon. The ward of the bar seemed busy stoking the fire as he kept the water warm, even as he dipped a ladle in and began to fill many pots, possibly for tea. There was a shelf that held a few clay bottles, carefully warming the Sake that a few of the peasants seemed fond of. The night was like any other. Still, deep in his bones, he could not ignore the feeling of unease that surrounded the place.

Raising his eyes about, he carefully shifted his gear even as the peasant woman came forth, and bowed deeply, her blackened hair forming a curtain before she spoke softly, obediently, "Shall I escort you to your room, Taka-sama?"

"Not yet, I'm merely adjusting my position, but thank you," Taka replied softly. Even the small bit of joy he had felt upon the girl’s modest demeanor seemed to not shake the sense of unease. Looking about he finally realized just what made him feel so odd, there was not much joy here. Even peasants such as these should not be so subdued, there was something off, and the town’s mute concerns were stepping forth.

"Is everything alright Taka-sama?" The girl asked.

"The Ronin who met with me earlier," Taka began as he tried to place it.

"Yes, Akihiro-sama and his friends," The girl replied bowing lowly.

"Are they working here?" Taka asked as a frown crossed his lips.

"They do work in the village, Taka-sama," The girl replied.

Taka felt something snap into place in his mind as he looked about. Finally he asked, "And what exactly is it they do?"

"If Taka-sama wishes to ask, perhaps he should be seated while this humble one tells the tale?" She asked softly.

[Raimeiken]

"Sets-chan? What's wrong?"

The malefic aura dug its spiteful claws into the genko's mind since she stepped into the teahouse with the maiden attempting to pin-point the source of the taint. Almost immediately she regretted bringing her master with her - the black Kitsuna herself being somewhat sensitive to the unholy forces as a means to locate demons, but Konoka was especially weaker and more vulnerable to the damaging magical stream.

It must be that... ronin...

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion as soon as she was able to pin-point the source of the taint, forcing her grip tighter around the sheathed shirasaya blade. Because the man had the aura of one tainted by Jigoku, the demon slayer was already wary of the possibility the man could be a demon in disguise. If it was true indeed, the slayer maiden was prepared to defend her lord with all her life.

With him being a ronin as well - a dishonorable existence in her belief, for there was no honor without a purpose of existence - she became even more wary of his motivations. A sword without a wielder could be used to save lives or take them all the same. And she hated the unpredictable, for it could mean danger to her master's life.

"...we should hurry to our room, Ojousama. I do not trust the atmosphere of this common room..."

The dim, disarming candle light irked the maiden demon slayer and she opted for her lord to retreat to their safety. Setsuna could barely see the ronin's reaction to their appearance, but she was not willing to stay around for long. Pulling at her master's wrist to urge the her onward, the genko jumped in surprise when she was held back in place. Here eyes turned to meet those of the priestess Kitsuna as they stood in the doorway, the candle light's faint glow dancing across their faces. Setsuna thought she could see the flames dance in her master's eyes like some form of burning desire...

"Let's stop and have something to drink before we go, Sets-chan."

Unspoken words echoed in the black Kitsuna's ears, speaking of her master's wish to join the ronin and the waitress in their discussion. She momentarily overheard them exchanging words in the dark, but words were not obstructed merely by the lack of sight. The word was clear in her ears - and one she was not glad to hear.

Setsuna's eyes frowned in response to her master's plead, wishing not to let the Kitsuna maiden to congregate with the peasants and the outcast. Her master was of noble birth, what was the reason she need to even concern herself with the hardship or history of people in foreign lands? But Konoka's resolve was strong and steadfast as the mountains, unmoved despite knowing her servant would not approve of her partaking in the risk. Quietly, the anxious grip of her servant's hand relaxed and dropped away.

The genko sighed with sadness as she quietly followed her master towards Taka and the peasant woman, carrying the white-oak weapon as one would a long staff. Muted little shuffles were the only sounds to be heard coming from their direction as they made their way, avoiding the vacant tables with nimble steps of their feet. The maid walked slightly behind the young Kitsuna maiden trying her best to contain any tenseness of her muscles to herself. Her eyes remained warily locked onto the seated ronin, eyes roaming attentively for his blade.

For the closer they approached him, Setsuna could feel the ominous aura emanating stronger as well.

"Ah, sumimasendeshta." the foxgirl priestess smiled, interrupting the two humans seated at the table. "Would it be alright if two travelers such as ourselves ask for attendance of this story-telling? We would love to hear what local lore there is to learn."

Setsuna stood quietly and conformed, silently suppressing a tenseness of anticipation within the grip on her sheathed sword. Her eyes solemnly glancing at the floor, to hide the feverish flickers of her eyes as she assessed the area for danger. Occasionally she would look up to gauge the outcasted warrior, the peasant lady and her master, memorizing their reactions to determine any threat they could pose.

Especially the ronin seated to her master's right.

[Tainted Bushido]

Words of apology drifted between Taka and the peasant girl as he was pulled out of his focus. His eyes roamed to find the source of the voice before concentrating on the Kitsune he had earlier looked at. The warrior of the two still had a bit of reserve to her, but seemed slightly more relaxed, though that was not saying much. However as she asked for seat Taka gave her a polite smile and nodded his head encouragingly. Far be it from him to dishonor a guest by denying their right to visit.

Gesturing to one of the pillows on the floor Taka waited politely for them to be seated as he spoke softly, his voice showing a bit of humility as he was unsure his social position in reference to them. He then spoke up as he carefully made sure not to jerk around what he could only assume was the yojimbo of the more talkative kitsune, "No need for apologies Kitsune-sama, I merely was about to listen to this woman's tale, she was to inform me of what jobs were being tended to by the ronin band that seems overly interested in the town."

To Taka's credit a bit of the hostility he felt towards the ronin band was curtailed, leaving only an underlying thread of animosity towards Akihiro's dirty band. He was more than certain the news he was to receive was not in fact good news, for Ronin were hardly and altruistic lot.

He was not disappointed;

"Akihiro-sama is indeed in the employ in the village, but as to what ends even the Elder does not know. He demands we pay him in food, and in return we're safe from bandits, only in the sense that Akihiro-sama despises competition. When his group 'works' in town the woman are hidden for fear of his men taking what they like. Children are warned against playing and the men tend to work harder to avoid associating with them. They constantly drain the town of food and drink, then meander off to their camps in the hopes of letting us recover before they come back to repeat. If this is protection, then I would rather risk the threat of bandits than allow them to protect me another day," The woman explained.

"And what of the local magistrates?" Taka asked a bit of indignation rising in his voice.

"They avoid contact at all costs, and leave village before the Magistrate can properly evict them. With the drain they've put on the village I fear for what should happen when the Imperial tax collector arrives," The young woman replied as she bowed her head. Her tone while pleading was not desperate, not yet. Of that Taka was at least heartened.

"So they are bandits, in the guise as defenders," Taka replied softly. A hand went to his eyes as he tiredly rubbed them before he sighed.

"Please Taka-sama, do not be angry, we only wish to survive this," The girl pleaded as she gently reached out a hand to the ronin's shoulder. Taka tensed as he felt it gently touch his armor before he looked over at her and looked her deeply in the eyes. The look of innocence he found there was alarming as he quickly diverted his eyes.

Finally after what seemed like forever Taka spoke, his voice worn, "If they refuse to follow the law, my duty in this is clear. Though I would hope to have more authority behind me, I guess I'll just make do with what I have." Rengoku seemed to lighten on his hip as he felt it agree with his decision, almost glad at the chance for battle. His eyes looked over at the Kitsune as he spoke softly, "I'm sorry, my manners are of course oafish today. I am Taka, a ronin of the east."

[Raimeiken]

The Kitsuna priestess bowed, her hair reflecting bronze against the distant candle lights within the common room. Her servant nodded her head only slightly, a wary eye always fixed upon the swordsman. Despite the humility Taka displayed to the two foreigners, Setsuna remained skeptical about the truthfulness of words from an outcast of society. If this country was anything similar to the Kitsuna's own, a ronin's words held no assurance of safety as a snake could not be trusted not to bite its prey.

It would be best they not reveal her master's social standing.

"Arigatou, Taka-san. Please excuse us."

Konoka smiled as she took a seat at the table while Setsuna took her place on her master's left hand side, the shirasaya odachi poised ready to be unsheathed at a moment's notice.

The maid said nothing except make casual glances at the outcast as the human waitress addressed the situation with the band of ronin. She was not without her own opinion, but decided it would be best for her master that she not speak up and interrupt.

"Daijoubu desu, Taka-san. My apologies for interrupting your discussion as well. My name is Fujiwara Konoka, a traveller from beyond the sea to the east. And this is my traveling companion, Nanakaze Setsuna."

The black hair Kitsuna merely nodded, but kept her attention focused on the ronin's movements. An heir to a powerful family would have no protection in a foreign land and if one was to have ill contact with dangerous individuals, Setsuna did not know if she could protect her lord if the threat reared its ugly head.

The grip on her sword tightened with anxiety as the queasy aura seemed to thicken, choking her attention from her master and the ronin towards the air around them. Her black tail flicked uneasily at the air as if gauging the atmosphere for any signs of danger.

"Sumimasen, miss." Konoka spoke up after a short pause, her brows tightened as she thought over the past events. "But on the way here, my companion and I spotted a house in disarray. If I have offended you by saying this, please tell me... but did that house belong to you?"

The waitress lowered her eyes upon hearing the Kitsuna's observations, answering the question plainly even without saying a word. A few moments later she nodded slowly, but the people present to see her response had already figured out the reply on their own.

"It was my home until a few weeks ago... we did not have enough rice to send to Akihiro's men at the time and the elder pleaded to ask for a few more days. Akihiro-sama and his men would not hear of it and tore it down, taking what they could find as punishment for our laziness. It was only by the protection of Gingitsu's charm that I was still working here that day, otherwise I may have been carried off as well..."

The waitress took out a small silk pouch and touched it to her heart, a lone sad tear appearing from her eye. Setsuna almost felt sorry for the unfortunate woman, but she could not think of anything they could do to help her. It was this village's problem and as a foreigner, the Kitsuna had no authority to judge her belief nor the ronins' action.

"While I may not have the authority of law you seek, Taka-san, perhaps I may have something you may find helpful. Would it be alright if my friend assist you in upholding the defense of this village?"

-W -W -What?!

The maiden almost choked on her own breath. However, her perked ears were the only noticable change in posture a casual onlooker would notice in the dim lighting.

"She is not only my maidservant, but also a demon slayer of the Raimeiken school. If the purpose for this battle is to redeem the liberty of the villagers from these bandits, I cannot merely stand by with inaction. However, since I myself am untrained in the combat arts, my maidservant will be fighting in my stead."

"-Ojousama!"

Setsuna could not believe her ears. How could her master ask for cooperation with- with- a social outcast?! A person deemed by society to be honorless and indisputably worthless to the order of society?! The maiden could not find anymore words to describe the mountain of disbelief and conflicted feeling of obligation and self-wroth. She bolt up on her knees, trying to find her master's eyes in the amber glow of the tea house's common room. A hand of assurance found its way onto the genko's own.

"It's OK, Sets-chan. I want you to help him with whatever you could. But don't push yourself too hard, OK?"

The maid merely looked into her master's eyes, searching for words to describe her feeling of confused betrayal. Was it not her who said things would be best if the two of them not intrude in the villagers' affairs? She was confused, but her master's words was law. Setsuna was not about to break that trust her lord had given to her... not now.

"Well... It is rather late already..." The bronze hair foxmaiden excused herself upon realizing the time. "Please excuse my sudden departure, Taka-san. Perhaps my friend Setsuna could speak to you on this matter after the sun rises above the horizon tomorrow. I bid good night to you both."

Setsuna, still recovering from the sudden realization that she had just been pulled into the conflict by none other than her own master, merely bowed her head slightly as if trying to keep her composure in spite of the multitude of conflicting emotions. How was she to work with this... outcast to protect a village from a band of ruthless thieves? And with only the two of them against, from her own rough estimate of the bandit's strength, perhaps a few dozen strong men...

Her train of thought was suddenly derailed when, almost on instinct, her hands shot out and wrapped themselves around the priestess just as she staggered sideways upon standing up. Minagi rattled against the tatami mat noisily, but mostly muted against the woven floor of straw.

"Ojousama! Are you alright?!"

Konoka stirred feebly in her maidservant's arms.

"Oh, it's nothing serious, Sets-chan... I just felt a tiny bit light-headed..."

The dark hair maiden grimaced as she helped her lord up, for Konoka felt warm to touch. But the maid said nothing more as she assisted her master up to their room where they would retire for the night.

However, the swordsmaiden did not feel like she had been asleep at all, for her mind was always suspicious of the atmosphere surrounding the tea house. She could almost feel the hostility rising from somewhere nearby, but unable to pinpoint due to her incomplete training in demonology and detection. Therefore, the maiden kept the six-feet long blade at her side throughout the night, receiving the bare minimum amount of rest she would need for the day to come.

[Tainted Bushido]

A polite thank you was given to the Kitsune before they retired for the night. A look of concern crossing his face as he saw the charge of the kitsune warrior stumble a bit. He was unsure of the cause, but knew better than to ask, privacy was very much a virtue instilled in the Samurai, and it was not his place to ask of such things. Upon their leave Taka shook his head slowly and sadly, before he looked over at the young girl sitting next to him, "I suppose I too should seek rest for tomorrow."

The girl nodded softly before she bowed and gestured for Taka to follow her. As they moved forward she spoke softly, "I am sorry I have dragged you into our problems Taka-sama. I-"

"I know the situation is dire. These bandits are bleeding you dry, and eventually you will be unable to make the payments, and the village will fall. How long do you believe you have?" The ronin asked softly.

"I- I do not know Taka-sama, I am not in charge of such things. I merely tend to the inn, and hide when Akihiro and his men enter. The fact I was even working today was because my brother was sick."

Taka nodded as before they stopped outside his room. The thin screen door was a bit comforting, reminding him a bit of home when he carefully set his bag inside the doorway and turned to the peasant girl. She had an expectant look upon her face, almost hopeful. Taka had an idea of what it was, but refused to give it any thought further than to catalog it. He merely gave her a polite smile before he said, "Thank you..."

He frowned realizing he had not even gotten the young girl's name.

"I am Kachiko, sama," The reply was quick, helpful, and polite. Taka looked once more into those innocent eyes as he saw her hopes in them. Again he found his eyes elsewhere before he entered the room and carefully began to set up for the night, his daisho placed upon the stand as he prepared to pray for penance for the night and sleep.

She remained silent behind him, almost watching and waiting for the dismissal. Taka was more than certain she was trying to make the best of her situation, as she only could. She had already gotten herself in trouble by talking to Taka about the situation. When he went to the elder tomorrow to talk of perhaps mounting a resistance to these men, given the short time table he was on, she was surely to be found as the culprit.

Taka turned and saw her still there in the doorway of his chamber waiting silently. He sighed as he moved to the door and spoke softly, "Thank you Kachiko-san, I will have no further need of your assistance."

She nodded solemnly before she spoke once more, "If you have need of anything Taka-sama, please ask, it is my duty to help you as much as possible."

Taka smiled as he said firmly, "That will be unnecessary. Please, enjoy your night Kachiko-san."


~*~

Taka awoke early the next morning and quickly donned his armor, preparing for what he felt was a war. His eyes looked about eh small village in the twilight of the morning before he assumed the first stance of his training Katas. Moving to draw his sword he went through the motions slowly and fluidly, each movement deliberate and exact. As he cleared his mind he tried hard to not let it drift as the sun slowly made its rise on the horizon. The town was almost barren and ghostly as he continued to practice, preparing his mind for the task he had set himself to.

As he sheathed his Katana, he went back into the inn, prepared to have breakfast, and await the arrival of Setsuna. It was certainly to be an interesting day.

[Raimeiken]

I must become stronger...

A flash of silver cut through the morning dew. A shining arc reflecting off the morning rays.

I must become stronger...

Laboured breathing, rhythmic, matched the high downward stroke of an uncharacteristically long blade. The silent woods giving no interruptions saved for the rustling of the trees.

I must become stronger still...

Nanakaze Setsuna withdrew her feet as she performed another measured downward strike, the only pause in her movements coming at the end of each repetition.

Step. Raise. Step and slash.

Step back, raise. Step in, slash again.

Step forward, raise. Step in, strike down.

Step...

It was a simple training drill she had been instructed by her teacher to perform every morning, having been told that it is what a warrior must do in order to focus her mind for the day's encounters. A set of drill to focus the warrior's mind and harden her resolve. Cleanse away the night's weariness and refresh the spirit within.

I must become stronger...

Nanakaze Setsuna, however, could not focus at all that morning. She had barely received enough sleep to chase away the evening's anxiety after seeing her Master's weakened smile.

"It's alright, Sets-chan. I just feel a little light-headed. I'll be fine staying here for the day. Please assist Taka-san any way you are able."

Setsuna grimaced as her Master's words resurfaced, the downward stroke deviating from its path. The fox maiden paused, panting laboriously after the hour-long drill. Her sensei had stated that such a drill was supposed to focus one's mind for the task at hand... but she did not feel it did her any good.

No... there's only one way... I must become stronger...

~~~

Setsuna returned to the tea house with the sword sheathed within its white oak scabbard, hugging it close to avoid contact with the locals lest she upset them. It was odd enough that she was the only one to look not wholely human, but there was a surprising level of tolerance displayed among the villagers. Perhaps it was only customary to be courteous to travelers, but for a being as odd as herself, she expected much more resistence.

"Ah- Taka-san..."

By the time she had returned, the black fox maiden saw the sun had already rose a fist's width from the horizon. Feeling somewhat guilty about being late to arrive in relation to an uncivilized swordsman, she grudgingly sat down at the table opposite to the ronin whom the two Kitsuna had met that night.

"Good morning, Taka-san." She stated without glancing up from the table. She did not believe she had anything to say to him asides from the customary greeting, but there was still the task at hand for the day.

"I do not wish to delay our plans, therefore let us begin preparations. What are your plans for today, if any, before the opposition chose to move?"

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka sipped quietly at his tea, waiting silently for the Kitsune to shift irritably. It wasn't that he believed himself superior; he merely wished to gauge her patience. Silently he counted, all the while sipping his tea innocently, almost in deep thought. Finally around a count of sixty or seventy he thought he saw a twitch in her ears, betraying her growing impatience.

He set the cup down before he spoke his eyes searching hers, "We need to know more about these Ronin. Who they have as allies in our town, who they have as enemies, and more importantly who we can convince to help us. I believe the Kami blessed us by at least placing us in a tea house not in the enemy's hands."

His eyes remained down looking into the bottom of his tea cup for the obvious answers. Finally he spoke, "Akihiro, the leader, will be back at the end of the week, in order to see if I've run, or if I'm to join him. The only other option is to force me into his service, and I would die before I betrayed my sensei by becoming a petty criminal."

He smirked softly, a rare smile as he spoke, "Ironically I believe my sensei would have the perfect plan when the time comes. First we must see where we stand." His eyes looked up towards the Kitsune yojimbo, "I do not plan on placing your charge at any harm Nanakaze-sama. There is a village two days from here, if you wish, you can take her there and see she is safe, and return. This will give us a day before Akihiro and his men finally arrive to see if I'm to be one of them. I do not presume to speak on your behalf; I merely mention the option so you may exercise your duty with the full knowledge of the situation."

He then carefully placed his wakizashi upon the table. He slid it across to her before he said firmly, "You have my word and my Honor now Nanakaze-sama, and no harm will come to your charge while I draw breath. I refuse to let you suffer for my country while I can still act. No one has demanded you perform this duty, and I would be loathe to try. I have taken this upon myself, for my own reasons, the least being it was at one time my job."

"I plan on speaking with a few of the peasants, and figuring out how much of a force we have in defense of these people. Then, tomorrow I begin the task of dealing with the traitors in our midst. I cannot guarantee Fujiwara-dono's safety beyond today. I could not ask a Yojimbo to willingly place their charge in danger, and I refuse to. Let me know your decision, and I shall of course respect any action you should take."

He lowered his head, while his honor blade sat on the table before her, awaiting her reaction to the rather straightforward conversation. He could feel the eyes of a few peasants upon him, and even those of the house owner’s daughter. He refused to meet all eyes, even as he reached up and carefully bound his hair into a traditional warrior's ponytail.