Disclaimer: I do not own the Prince of Tennis.
A/N: It was just supposed to be a bonus chapter in my current story - The Boy Who Stands Still. But, my mind was able to form a storyline I'd want to continue so - I hope you like it too.
Samurais, samurais, killing, and samurais! Edo period? I know little about Japanese History so feel free to correct me if you deem necessary. Thanks and don't forget to leave a review!
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The Dragon and Horse
Prologue
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"When will you tell me you've formed an attachment?"
Ryoma's eyes shoot to the man seated beside him - to the searing gaze of the head of the household, caught off guard. The older man looked at him with disappointment in his sharp, narrow eyes. Surrounding them were the elders of their household, assembled for the nightly dinner feast. Aged men with calculating eyes scrutinized the expression on the young man's face. Regardless of his stolid exterior, they could very well read into his manner, his sudden stiffness, and the surprised glint in the child's eyes.
"Well?" The man's voice was smooth, gentle; but Ryoma knew better and perfectly understood the threat in his tone. It takes the young man a second to guage the man who mentored him, taught him the Niten Ichi-ryu. Then, he speaks with a quiet, respectful bow.
"There is no attachment to speak of, Taichou."
"There is a girl in the marketplace," Ryoma turns to the elder speaking. The wrinkled man spoke in a hoarse tone, his eyes closed in a darkness brought by time. "She sells fish, Satachimi says." Then, his tone deepening. "And that boy is never wrong."
"The marketplace is filled with vendors who come and go. I have no recollection of any such girl." Ryoma answers, his anger slowly slipping from his stoic mask. "If I did show her any regard, it may simply be because she sells good fish."
A couple of elders hide their laugh while the others shake their head, disapprovingly.
"Why must you buy fish, anyway?" A servant girl harshly bites, kneeling next to the head of the household, holding her tray close to her chest. "Isn't Nakajima's cooking good enough for you?"
Before Ryoma is able to lash at the insolence of the girl, his senior speaks.
"Regardless, I'm sending you on your first mission."
Ryoma couldn't keep the glare from his eyes.
"You're sending me away because of some rumor?"
"No." The gentle man said. "I only meant to say that we've ended the whatever bond was formed between you and this poor girl."
A lump lodged in the young man's throat, the image of the innocent girl lying cold in the pool of her blood vivid in his mind.
"The mission, however, is your first official assassination." The man continued evenly as Ryoma looked back at him with an empty expression. Then, the older man is handed a slip by the elder to his right. "She is one of the remaining seven masters of the Tatsumi-ryu and the only woman practing the fighting style."
"Ryuzaki Sumire." Ryoma mentions and the head of the house nods.
"She's travelling with her grandson to their hometown in Sakura, Chiba. You're headed to the outskirts of Edo tonight where you can cut her down."
"And the boy?"
"Kill everyone." Yukimura says casually as he set down his Sake cup to be refilled. "We'll be looking forward to your joining us tomorrow evening." He continues with a smile. "We'll have a feast."
To be continued.