Shogun

Chapter 2 - The General of Red

He looked out at the ocean, enjoying its beauty. It was so calm today - basking in the sun - stretching out towards the horizon. The vast amount of blue in its range of colours was breathe taking...

He rarely was allowed to leave the emperors side... He enjoyed the tranquil surroundings of the ocean. It allowed him to think. The chaos of the city was enough to drive a man insane, especially the youngest general in the army, if it wasn't rebels, it was women and if it was neither of these it was the emperor or his bloody advisers. He sighed loudly. "One day it'll be my turn."

He clenched his fist at the thought, one day it would be his turn for vengeance, however he would remain patient. He continued his quick paced gallop across the sand. The hooves of his fine jet black steed hit the solid earth beneath. It was days like this he truly halted along the grass bank - the wind caressed his skin, toying with his haori, whipping his raven hair as he rode - the sun was at its peek, high in the heavens, above his head.

He gazed out at the vast expanse of ocean before him - his silver orbs reflected the suns intense light - it was always so quiet after a storm; looking at the sky you wouldn't have guessed that the province of Suoh had been beaten by Mother Nature's wrath. Looking at the sea once more, he allowed his thoughts to wander 'the storm was treacherous; the rough seas probably claimed the lives of many last night.' He closed his eyes.

He continued on. The sand came into a shallow natural bay, as expected there was washed up debris and cargo. But amongst all this was a small woman. A small woman wrapped in pastel green silk that clung to her. Her hair was dark and dusted with sand; the exposed skin was ghost white.

Takashi dismounted; she was so pale, "is she dead?" He knelt down so he was closer to her. He placed his hand above her mouth as he checked for signs of life, she was breathing; the warm air grazed his palm. Her milky skin was extremely cold; he felt that simply touching her delicate skin would cause it to melt.

He brushed the hair off her face, she wasn't beautiful... But there was something about her that intrigued him. One of her hands was upon her stomach clutching something. A jade dragon hair pin set in silver. He removed it to look at it better, it was stunning and of amazing craftsmanship... He looked at her then back to the hair pin. "The only thing is… they commonly come in a pair..."

He removed his haori and wrapped it round her slim frame. She was like ice. He bought her closer to his body, hoping that would warm her.

'I need to take you somewhere warm.' He thought to himself, 'but where?' He cradled her close to his body as he made his way back towards the capital. He knew a geisha that would allow this girl to lodge in the small shrine building behind the geisha house. No one ever stepped a foot beyond the geisha house, men were far too interested in women. Plus she owed him a favour...

It was dark when he arrived. The geisha house was already at work. The beautiful women danced to music, flirted, poured sake and entertained the slide the door open. Not to his surprise the geisha he was looking for was already drunk. "Taka~shiiiii!" she smiled brightly at him, her Dark hair bounced as she stumbled over to meet her friend.

"Kakashima-san, I see you're drunk already," he forced a smile at the woman.

"How can you be sober at this time of night?" she asked teasingly, "oohhhh? Your here for some fun," she said as she ran her hand up and down his chest, whilst she giggled. "hmmmm... Huh? Who's this cutie? You know Taka-chan you shouldn't go knocking out random women." she crossed her arms angrily at him.

"I don't do that," he stated bluntly.

"Wellll...? If you're not here to drink, hook up, or appreciate my beautiful girls. Why you here? Or were you missing me?" she pouted at him cutely. Her heavy black lashes made her violet orbs shine brightly.

"Come with me," he stated simply, taking her wrist and guiding her out of the building.

"If you wanted alone time you only had to ask…"

"Please be sober, for five minutes, just be sober," He pleaded. He wasn't used to having to show this much emotion it felt humiliating. It was a mild spring night, the wind rustled the trees. It was amazing to think just how loud the geisha house was.

"I can do that," she smiled widely "what do ya want?"

"The shrine house."

"Why? It hasn't been lived in for years! Oh!"

"Finally she gets it."

"You did kill her! AND now you're disposing of the body! Oh my god…" She covered her mouth horrified with her 'new found knowledge' "You know a river would be far more efficient."

"I didn't kill-"The small woman in his arms shivered violently catching his attention, "if she doesn't warm up she'll be dead soon."

"Follow me," Kashi beckoned him to follow. He looked at her startled by how sober she sounded. "Let's get her to a bed at least. You don't have to explain, don't worry." She smiled at him, he had his mothers eyes… they had the same intense glow. She knew that he wouldn't give up on this woman's life even if she had, that was just how he was, and unfortunately he wasn't about to change...

Thank you for reading. I really appreciate it, Thank you very much.