Mitsurugi: Samurai
Chapter VII
Mitsurugi stood on the deck of the ship looking out to the oncoming port. The pirates on the ship were mostly former samurai and ninja who had grown weary of their lives and searched for a more fulfilling, if less honorable, lifestyle. Mitsurugi usually would have never conversed with any of them, but had found his time with them surprisingly enjoyable. He had heard many tales of sea battles and mutiny. But, he was ready to leave their company.
The ship pulled into port, and after thanking the pirates, he went on his way. The town was fairly large, but mostly because it was a port city. There were many taverns and inns and at least ten drunkards for each one of them. The city bustled and it was difficult to get through. Finally, he chose an inn and entered.
As he sat drinking his tea, he listened to the conversations around him. It appeared, that in the search for The Sword of Salvation or Soul Edge, a Chinese castle had been destroyed. He knew what such acts did to high men's pride and what broken pride led to. War.
After a good night's sleep, Mitsurugi left the inn, but not before being confronted by a man. He was short elderly, Chinese man with long mustache and beard.
"That sword, you are a samurai! I need your help! Please! I will reward you greatly, with a long sword and horse! Top quality, both."
"Yes, but what is your trouble?"
"My daughter is being held in a cave nearby by a monster! A rokurobuki!"
Mitsurugi had never fought a demon before. The rokurobuki could extend its neck far and move its head around. Mitsurugi was about to deny the man, but seeing the fear in his eyes, he could not do so.
"Where is the cave?"
**********
Mitsurugi now wished he had not left his father's armor behind. When leaving for the search of Soul Edge, he left the armor behind to keep it from hindering his travel. His blue kimono wasn't going to provide much protection, so he would have to rely totally on his sword.
The cave was dark, secluded. It was in a forest just west of the village. As Mitsurugi pulled out his sword, two yellow eyes appeared in the darkness and they were locked onto Shishi-Oh. The eyes receded back into the dark. It was afraid, but Mitsurugi couldn't find blindly in the dark, although it seemed he would have to. There was a woman's scream and the man began to cry out to his daughter.
Mitsurugi rushed in. It suddenly became very silent. The thing hadn't killed her, for to kill her would make some noise, a snapping bone, a squish of flesh. Something touched him, then began to wrap around his legs. Two flames on either side of him lit up and he could see the demon wrapping its neck around his body as it let out a screech. Luckily, the demon was foolish, so he quickly brought down his sword into the things mouth as it screamed. It recoiled back to its body in the darkness and almost took the samurai's sword with it but it was caught just at the last second. A girl ran past him and into the man's arms.
*********
"I told my daughter not to wander from the city," The man, whose name was Li Lu, poured Mitsurugi more tea," There were a bunch of those things here a while ago and left. But a few stayed in the outskirts of town and a few even disguised themselves as humans."
"Well, I'm just glad I was able to help your daughter. I do not want to sound rude, but may I inquire about this sword and horse. You said they were of great quality and my interest was peaked."
"Oh, yes, yes. The horse, his name is Blue Storm, was cross-bred for speed and strength. He serves as both a war horse and travel horse. I got him from a friend who was trying to save his possessions after he got into some trouble with gamblers.
And the sword, oh the sword. The sword was forged by the great sword smith Masamune from Japan, where you come from. It was folded over seven thousand times to remove all impurities. It is the purist of swords which I received as a wedding gift long ago. But ever since that wench left, I had hidden it away. But now it is yours."
**********
The horse was indeed fast. He was solid black. so black he tended to look blue. He was nearing on the next town now.
When he arrived, he was surprised to find the streets empty. It was a small town, but not that small. Then a man came out of one of the houses and called to him.
"You! Yes you! Come here, let me explain."
Mitsurugi went over to the man, who had black hair which hung down in his face and wore white pants and vest. He called himself Maxi and began to explain the situation.
"My crew as slain by a creature named Astaroth. He is huge and carries a large axe with him called Kulutes. He is followed by a group of demons and other evil creature. They are not very powerful or difficult to kill, but they are numerous. He is trying to gather souls for his creator."
"Who is that?"
"I do not know. All I know is that he is coming towards this village and by tomorrow my revenge will be complete."
"But how will you defeat this first fleet of demons by yourself to get to him?"
"There a few warriors in this town who also have lost their loved ones to him. I fear though that they may be too weak. But this fight isn't only about revenge. I have lived in this village for a while now, training myself for Astaroth. I have grown to love these people. I cannot stand to watch them be wiped out. To be killed and have their souls reaped solely for power. But that is why these streets are cleared. The men are visiting and sleeping before the battle. So, you should go west from here, that should lead you well enough…"
"No."
"What?"
"I will not leave. I wish to stay and fight with you."
"But you don't understand, we could very well die. I could not forgive myself if I allowed you to…"
"I could not forgive myself if I abandoned this village at its time for need. The code of Bushido has been forgotten by too many. I would rather die with honor, than to live without."
Maxi grinned and picked up his nun-chucks, standing up and heading towards the door.
"Then, let us prepare!"
**********
There were fifteen men excluding Mitsurugi and Maxi. Five were armed with spears, seven with various types of swords and three of them with shields, two with staffs and one with a mace. Not all of them seemed to be great warriors, or strong, but you couldn't tell with the amount of courage they showed as the enemy could be seen in the distance.
The creatures obviously saw the resistance, for they paused in the charge for a few minutes then started up again. Mitsurugi stood in the middle with Maxi to his right and a staff bearer to his left.
"The enemy approaches. The men's courage rises. And we are ready for battle. I hope we both may live through this, for I would like to be friends."
"We will see."
The creatures were in sight now. They varied in shape and size and color, but there weren't as many as expected. There were only about twenty-five. Maxi had told him they would be forty.
"A prior town must have put up a resistance," Maxi said.
"Let their not their deaths be in vain." The two looked to each other then began to walk forward. The other men followed. As the enemy came closer their walk turned to a jog, and their walk to a run. Then the two groups collided on the outskirt of the village.
Mitsurugi had charged into a blue demon who was armed with claws, so he extended his sword into the creatures belly. The next one came from behind him. It was a short green hairy thing that latched itself onto his back. Chopped furiously at his the creature with Shishi-Oh, but another one was coming upon him. Mitsurugi pulled out Masamune and fought this large furry orange humanoid thing that was armed with an axe. Mitsurugi was able to move aside when the axe came down and sliced the head off the axe then did the same to the orange thing. He was able to kill the green thing on his back after too many chops, but a large, six foot tall and too wide thing ran towards him with what looked like a zeiwheinder. The sword came down onto Mitsurugi, but he jumped and rolled out of the way. He threw Masamune at the creatures head then stabbed it with Shishi-Oh and after a long growl it collapsed. Mitsurugi made sure to pull out his weapons before they were buried under the thing.
They were seemingly done. The creatures were killed, they only suffered two casualties. But then, a gargantuan creature appeared. A gray golem armed with a giant axe. It was about to attack some the spear fighters when Maxi jumped onto it's back and started spinning his nun-chucks into the back of its head. The thing leaned over and grabbed Maxi throwing him into the men. Luckily he was unharmed. Maxi stood and jumped onto it's chest and started to beat the things face with the nun-chucks then jumped off. The sky darkened and clouds pulled into the before clear sky and it began to rain and lightning. The creature was bent over backwards from the attack. It let out a roar and rose back up again. The thing kicked Maxi back into the ground and brought down his axe. In the last second, Maxi rolled to the right and stood and jumped towards Astaroth reaching his weapon behind his back to build up speed and power then released the force into the side of its face. The force caused its head to turn quickly to the left and then there was a loud SNAP. A blue lighting began top cover his body which reached over Maxi knocking him back and into the mud. Then the creature fell down and on top of Maxi. All the men ran over to roll the golem off. Mitsurugi picked up Maxi's unconscious body and carried it back to the village.
***********
The warriors were now gathered in a small room opposite the one where the village physician was examining Maxi. They were silent until Mitsurugi spoke up.
"Shall we burn or bury the creatures?"
"No need," one of the young warriors answered, "the creatures and our two men all dissolved into the ground. That strange lighting cleared them all out."
The physician walked in.
"It seems he is in a permanent sleep."
"You mean he's…" one of the men started, but could not finish.
"No, just asleep. I don't know when he'll wake up. You can talk to him, he might hear I don't know. But you'll need someone to watch him round the clock. He needs to wake up or we need to find a way to feed him."
**********
The people of the village all volunteered to take turns watching him. Mitsurugi had stayed only that night and was ready to leave in the morning. Before he left, he went to see Maxi.
"Well, it seems we both lived after all. You underestimate us. I know you wanted to be friends after this, but I've got to be on my way. Maybe when you wake, you will find me, and not for battle. So, live long and peacefully my friend. May your vengeful fire be put at rest. Find friendship, find peace, find love. Most of all, find love. I wish I could."
Chapter VII
Mitsurugi stood on the deck of the ship looking out to the oncoming port. The pirates on the ship were mostly former samurai and ninja who had grown weary of their lives and searched for a more fulfilling, if less honorable, lifestyle. Mitsurugi usually would have never conversed with any of them, but had found his time with them surprisingly enjoyable. He had heard many tales of sea battles and mutiny. But, he was ready to leave their company.
The ship pulled into port, and after thanking the pirates, he went on his way. The town was fairly large, but mostly because it was a port city. There were many taverns and inns and at least ten drunkards for each one of them. The city bustled and it was difficult to get through. Finally, he chose an inn and entered.
As he sat drinking his tea, he listened to the conversations around him. It appeared, that in the search for The Sword of Salvation or Soul Edge, a Chinese castle had been destroyed. He knew what such acts did to high men's pride and what broken pride led to. War.
After a good night's sleep, Mitsurugi left the inn, but not before being confronted by a man. He was short elderly, Chinese man with long mustache and beard.
"That sword, you are a samurai! I need your help! Please! I will reward you greatly, with a long sword and horse! Top quality, both."
"Yes, but what is your trouble?"
"My daughter is being held in a cave nearby by a monster! A rokurobuki!"
Mitsurugi had never fought a demon before. The rokurobuki could extend its neck far and move its head around. Mitsurugi was about to deny the man, but seeing the fear in his eyes, he could not do so.
"Where is the cave?"
**********
Mitsurugi now wished he had not left his father's armor behind. When leaving for the search of Soul Edge, he left the armor behind to keep it from hindering his travel. His blue kimono wasn't going to provide much protection, so he would have to rely totally on his sword.
The cave was dark, secluded. It was in a forest just west of the village. As Mitsurugi pulled out his sword, two yellow eyes appeared in the darkness and they were locked onto Shishi-Oh. The eyes receded back into the dark. It was afraid, but Mitsurugi couldn't find blindly in the dark, although it seemed he would have to. There was a woman's scream and the man began to cry out to his daughter.
Mitsurugi rushed in. It suddenly became very silent. The thing hadn't killed her, for to kill her would make some noise, a snapping bone, a squish of flesh. Something touched him, then began to wrap around his legs. Two flames on either side of him lit up and he could see the demon wrapping its neck around his body as it let out a screech. Luckily, the demon was foolish, so he quickly brought down his sword into the things mouth as it screamed. It recoiled back to its body in the darkness and almost took the samurai's sword with it but it was caught just at the last second. A girl ran past him and into the man's arms.
*********
"I told my daughter not to wander from the city," The man, whose name was Li Lu, poured Mitsurugi more tea," There were a bunch of those things here a while ago and left. But a few stayed in the outskirts of town and a few even disguised themselves as humans."
"Well, I'm just glad I was able to help your daughter. I do not want to sound rude, but may I inquire about this sword and horse. You said they were of great quality and my interest was peaked."
"Oh, yes, yes. The horse, his name is Blue Storm, was cross-bred for speed and strength. He serves as both a war horse and travel horse. I got him from a friend who was trying to save his possessions after he got into some trouble with gamblers.
And the sword, oh the sword. The sword was forged by the great sword smith Masamune from Japan, where you come from. It was folded over seven thousand times to remove all impurities. It is the purist of swords which I received as a wedding gift long ago. But ever since that wench left, I had hidden it away. But now it is yours."
**********
The horse was indeed fast. He was solid black. so black he tended to look blue. He was nearing on the next town now.
When he arrived, he was surprised to find the streets empty. It was a small town, but not that small. Then a man came out of one of the houses and called to him.
"You! Yes you! Come here, let me explain."
Mitsurugi went over to the man, who had black hair which hung down in his face and wore white pants and vest. He called himself Maxi and began to explain the situation.
"My crew as slain by a creature named Astaroth. He is huge and carries a large axe with him called Kulutes. He is followed by a group of demons and other evil creature. They are not very powerful or difficult to kill, but they are numerous. He is trying to gather souls for his creator."
"Who is that?"
"I do not know. All I know is that he is coming towards this village and by tomorrow my revenge will be complete."
"But how will you defeat this first fleet of demons by yourself to get to him?"
"There a few warriors in this town who also have lost their loved ones to him. I fear though that they may be too weak. But this fight isn't only about revenge. I have lived in this village for a while now, training myself for Astaroth. I have grown to love these people. I cannot stand to watch them be wiped out. To be killed and have their souls reaped solely for power. But that is why these streets are cleared. The men are visiting and sleeping before the battle. So, you should go west from here, that should lead you well enough…"
"No."
"What?"
"I will not leave. I wish to stay and fight with you."
"But you don't understand, we could very well die. I could not forgive myself if I allowed you to…"
"I could not forgive myself if I abandoned this village at its time for need. The code of Bushido has been forgotten by too many. I would rather die with honor, than to live without."
Maxi grinned and picked up his nun-chucks, standing up and heading towards the door.
"Then, let us prepare!"
**********
There were fifteen men excluding Mitsurugi and Maxi. Five were armed with spears, seven with various types of swords and three of them with shields, two with staffs and one with a mace. Not all of them seemed to be great warriors, or strong, but you couldn't tell with the amount of courage they showed as the enemy could be seen in the distance.
The creatures obviously saw the resistance, for they paused in the charge for a few minutes then started up again. Mitsurugi stood in the middle with Maxi to his right and a staff bearer to his left.
"The enemy approaches. The men's courage rises. And we are ready for battle. I hope we both may live through this, for I would like to be friends."
"We will see."
The creatures were in sight now. They varied in shape and size and color, but there weren't as many as expected. There were only about twenty-five. Maxi had told him they would be forty.
"A prior town must have put up a resistance," Maxi said.
"Let their not their deaths be in vain." The two looked to each other then began to walk forward. The other men followed. As the enemy came closer their walk turned to a jog, and their walk to a run. Then the two groups collided on the outskirt of the village.
Mitsurugi had charged into a blue demon who was armed with claws, so he extended his sword into the creatures belly. The next one came from behind him. It was a short green hairy thing that latched itself onto his back. Chopped furiously at his the creature with Shishi-Oh, but another one was coming upon him. Mitsurugi pulled out Masamune and fought this large furry orange humanoid thing that was armed with an axe. Mitsurugi was able to move aside when the axe came down and sliced the head off the axe then did the same to the orange thing. He was able to kill the green thing on his back after too many chops, but a large, six foot tall and too wide thing ran towards him with what looked like a zeiwheinder. The sword came down onto Mitsurugi, but he jumped and rolled out of the way. He threw Masamune at the creatures head then stabbed it with Shishi-Oh and after a long growl it collapsed. Mitsurugi made sure to pull out his weapons before they were buried under the thing.
They were seemingly done. The creatures were killed, they only suffered two casualties. But then, a gargantuan creature appeared. A gray golem armed with a giant axe. It was about to attack some the spear fighters when Maxi jumped onto it's back and started spinning his nun-chucks into the back of its head. The thing leaned over and grabbed Maxi throwing him into the men. Luckily he was unharmed. Maxi stood and jumped onto it's chest and started to beat the things face with the nun-chucks then jumped off. The sky darkened and clouds pulled into the before clear sky and it began to rain and lightning. The creature was bent over backwards from the attack. It let out a roar and rose back up again. The thing kicked Maxi back into the ground and brought down his axe. In the last second, Maxi rolled to the right and stood and jumped towards Astaroth reaching his weapon behind his back to build up speed and power then released the force into the side of its face. The force caused its head to turn quickly to the left and then there was a loud SNAP. A blue lighting began top cover his body which reached over Maxi knocking him back and into the mud. Then the creature fell down and on top of Maxi. All the men ran over to roll the golem off. Mitsurugi picked up Maxi's unconscious body and carried it back to the village.
***********
The warriors were now gathered in a small room opposite the one where the village physician was examining Maxi. They were silent until Mitsurugi spoke up.
"Shall we burn or bury the creatures?"
"No need," one of the young warriors answered, "the creatures and our two men all dissolved into the ground. That strange lighting cleared them all out."
The physician walked in.
"It seems he is in a permanent sleep."
"You mean he's…" one of the men started, but could not finish.
"No, just asleep. I don't know when he'll wake up. You can talk to him, he might hear I don't know. But you'll need someone to watch him round the clock. He needs to wake up or we need to find a way to feed him."
**********
The people of the village all volunteered to take turns watching him. Mitsurugi had stayed only that night and was ready to leave in the morning. Before he left, he went to see Maxi.
"Well, it seems we both lived after all. You underestimate us. I know you wanted to be friends after this, but I've got to be on my way. Maybe when you wake, you will find me, and not for battle. So, live long and peacefully my friend. May your vengeful fire be put at rest. Find friendship, find peace, find love. Most of all, find love. I wish I could."