Chapter 6 - Bargain
Life's been hectic lately, and doesn't look like it's going to get any better. So I might not update as frequently. Anyways, please R & R. And MTG rocks!
The moonlight danced fleetingly on the ground. The sparse shroud of bamboo contributed to a shadow show, where darkness intertwined with light, choreographing an enchanting performance. The night was cold, and not merely due to the temperature. A wispy mist hung over the forest, concealing its inhabitants and the dangers which it offer. Yet, a tiny beacon glimmered in faith, tended by two of the more potent threats the forest recently acquired.
Takeshi cursed as the campfire died down for the umpteenth time. His mood was solemn, as recent transpired events augmented the dread which had filled his heart since the bandit attack. Kimi, despite the consolation of having met Eronu in these woods, sung songs of sadness and remorse night and day. She stared with hating eyes at the sun, her loyalty to Terashi discarded. She blamed much upon herself, citing several ceremonial mishaps and a slack in her work. It was always during such laments that her gaze never meet Eronu's, whom was equally frustrated by their current condition.
They were lost. The bamboos grew far apart, but it spanned across a fair length. Neither of the trio knew the road to Eigan, two of them having spent their entire lives under the protection of Hogosha. Eronu still suffered much of his amnesia, and couldn't recall, if he had once visited the bustling town. It was the second night since their grand escape from the clutches of the bandits, but their progress was negligible, if not completely pointless.
A sizzling told of further failure. Takeshi tossed the rocks angrily to the ground and stormed off, disappearing into the mist. Eronu rushed to his feet, disapproving of the idea of separating, only to see Takeshi return, the unsheathed katana in his hand. He thrust the sword to the ground, in the center of the collected dried twigs. A stone came down hard and fast upon the blade, igniting sparks with each contact. Takeshi increased the frequency and effort, and finally, his persistence was translated to a crackling flame.
Eronu fed the fire with more twigs. "It would burn till dawn."
"Sadly, for we have run out of firewood."
Both men mimicked Kimi's glum demeanor for a moment, their gaze averted to the forlorn maiden at the far side of the camp. She offered forced smiles and feeble reassurances to her well-being, though neither men believe her. Takeshi's blade found its way back into its sheath, and a sigh escaped the wielder's lips.
"Eronu-san, may I have a word?" Eronu returned Takeshi's serious look, but before he could response, Takeshi had continued.
"I love my sister very much, Eronu-san, and in the absence of my parents, I make it my responsibility to see to her health and happiness." Eronu merely nodded, acknowledging silence to be the best answer at the moment.
"It is not my nature to blame, but Kimi feels that she is at fault..." Takeshi paused, a clear reluctance in his voice. "...because of you, Eronu-san. Since you arrived, she has even gone as far as to forgo her duties as a miko."
Takeshi gulped, expecting a heated retort, but Eronu remained calm, his facade a thoughtful visage. Riding the momentum, Takeshi decided to proceed.
"Do not get me wrong. I've never seen her happier during those days. She serenaded songs of much splendor, her gait seemingly skipping with joy. But even as you were the cause of the delight, so to are you the reason for remorse now." Eronu shot a glance towards Kimi, her back facing the duo. Their conversation was oblivious to her. "I only ask that you speak to her, for I believe closure comes from yourself."
"Why bother? Just kill the man, I say."
A voice rung out from the shade, prompting Eronu and Takeshi to their feet. Kimi released a small shriek, her hands quick to clasped her mouth, a shocked look on her face.
The smooth, masculine voice continued its mock. "Goka said the bandits would've finished the job, and that I was merely insurance in case they don't."
Takeshi's blade slid slightly from its sheath, a menacing look threatening the unknown fellow.
"So quick to draw swords now, aren't we?"
Eronu detected movement, but failed to warn Takeshi in time. A blurry shadow leapt from the mist, and directed a quick punch to Takeshi's midsection. Another quick uppercut dismissed Takeshi from the ensuing brawl. Under the insignificant moonlight, Eronu identified his opponent.
A smudged, sad excuse of an armor dully glittered in the light. Greaves, shoulder plates, the ensemble revealed a warrior beneath. Eronu noted the presence of his opponent's daisho, the true symbol of a samurai. However, the condition of his apparel nudged the suspicion within.
"With him out of the way..." Eronu could finally see the warrior's face. A thick goatee and ponytail offered a gruff and flamboyant look. His katana was relieved of its sheath, equally caked with grime. Eronu couldn't imagine where his would-be opponent have gone to land himself in such a woeful condition. "...fight me, Eronu Wamuya."
Both men shifted their feet into combat positions. Eronu's katana remained sheathed, as his opponent begun circling Eronu, katana pointing menacingly forward. Kimi watched with fear, her hands still clasped tightly around each other. She whispered a prayer, even as the first move was made.
Rushing forward, the aggressor brought his katana low and slashed an uppercut. Eronu slid backwards, his sandals halting further mobility. Relentless, lunging low, a vertical slash ripped at Eronu's leg pants.
"I missed!" the opponent exclaimed. He immediately followed up, finally forcing Eronu's katana to parry an overhead chop. Both warriors struggled for dominance, teeth gritted to the test of strength. Blades hissed as momentum switched sides again and again, until Eronu pushed forward and leapt back.
"No, you didn't miss. I evaded." It was Eronu's turn to strike. He shifted to his left, but slashed to his right. The awkward style prompted a quick parry, and a subsequent recoil. Eronu slashed again, this time reversing the direction. Again, his blade was parried, and again, his opponent withdrew from reach. Having anticipated the tactic, Eronu transformed his movement mid-slash into a lunge, almost lucky as his blade caught the side of the battle armor. However, his act left himself open, and the resulting elbow to the head knocked him to the ground. His katana was kicked aside by heavy boots. A wry smile curved upon his opponent's face.
"Impressive, Eronu. But like so many others, you do not plan your moves." Cold steel pressed upon Eronu's cheek, slowly sliding towards the jugular. "It'll be a pity. Yet, it's my job. Hear the name of your executioner, Eronu Wamuya, for I am Orinomo."
"And I am Takeshi." Orinomo turned to parry an opportune strike. Takeshi nursed an injured chin with vengeance, and continued to strike with fury. Each time, Orinomo blocked with ease, awaiting the opening to end the pest's life. However, Takeshi proved a handful, allowing even Eronu to recover, and join the combat.
"What happened to the honor of fighting fairly?" Orinomo managed between parries, finding two blades tough to handle. Takeshi refrained from answering, though Eronu merely spat back. "Save your words, ochimusha. I've heard of your exploits."
Knowing negotiations to turn sour, Orinomo brought in his wakizashi, and each blade fought tenaciously with their individual opponent. Gracefully, both blades acted as individuals, effectively turning slashes back. Yet, they shared a certain synergy. Orinomo caught both men's blades in a deadlock, and turning sideways, pinch both blades together to the center, successfully stifling both attack. Held in an odd 'X', all four blades remained locked.
Takeshi and Eronu slid their blades away, more than convinced that Orinomo was no ordinary opponent. It was to their amusement that he was defeated by none other than Kimi herself. Their potent opponent lying on the floor unconscious, while Kimi stood tall, a rock in her hand.
"I...I..." was all she could say. Takeshi inspected Orinomo, surprised that Kimi had struck with precision, causing a knock out, but failing to kill. Eronu's blade went to rest, and he approached Kimi with much mirth.
"You surprise me once more, Kimi." Eronu smiled. Kimi returned it, relieved that all hostilities had ceased. "We going to leave him here?" Takeshi voiced his concern. All three stared at each other, uncertain of the answer.
"Strip him of his weapons. We might have found ourselves a guide."
The headache. The nagging pain. Orinomo cursed at the sunlight piercing at his eyes. The scenery hardly improved, when three katanas threatened his health, one formerly his own. Orinomo matched stares with Takeshi, Eronu and Kimi. He grinned at Kimi, whom he deduced to have knocked him out earlier.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
"Shut up, ochimusha. You wouldn't be alive if we didn't have any use for you."
"Oh? And what use might that be, Takeshi?"
"You shall lead us to Eigan. I trust your adventures would've led you there once."
"Indeed it has, Eronu. But you see, I'm a man of business. What would I gain from helping you, when I have clients waiting to see your disembodied head on their plate?"
"How about not having your head on someone else's plate?"
"A tough negotiator you are, Takeshi. You do realize that despite agreeing, I can, at any favorable moment, simply slip away, and even perhaps escape with my bounty?"
"We are well aware. Thus, I'm offering you a deal. Help us, and I'll follow you to your employers willingly. I'm sure any prize money would be doubled with me alive."
Silence ensued. Takeshi and Kimi betrayed their duties, their gaze now solely upon Eronu, shock well written on their faces. Even Orinomo was taken aback, contemplating the very prospect of the deal. Finally, the serenity was broken by Eronu himself.
"So, do we have a deal? By what little honor you have left?"
Orinomo chuckled, slowly ascending into a hearty laugh. "This will go down as a first in my book. Very well, I shall lead you lot to Eigan. Then, we talk about your end of the bargain."
Eronu nodded. He withdrew his katana, inverted the blade and thrust the hilt at Orinomo. The ochimusha took the katana with a grateful smile. He waited as Kimi returned his wakizahi, while Takeshi reluctantly took his away. Orinomo stood, brushing the dirt of his attire, and started scanning the area.
"First thing's first, we have to bid farewell to the safety of this forest. Then, we enter the ruthless world of Kamigawa."
In quiet agreement, the trio trekked after their new member with mixed feelings.