Chapter 2: With Full Military Honors
"Rest Desmond Hayden;
Soldier from distant mountains
You are now our son." -
Haiku inscribed on a tombstone Author unknown.
February 10th. 1867.
Tokugawa period.
Coast of Edo, Japan.
Later known as Tokyo.
Seaswept winds struck the face of Hayden as he stood on the bow of the frigate, a ship designed to transport the diplomatic envoy Robert B. Van Valkenburgh. Hayden himself was a tall man, standing around six feet, three inches tall and weighing two hundred pounds. Perhaps his harsh childhood and lineage endowed him with a powerful stature. Black hair was combed backwards, with a split on the right side of his head. A soft sun tan to his skin no doubt from the many hours he spent in the sun. A strong jawline which only maintained a minimal amount of stubble, long hours on duty tended to cause him to forget to shave.
He was currently clad in a US Army uniform, the deep blue and golden buttons of it cut a sharp figure at the bow of the ship. A heavy saber sat on his hip and on the other side a Smith & Wesson Army No. 2 revolver, something which was growing increasingly popular within Japan. Which so happened to be the destination to which he was heading. The year was 1867, and this was Hayden's second mission to the foreign lands. At the moment, the political landscape of Japan was in turmoil between a conflict with the Imperial Government and the old feudal lords of Japan.
He supposed in some ways, the conflicts reminded him of his country's own bloodied Civil War. He thought that although his conflict was a righteous and noble one, against a corrupt institution, the Japanese one confused him somewhat. It may have been due to his own biases, and lack of higher formal education, but the whole thing seemed to boil down to 'old versus new.' And his boss, the Diplomat, seemed to be walking a strange line of neutrality despite the fact some intrigue seemed to be a foot.
As although America proclaimed neutrality, Hayden soon learned that was only half true.
In reality there were a number of American Military Officers, such as himself, who were being loaned to the Imperial Government. Military advisors and subtle obstructions such as delaying the arrival of a purchased Warship for one of the 'regions in rebellion'. This current diplomatic mission was more or less to ascertain their interests, and how the Imperial government was faring.
"Hayden-san, are you well? Did you hear what I said?"
Hayden's thoughts were broken by the voice of a bookish older gentleman. Their translator and a friend to Hayden. His name was Tanigawa Naosuke, his garb was that of a westerner wearing a rather mundane suit. In their first diplomatic mission together in 1866 the man proved to be invaluable, helping Hayden navigate the strange waters which was Japan. He certainly helped to lessen the intimidating appearance of Hayden, regardless of anything else.
"Ah, yes. I'm fine, Tanigawa. I did not, I was thinking. Could you repeat yourself?" He'd inquire offering a slight bow of his head in difference. To which Tanigawa turned their gaze forward to the approaching island nation in the distance. "I asked if you had been practicing your Japanese, young men such as yourself should always be striving to learn!" He'd pester in a good nature way, to which caused the soldier to let out a mild laugh. "Ah, somewhat. I know bits and pieces, perhaps by the end of this mission I shall manage a full conversation."
The two laughed, Hayden's hands coming to rest on the rails of the ship. A deep heavy breath was taken by the man, wondering briefly how his life had ended up here. How far a mountain boy such as himself had come, given purpose by his nation. To meet such interesting men such as his friend, Tanigawa, and to have been blessed with the ability to see the magnificent shores of distant lands. It brought a smile to his sun kissed features.
"I suspect I may end up maintaining a more permanent presence here. If reports are to be believed, the horn of war is on the rise."
February 10th. 1867.
Tokugawa period.
Karakura, Japan.
Western Territory of Edo.
Hayden undid his gun belt, placing it on the nightstand next to his bed. He was currently housed in a small barracks not too far from the diplomat's house. It was a modest room by all accounts but fit his purpose as an officer, it appeared that the Japanese Imperial authorities didn't want to imply an insult. Not that Hayden cared much, he was used to hard living ever since the war.
He sat on the bed, the soft material much nicer than the bedding he was provided while at sea. Then again having a solid floor was more than acceptable for him, thank God he hadn't enlisted in the Navy for he wouldn't have been long for it. Nonetheless as he prepared to bed down for the night, a furious pounding sounded at his door. Loud voices could be heard through the frame causing his brow to furrow, his head turning to the door as he stood up. Instinctively his hand reached for the gun belt once more, and the saber which was leaning against the night table. As he opened the door cautious, he was greeted by a robed male who began speaking quickly in Japanese.
Fortunately, Hayden understood a few words.
'Men…weapons…outside.'
There was more certainly, and he was lacking context. "English! English man!" He'd shout as he was already placing his belt back on, as the attendant began to struggle. "Erm… dangerous men! Quickly!" Hayden grinded his teeth as he motioned for the man to lead the way, a scowl on his face now. He supposed this was the reason he was brought here, to ensure the safety of the diplomat though he had to wonder who might make an attempt on the life of Robert. Perhaps one of the many unsatisfied lords with America's involvement.
It wouldn't take very long for Hayden and the attendant to arrive outside, the cold Karakura air biting into his skin due to the night clothes he was wearing. And naturally the situation soon became clear to Hayden, and it had nothing to do with the diplomat. That was evident by the fact that said diplomat was nowhere in sight, instead in front of him were several men wielding various sticks and bladed weapons. Local ruffians, he wagered a guess. It was clear that this was some show of force, as the bald headed leader locked eyes with Hayden.
"Foreigner!" He'd shout while pointing a stick at Hayden, much to his annoyance. Perhaps they didn't know or yet to see the effect of a revolver. They at the least recognized the saber at his side, and his size as a whole. But this did little to calm the temper of their leader. "You come here, you take and take! You dishonor us!
Hayden did not understand what he had done. And in truth, he as an individual did very little. But it appeared that his mere presence as a foreigner on behalf of a different government brought some issues with these men. Maybe they were affected by new taxes of the Imperial government, or merely wanted a fight. His lips would press into a thin line, clearly displeased by the whole affair. And now the man was screaming at him in Japanese, of which Hayden understood little save for being called a dog and a whoreson.
With a heavy sigh Hayden would bring his hand to the revolver and unsheathe it. As the man spoke, he'd raise the weapon into the air and press the trigger. The loud crack of the weapon spoke louder than any words, the thundering rapport of it echoing in the town as it caused nearby people to cover their ears unfamiliar with the sound of a gun going off. They were growing more common in Japan, but not enough to where people were used to hearing one go off. Needless to say, the thundering of the weapon caused some level of fear.
Most of the men left, with the leader merely glaring holes at Hayden. Before he inevitably ran off as well. He dropped his arm to his side, before going to place the weapon in it's holster. He turned his head to the attendant, with a half smile. "Issue resolved." He'd chuckle, as the attendant was gripping their ears with a pained expression clearly not having heard Hayden who merely rolled his eyes. "I'm going to bed." He'd tell the man as he went to head back inside.
He slept quietly that night. But it was a precursor to things to come. This would not be the last shot he fired in Japan.
Early-December 1867.
Tokugawa period.
Karakura, Japan.
Western Territory of Edo.
Months since that incident passed without issue. Hayden himself spent much of his time merely handling the day to day affairs of the diplomat's protection. He was in charge of a contingent of soldiers tasked with securing the security of areas the diplomat would be, and for the most part things where uneventful save for when his men got drunk. In those moments they might cause a disturbance, which was dealt with the following evening with harsh discipline. Such was the nature of soldiering.
However, in his off time he spent much time with Tanigawa whom he regarded as a good friend. The elder gentlemen even introduced him to his family, his wife a pleasant woman. His son was following in his father's footsteps, a young man of barely fourteen he had a prospective future in the government. His daughter was only a year or so younger than Hayden himself, who was now twenty-two. He had a vague feeling that his friend was trying to push him to court his daughter. He aptly avoided those waters, though she was a lovely young woman.
More importantly, Tanigawa frequently insisted on giving him language lessons. Hayden couldn't fault the old man that much, it did help with interaction. Picking up on the speech was a lot easier for Hayden, than learning the Kanji. However, when Tanigawa framed it as important to his job to learn these things it did motivate Hayden more. After all, Hayden was nothing if not devoted to performing his duties with the utmost excellence. Even to a fault.
The winter months arrived and reports of stirring tension growing more common. Supposedly a march against the former Shogun was to happen.
"Tanigawa-san, I have unfortunate news." The japanese words left his mouth heavily accented, perhaps even funny, but fluidly. Hayden grasps the hand of the older gentleman, taking the care to help him off the carriage. "I am relieved of this post. I am to be dispatched to assist Imperial forces in combat and drill."
Tanigawa was quiet for a moment as he was helped down, as he offered a solemn nod at this. A distant look in his eyes for a moment, as if dreaming of distant memories. Before slowly the man would turn to look up at Hayden. "Hayden-san, would you accompany me to the temple?" Hayden was not particularly religious but he remembered to say the Lord's prayer on sunday. However, he had learned to have a healthy appreciation of the Japanese religious rituals. In some ways, when he visited the mountains here, he felt… something profound about this land. Perhaps spiritual might be the word.
"Of course, Tanigawa-san."
It was the least he could do for the man, who had by this point grown into a well-meaning and earnest friend. The Temple of Karakura was not a far walk from the barracks in which he was staying, and with Tanigawa as his guide they arrived shortly. The ceremonial temple was a beauty of architecture and nature. Hayden had learned the Japanese often merged the natural world and the civilized world to great effect. As they entered the temple, he observed a few Shinto priests conducting their duties and ceremonial rites.
Tanigawa led him off to a small section, a corridor which led outside into small hills. He hadn't been to this place before, but he soon learned what it was. A cemetrary. The gravestones which seemed numerous, as a heavy aura hung over the area. It was… intense to say the least, causing Hayden pause. Instinctively, he found himself beginning to mutter a prayer before shaking his head following Tanigawa to a small gravestone. Immediately, it became clear to Hayden the intentions of this.
'Tanigawa Shouto.
Most Honorable of Sons & Warriors.'
Tanigawa knelt at the tombstone, and in this moment Hayden saw the man for his age. In most of their interactions Tanigawa was energetic or at least vibrant enough where one might think him younger than what he is. It was a little hard to believe he had two children, well three. But in this moment he appeared older than Hayden's own father, as if a weight was laid on his shoulders.
Shaking hands would begin to light incense, and speak holy words. Hayden, somewhat awkwardly, would kneel beside the man. They sat in silence for a moment, before Tanigawa spoke. "You remind me of my son, Hayden-san. Willful. Impudent. But good. I once tried to prevent my son from following his destiny, and I must-" He silences himself for a moment. Hayden understood well the facade in which men must maintain. "I must carry that sin."
A pause happened. Cold winter winds brushed against both of their clothing, as the pleasant scent of incense wafted to his nose.
"Thank you, for the company you have spent with me."
Hayden bows his head in thought for a moment, his hands resting on his thighs. For a moment he forgets the weapons which he carries, or the allegiance to a flag. He thinks only of this moment, and of the words given to him. For a moment he feels not the Captain, but Desmond the man. Desmond who is but only twenty-two. He does not speak of the War he has fought, nor of the men he has seen die. It pales in comparison to the overwhelming weight of this man, whom has treated him as a son in a distant land.
Hayden should be the one thanking him.
"I have never known why I must fight, Tanigawa-san. Only that I must, from my birth to now. I wish that we had met many years ago."
They sat in quiet observance.
Late-January 1868.
Meiji Restoration Period.
Battle of Toba–Fushimi.
Things get weird.
Desmond Hayden arrived at the Battle of Toba-Fushimi on January 28th, and with it things got weird. It should be noted that the Boshin War in its entirety is a complex, and political war, which all centered around 'doing what's best for the Emperor.' Hayden, as an American, lacked the fine understanding of why the Emperor was supremely important but his orders were to 'support' whoever the Emperor backed. For the past two years, that was the Shogun. And all that changed earlier this month, when the Emperor decided to take a more authoritative stance. The feudal lords who were once rebels, were now the Imperial Forces and the Shogun was now the rebel.
He was dispatched, to inform the former rebel forces they had the Emperor's backing. And in turn, bring the Shogun before the Emperor. Well not him directly, he was more to act as a military advisor and messenger of sorts. By the time he arrived at the battle, it was well on it's way. However, most curious, the Imperial Forces raised 'The Imperial Banner' which acted as some sort of approval from the Emperor and this had a devastating effect on the Shogun's forces.
It had become a full rout, with the Shogun's forces in disarray and morale destroyed. Hayden for the most part merely observed, before being approached by a Japanese Officer. "Would the American like to see true fighting?" Hayden felt that this was some sort of minor insult, but he agreed to join the Officer. He was dispatched with a force to attack the regrouping Shogun's forces the next day.
"Hayden-Kakka, I trust you have no objection?"
Hayden was currently standing at a small table that was set up at an encampment not too far from where Shogunate forces had regrouped. On the table was a battle plan to launch an attack on the forces, seeking to force them towards Osaka Castle. It appeared the Imperial Forces wanted to capture the castle in one fell swoop, and with the damaged morale of Shogun forces it seemed fully capable. As for himself, he had been offered the honored position of leading the assault in an 'unofficial' capacity.
It was strange, to be working with men whom a few months ago were his enemy. But such was the nature of war. Allies one day, and enemies the next.
"Of course, I take no issue with this. Thank you."
With those details ironed out, the sun had just risen above the horizon. The attack was to be a noon. He had a small breakfast of nuts, and eggs. It was always hard to put food down before a battle, but it was better to have something than nothing. By the time the horns were sounded, and banners was raised, he was already on his horse. He raised his saber into the air, before leading a small cavalry force at trot and eventually full gallop towards the entrenched Shogun forces. While the Shogun's forces where not 'ill-trained' so to speak, it was not nearly modernized enough or had the fire in their bellies, to withstand a modern assault.
And thus, Hayden set to the hard and bloody work of soldiers. The sound of bones being crushed under hooves, and his sword-arm growing tired from swinging familiar feelings. By the end of the battle, his saber had grown heavy with crimson. Once a long time ago, he would have felt something about this. But now, it was merely the life he led. To do or die, fight or lose. And when he rode back to camp, he was met with the impressed sounds of officers and men. After all, they had yet to see him fight properly.
It was clinical, it was brutal, and it was efficient. Such was the nature of war.
By the end of the month, Shogun forces retreated to the castle. And on that same day, they capitulated to Imperial Forces. Hayden sat upon the ramparts of the castle, feeling very little. He watched the orange hazy sunset, as the air felt heavy with jubilation and remorse. He had seen one country tear itself apart, and now he witnessed another.
He leaves the wall, and wishes to be back in Karakura.
April 9, 1869.
Meiji Restoration Period.
Hakodate, Japan.
The Storming of Hakodate.
'The final days of this war approach us. I have seen many good men fight and die on both sides of this conflict. A conflict which I myself now feel guilty in having participated in. If the war of my Homeland showed me anything, it was that men would die for evil if they thought themselves right. The war here is less straightforward. I fight now for an Emperor, against a republic. It feel like I have walked backwards in time, and now am the very thing my forefathers stood against. If I am to survive this war, I believe my time as a soldier has come to an end. Perhaps I will settle down within the mountains of Vermont once more, or I shall stay here and see what profits modernization yields.
Tanigawa, you have been a dear friend in all this. But the hour of my fight draws near. I suspect there is something profoundly spiritual about this land, perhaps this is the land foretold within the biblical texts. It causes the hair on my neck to raise, and my breathing to grow shallow. I worry for my soul, for what shall happen to it if I meet my demise. I think about death with growing worry. So I ask of you, if I am to perish, deliver my body to the mountains of Karakura. Lay my body to rest among it's green hills, towards the sunrise, so that I may forevermore witness it's beauty.
They call me now to battle. I must depart. Be well, my friend.
Yor Obedient Servant,
D. Hayden. '
Hayden placed his pen down, as he began to place the letter away, inscribing it to Tanigawa. He placed it among his belongings so that it might be easily found. It was off to battle.
His face was stained with powder smoke and viscera. His uniform was tattered with multiple tears in it from the heavy fighting. Goryōkaku was the main fortress of the rebels, but it was a fortress designed in the most modern fashion. It was for all purposes a bastion of defense, and even with the superior weapons, training, and discipline of Imperial Forces it was a grinding battle of attrition. Its design in the shape of a five point star made it difficult to overcome, requiring attack from one way and to overtake it's layered defenses.
Hayden and company were currently in the middle of this grueling battle. He pointed his revolver at a Japanese soldier standing over another, who was wearing the uniform of the Imperial Forces, and pulled the trigger. An explosion of powder was seen as the bullet struck true, instantly killing the soldier. Hayden knelt down hauling the soldier to their feet, who looked somewhat younger than him.
"Go back and tell them we need reinforcements-"
Before he could finish the sentence his mouth seized in his throat, as he felt a searing pain in his side. His head jerked that way to see a soldier had jammed a bayonet into his side, causing Hayden to release the young man who seemed to be scrambling to find a weapon. Hayden's hand would grip the rifle with wide eyes as a look of rage passed over his features. Without pausing he'd point the revolver at them pressing the trigger- as he heard a click. It appeared, he was out of ammo. Almost on instinct, he threw the hunk of metal at the Japanese man who recoiled as Hayden jerked the weapon out of his side.
Without pause he set upon the man with his hands, his massive form smashing into them as he knocked them to the ground. He'd unsheathe his saber before stabbing it downwards into the man's chest while taking a knee, hot air squeezing it's way through Hayden's teeth. He'd look upwards to see that the fighting was still going hard, he'd stand up ignoring the searing pain in his side. There was work yet to be done.
A soldier's fight didn't end until the battle was done.
April 12, 1869.
Meiji Restoration Period.
On the Road to Karakura, Japan
Medical Carriage.
Hayden laid in the back of the carriage, suffering the ride back to Karakura. He had sustained a mortal wound during the siege, and it appeared that his time on the earth was nearing it's end. It was funny the way life happened. He could feel himself fading in and out, moments of lucidity allowing him to understand what was happening. He only wished to lay eyes once more on the mountains of Karakura, those which reminded him of home. His twenty-third birthday was only a few months away. His mother would be disappointed. His father would understand. He hoped, they would not shed many years.
He hung on, far longer than most would have. Sheer tenacity. He suffered on that road. He would not die, until he laid eyes on the mountains once more. His hands clutched the letter to Tanigawa tightly.
He arrived in Karakura a couple of days later. Paler than a ghost, he saw Tanigawa once more. They shared brief words, and Hayden laughed once more. A final laugh on dry lips, and he clutched Tanigawa's hands. He breathed his last, April 14th 1869.
His only wish was fulfilled by Tanigawa. His tombstones lay in the green mountains of Karakura, with a Haiku inscribed by Tanigawa Naosuke.
AN: SOOO sorry for how long this took, but I had to do a decent amount of research into this time period for Japan. I'm not super knowledgable on this exact time period, but I wanted to be respectful to the history of Japan and it's people here. Obiviously we entered a pretty important part of the story and that is the DEATH of Desmond Hayden as a human. I dropped little hints about the nature of Karakura and the spiritual world. I took some inspirtation from the Last Samurai ya know that movie with Tom Cruise. Overall I'm super happy with the way this chapter turned out, and Hayden's journey so far. It was bittersweet death, especially that final letter to Tanigawa. I'd love some feedback or thoughts, as now we're actually approaching the REAL meat of the story.
Thanks again for any and all support.