(I) Chapter 4
Dachi Hikari, like many of the people that lived within this village was born here.
His father was one of the many soldiers who had settled down in this mountain refuge at the end of the Great War, and found solace in the faith of the Two Brothers.
Growing up, he was close to Akari despite the different lives they led. Akari always had the makings of a warrior, whereas he was more of the scholarly type. That didn't stop Akari from dragging him into spars and teaching him a thing or two about the martial ways.
And while many of his brothers and sisters left the village to seek different lives in the wider world, Dachi could never bring himself to leave this mountain refuge, and thus saw it as his duty to remain here and succeed his father when the time came.
When the temple was his, many kannushi and miko's had entered and traveled onwards from these temple grounds as was the nature of life, some settling down as fathers and mothers, while others left to spread the faith of the Two Brothers, and sometimes simply choosing to reside here in the temple.
It was a simple life, and a peaceful one at that, there was nothing in the world that he would trade it for.
Life on the frontier had many benefits, living away from the hustle and bustle of the major towns and the big city, living simple lives gathering resources to sell to the towns that could not acquire them, and what most people thought of the most: less taxes levied, and in their case none since they seemed to have been lost to the constant bureaucracy that Vale always boasted about.
Granted, it wasn't easy living either. There was plague that could run rampant due to difficulties of getting good medicine out here. There were chances that famine could occur should a harvest fail or the supply of Plant Dust ever ran short, and most commonly thought of, that the village could be wiped out at any given moment by the Grimm.
Which brings him to this exact moment.
The night had started out like any other, cold but peaceful. The village was settling in for the night, and the guard had been posted. There was no indication that this night would be any different than any other night, and it seemed that life would continue on peacefully as it always did.
Then a gong was struck five times. One strike was for injured. Two strikes was for wildlife. Three strikes was for bandits. Four strikes was for individual Grimm. Five strikes was for a horde.
"The Grimm are here!" The sounds of a man shouting from horseback galloping through the village, causing many of the townsfolk to rouse from their rest. "Get—AHH!"
The sound a bird tore through the silence as the pained screams of a man and his horse disappeared into the night.
Rushing to the main quarters of his acolytes, he found himself shouting. "Acolytes! Prepare yourselves!"
Many of the kannushi and miko were waking up, catching their bearings while others knew exactly what was happening.
Leading his disciples to the makeshift armory, there were a number of well-maintained yari's and a few Dustlock's that had kept since the Great War. These weapons were old, but they would slay any Grimm as well as any man.
"Remember your training, the village will be counting on you!" Moving to the end of the room, he reached his father's shrine. On the stand above it was a lone naginata, the very same one used by his father in the Great War.
Kneeling in front of the shrine, he quickly lit up incense before giving a short prayer to his father, that he be given the strength to defend those that seek shelter in their temple.
Picking up the naginata, he found it lighter than it had been in ages, yet it did not stop the shaking in his hands.
As he left the makeshift-armory, he could see an influx of the townsfolk rushing into the walled off temple grounds.
Initially the grounds were easy to defend. Fledglings were not strong enough to break through the sturdy walls that surrounded most of the temple. A simple spear wall was enough to have the fledglings throw themselves onto their spears, and those that didn't found themselves quickly dispatched by the dust-imbued shots.
"Dachi!" A familiar voice sounded off as he saw a familiar face rush up with the ever dwindling influx of survivors. "I got here as soon as I could."
"Akari." Dachi smiled before looking around. "Your son—"
"Is safe for the time being." Akari finished before looking around. "No sugar-coating it, but there's too many of them."
"Then let us pray that the Brother of Light grants us one miracle before the night is out."
Gesturing to have the more senior warrior follow him, the two entered the inner temple, where there was a small hand drawn map.
"Got a—" Akari coughed into his sleeve before regaining his breath. "—a plan?"
"My followers will never be as skilled as you or I in the martial ways, but if we can hold them off long enough, we may be able to escape." Pointing at the temple on the map, he traced a route which offered substantial protection while minimizing exposure to open skies. "Once we get out of the village we can take the east bridge."
"And then we destroy the bridge."
"Exactly."
"What do you need me to do?"
"Help thin out the herd on the east entrance side. I plan on aiding the west gate, and preparing to have them fall back to the east when we are ready."
"Gotcha." With a nod of the head, Akari spoke. "May the Creator's light illuminate your path."
"And may the Destroyer's shadow shield you from harm."
So the two separated, Dachi making his way to members of his flock.
"Onshi-sama." One of the older kannushi bowed. "We are holding for the time being, but we need a plan."
"We are preparing to evacuate." Dachi explained. "Prepare to close the west gate and bar it shut. It'll buy us the time we need to regroup on the east."
"Understood." With a bow the kannushi ran off and began to order the other kannushi and miko's on the plan of action.
The novices moved into action, quickly shutting it, pushing back the door with every slam the fledglings did their best to break in, but it was all put to a stop when the bar went in, and additional reinforcements were placed against the door.
"Alright…" Taking a breath, Dachi looked to his flock. "Now we—"
A monstrous growled echoed through the silence, followed by the rallying howls of more beowolves.
"You." Pointing to the swiftest miko he knew, he ordered. "Get Akari here NOW."
"Yes Onshi-sama."
"Yari wall now!"
The miko and other kannushi here immediately formed up as orderly as they could. Immediately behind them was a line of Dustlocks, reloading and preparing to fire.
The door was struck once, and immediately the sound of wood cracking under the stress.
"We are guarded by creations embrace, and bolstered by destructions might."
Another strike, and the splinters were visibly flying off the log.
"We are the instruments of their divine will."
Another strike caused one of the logs failed, some fledglings shoving their heads into the opening, trying to force their way in.
"And we will protect the people charged in our care."
The solid oak gates shattered and splintered outwards, the brief activation of aura necessary to prevent any harm. Then came the fledgling Grimm, immediately flooding in as the line stood ready.
"Shine forth! Unleash fury!"
The first wave of fledgling beowolves were met with pure Mistrali steel, being easily being disposed of as they ran headfirst into the spears, quickly disintegrated soon after. The second and third wave of fledglings found themselves immediately destroyed by the overpenetration of the old Dustlocks, giving a moment for the yari's to prepare for the incoming wave.
The line was holding well, as they began to orderly move backwards towards the shrine.
However, it would seem that luck was not on their side as three lumbering figures moved in. These ursine figures caused everyone to freeze.
"Ursa! Fall back!"
It seemed that the two Ursa Minor's knew what was occurring, and began barreling towards them.
It didn't help that these creatures of Grimm were inherently faster than they were.
Dachi tried to use his weapon to slow one down, but was quickly thrown to a pillar, and if it were not for aura, he would've broken many bones, but instead, he only broke the pillar, causing it to collapse on him. That also meant that the ceiling also collapsed onto him.
Dachi found himself buried underneath a pile of debris from the wall. He made several attempts to free himself, to no success. Looking back, he could see that a pillar had fallen onto his leg keeping him pinned down.
The situation was getting worse, and the number of acolytes were continuing to get smaller, the wall of yari's getting progressively smaller as the Ursa Minor threw his followers around.
Disoriented, he could see Akari rush into the area, and like a blur, the man burst into action, weaving through the seemingly endless black sea, splitting it with no issue.
It was only when he began to engage the first Ursa Minor did the Ursa Major engage. Akari and the Grimm were like a blur, before seeing the Grimm land a blow on the man, causing him to break through several walls, the Grimm pursuing.
As he lie there, he found himself helpless to aid his acolytes as more Grimm continued to rushed in.
The fighting continued to get even more desperate as his acolytes began to circle around him, doing their best to shield him.
That was when he arrived.
…
Yoriichi rushed through the east side entrance of the temple, and it seemed that the holes caused by the bear-like Grimm had caused more openings for the Grimm to enter into to, having flanked the survivors and causing massive disarray among them.
Amidst the chaos, no man, woman, child, or Grimm realized when the child of light entered the fray
These creatures did not stand a chance to the master swordsman reborn, and like a whirlwind he easily sliced his way through the horde, ash and dust left in his wake as these demons disintegrated into nothing.
Awareness of everything around him, he saw a strike that was directed towards one of the temple's defenders, and with another inhale, he increased his speed as to intercept the strike. With a fluid slash, the paw separated from the Grimm's arm, and before it could even begin to realize what was occurring he crouched in preparation.
Sun Breathing, Sunflower Thrust.
Launching up with perfect aim, the obsidian blade entered the bottom of the Grimms skull, and went all the way through to the tsuba. Planting his feet on the Grimm's shadow-like form, he pushed outwards causing the Grimms head to split into two.
Unable to maintain its own balance, the Grimm took a step backwards before falling on its back, scattering into motes of dust on impact.
With an exhale, he flicked the blade to the side, a habit of his old life. Taking in the scene around him, he could see that he had the attention of all those in this room.
Yoriichi could immediately recognize how the air in the room changed. The acolytes still held their yari's with guarded suspicion, others with wariness of a child with such skill. Any villager in this room was silent, their eyes telling everything he needed to know.
They were afraid, and not only of the Grimm… they were afraid of him too.
How could they not be? From their perspective, he was a child who was scorned, ostracized, and isolated for all these years, and here he was katana in hand and the very real power to dispose of these monstrous creatures which have killed many more innocents.
"What's happening?" A new voice spoke up, the strain of pain audible in the mans voice. "Did Akari return?"
The wall of acolytes briefly opened up to reveal the master of this temple, pinned down with a few members and villagers doing their best to free him.
Without a second thought Yoriichi rushed forward, and began to help the effort.
This action seemed to break the tension in the room, other acolytes beginning to work alongside him to free the man.
"Alright, lift now!" An older acolyte shouted and with the combined efforts, they managed to lift the pillar off of the man's legs.
"Thank the Brothers, I thought this would be the end." The master of the temple grabbed a naginata on the ground and used it to prop himself up. "You got that mark on your head so you are his son."
"Akari?" Yoriichi tilted his head. "My father never told me his name."
"Did he never tell you, his name?" The kannushi shook his head. "When I see him again I'll be sure to tell him off… where is he?"
Yoriichi stated nothing, only looking at the blade in his hand.
"No… that can't be…" The kannushi's eyes widened as he looked at the boy. "I'm… I'm sorry."
The sounds of more wolves howling ended the brief mourning that had been afforded to by the survivors.
"We need to leave now." The kannushi stomped each foot, as if trying to see if he was fine. "Come on through the east gate."
There was collective agreement as the group began to move to the west
Yoriichi followed close to the kannushi.
"Dachi Hikari, Master of the Temple." The kannushi introduced himself. "I was… am one of your fathers close friends." The two continued to move through the temple. "I wish we could've meet in better circumstances."
Nodding in agreement, he introduced himself. "I am Yoriichi."
"Just like your mother's." Dachi smiled. "Just stay close by and we'll all get out of this."
They reached the east side entrance, to which there were Grimm throwing themselves at the defenders, with the defenders valiantly standing their ground defeating the Grimm.
The Grimm were fought off, and the survivors were pleased to see Dachi approached.
"You're alive!" One of the survivors using a weapon of the fallen rushed up. "Where's Akari?"
"He did not make it." Dachi explained with sorrow. "His son however is with us."
"That monster?" There was anger and resentment. "It'd be best to just leave him to rot."
"Now is not the time for that type of talk." There was a sharp edge in Dachi's tone. "Not when he has just saved our lives."
"Really now? Covering for the kid." The man would not let it go. "Probably caused for—"
The sound of a large bird swooping down was heard, and Yoriichi caught sight of it immediately. It seemed to have selected a member within this group, however to him it was unknown, so he would need to wait for it to get close.
The survivors began to scatter while other survivors and acolytes began to prepare for its attack.
Finally when it was close enough, Yoriichi could discern its target: the one who was showing malice to him.
Inhaling, Yoriichi began to move, rushing towards the man.
The Grimm was moving quite quickly, but through the Transparent World all things moved slowly.
Jumping up, his blade aimed for where the head met its neck.
Sun Breathing, Clear Blue Sky.
Twisting his body to perform a 360 spin, the Grimm's body reflexively tried to fly back up, a trail of black smoke following it until it was no more.
The man who had been full of malice was now on the ground, in fear of the monster which wished to feast on him.
"Are you okay?"
The man remained frozen, wide eyed at his might. There was nothing for him to say, and Yoriichi needed no words of affirmation or apologies. His life was saved, and that was all that mattered in this world.
The sounds of howls only intensified, as if this siege was nowhere near its conclusion.
Running towards Dachi Yoriichi spoke up.
"What is the plan?"
Startled by Yoriichi's sudden change in demeanor, the older man looked down at the son of his fallen friend.
"Theres a pass nearby, we can hold off the Grimm there and flee further east." The head priest pointed towards the mountains. "I don't want to ask this of you, but it is clear you have been blessed by the Brothers."
"I will lend you my strength."
"Thank you."
… …
Dachi Hikari felt a number of emotions.
Grief for the loss of his friend he has known all his life.
Joy that his friends son was still alive, and able to continue on even after the harrowing experience that befell him.
Shame that he relied on the help of a boy who had not reached his seventh birthday.
Anger that he himself was not strong enough to protect those under his charge.
Yet here he was, him, his followers, and even the survivors who sought refuge in the temple were following the path that a boy was creating.
Through the sea of Grimm and Darkness, he was the light.
The blade the boy wielded was one he was intimately familiar with. Akari used it right after his father's passing at the claws of that Elder Griffon. It was the blade of their family, yet not once had he seen it in such a state.
True the exterior was ancient and distinguished, yet the blade itself was shimmering red, and when not in use the blade seemed to radiate heat that was visible in the cool mountain air.
Exhaustion seemed to change how the rest of the night progressed. One moment he was trapped underneath rubble, the next he found himself rushing through the Grimm-torn village, before finally reaching where they wished to be.
"We are here Onshi-sama." The older Acolyte told him, exhausted but still alive. "I've already got others moving across the bridge as we speak."
"Right, thank you."
Moving back to the back of the line, he could see some of his less wounded acolytes and survivors, along with Yoriichi.
Yoriichi was clearly avoided but he seemed to take no mind, as his attention was solely focused on the burning village. He could only wonder what was going through the boy's mind, seeing his only home destroyed.
Seeing the boy tense up ever so slightly, he could see him rest his hand on the grip of his katana
"Yoriichi?" He knelt down beside the boy. "Is something the matter?"
"We don't have enough time."
"What?"
"The Grimm are moving quickly… they'll be upon us before everyone can get across the bridge." Gesturing to the bridge, he looked to him. "You were planning on destroying the bridge right?"
"Yes we were." Momently caught off guard by the boy's cunning, he looked back to incoming horde. "What are you thinking?"
"I will buy us time." The boy not even seven years in age stated looking at him, with a warriors conviction. "This is where we part ways."
"No!" Dachi grabbed the boy's shoulder, knowing that he could not live with himself if he let a boy fight their battles. "You should go with the rest of the village, my acolytes and I can hold them off for long enough."
"But will you be able to escape as well?"
Dachi was about to say 'yes', in hopes of deceiving the boy so that he may flee, yet the lie was caught in his throat. The presence of this boy—
This boy… no. To call Yoriichi a boy was a mistake. There was something fundamentally… different.
The way Yoriichi fought. The way Yoriichi used the blade. The way Yoriichi held himself.
It was as if this child was born to ward off the darkness.
The way his crimson blade majestically weaved its way from Grimm to Grimm, somehow always aiming for that perfect spot on their neck. The way Yoriichi managed to quickly analyze and adapt to the Grimm he fought against, knowing that Akari had not once begun training his boy to succeed him.
It was as if young Yoriichi had inherited the skills of his lineage.
And in those maroon eyes was a glint that seemed to understand completely the situation that they were in. They were not the eyes of a child who was unaware or ignorant of the true nature of this world, but the eyes of a seasoned veteran that commanded respect and honesty from those he fought alongside.
The last time he had seen that look was in the eyes of Akari's Grandfather, in Lord Tsuyakuni's eyes.
"Kannushi Hikari…" Yoriichi's voice was level and calm, which somehow caused for him to lessen his grip. "It has been my family's mission to be the protector of the village… and it's people. Please let me do my duty."
With a blink, the crimson bladed descendant of the Tsuyakuni line vanished, and when he next saw the boy, he could see him already rushing towards the Grimm.
There were a few concerned shouts that rippled through the crowd, seeing the supposed cursed child run off towards what many believed to be certain doom.
A few of his acolytes who had been saved by the boy were ready to run after him.
"Hold the line!"
He found himself shouting out as the confusion was now directed to him.
"Yoriichi, scion of our village's found Lord Tsuyakuni, is blessed with the strength of his lineage." That was the only explanation he could even think of with the might Yoriichi has displayed. "You all have seen it, and he has decided to fulfill his duty as the new guardian of the village and its people."
There were murmurs in the crowd now, an uneasy feeling developing within the ranks. They all knew what that meant.
"The Two Brothers have bestowed upon us a miracle," Dachi could only grip his naginata harder as he looked to where the Grimm would inevitably clash with the boy. "Let us not squander the chance that our guardian wishes to buy for us."
While it was clear that few agreed with the choice, they had no choice but to accept it.
Dachi felt shame well up, that he relied on the son of his best friend to ensure their survival.
Unknown to him, this would be the last time he saw this boy for the better part of a decade.
Next chapter done!
Balancing Yoriichi to the setting is tough and honestly I could use some ideas for later chapters, as when his aura gets unlocked, it'll add a new element to the power levels.
Other than that, feel free to tell me what you liked, disliked, or what you found interesting, and I'll see you in the next chapter!