A Warrior’s Heart Path of the Ronin

 

© 2016 Rahn Singh

 

 

Table of Contents

Ch.1 The Home of a Samurai

Ch.2 Where Outlaws Lie

Ch.3 Shinigami

Ch.4 Called by the Flames

Ch.5 An Immortal’s Domain

Ch.6 Drawn to Fate

Ch.7 A Dangerous Game

Ch.8 A Time to Themselves

Ch.9 A Place for Respite

Ch.10 A Beautiful Danger

Ch.11 Transformation & Survival

Ch.12 An Honest Hunt

Ch.13 What Lies Ahead

Ch.14 The Cold Reality of Temptation

Ch.15 Flame & Frost

Ch.16 Now & Forever

Ch.17 The Path Beyond This World of Ours

 

 

Ch.1

 

Chapter 1

The Home of a Samurai

 

 

Hyashi, a Ronin warrior of great skill and virtue, had once been a Samurai feared by all the wicked men who knew his name. But now few knew to fear him at all. He was always a man with little tolerance for cruelty or injustice though he had once also been a man of honor. So it should come as no surprise that he would one day have to make a choice between his honor as a Samurai, and the noble honor of his heart. Though that is a story for another time, for that is not the path he walks now, but only a shadow visited in the quite reflections of the night.

Hyashi now set foot upon a road which would lead him to his fate. Behind him, a village set ablaze, and before him was the forest. A forest believed to harbor dangerous Yokai and Yurei, daemons, which only stayed out of the village because of offerings made to the Sennin of the nearby mountains.

The once peaceful village lie in a valley with a forest to the east of a narrow river running through the heart of the village. Three bridges connected the two halves of the community. The village had once been a quiet refuge for Hyashi, but as it began to grow into a proper township it began to attract a more diverse range of people, and not all of them were fair and honest. A power structure was forming, and other unwanted attentions followed.

While he had long believed that the rumors of daemons had been a story started by outlaws hiding in the woods, and had even thought to join them if he ever found cause to leave the village, these were not the circumstance he had imagined their meeting would take place under. In the past they had been harmless enough, taking only from the village what was offered to the Sennin. It was likely they sustained themselves, and kept occupied, by hunting. Unfortunately, as their numbers grew, change was inevitable. This was clear, as now they had set fire to the eastern half of the village in the dead of night.

Hyashi, noticing that there were no women among the dead, quickly concluded that this was in fact a raid. The fire, likely having been set to mask the true breadth of the crimes that had taken place.

The time had finally come for Hyashi to join these men in the forest, yet he had no intention of becoming a murdering bandit. No, he would go to find out what happened to the women. He would be careful, as he might not be the only Samurai to have wandered into this valley after becoming Ronin. First he would measure the men, and determine who was to be held responsible, uncertain if any among them could be redeemed. When he was readied, he would deliver justice, even if that meant he’d have to kill them all. Then he would be able to return the women to the village, and return to the work of rebuilding. The life he found here was not yet lost, but he’d have to protect it if it was to be preserved.

As he stepped forward, into the dark woods, he felt the chill of the night. It was a sharp contrast to the blaze roaring behind him, like the bitter sting of betrayal this struck him suddenly. This too was a betrayal of sorts, one he would seek to correct. As he walked, with his left hand on the saya (scabbard) of his old master’s elegant Katana, for the first time in many months, he wandered if he should have kept to his training.

Though he had always been a natural talent, training certainly sharpened his skills. Should he have at least practiced his quick draw, the skill that allowed him to avenge his master’s death, a skill which he was once renowned for? Hyashi could draw his blade, strike down the man before him, and return it to his saya in what seemed like a single motion.

This dire nostalgia reminded him of his last moments as a Samurai. Moments in which he retrieved his master’s Katana from an ungrateful nephew, a young, foolish, and treacherous man, who Hyashi had suspected of poisoning the master’s son… though he had no proof. Still, his guilt was assured in Hyashi’s mind when the master fell to the same mysterious illness, leaving the nephew as the only living heir.

This was not the time to lament or regret having avenged his master, or wanting a peaceful life as a farmer, for he had never ventured far into these woods, and knew not the terrain. He would keep vigilant and seek out his prey.

Fortunately it was near the height of the evening, and the moon was quite full in the clear night sky. The bandits had used this to sneak into the village unnoticed, and now it allowed Hyashi to negotiate the bamboo forest without a lantern or torch.

After many hours searching Hyashi saw a light, a camp fire he thought… he hoped. But as he approached it, it seemed to be moving away. He followed it, now hoping it was one of the bandits, and would lead him to the camp. Regardless it was growing darker as the forest thickened and the moon receded from its heights. This beacon gave Hyashi direction, such that he might not have to stop and await the coming dawn. As morning came the light faded, but Hyashi stayed the course set by his pursuit, and as the sun began to break through the forest wall… he’d found it.

 

 

 

 

Ch.2

 

Chapter 2

Where Outlaws Lie

 

 

 

Hyashi stay just outside the camp observing the layout, analyzing the sounds, distinguishing between the environment, the sounds of drunken snoring, and of course the muffled, exhausted moans and crying of the captive women. Most of the camp was asleep, but a few were lingering… or perhaps waking up. This made the question of trying to sneak the women out of the camp a thought now easily dismissed, due to circumstance. No, the men would first have to be dealt with, Hyashi thought.

It was time to start measuring the true state of things. These men, which appeared to be rising, did not seem drunk or haggard from the long night’s activity. Did this mean they were not involved, at least not directly? What had been their role in all this?

Hyashi would observe the dynamic of the hidden community, for a while, from the shadows of the forest. Once he had an idea of the situation and knew how to approach them, he would perhaps reveal himself. This was the sound plan, as the camp indeed seemed too large to simply engage blindly in combat. This situation would require cunning, strategy, and patience, however distasteful prolonging the women’s suffering might be for now.

After a couple hours of observation it became clear that these men were preparing to take on the day. They had likely been sleep throughout the better part of the night, during the time he had been stalking about for the murderous abductors. Within a few hours of their morning routines they set out in different directions, with their hunting gear. These men were perhaps following habit, waking up at this hour to prepare for a long day of hunting, these were probably veterans of the camp.

This seemed like a good opportunity to gain some insight and make an introduction. So he quietly followed a younger looking man into the forest, being careful not to be noticed, hoping the young man was not as alert as the more experienced looking ones might be. After reaching an appropriate distance, from the camp, he circled around to make an approach from the hunter’s front left side. Adopting a casual gate, he moved towards his target at an offset that would position him to overshoot the man, now focused on concealing himself from potential prey, at about two to three meters. Such would be the result only if Hyashi were to ignore him entirely.

Of course the possibility existed that the hunter’s current action were the result of him having noticed Hyashi’s approach almost immediately. Perhaps he had even sensed Hyashi before then, even though Hyashi took care to minimize line of sight as he circled around to his targets anticipated position. No matter, if the man did not stop him first Hyashi would stop and turn towards him at the slightest sound, or simply turn towards him as if suddenly taking notice once he had come parallel to the man’s right side shoulder.

Once the distance between them closed to about three meters the hunter called out. “Looking for something… friend?” the man asked cautiously.

Hyashi stopped, “Oh, I thought I’d noticed someone in this direction… Though it appears I almost passed you by.”

“It appears,” he replied, still waiting for Hyashi to announce his intentions.

“I suppose I let curiosity get the best of me. But no, I’m not looking for anything in particular,” Hyashi finally reply to the earlier query. “It appears as if you’re on the hunt, as it were.” Hyashi added.

“Indeed…” the man responded.

“I’m sorry,” Hyashi interrupted, before the hunter could cease control of the conversation, “I’m Hyashi.”

This type of discourse was no different than a battle, it was important to gather as much information as you could about your opponent, while revealing little, or misleading them. The hunter would deal with a stranger in this way, but Hyashi was now forcing him to become acquainted.

The exchanging of names sometimes created a false sense of familiarity which eased the tone of the exchange. This was preferable since Hyashi did not wish to give suspicion a chance to bloom. After all, he had intended a casual encounter, and was hoping for a friendly reception, if he was being honest. As he would like to believe that the acts of the men the night before were not sanctioned by the entirety of the camp. For if such was the case it might suggest opportunities, a strategy that did not involve a drawn out effort to whittle them down, as they strayed from their encampment.

“Niro… My name is Niro,” he replied to Hyashi’s greeting in a way which suggested he felt suddenly less apprehensive about their encounter. This was good, as it made the possibility of infiltration more likely. If Hyashi chose that route he could exploit any potential or ongoing power struggles while keeping an eye on the women and reassuring them that things would be resolved soon.

Hyashi spoke to Niro about his travels, though they had occurred over a year ago, and Niro shared his own stories. Hyashi asked Niro about the local game, and expressed false excitement about the prospect of cooked meat. Niro shared Sake with Hyashi, and the two seemed to be getting on quiet well.

When a deer showed up they’d almost spooked it, but Hyashi had been keeping an eye out for the opportunity. He quickly grabbed the bow leaning beside the bamboo tree, and extended his hand to request an arrow. Niro took the bait and handed one over.

Archery was another skill Hyashi had developed, and now he had a chance to prove himself useful in the eyes of his new friend. He took a breath… and fired, releasing the arrow as he exhaled… a clean kill, the arrow pierced the skull of the beast… it lie slain, its death near instant.

Niro invited Hyashi to return to camp with him, as Hyashi had already expressed that he had no particular destination. This was a familiar truth, common to those who ended up at the camp. Hyashi agreed to check it out, but resigned from any commitment.

On the way Niro warned that some of the new men were of an undesirable sort, and that they were encouraging others to descent against the current leadership, an old Samurai named Yoseidachi. He explained, that a younger Ronin appeared with three companions, a few months ago, and has been persistently campaigning for support among the newer members of the camp. The Ronin, Setogashi, was gaining support, “…and as their numbers grow, they have also become more defiant, and brazen,” said Niro. Niro gave every indication that he was trying to recruit Hyashi to secure his loyalty to Yoseidachi. Hyashi extended interest in meeting with Yoseidachi.

While he had yet to commit himself to a course, it seemed to Hyashi that Setogashi was likely to be behind the attack on the village. This would make Yoseidachi a fast ally to his cause, after all it appeared as if they shared the same enemy. With luck Yoseidachi had only now discovered what had happened, and would not be pleased about it, though such things remained to be seen.

 

 

Ch.3

 

Chapter 3

Shinigami

 

 

 

The two men entered the village, with the deer, late that afternoon. There was some commotion, most of the hunters had returned, and it was now being discovered that Setogashi and his supporters abducted women from the village. As it turned out, Setogashi had been promoting a raid against the village for days now… though it had been expressly forbidden by Yoseidachi. This was the news Hyashi wished to here. Furthermore it seemed Setogashi’s move was one which challenged Yoseidachi’s authority, and it would have to be answered.

This was an opportunity which had to be ceased. Hyashi requested he meet with Yoseidachi immediately. This too had been Niro’s intent, as he had hoped all along to enlist Hyashi to aide them with the very problem now unfolding within the camp. It looked now as if his new friend wanted to lend them that aide, under the troubling circumstances he would not question this, instead he would oblige Hyashi with due haste.

Yoseidachi was a man of advancing years in contrast to Hyashi, who had only begun to grey. Yoseidachi was a man of silvered whiskers. Long white hair cascaded his shoulders. His body was covered in the scars of the countless battles it seemed he had only just managed to survive. His scars, he wore openly. Perhaps to show his experience to those otherwise unable to recognize it in his demeanor. His muscles were likely of greater bulk in his youth. But even now they appeared uniquely defined when compared to what most men in the camp would find themselves faced with, had they mirrors to admire. Yet, in the eyes of Setogashi, he was certainly only one old man. This Hyashi understood all too well, for Setogashi sought a position from which to strike at the head of his opposition.

Hyashi had not yet lost his mass to the withering effects of age, though he was not perhaps as defined as Yoseidachi, who obviously continued to keep a regular training regimen. Of course Hyashi worked hard, passively conditioning his muscles, both with his own task and through helping others in the village whenever he could. Hyashi’s strength could not be considered waning, and soon he would prove not only his strength, but his talent as a swordsman.

Yoseidachi noticed Hyashi’s katana almost immediately. After Niro made introduction, Yoseidachi asked Hyashi if he had come to offer his support as a Samurai. Hyashi bowed to the venerable old warrior who somehow in this moment reminded him of his old master. “As a warrior… I cannot stand by idly nor walk away from such acts,” Hyashi exclaimed. “If the men set against you are those who have attacked and abducted the innocent, and if you wish to punish and end their crimes, I shall stand with you.”

Hyashi and Yoseidachi discussed the situation further concluding that Yoseidachi would call out Setogashi. This would give him an opportunity to sanction Hyashi in a challenge against Setogashi. Such staging would conceivably prevent interference in the duel. Further, it would draw attention to Setogashi, and this would prevent him from backing out at the risk of losing face among his supporters.

Setogashi was prepared to put on a big show knowing that Yoseidachi would have to call him out. He would let the old man draw his line and then he would cross it. He would strike the old man down before he could draw his blade, in a single motion as he had practiced, and if any one moved against him he had the support to finish what he’d started. But Setogashi was not prepared for what was to happen now.

Yoseidachi called Setogashi to come before him in the middle of the camp. Here all the men had gathered ready for what might come next, ready to witness the outcome which would surely accent this day, if not define it.

Setogashi was a slender man with wiry hair and a short goatee. He wore leather armor, unlike the more seasoned Samurai he was about to face… who wore no armor at all. Setogashi’s sword had seen little in the way of true combat, and he had yet to take down a worthy opponent. His sense of self was in fact inflated. Though he prided himself on the ability to manipulate events. In this light he cast himself as a strategist of some proficiency. Regardless of his self-image, his heart was that of a pack animal, not a lone wolf. A beta type if truth be told. He valued strength in numbers, and was making his move to take down the alpha. In his mind he had played this like a game of Go, and he was about to out-position Yoseidachi, taking the camp as his territory. His last act of defiance had both assured the allegiance of his closest supporters and forced his opponent, the old Samurai, to the board.

In this moment Setogashi was so excited, with murderous intent, that he did not even take notice of the new face standing beside Yoseidachi. The battle hardened Samurai berated Setogashi’s character alongside the actions he had taken to this point. Finally, he stated his answer to the young Ronin’s actions, “Setogashi, the time has come to pay for your crimes…” Yoseidachi started, “Yours shall be a trial by blade…”

“… and I shall be your judge,” finished Hyashi in a stoic and resolute tone which left no room for negotiation.

This infuriated Setogashi, who finally stopped smiling and snapped. He struck out at Yoseidachi, his sword flying from its saya with only a slight hesitation between its release and the strike to follow. However, Hyashi was even faster as he deflected the attack and staggered Setogashi. Yoseidachi did not flinch, not because he was caught off-guard, but because unlike Setogashi he recognized the stark difference between Hyashi and the lesser man. Setogashi adjusted, and flew towards Hyashi only to have his blade intercepted and trapped. Hyashi slipped his pommel around Setogashi’s wrist pulling him forth, and forcing him to expose his neck. Only now in this moment before his death did Setogashi come to realize the vast difference between them. The dance was over, as Hyashi followed through removing his opponents head as if slicing through a shaft of bamboo. As his head slid away from his shoulders, his last thought was that the old man had played him into this position, the world bouncing and spinning around him as his head came to rest on its side. Setogashi could just see Yoseidachi standing their unfazed, the world turned on its side as he quickly drifted into an irrevocable unconsciousness.

As all this took place in moments, no one was prepared for what happened next, except Hyashi and Yoseidachi. They had managed to identify the men which had accompanied Setogashi the night before, and to confirm their identities during Setogashi’s arrival. By the time Setogashi’s head had begun to roll, Hyashi already had himself positioned for his next move.

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