((Note: I am not a writer and never claimed to be
)
The battle raged all around Takeshi. The barbarians possessed more skill in the art of war than the Phoenix originally thought. The Legion had been surprised by the placement of troops but recovered quickly. If left on the current course of action the gajin would be routed.
Takeshi eyed the small grove to the east. It would be the perfect position to launch a flanking attack from. It was large enough to hold a small mounted unit. It wasn’t long till the Chui’s fear was proven true. A force of 40 or so horsemen burst forth making a beeline for the flank.
Takeshi took a step forward and said, “Take them down.”
The Shiba watched with pride as the men and women unleashed a torrent of magic energy, decimating the charging force. Takeshi also added his power, summoning a burst of lighting that stuck those unfortunate souls that survived the initial barrage.
He said a quick prayer for the departed and returned to watch how the rest of the battle was to unfold. This battle is taking too long. We will be trapped in these mountains if it gets much colder. He thought as he noticed his breath freezing.
Suddenly he felt a tug threw the void, “Behind us!” Takeshi shouted.
The Phoenix whirled around just in time to see the blade raised and the barbarian scream a curse……
1 year earlier:
“I understand that Magical theory and how it relates to the Void is not a subject you find pertinent Takeshi-san, but could you at least pretend to pay attention?” Shiba Tetsu said with a scowl on his face as he whacks the small desk with his cane.
Takeshi’s head jerked up as he looked at the older Shiba. Tetsu had been his sensei since Takeshi had been a small child. Takeshi respected the man for his skill, power and knowledge however they often disagreed. Normally due to what Tetsu called “A lack of focus”.
“I would never insult you Shiba-sensei by pretending to pay attention. Besides, it wouldn’t do any good. Your link to the Void is powerful enough to notice it anyways.”
“That is true. Perhaps I should have made you attend classes with the other chidren. Maybe that would have instilled some since of focus in you.” Tetsu says with a frown.
It was a conversation that they had often. Tetsu removed the younger Shiba from the normal classes and took him under his wing and taught him alone. Tetsu was allowed to do these things because of who he was. Tetsu was one of the most promising students that Shiba Ningen ever had. Some question why he was not selected to the Council after Ningen’s death, as it was clear that Tetsu was being groomed for the job. However Tetsu had never discussed it with Takeshi.
“Again? Already you are not paying attention?” Tetsu said with a tone of irritation in his voice. “I was going to wait till tomorrow to give this to you, but perhaps now is a better time.”
The older Ishinken withdrew a scroll from his robes and handed it to Takeshi. The younger Shiba took it with a quizzical look on his face. The scroll was sealed with the Imperial Chrysanthemum. Takeshi blink in surprise then said “Wha- the Legion? Why? And as an officer? I have no skill at leading men or of war!”
“ It is a great honor. I have decided it will benefit your training.” Tetsu replied coolly.
“What? I have no desire to be in the military! I have been speaking with the Inquisitors and they are already accepted me into their ranks. It is the perfect stepping stone to the Jade Magistrates then the Championship!” Takeshi says with disbelief written all over his face.
“I know who and what you have spoken to and about. I have ensured that route is no longer available to you.” Tetsu says, sipping a cup of tea.
Takeshi shakes his head and starts to respond. “It does not matter. This is your fate. You will sit on the Council one day. This experience will make you stronger, a better leader. When your men die you will learn their value. The Council only sees resources to be used. You will see people and as such know them and how to better use them. The clan will benefit from it. There will be no debate……..”
I guess the crazy old Shiba’s crazy plan will never come to fruition. Takeshi thought as the world seemed to go in slow motion. He did not mind dying, however he did feel remorse for failing Tetsu. The crafty Ishiken had plans with in plans and Takeshi was curious as to where this rabbit hole was going.
Suddenly the Shiba yojimbo sprung forward, his sword half drawn. He was no match for the gigantic gajin. He ringed sword cleaved threw the bushi’s shoulder down to his waist in a shower of blood.
Takeshi watched threw a mask of blood as his friend Kenshin was cut in half. Rage exploded in Takeshi’s heart. As his men reacted, all engaging the small strike group that had sprung up from behind them, Takeshi focused on the one who killed his man. Takeshi called upon his connection to the Void and threw into the other man. The assult pushed the man back and blood started to run from his nose. He looked at Takeshi with a blank expression.
The Shiba drew his wakizashi and said coolly. “These are my men. Those who think they can harm them will face my wrath. Look upon me and see your destruction.” Takeshi advanced, blade in hand, upon the helpless gajin..
