The Great Wilderness
Draknith had been traveling for about a month. He was enjoying his solitude, and gaining vital skills he could use on the battle field. In fact one great scene he witnessed was a group of wolves hunting a small deer. The wolves during the attack broke up, and one wolf in particular moved around a large rock while the others chased the deer. Soon enough, the wolves changed their direction and forced the deer to enter an area near the rock. The wolf sprang out and attacked with one quick bite, and the deer was down.
"Interesting," Draknith thought to himself, "such a noble creature, and a great battle tactic if I have ever seen one."
During this time Draknith came upon a group of Japanese archers. At his first arrival the group was on edge.
"Who are you? Are you friend or foe?" Questioned the man clearly the leader of the group.
"I am Draknith formally from the city of Kyoto," Draknith responded.
The bow wielding men put down their guard a bit and introduced themselves. After the introductions the leader, Shashu Yajirushi asked Draknith to join him to hear about what has been going on in the Empire. They both sat and discussed the new military equipment being developed, the growth of the various cities, the expansion of the Empire, and the political turmoil that had embroiled the capital. Soon the men became friends, and Yajirushi invited Draknith to join the force. Draknith accepted, but requested that he be allowed to leave if and when he saw fit to do so. Yajirushi accepted and Draknith was given the look-out position for the group. Although it was the lowest rank in the warrior division, Draknith proposed that it would be the most fitting one for him. He wished not to develop animosities with the other archers who had been there long before him.
On the third night of watch, Draknith spotted a light in the ocean. From his bag he pulled a device used in Huberia to see far away objects. What he saw through that looking glass was a familiar sight, one that brought him fame in Kyoto. The sight was a barbarian ship, and from their positioning he knew they were headed for the coast. He gathered his things and headed to Yajirushi's tent. Upon entering Draknith stumbled upon an interesting party of Yajirushi and three women. He attempted to excuse himself when Yajirushi said, "Come Draknith, take leave of your post for a moment. Enjoy one of these women."
Draknith spotted a young woman who seemed to eye him quite exotically. However, for the moment there were more pressing matters to attend to.
"Sir, I have spotted a barbarian ship approaching our location. I recommend we lead a party to destroy them. However, since you are occupied at the time may I request to lead the expedition," said Draknith.
Yajiushi stood up dressed in nothing and said, "There is always time for this fun, but the fun of battle must be taken up when it presents itself. Draknith, gather the men. Perhaps we will celebrate a victory tonight!"
Draknith gathered the men, and they made their way to the shore awaiting the ship. Many of the men wished to fire upon the ship as it sailed, however Draknith requested that the group wait until they began moving ashore. The element of surprise would be on their side at that point. Yajirushi agreed with Draknith, and the group covered themselves and waited for the right time to strike. Soon enough the small barbarian boat came ashore, and as the men began departing the ship Draknith moved into action. He boarded the ship and began slaying all those in front of him. Arrows flying all around him from his companions on shore. The barbarians were caught off guard completely. Soon others were joining in on the fight. Draknith tossed a dagger to a fellow Japanese soldier, the man caught it, and immediately plunged it into the heart of a barbarian. Blood spewed forth from the man, and the duo smirked at each other before engaging the rest of the barbarians. Within 20 minutes the battle was over. The Japanese were victorious and supplies were off loaded from the boat before setting it aflame and sinking it into the sea. A celebration was had and the troops drank and ate well into the morning. Upon arriving back at his tent Draknith noticed the woman from before the battle laying in his bed. He smiled at the woman and she removed the blanket exposing her nakedness to him. The two stayed together from that day forth. Draknith was finding happiness again, and love.
The day after the young woman explained who she was and how she came with the army with her mother and father to support them as many women did. She was the daughter of a Bunka clansman. Draknith no longer cared about the clans and their differences. He was a warrior again, and all he cared for was the woman. She composed this haiku for him.
Warm Summer Evening
Battle Upon Our Men
Love Spring Forth Anew
Nine months later a young child was born to the couple. Draknith expressed his desire to return to the city as the wilderness was no place for the child, Yajirushi agreed and mourned the departure of his friend. A great celebration was held for Draknith, Asuki his wife, and Inuyasha (haha) their son.
