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Denizens of the Mountain It was late morning, or so, Takeshi surmised from the position of the sun. They had been traveling since the early part of dawn, their path steadily growing steeper while rocks and boulders became more common amongst the grass. Takeshi’s wounds were healing nicely thanks to Narita’s skills. The ronin’s face betrayed no hint of any emotion as he trekked. Of his confrontation with the Shinobi he had said but one thing and then never again. “I hope our paths cross once more.” Now Takeshi led the way, hand never straying far from his katana. Decius followed behind the sellsword’s eyes roaming across the new countryside in curiosity as they traveled. Behind him was Satsu, her naginata alternating from being carried or laying just over her shoulder. “You never cease to impress,” Decius called to her. “Why do you speak to me?” Satsu grunted. “I was only going to compliment you.” Satsu scoffed, “Your flattery is not needed.” “No, no, I just wanted to tell you

The Final Battle Takeshi’s footsteps echoed in the cave as he walked, a sickly green light grew steadily brighter as he moved toward it. On a pedestal in pristine shape was the cursed blade of Miyashi. Takeshi huffed as he grabbed the katana. It was a work of art by the tsuka and tsuba alone. Rayskin made up the grip with bits of copper shining through the weave. The tsuba was not overly elegant but was a dark finished metal. Even though the sword was within its saya, Takeshi could hear it whispering promises to him, “Free me. Free me and we shall be unstoppable. Every foe shall fall before our might.” “Your price is too steep,” Takeshi retorted. Though part of him longed to draw the blade, they were facing an army soon. Would he not need every advantage he could take? Takeshi placed his hand on the tsuka and the sword seemed to purr in eagerness, the saya rattled as the sword quivered in anticipation. Longing to be free, longing for blood and souls. “No!” Takeshi yelled as he

Guardian of The Sword The disadvantage of having an army was how long it took to traverse terrain that a smaller party could cover. That was why all armies had scouts, and the shogun's army was no exception. The mountains were rightfully feared, making the job of being a scout more dangerous. “An oni, a dead one,” the scout had reported to the shogun. The shogun had wanted to see it for himself. “A minor oni. Seems he took a tumble down the mountain.” The scout bowed, “Look closer my lord.” The shogun frowned, “Broken arrow shafts. Tanaka, you old fool. You actually sent your pawns to fetch it for you.” He turned back to the scout. “Back to your work, I shall tell the paymaster to increase your wage.” The scout bowed. “Be wary, it seems we’re not the only ones in search of our prize.” The shogun looked around before telling his bodyguards to remain put. Crossing to the shadows cast by the rocks he spoke. “It seems your playmates are ahead of us. Continue to stay

Pirates and Storms It was near sunset as the pirate dhow overtook the ship. The decks of the pirate vessel were crammed full of various scallywags all baying for loot and blood. “Shove off! I have nothing valuable aboard,” the captain roared at them. “We’ll take the ship then!” The pirates answered as slings, bows, and crossbows were loosed upon the ship. One sailor went down with a crossbow bolt in his chest, another fell overboard having been struck in the head by a sling’s bullet. For the ship’s part, they had a good number of men who were excellent javelin throwers. They hurled their missiles at the pirate vessel and were rewarded with screams of pain. Some of the crew had crossbows of their own which they loosed bolts and stones from. Every pirate killed or wounded would be one less boarding them. As the battle raged on, grappling hooks were tossed upon the ship, too many to cut away as the vessels were now alongside each other and the pirates began to clamber aboard. It was

Night Raid Darkness was quickly creeping its way across the lands. Fireflies flitted about as the crickets sang their songs. The home was peaceful and silent, the calm before the harrowing journey that lay ahead. Takeshi was taking another draught of tea before he would make himself ready for bed. As always the wandering swordsman’s face seemed impassive, though within he had a vortex of thoughts. “May I join you.” It was Lord Tanaka also with a cup of tea. Takeshi inclined his head and the old warrior joined him at the tea table. “Is it a painful homecoming,” Tanaka asked. Takeshi shrugged, “I do not dwell in the past, only the road I am traveling on. One can not change the past, thus thinking about it is pointless.” Tanaka grunted, “True, but the past has a way of coming back.” “Then I will deal with it as it comes.” Tanaka smiled, “I see you are at peace with yourself then.” “I accept myself as I am, the only thing I wish to improve upon is my prowess.” The older

Arrival The first course of action was reorienting the vessel. After that was guesstimated, the wounds were seen to. Fortunately, the bottles of healing waters had survived the pirates and storms, and they were authentic healing waters. These were given to the most seriously wounded, for the rest it was nothing that alcohol, bandages, and stitches couldn’t solve. With the ship heading in a relatively correct course and bodies mending, attention was turned to making repairs to the ship. Sails were mended and debris cleared. The ship still showed the scars of the battles, but it would do until they put into port. Assuming they made it to a port. The days dragged on, mostly uneventful except for a pod of whales being sighted. While the massive creatures were majestic and mighty to behold, many crew feared one might capsize their ship by accident or curiosity. Some of the sailors shouted at the top of their lungs and beat on pans and pots. Whether this actually worked or not

The castle was barely discernible against the moonless sky, the clouds covered the stars and only the few torches of the sentries provided any illumination. Within the seemingly foreboding castle three figures sat around a table in a cozy parlor room. Two women and a man each dressed in the finest garments. The man was well built with almost porcelain skin, long dark hair hung just above his shoulders, and piercing green eyes regarded his companions. His features undoubtedly aristocratic, with sharp cheekbones, and sharp jaw. “The weapon is still at large.” His voice rumbled. “Are you certain brother?” One of the women spoke, there was little doubt she was kin to the man, she shared the same dark hair and green eyes, and her features were just as elegant if not more so. She was the very picture of a goddess, strong and commanding, but gentle and serene. “I am certain Genevive.” The man replied. “Hmph,” The other woman grunted. She had silver hair and lavender eyes, she

“Mouse? Never been called that before.” Decius smirked. Kyrie drew closer eyes staring at Decius’s neck, before her lavender eyes fixated on his. Decius felt his heart flutter, he didn’t know why he felt fear, it had been years since he was nervous in the presence of a woman but there was something about this woman. “I’m, Decius.” The sellsword grunted. Kyrie tilted her head, she knew she had him. “I am called Kyrie.” Her hands rested on his shoulders as she gazed up at him, Kyrie leaned closer and paused as there was the sound of raucous laughter echoing against the stone walls, much to her annoyance. Also annoying was Decius wrapping his arms around her and holding her against him, her bosom pressed against his chest. “You’re cold to the touch.” Decius commented. Kyrie quickly worked things to her advantage. “Shall we go somewhere more secluded pet?” Kyrie asked. Decius grinned, “Straight to the point, I like it.” The mercenary offered his arm and Kyrie took it as

Night On The Mountain The sanctuary was warm against the cold mountain nights, and more importantly healing waters had been stocked up which the battered adventurers greatly appreciated. Takeshi especially. Bowls filled with a strong broth warmed the bones, though none thought to question their bakeneko host where the meat came from, or what it had been in life. All were afraid of the answer the feline would give. “A rat the size of a human you say,” Tora asked. “Yes,” Decius replied. “Wielding an axe,” Tora continued his questioning. “Correct.” “And you fought this pirate rat?” Decius nodded. Tora waved his paw about, “Preposterous, you are lying. Rats the size of humans, ridiculous.” Decius scowled, “Think what you want cat. It’s true.” Takeshi was already testing his sword arm as Satsu sharpened the blade of her naginata. Narita caught Satsu’s eye as she sat next to her adoptive sister. “You’re certain Lord Tanaka sent you on this quest?” Satsu asked. Narita rolled her

Epilogue The trip back down the mountain was far less eventful than the trip up, but it felt far longer. The cursed blade continued to whisper its false promises to all but Decius. The denizens of the mountain seemed to avoid the travelers, perhaps they could sense the curse and wanted nothing to do with it. Even Tora seemed less hospitable than last time, despite his expressed happiness that they had not died. Decius carried the sword wrapped in fabrics. To him it seemed to weigh more than it should have, but he was the best choice to carry the blade. At long last they returned to the villa of Tanaka. “Home,” Narita sighed at the sight. Decius smiled at her, “You’ve completed a quest. You’re definitely not a tenderfoot now after everything we went through.” She looked back at him. “Thank you. But I think I’ve had quite enough with adventuring. It’s not what I thought it would be at all.” Takeshi grunted, “Perhaps that is for the best. It’s not glamorous.” Lord Tanaka was

A Tale Told Many Times The humidity hung upon the air like a damp blanket as the farmers toiled in the rice fields, their wide brimmed conical hats keeping the oppressive sun at bay. Just beyond their bounty the village stood, like all farming villages it was a modest affair of small minka styler houses, and had just as many farm animals as villagers. The smith plied his trade as he hammered out sickles, the older women swept their porches, while upon the hill the shrine maiden tended to her pagoda roofed domain. Despite the hard work all were engaged in, it held a rustic charm, a serenity in simplicity. But the serenity was quickly shattered with the thunderous roar of horses hooves. Every head turned to the sound like a frightened horse, and faces darkened. They were going to have visitors - unwelcome visitors. At the head of the procession on a large black horse was a man clad in a black helmet and armor of hardened lacquer, looking every bit the part of a samurai. The

Between Jobs Takeshi drew in his breath as he took a fighting stance, katana drawn and ready. His long jet-black hair was tied upon his head in a topknot. His skin was a complexion some might call yellow, though it was more of a creamy brown. The ronin focused his intense brown eyes as he stepped into another stance gracefully moving his sword too. One position to another he stepped, movements fluid and graceful like a calm river. He was just on the edge of town; it had become a favorite place to practice when the ronin wished to be left alone. In the early morning hours, few people frequented the area. The morning dew clung to the grass and the misty fog hung in the air as the distant forest was slowly waking up with the calls of birds. The life Takeshi had chosen of a sellsword did not afford many opportunities for contemplation, but the past few months he and his companion Decius had landed a lofty position training the local Baron’s men-at-arms. The western continent style

A SPAR IN THE GARDEN Takeshi took in a breath as he moved into a ready stance with his katana, his jet black hair was pulled back into a topknot and he only wore a plain indigo gi as he took the morning to practice his forms. His brown eyes were focused as he moved from one position to the next, his sword dancing before him, his footwork as practiced as a dancer.  It had been years since he first left his homeland, and the man who returned was not the same as the one who had set out. He had traveled across foreign lands, learned from countless teachers, and survived harrowing battles. The old practiced drills were a welcome familiarity. It had been a week since he, and his longtime friend Decius had ventured into the mountains to reclaim the cursed sword for Lord Tanaka, where the blade was exorcised of the evil it held, and all those lost souls trapped within the blade. Takeshi grit his teeth as he remembered the sword’s siren song, how it had appealed to his bloodlust and desires

The chamber was lit by the torches and the glow of the enchanted axe casting eerie yellow light upon the trio now stranded within. “Soon as we get out of here, I’m going to have a word with that surgeon.” Decius cracked his knuckles. “Hard to talk to a dead man.” Takeshi grunted. Kyrie huffed, “You two would have to get in line, but thoughts of revenge seem premature. We’re stranded down here.” Decius looked at the axe, kyrie took a defensive posture. “Thinking of killing me before I do the same to you?” She hissed. Decius scowled, “You wound me Kyrie. I was actually thinking about how thick the stone is.” Takeshi nodded as he examined the axe, “Enchanted blades are often more durable than normal weapons. Perhaps if we took turns chopping at the wall we would eventually make a hole. Or someone else might free us from all the noise.” Decius looked contemplative. “We just need a hole big enough for us to get to the mechanism that triggers the door. Got to be a way to trip it

When dawn broke upon the castle marketplace excitement was in the air, not just for the goods the market carried, but because the rumors were floating in the air. There was a vampire loose in the castle. Every guard and well-armed traveler were on alert, and some merchants were hawking enchanted items guaranteed to ward off vampires. Or so they claimed. Decius had spent a rough night in the infirmary while Takeshi stood guard. Now the pair of sellswords were wandering the castle grounds, Decius was still recovering his steps noticeably sluggish. “How does one kill a vampire?” Takeshi asked. Decius sighed, “Decapitation works like most things. Heart stabbed by an enchanted object, certain symbols can ward them off and bring pain. Uh, burning works too as long as they don’t extinguish the flames.” “Hmm,” Takeshi grunted. “From what I hear this land fought a war against a country led by vampires.” “So, I’ve heard.” Decius grunted. The sellsword felt at the bandage on his neck,

The Jubokko The five travelers had left Lord Tanaka’s abode hours ago - after stocking up on their essential provisions - and set out on foot. Midori led the way, knowing that time was not their ally. Behind her strode Takeshi, head held high and eyes ever alert. Decius, a confident smirk upon his face, followed along behind his ronin friend. Trailing behind was Nartia, bow held lightly in her hands, and Satsu was bringing up the rear with her naginata over her shoulder in its usual resting position.  By the sun’s position and the humidity reaching its peak it had to be the afternoon. Takeshi took a swig from his waterskin as he wiped his brow. He never tired of seeing the countryside of his homeland, the green hills and distant mountains. No matter how far he’d traveled and the wonders he had seen, nothing compared.  “How long have you been back?” Midori asked over her shoulder.  “Pardon?” Takeshi asked.  “You’ve been gone from your homeland for sometime haven’t you?” Takeshi

The Silent Village Gradually, the companions stepped forward from the shadows. Midori, Decius, and Takeshi kept steady hands on their swords, while Satsu and Narita held their naginata and bow with casual readiness. The old man by the fire didn’t flinch as he regarded them, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. “You’re a curious group,” the old man said, his voice calm but edged with knowing. Takeshi stepped closer. “Are you a yokai?” The question hung in the air. Many yokai faltered when confronted outright, but some were clever enough to lie without hesitation. The old man only chuckled, low and raspy. “I am no yokai, merely an old traveler resting by the fire,” he said. “You’re welcome to join me; provided you’re not here to murder me.” “We’re not bandits,” Takeshi replied evenly. “Then please,” the man gestured to the fire, “sit. It’s a dark night to face alone.” Reluctantly, the group lowered their weapons and sat, though none relaxed completely. Their eyes stayed fixed