Unexpected [Open]

[Brandt Solveig]

It had been quite the day for the nord. What started out as an early day of adventuring had lasted all the daylight. He was a few miles from the nearest village, and upon his right shoulder he carried a large buck. Brandt had been lucky enough to stumble upon it down wind of the animal while it drank from a river.

The giant had taken it down with a single decisive bolt from his gauntlet crossbow, however he had already been on his way back to the village. He had figured when he got closer he would work on gutting and skinning it before he carved up the meat.

Having set up a small campsite to rest, the viking had been deep in thought as he prepared to start work on the game he had scored. It was then, out of no where that the giant felt a sharp stinging pain, followed by two more. Brandt let loose a startled roar but as he tried to pick himself up he felt something slam against the side of his head.

Completely taken off-guard, Brandt found his vision fading it and out as he landed upon the ground on his right side. Through approaching blackness, Brandt glanced down to see three arrow heads sticking out of him. One near his shoulder, one near his left side ribcage and one in the thick of his left thigh.

Brandt could only be furious with himself as he faded into unconsciousness. While everything blackened, the crackling sound of fire stayed jn his ears, along with a few voices belonging to those who sprung the ambush.

"Ya think we should finish him off?"

"Naaah. Look at the giant man.. He'll bleed out soon enough."

"Yeaah. You probably cracked his skull with that clubbin'"

"And would you look at that sword! I call it!"

"Mate, none of us could even pick that up! Just grab whatever else he has on him, and don't forget the buck! Thats dinner for the night!"

Brandt would only hope that the gods were watching him. That they would send someone to save him before it was too late. The viking could not die like this if he ever hoped to gain entrance to Valhalla.

[Sanada Yukimura]

Suddenly, without warning, a barrage of blasts of fire would come shooting towards the men who planned to loot the giant Nord, rapidly slamming into them and not only setting them on fire, but also leaving painful burns all over their bodies. If they weren't taken down by the pain from the burns, they certainly would be from the dual jumonji yari (cross-shaped spears) that would quickly slice through them, cutting them down one by one.

Before Brandt completely blacked out, he would see a pair of waraji-wearing feet come walking towards him. When and if he came to, he'd find himself lying down and covered by a blanket close to the fire, the arrows that had been buried in his shoulder, near his left ribcage, and his thigh removed and his injuries tended to and wrapped in clean bandages. Sitting across from him, tending to the fire, was Yukimura, the black cloak and hood he wore on his head hiding his facial features and body from the Nord.

[Brandt Solveig]

Brandt heard the rush of fire, but at first he simply thought his hearing was distorted and it had been the fire beside him. However he would muster the energy to open his eyes, catching sight of a blur of a man dispatching his assailants with fire and fury. However he hadn't the energy to muster words, nor could he stay conscious any longer.

Unaware of how much time had passed, or exactly what had taken place, the Nord startled awake unsure of his surroundings. Wincing from the pain, the giant's memory was as fuzzy as his eye sight. However as his vision began to clear, those pale green hues would settle upon the cloaked form in front of him.

Brandt would instinctively feel around for his sword, but find nothing. He knew not whether this person was friend or foe and it made him uncomfortable to be without his blade. At first he would not speak as he regained his wits. Soon enough though, that damaged voice of his would sound out.

"Who.. Ahh-Are you..?"

[Sanada Yukimura]

"Looking for this?"

Gesturing to the gigantic sword lying beside him, Yukimura would lift it up with both hands and standing up, would walk over and place it down beside Brandt, before returning back to and settling down in his spot once more, never revealing even once his face to Brandt, his cloak kept wrapped tightly around his body.

"Be at ease warrior, I mean you no harm. Your wounds have been tended to and cauterized, but I would advise against moving, or you will open them up again. As for who I am, you may simply call me ['The Raging Inferno.']"

Behind Yukimura, Brandt would just barely make out the bodies of the men that ambushed him piled on top one another, before the smell of roasted meat reached his nostrils, as Yukimura had two skewers of meat stuck in the ground and roasting away on the fire.

"Forgive my rudeness, but I had skinned and gutted the buck while you were unconscious, either wise it might have spoiled, and I did not know when you would wake up. Everything has been wrapped up and ready for you to take home once you are well enough."

(OOC: Words in brackets are Engrish, haha.)

[Brandt Solveig]

The man would place Brandt's weapon before him, and explain to him that he had tended yo his wounds. Brandt would could barely remember but he was pretty sure he had been pin cushioned before he passed out. However the gods had been watching over him clearly. Otherwise he would never had survived, right?

The northlander wasn't exactly sure if he trusted the man completely, but if he wanted him dead he would have killed him already. The cloaked male had introduced himself as 'The Raging Inferno', but Brandt knew that was probably a nickname.

"Thank you for saving me.. I fear I might have.. bled out otherwise."

The nord would thank the gods that not a single arrow hit any vital location. But his sense of smell punched him in his nose and his mind slipped from his injuries to his stomach. He had already been starving before. Now more so than ever.

"I do not mind. Were it not for you, those rabble would have made off with it.. I will gladly give you a share."

[Sanada Yukimura]

"There is no need to thank me warrior, I simply could not pass through and allow those men to take that which does not belong to them and leave you to die. ... But you are welcome. It will take some time for your wounds to heal, but they were not as bad as I thought. And there is no need to give me a share of the buck, you need it more than I do. I am more than well assured of three meals a day."

After turning the skewers of meat over, to make sure they cooked evenly, once they were done, Yukimura would grab both and rising up, would walk back over to Brandt and crouching down beside him, would hold one out for him to take, before sitting down beside the fire and taking a bite of his own skewer of meat.

"What is your name warrior? The craftsmanship of your sword is superb, comparable to that of weapons forged by the smith that forged my very own weapons."

[Brandt Solveig]

"my name is Brandt Solvieg..

The large male would watch the other intently. Whom ever he was, he liked his privacy as much as Brandt. The giant himself usually hid behind such a cloak. Maybe there was more of a reason to it, but the nord did not feel the need to dig.

"Aye. That sword was a gift. It is quite the blade.."

Brandt would think back to his meeting with Takehiro once again, the man who had gifted it to him. Fortune shown upon the viking that day. He had gained an ally and a teacher all in one. The giant was just glad that the Demon of Totomi was not here to witness him in such a dreadful condition.

His mind soon wandered back to the man who saved him as he approached with some of the cooked meat. Reaching out he would take it with a forced nod, before his curiosity piqued again.

"So you just happened to be wandering by? Where are you heading, if I may ask.."

[Sanada Yukimura]

"That is quite the gift Bran.. Brand... Brandon-san. Whoever gave it to you is quite generous."

Stumbling over Brandt's name a couple times, he would finish chewing and swallowing the piece of meat he had bitten off before answering Brandt, choosing his words carefully. After what had happened in Totomi, Yukimura was cautious in revealing who he was to others, because he may not know if they were allied with Takehiro or not. Best to err on the side of caution.

"I was actually returning home from a supply run at a nearby fishing village. Fresh fish and supplies came in on one of our boats, and I volunteered to check the supplies before bringing them back. I was heading towards one of the territories near Totomi, since it's hard to get any fresh seafood when you're located inland."

Taking another bite of his meat skewer, until he was certain Brandt wouldn't suddenly attack him because no doubt everyone in Totomi and associated with the territory knew his name and face and hated him, he would avoid dropping any specific names or locations, and remain as cryptic as possible.

"Yourself? I assume you had set up camp for the night and would be heading off somewhere in the morning."

[Brandt Solveig]

"Ahh, I see. I still have much to learn of your land. Of what I have seen, your land is far more fertile then where I come from.. Why do you not farm?"

Brandt would not second guess the man's story. After all, he did not know him and had no reason to be suspicious. The man was clearly kind enough to rescue him, when many others might have continued passing by. It seemed there were many kind people in this land. Far more then where he hailed from.

"I was actually just setting up to prepare the deer. I'm staying close by for the time being.. I guess I just got too comfortable."

Brandt hoped the wounds were truly superficial. The giant could not allow this to set him back with Takehiro's training. Brandt had found a new drive to push his power and skill to new heights, he did not have time for healing. The man before him though, threw off a similar aura. There was something mystical about him. He couldn't help but think back to his fading visions.

"How is it that you wield fire the way you do?"

[Sanada Yukimura]

"We do farm Brandon-san, but it is mainly the villages that do so. We receive a large portion of our provisions from the ports and nearby villages, and the rest is from our crops grown in our campsite. It would probably be wise to keep your guard up at all times for the next time Brandon-san... You may never know when more lowlifes such as those that ambushed you will try to steal your hard-earned food."

Brandt would have little to worry about for his wounds. Although the arrows had been buried somewhat deep, as Yukimura had managed to get them out and cauterized the wounds in time, as long as Brandt did not overexert himself and rested, his wounds would heal quickly. Unfortunately, Yukimura did not have any medicine on him, as it was understandable that he had not expected to be tending to an injured man.

"... Let me put it this way: I have been blessed by one of Gods of Nippon, the God of Fire, Kagutsuchi. It is because he chose and blessed me, I am able to call upon his very power to use for my own."

Taking another bite, though it was hard for Yukimura to believe that Takehiro, once his friend, was now an enemy because of a mistake he had made unintentionally, there was no point in dwelling on it. What's done was done, all Yukimura could do now was try to repair the relations while avoiding landing himself in more hot water.

"I can see such a power is rather mystifying. These powers are ones that only appear in legends, and are wielded by the Gods and Goddesses. May I ask why do you ask, Brandon-san?"

[Brandt Solveig]

Blessed by the gods, he says? Maybe so.. But I wonder how their gods would fair against my own.. Allfather is one of the mightiest warriors ever to exist..

Brandt had found himself in thought after having heard 'The Raging Inferno's words. He often found himself trying to compare gods and their differences. He could not discount them as a sham, for they clearly had a hand in this land. Brandt just hoped that some day Odin would cast his might upon the Nord himself.

"I just find myself curious of your customs. I still have much to learn.. My people don't generally branch out from what we know.. Are weather is harsh ans the soil barely nourishing. Tis why we fight amongst ourselves, killing our young and old alike.. Just to survive."

The giant would finish his words by taking a large bite from the skewer his savior had prepared. Brandt certainly had ambitions of his own that he hoped to fulfill later on upon his return home. For now however, the Northlander had to become much stronger.

"I look to put a stop to it some day.. I see no reason why we cannot turn our attention toward learning from others and evolving with the rest of the world."

[Sanada Yukimura]

"... We too have much to learn. Your country of origin sounds like a harsh land, and much like the wars currently being waged between factions here. Lives are taken and innocent blood is spilled. Even so, I will continue fighting to see my Lord's dream of entering the capital come true. We are much the same in that respect, Brandon-san. We wish to put a stop to the wars waged someday."

Lowering the wooden skewer, having finished his own, Yukimura would pull the hood of his cloak down, revealing his face to Brandt. He trusted the man enough to show his face to him, and was 99.9% sure the man would not attack him on sight, and even if he did, Yukimura was certain he could take the Nord on and defend himself successfully.

"... And you may call me Yukimura, Brandon-san. Just as you came to learn from us, so too should we show the same respect to you, and learn about your country of origin. What kind of Gods do you have in your country, Brandon-san?"

[Brandt Solveig]

Yukimora.. I will remember that name..

It seemed to that this stranger had interests of his own, having posed a question about his own gods. It would take a few moments before Brandt figured out exactly how to translate his knowledge into japanese.

"Well, the highest group within the pantheon would be the Æser, a group of gods which exists of The Allfather Odin, the god of war.. His wife, the goddess Frigg. Thor, the god of thunder and strength. Baldr, the god of Light and Purity. And Tyr, whom some believe to be the actual father of the gods.."

Brandt himself would finish his skewer, and toss aside the stick. He didn't feel like going too much into depth. It wasn't as if he was trying to convert the man to paganism. He would stretch slightly, wincing at the realization he was just recovering from injuries.

[Sanada Yukimura]

"Hmm... It seems our beliefs are not so different, when it comes to hierarchy among Gods. Izanagi-no-mikoto or Izanagi-no-Okami, is the world creation father, along with his wife and younger sister, Izanami-no-mikoto or Izanami-no-Okami, the world creation mother. From Izanagi was born Amaterasu-ōmikami, the sun goddess, Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto, the moon god, and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god."

Yukimura's eyes flashing briefly seeing Brandt stretch only to wince, the man had only just begun the recovery process. With medicine the healing process would be sped up considerably, but mainly Brandt needed to rest. To Yukimura, another part of training was when to know to let your body heal up, so when you are fully recovered, you can train harder.

"No matter what Gods a person believes in, I hope they too will be blessed with new abilities, just as Kagutsuchi has blessed me. I also hope that for you too Brandon-san. When you are fully recovered, I wish to test my strength against your own."

[Brandt Solveig]

The similarities were striking, that was for sure. Maybe that had something more to say about these gods in which men worshipped. However it was not up to him to question things of that nature. Instead his attention focused upon the last thing which Yukimora spoke.

"As a warrior by heart, soul and blood.. I shall take you up on that test of might. Tis a shame we met in such a situation. I fear you will underestimate me as weak, having seen me in such a state.."

Brandt would let out a slight sigh. If there was one thing he hated about resting, it was the resting part. The giant knew he was losing valuable training time. A battle with someone like Yukimora could have proven to be a useful experience.

"I have a feeling this will be one of mqny meetings. The gods did not put you here for no reason.."

[Sanada Yukimura]

"To underestimate you as being weak would not only be dishonorable to you as a warrior, but also disgraceful to my honor. You are no ordinary warrior Brandon-san, and I look forward to the day fighting against you at your full strength. The land of Nippon is vast, but I too believe this will not be the first and last time we encounter each other. I just hope it is under happy circumstances..."

Hearing Brandt let out a slight sigh, Yukimura knew just as well how frustrating it could be to be forced to rest, because it meant valuable training time was lost. It was quite possibly the hardest part of the recovery process, but also the most necessary. If the body didn't recover fully, the risk of injuring oneself again was much higher, and Yukimura wanted to fight Brandt at his best, not at his semi-best.

"The recovery process is long, but necessary Brandon-san. If you ever need a sparring partner while you recover, feel free to call on me. There is a dojo not too far from here that I have fixed up for my use, and you will more often than not, find me there in the morning. It is not difficult to find, just look for a dojo located near a bamboo grove."

[Brandt Solveig]

Brandt would nod in agreement with the male near by, even if he still disliked the idea greatly. However he would keep it in his mind to visit this man at his dojo some day soon. After all, he was definitely curious about 'The Raging Inferno' The Nord couldn't help but wonder if he was as strong as The Demon of Totomi.

"I believe I will take you up on the offer.. I shall heed your advise and rest for a few moons.. But that is it. I will then meet you at your dojo."

Brandt would stare toward the man blankly after he spoke. Almost to tell him he would be ready and taking things seriously when he met him there. Training was much better when you didn't have to hold back. The viking also had an impression to make.

[Sanada Yukimura]

"... I look forward to that day, Brandon-san. I won't hold back against you, and I know you will not as well, and we shall have a fight worthy to be witnessed by the very Gods themselves."

Staring back at Brandt, a look of utter seriousness on his face, to not take things seriously would be a dishonor to them both as warriors. When the day came that they dueled, Yukimura would show Brandt the reason why he was called "The Raging Inferno."

"But until then, any rest, even a little is good. Are you still hungry Brandon-san? I can roast another piece of meat for you, if you wish."

[Brandt Solveig]

"I could definitely feast upon more, Thank you."

Brandt would nod toward him once again. Wincing slightly as he readjusted his position on the ground. He felt so helpless at the moment, which was a feeling ge absolutely hated with all his heart. But, it could be worse. He could have died a dishonerable death, bleeding out in the woods was not exactly a warrior's death.

His mind would wander once again to Yukimora. Whomever he was, he seemed to give off a similat aura of strength as Takehiro had. The battle-born Nord couldn't help but wonder exactly how he could match up against his current tutor.

"If I can ask.. Do you know of 'The Demon of Totomi'?"

[Sanada Yukimura]

Upon hearing Brandt's question, Yukimura would let out a bark-like laugh while he skewered two more pieces of meat and stuck the ends of the wooden skewers in the ground, above the fire, leaving them to roast. Though he appeared jovial and light-hearted on the outside, inside, he was cringing eternally. So Brandt was at the very least, aware of Takehiro. He'd have to tread cautiously, because the last thing he wanted was more people attacking him for his unintentional mistake.

"Brandon-san, the better question is, who hasn't heard of the "Demon of Totomi"? Every faction in Nippon is at least aware of his power."

Too bad neither Yukimura nor Shingen had been aware of who was under Takehiro's command until it was too late. It was not ignorance that led to Yukimura trying to take revenge on Toshi, as the ex-bandit chief and Daimyo himself believed, but truly being unaware all this time. Big difference there.

"If I may ask, do you know the "Demon of Totomi" yourself, Brandon-san? And if so, how exactly?"

[Brandt Solveig]

Brandt would listen, snorting slightly at his comment. It would make sense if the man knew him, the northlander assumed that many people probably did. However the man's latter question would cause the giant to tread lightly himself. After all, he han said 'Who hadn't heard' of him. The nord pondered why exactly he would ask, if it was common knowledge.

"No.. But I have heard of the Daiymo's exploits and that he resides in this territory. I am a sell-sword and something of a bsttlefiend.. I have a thing for searching out the strongest and seeing their might for myself.."

Why did Brandt not simply tell this man then truth? The foriegner was still learning the political layout of the land. He knew not who had descrepentcies with others and he was in no shape to fight, should this man become an enemy. Powerful men usually had equally powerful adversaries.

[Sanada Yukimura]

Though Brandt was understandably cautious, in truth, Yukimura had no desire to fight, if in fact, Brandt was associated with Takehiro. The young General hoped he could mend relations in the future, but that was far and few in between. For now, he would keep his head down, and maintain a low profile.

"Well the "Demon of Totomi" is certainly powerful. I know of him, and I've seen him in battle before. Once, he was a good friend and great ally of someone I know, but circumstances frayed their relationship. Now he keeps his head down, and maintains a low profile, though he hopes their relationship can be mended soon. I know for certain he has no intention of fighting him, or anyone associated with him. He merely wishes to mend what is now broken in the near future..."

[Brandt Solveig]

"I see.."


The giant remained quiet for a moment as he contemplated what to do. This man had admitted to knowing him and had given him the truth or what he assumed so to be, about their current standings. Takehiro had never mentioned this man before, though it really wasn't the giant's business in the first place.

"Broken bonds.. They are a tough thing my friend. Especially to men of honor and strength. What has happened between you and this Takehiro, if I might ask? I am no expert at mending bonds.. However I may be able to givr you.. Outsider input."

Brandt would still not reveal that he knew the Daiymo directly, moreso that he has and still was a mentor. However he knew not the history, nor would he make a rash decision. With luck, maybe Brandt would weld the chains of friendship back together. The nord still felt he owed the man much, and if these two were good friends, it would be a shame to let Takehiro lose this man. He seemed to be alright.

[Sanada Yukimura]

"... A few months ago, myself and one other person had squared off against a bandit chief, whom had attacked a village, and he ended up defeating us and killing the village chief. About a few weeks ago, we had received intel that the hideout of that very bandit chief and his bandits had been discovered on the outskirts of my Lord's territory. I had been ordered by my father, to infiltrate and eliminate the bandits and bandit chief by any means necessary, and it was also, for me, a chance to get revenge on the loss I received from him. Except my revenge was simply to beat the bandit chief in a fight, nothing more, nothing less. It turns out, that bandit chief, was now an ex-bandit chief, and under Takehiro-san's command. My Lord did not receive that additional information from his messengers until it was far too late to call me back, and I was unaware the entire duration of my mission of his relationship to Takehiro. Neither myself nor my Lord were feigning ignorance, for we truly were unaware. Takehiro-san marched on our territory because of my unintentional mistake, to defend his pride and the people of Totomi, and challenged my Lord to a duel, and injured him. Now the relations between the Amakusa and my faction are frayed, and Takehiro-san hates me."

His eyes downcast, Yukimura would let out a small sad sigh. He understood Takehiro's reasoning for marching on Kofu, but the Takeda faction being unaware of the fact the ex-bandit chief was under Takehiro's command, was not feigning ignorance, but the truth.

"My only wish is to repair the broken bonds between us..."

[Brandt Solveig]

"I see.. This sounds like quite the mess, my friend. However it does not seem entirely hopeless. You did not kill the ex-bandit leader and he did not kill your lord.

Brandt would find himself pondering the situation. He had still not admitted to this Yukimora that he indeed knew both Toshi and Takehiro. In the Nord's eyes this situation seemed trivial and that maybe the errors were not simply that of the Takeda.

"I must confess. I know all too well, both the men you speak of, Yukimora. You have done a good deed this day, saving me. Had you not found me, I woild probably have died and never gone to Valhalla.."

Lifting his right arm toward him chest in a fist, he would stare toward the Takeda officer, stonefaced. He eould hit his chest twice and then extend his hand toward Yukimora.

"You have my word, on my honor. I will speak with Takehiro on the matter.. You see, he has been teaching me your ways, your customs. And he has also been helping me hone my fighting abilities.. I have grown close with him. Saving me this day might be the redemption you saught.."