Journey into the darkness (open)

[Kuroshi Maki]

It was time to begin my quest for revenge, I took my first step out of the area were I lived and trained for the last 12 years. It was time to kill those that had murdered my mother. My heart was dark and just set on one thing and those in my way would all die!

As I stepped on the road, it seemed there was a small village nearby one that was like the one were I lost my mother. How ironic to find almost the same thing when I got back into the outside world again. But maybe they knew about those men back then and get some leads.

I made my way towards the village and took my step into the market area. As I stood there I could feel all the eyes turn on me. I was a outsider, and because of my blond hair I looked even more like a outsider. The sun was shining but not for long, I would do all to find out who killed my mother or find out at least something. I had no connection with these people so I could do all I want and don't feel a thing.
As a woman passed by my right hand would wrap around her throat, this made everybody stop at that point as the woman tried to scream but cant.

" I'm looking for warriors dressed in black, to cowardly to show there face. If nobody tells me who they are this woman shall share the fate of the woman I lost. "

As my left hand went to one of my curved swords. my eyes looking around as I could only see them in fear not knowing what to do, it seems this village is just as weak as my fathers.

" You guys beter hurry or the street will color red "

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Katsumi wandered into a village, searching for new jobs. The life of a mercenary never went standstill. She was essentially a ronin, constantly moving and trying to find more work. She had hoped for luck in this small village, but it seemed it was too small. No one here needed someone captured or killed. She had enough money to where she didn't need to resort to simple menial labor, so Katsumi planned on going to the inn here, spending the night, and then moving on.

But as she headed to her current destination, Katsumi heard a commotion. Brows furrowing, the petite woman disguised as a man, wearing a black kimono and charcoal hakama, made her way through the crowd and eventually halted. Her eyes widened at the scene. A man with a crazed look in his eyes holding a woman hostage.

She herself was all about her own survival, and yet... perhaps it was meeting the sweet and good Haji and him rubbing off on her, or because she sympathized with this other woman due to the years of abuse she suffered, but Katsumi felt she couldn't idly stand by. Glancing about, knowing none of these other simple villagers would do anything, with a sigh, Kat removed the bow from her back, and the 4'10" archer stepped out of the crowd.

Her voice her calm, expression impassive. She did not aim her weapon at this other man, but an arrow was in one hand and the bow in the other. Katsumi would be ready to shoot at a moment's notice.

Speaking in a false tenor, her voice masculine to keep up with her disguise, she said, "Please, sir... She has nothing to do with your demons. Release her, and I will help you in whatever way you need. I... I am a mercenary. Saito Hiroshi. If you let her go, I can try to help you find these... 'warriors in black'."

Her brows raised. "What do you say?"

[Kuroshi Maki]

At this point everybody surrounded in a crowd, yet nobody even made a move but just stand there helpless and scared, until a man, at least I think it was a man steps from the crowd. He was holding a bow in one hand and a arrow in the other. It seems one here has a decent backbone and want to stand up to me. Yet what he did was offer me his help.

Why would you try to help someone that is about to kill a woman in front of everybody here? It didn't make sense to me but in the way she spoke I knew she didn't know the warriors I look for. He was a mercenary, A killer for hire it seems.

" You offer me your help? yet you step out with a weapon? "

A smirk revealed on my face, as I could feel a certain tension raising up. I never really fought against someone with a bow. I knew that keeping a distance would be bad for me. I didn't fall for the gentle offer of help. He probably wanted to be a hero saving this poor and helpless woman.

" Your holding a weapon, why not try to use it? If you try to be a hero, you are born in the wrong time."

I kept a firm grip on the woman as she was about to pass out, I could feel the life fade from here ill body second by second, yet it didn't even make me feel abit bad for her. We all feel pain and only the strong will survive those without feelings.

" You talked about demons, the only demon here is me! "

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Katsumi eyes narrowed. "I'm not stupid. You are armed," 'and clearly unstable,' the merc thought to herself after speaking aloud to him.

She learned from her father who tried to kill her that you could never be careful enough. One had to always be prepared to fight to survive. Just because she offered to help this man didn't mean that in a split second, if need be, she wouldn't kill him. If he thought otherwise, he was the fool.

"I am no hero."

She would have said no one was, but then there was Haji. But she had been killing for years with her Father, and killed him before he could kill her, to save her life. That was no heroic act. She was a killer through and through, and knew no other life. Katsumi saw it as neither evil nor good. She was on no side. The merc simply did what she needed to in order to survive in this harsh life.

Even so, what did these people have to do with any of it? They were not targets. This man had no reason to target them. If he wanted to kill someone, then he should attack those who wronged him. The archer found that what this man was doing was entirely distasteful, instead of feeling her typical indifference, and she scowled.

"But there is no need for this unnecessary slaughter. Kill those who wronged you, not these people."

Her eyes narrowed. The woman was going to die soon; he was choking the life out of her. He claimed he was the only demon there, and Katsumi would have scoffed if she weren't so serious and didn't have that lack of sense of humour, or irony. Kat's swide-swept bangs covered part of her face, darkening it.

"You really think so? You believe you are the only demon here?" She lifted her arms swiftly and aimed at him, her expression cold. Katsumi emphasized the last word, eyes narrowing more sharply at it, "Then you are a fool."

She probably couldn't shoot without hitting the woman, even with how skilled she was, but... if Katsumi shot at her shoulder, it would hit the man and she could survive. That was good enough for Katsumi. Better end up with injuries that could heal than dead. Her fingers were ready to release in a split second, at the slightest sign of him moving to kill the woman in his arms, or anyone else.

"Accept my offer, leave, or prepare to die. Your choice." He better choose wisely. It was rare she missed her target, and as time passed, he seemed more and more like a rabid dog that needed to be put down.

[Kuroshi Maki]

It seemed my words have put him on edge, he wasn't a hero? then why did he try to save this poor soul? She was as good as dead anyway. If I would not kill her somebody else will. There was nobody here to protect them, at least next to this wannabe Hero.

" If you aint a hero? then you must really hate me! "

At this point I see him raise the bow and point the arrow at me, did he really think he could shoot me and save this woman? Well it is a mercenary so killing is in his blood. But why try to save the woman if in the end she dies. The only thing bothering me is that he seems pretty confident against me. I knew that he was the only warrior around here. Should I test my skills against him? If I can't win against one how could I beat those I wanna kill?

" You really think that letting her live will change her outcome? She is weak, even if she has a good heart she still dies! "

At this point I was given a choice, leave or die? What would it say about me if I just left? I wasn't a cowards not like when I was just young. When I could not even hurt the man that killed my mother. To think of it this woman is just like her weak.

" You really think a warrior will just leave? I don't fear dead!"

My eyes turned serious as my grin disappeared. The woman at this point was passed out, I was about to snap her neck and end her life. But instead I just loosen my grip on her throat.

" If I die here, I don't deserve to kill those that turned me into this. "

At this point I had to make a move or prepare to die. I then threw the body of the woman towards the man pointing the arrow at me, I didn't knew if he was able to kill me with the skills he had. But he did seem pretty confident he could.

" Show me a true demon then!! "

I rushed after the woman I just threw at the man, at the last moment I made a small dash to the side revealing myself but at a angle it would be hard to adjust the bow. I then made a short but powerful swing with the curved blade towards the man just stopping it just in front of him. My eyes staring into his just a battle without a weapon.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

All he did was ramble, and she wasn't really listening. Instead, the woman was strategizing, planning ahead what she would do depending on his choice. With how he seemed to be, Katsumi fully expected a fight, and if that were the case then she would end it quickly.

As he went on his monologue, she slowly moved back and to the side, aim remaining on him the entire time. The crowd had long before moved further away, as soon as she stepped forward and took out her weapon. In fact, they gave them both a wide berth, so she had plenty of room to maneuver.

Katsumi heard him mention death and that he could not run away, and so she responded to him, "Then take my offer of help..."

But he didn't, and sure enough the man shoved the woman forward. Katsumi was a good distance off, so the hostage simply fell onto the ground, and despite his movements, she easily followed him from her position. Eyes narrowing, Katsumi released the string, aiming at his shoulder. With their distance and her speed, she should hit the mark.

She didn't intend on killing him, at least not yet. The archer was hoping to get the man down so he could calm down, and no one else would get hurt. At least, that was the plan for now.

[Kuroshi Maki]

(ooc, tried my best with this one, hope it equals yours)

It seems my plan worked out better inside my head, the body didn't even come close to be even a distraction. The body fell down, as the sand dust up from the ground because of the impact. In many eyes, the act I committed was that of a coward grabbing a harmless woman. If it wasn't for the other warrior to show up she would probably have died, yet now she still lives and will be able to pick back up her life. Something my mother wasn't able to do as he was fighting to stay alive. If I really wanted to I could have killed that woman., yet something inside me stopped me or else I would have not thrown her.
' Damn, why am I so weak! ' this thought passed thru my mind, at this point I was already in motion towards the warrior. I didn't even measured the distance right. As I swing my sword all it did was hitting air. At that point I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder (I guess its the right shoulder you aimed for) Because of the impact my shoulder got knocked back abit. The pain wasn't to bad, it was the shock that got me. 'what the hell just happened?' As my eyes turned wider my wholle body stopped moving. my weapon lowering to about my waist level.

My eyes then turned to my shoulder, I could see the arrow sticking into my shoulder. I was outplayed. I just fought with anger, yet this warrior was already planning ahead and didn't even intend to kill me? What stopped him from shooting me straight in the hearth.

" DAMN YOU!!!! "

I shouted those words out of anger, yet weren't meant for the warrior, they were for myself. I have been foolish, how could I beat those warriors if I cant take down one mercenary. With my left hand I grabbed the arrow and ripped it out. I then dropped to one knee and dropped the arrow, at this point I grabbed a bit of dirt and pressed it against the wound so the bleeding would stop or at least bleed less.

" Why would you even offer someone like me help! There is nobody to trust in this sick world. Only the demons survive! "

As I spoke I got back up and my eyes locked with that of him. my body slowly walked forward, weapon still lowered. but my eyes showed all the hate that was burning inside my heart. The distance will grow smaller with every step.

" Guess I'm really my fathers son after all, you better kill me with the next arrow! "

[Shinomori Katsumi]

She hit her mark, and there were some gasps and even a cry or two amongst the crowd. The merc wasted no time, removing three arrows and taking aim again, holding the other two within her fingers. People drew further back, nervous clatter filling the air. It would have been better if the villagers left, but people seemed to be drawn to a scene, and she internally sighed.

Her expression remained impassive, listening as he cried out angrily. After screaming about the cruelties of the world, the woman sighed. "I thought the same, until more recently."

Yes. Haji showed her kindness and she experienced so many things she never knew could exist then, and the woman was incredibly grateful. And then there were some of the others who had helped her more recently, and these acts of genuine kindness could simply not be ignored. After living in the dark for so long, she was finally shown the light, and it brought Katsumi some semblance of hope.

Her voice was calm and cool as she spoke, almost soothing, "Demons need not always be evil. They can slay other demons. Sometimes they must, so as to not further tumble into the darkness, and, in doing so, they can eventually see and experience the light."

She slowly backed up, as he moved forward, keeping her distance. The merc was prepared to fire, watching carefully with drooped lids. As she moved back, watching her steps from her peripheral vision, the crowd parted and moved away, avoiding the two.

Did he have a cruel father as well? One who abused and hated? Her eyes narrowed a little, searching him.

"Not all traits from fathers must pass on to their children. You can fight some of the demons, and some pass by their offspring."

It was true, even to her. Maybe she killed like her father and did what he taught her, but she was not hateful like him. Katsumi did not abuse others, nor drink herself into a stupor. Maybe she was a killer, but she was not her father. Katsumi was simply what he wanted her to be, or at least as close as she could be. She was an excellent warrior, but still a woman. Some things you simply couldn't change, but Haji and others were slowly helping her realize that it was alright, and that she should accept herself for who she was. It would take time for this to be fully realized, but, nevertheless, she was on the right path.

Perhaps this man could travel down the right road as well with the proper guidance...?

[Kuroshi Maki]

He walked back with every step I take, yet I felt doubt. It seems this mercenary didn't came here to kill me.Mostly they are heartless like me. He was trying to talk me out of a fight? But why, isn't he suposed to kill those that want to kill him? Demons sometimes need to kill demons to not fall further into darkness?? What was he on too? Was there ever a time I wasn't into the darkness? A, yes the time my mother was still alive.

" The light into my life has already been destroyed and unable to return. "

These words probably didn't mean anything to the warrior, he didn't know what I lost. There was no way she could return and put a smile back on my face. I died there that day as my heart lost its soul.
The crowd was avoiding as me and him were making a step by step, it seems these people before scared now wanted to watch me die. The smell of blood was always interesting for everybody. At this point she spoke the words about not all traits of fathers pass onto there children.

" My father was a coward and weak, he wasn't even able to protect his own wife, my mother! I killed him because he was weak and a coward. "

At this point I passed the woman that I tossed on the ground earlier. She was starting to wake up, her vision still abit blurry but she could see me walk passed her. She saw the blood dripping from my shoulder. Her hand then grabbed my ankle. This made me stop moving and my eyes turned so I could face her.

" Don't.. go... you will...die! Your still.. young.. life! "

Why did this woman try to tell me I needed to life? I had nothing to life for except for revenge. A tear rolled down her cheek as she then slowly released her grip and crawled towards the crowed. My eyes then narrowed back to the warrior. He already had another arrow pointed at me. How was I able to beat this warrior if I could not even get close to him.

" The only reason I'm still alive till this day, is the hate that drives me. All that stand in between must die!"

I knew this could be the end, yet if I had to die today that means my hate wasn't strong enough. I launched my body at this point into a sprint to quickly close the cap between me and the warrior. I never took my eyes of the warrior and dashed from left to right in a hard to track formation. At this point I would make a strike with the left blade towards the legs of the warrior as I made a roll and into a strike.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

"There is always a place for new light. I promise."

After living a life of darkness, Katsumi was sure that there was no light. That all people would be set out to hurt her because she was a woman. They would see her as weak and take advantage of her. Abuse her like her father had. It petrified Katsumi, and so she had been masquerading herself as a man. And now she was finding people who accepted her as not only a woman but as a person, and it brought her happiness. There could still be hope for this man, if only he would accept her help.

He talked about him killing his father. So she had been right, and as Katsumi listened to his reasoning, she could not help but disagree. Katsumi had killed her father, but it was because he was incredibly dangerous. The man had been trying to kill her and she only took his life out of self-defense. But she did not know the circumstances and could not judge him. She felt no desire to do so anyway. All the archer wanted was for him to calm down and to not have to kill him this day.

"Sometimes fathers must fall by their children's hands," she commented. Katsumi would not admit before a crowd of strangers that she took her own father's life. Questions could be asked, and that wouldn't be good for her if somebody potentially found out who she was.

There was no time to retort, for the man charged her again and Katsumi quickly moved back. While he was fast, she was faster, both in body and her eyes. The woman could keep up with his speed, and her wit allowed her to judge his moves. Releasing her breath, Katsumi fired off a shot at his foot, to stop him before he could close the distance, and, with great haste, another arrow within her hand was at the ready. She shot at his arm, moving over to the town bridge and agilely hopping up on the ledge. She had no intention of killing the fighter, if she was able. But it seemed she would be forced to incapacitate him.

"Living a life of hate will only kill you in the end," exclaimed the woman, aiming her bow at him again. She backed up slowly on the ledge, balance keeping her atop. "It is what inevitably took the life of my father, and many men before him, and will continue to do so. Do not become one of those men. Accept my offer. I will help you find these men so you can move on."

She never before would have made any sort of offer like this, but it seemed Haji was really rubbing off on her. Who would have thought Katsumi would ever become the hero type? If she knew how, she would have chuckled at the thought, shaking her head in disbelief.

[Kuroshi Maki]

Why was she faster the me? As I was rushing towards her she release the first arrow I could not even dodge the arrow as it hit me straight in the right foot that was leading at the moment. This slowed me down as I stumbled because of the arrow. But he didn't stop there, the warrior had already placed another arrow into the string of her bow. The second arrow was released and found his mark in my left arm, no not only my right shoulder made it hard for me to swing my right blade, even my left arm was hit so now it was both arms being weaker then they were before.

I tried to raise my arm to keep my blade up, this was painful and hiding the pain was harder as I tried to keep moving. My speed was slower as I was limping abit because of my right foot. blood was sliding down from the wounds. The crowd was now just in shock. I was hit three times and was still moving forward. Of course it was a slow passe but still I walked forwards. At this point the warrior was up on the ledge of the bridge already aiming another arrow at me. If been a fool, how could I even think of beating those warriors if I cant even beat this warrior. Yet there was something off the heart of this warrior was to gentle.

" Why even try to save my life, I would have killed you in a heartbeat. "

My words came out confused and filled with a little bit of emotion for the first time this whole fight. I was worthless, my arms were weakening as was walking. As I got to to the edge of the bridge I passed. leaning with my right side against the ledge. My eyes looking up at the arrow that was pointed towards me, this just made me smile for a second before my face turned serious again.

" There is no place for me here anymore, release that arrow and show me true kindness. It seems I would follow in not only my father but also yours there footsteps"
 
I didn't know if she knew what my intend with those words were, but I would be more happy if I was dead then being alive and hunted by those dreams.

" Just remember I would have killed you! "

[Morei Haji]

Galloping on horseback, I had been returning from the Takeda territory of Kofu. Sanada Yukimura had helped me realize some things, and with newfound resolve, I had started to search for Katsumi again. We had momentarily gone our separate ways, and I would search from village to village attempting to find her.

Reaching a small village, I had dismounted from my steed, noticing from the entrance that a crowd was forming inside. My curiosity had hit me, and I soon found myself wandering towards it, wondering what was going on. As I approached, I heard various things from the villagers, and from what I had gathered, it sounded like a fight. I quickly pushed my way through everyone, sometimes getting pushed back myself, until I made it into the center circle, being able to see what was going on at last. My eyes widened as I saw Katsumi aiming her bow at another guy. My hand reached for my sakabato, but I stopped as I heard her begin to talk.

A small smile formed on my lips, realizing that she was changing her ways for the better. And I merely walked out into their little bridge arena, standing beside her and looking over at her enemy. While I wasn't completely sure of the story here, I saw enough from the end of their conversation to know that this man was just as troubled as she was. My hand motioned towards Katsumi to lower her bow, and I would speak to the man, helping her to help him see reason.

"Look... you're hurt. Let us tend to your wounds, that's the most important thing right now. And we could help you... we are not your enemies."

[Shinomori Katsumi]

"Because... there should always be a reason to keep going, even if just for survival purposes until you find a new reason to live."

That was what happened to her. She hadn't even been searching for a new reason, but had come across it. Haji. He was determined to teach her how to smile and brought her joy, and she would fight to stay with him and bring him that same happiness. To help fulfill him like he did her.

The man begged her for death, and her expression remained solemn. Katsumi shook her head. "Death is not merciful. It is cold and dark."

Perhaps in some cases, it could be, but never in her experience. And she did not feel that in this case it would be either. Death may have been easier, but one had to keep fighting. Even if they had to claw and bite to stay alive.

She blinked at hearing that familiar voice and she felt her heart flutter. The woman masquerading as a man glanced over at Haji. Had he been searching for her? They hadn't been separated for long, only parting to find jobs and get money (at least, that was her case.) But now he was here and already she felt happy just by seeing him.

In silence, the woman lowered her bow and allowed for Haji to speak. If he couldn't talk sense to the man, no one could.

[Kuroshi Maki]

Death is dark and cold? Then what was living? My life was nothing else but cold and dark anyway. So it seems I was already dead, fighting for a lost goal. I didn't win so I should just die. My eyes just kept staring at the arrow.

" There is always a reason to live? My reason was taken from me 12 years ago! There isn't a other reason then that. "

At this point another warrior entered the scene, as he took place beside the other warrior, this one also seemed young but had a certain aura around him, a calm and warm feeling. I didn't like it it made me feel sick, or was it just the pain sinking in and the blood loss. As the new warrior moved his hand to gesture the warrior to lower his bow, it seemed the two knew each other as the bow lowered. I should have known he wasn't alone. How long has this other warrior been watching us?

His words spoke in a calm manner, he was right they weren't my enemy's but they weren't my friends either. Taking care of my wounds seemed like the thing to do first if I wanted to survive that is. It seemed that the new warrior held a place in the heart of the one with the bow as he lowered it. Maybe I could force him to shoot if I attacked this new warrior.

" You ain't my friend either! "

As I raised my arm and tried to step forward my body was not moving the way I wanted and the pain forced me to drop down on my knee, two arrows still inside my body I was at this point keeping myself up with my blade and not far from both warriors.


" Why do you think you can help me? You don't know what it is I seek. "

My eyes looked up to look with that of him, my body was hurt but my eyes still showed fire inside them.

[Morei Haji]

There was a pain in his eyes that looked recognizable to me, it felt like I had seen something like this in Katsumi's eyes before. Or maybe my own when I looked at my own reflection... however, my resolve was not shaken. I did not take my eyes off of him for a moment, even as he advanced upon us slowly, blade in hand. Looking over at Katsumi, I gave her a small smile, whispering so only she could hear. "Try to trust me on this, alright?"

I would look towards the man again, speaking loud enough for him to hear. "Fifteen years ago, my mother's life was taken. She was murdered, and I don't know who did it. I don't remember anything but her smile, and that's why I try to smile always. I do not wish to dishonor my mother's memory by turning into something dark, something she wouldn't want me to be. I want her to look down on me and smile from wherever she is... I don't know who it is you've lost, but try to think how they would feel if they saw you now."

I kneeled down before him, pulling my weapon out sheathe and all, and placed it on the ground before me. Bowing my head and staring at the floor, I would speak again.

"But if you truly believe that there's nothing more you can do, if you believe striking at people without any relation to your problem will make you feel better... then you may strike me down here."

[Shinomori Katsumi]

This man was supremely stubborn, and Katsumi almost found it to be rather... annoying. Her eyes narrowed and she sighed in exasperation. Yet... could she blame him? Katsumi supposed she couldn't, this man having lived far longer with the grief and, unlike the woman, did not accept it. He fought against it, and that seemed to bog people down, if not entirely destroy them. Like her father.

Haji spoke quietly to Katsumi, and the archer blinked. Her brows furrowed a bit. Of course she trusted him, so why would he ask? What did he plan to do? She didn't have the greatest feeling about it, but nodded hesitantly nevertheless.

As he went on the speak, Katsumi switched her gaze between the two men. Haji had explained all of this to Kat, and yet she listened to it all over again as though for the first time. She was attentive, trying to figure out what it was he planned to do that would make him ask her such a question. And her eyes widened when he started to lay out his plan.

What the hell was he doing?! Removing his blade and setting it down, make an offer like that? Katsumi's stomach lurched and her heart immediately began to race. She understood he was a man filled with goodness and kindness, but this was insane! The archer took a small step forward, halting, and her throat clenching up. Her hand around the arrow balled up more tightly.

Kat's eyes narrowed. While Haji may have been saying that, and she would not exclaim her disapproval of the plan, Katsumi would not allow it to follow through for the worse, if the man wanted to take Haji's life. She loved him with all of her heart, a low growl deep within her belly sounding ever so quietly at this very prospect, and would kill this stranger before his hand could even rest on the blade if she had to.

[Kuroshi Maki]

It seemed that this warrior didn't feel like I was going to strike him down as he didn't even moved when i tried to strike him down, witch didn't work because my body was weakening. What was I trying to do know? there wasn't a plan anymore I was getting weaker as it was now 2 against 1. Dying here would maybe release me from this pain and sorrow.

He then begun to speak about his loss 15 years ago, about his mother.. It seemed he had lost his mother as well when he was young but he didn't knew who did it and probably didn't see her die, the last image I had of my mother was her trying to breath before choking in her own blood. I could relate to the man his pain but he seemed to haven chosen another path. He tried to honor his mother by smiling? He then got on his knees placing his weapon down and said those words about striking him down if he wasn't able to help me. It seemed it make the other warrior nervous. What was their relationship? They both seemed young.

My eyes switched between them as I then looked back at the kneeled warrior, we were about the same level now as we both were on our knees well I was on one but still. But for some odd reason I could not really strike at the man, yet my emotions started to raise up.. not anger or hate, but sadness and fear. Not fear towards the warriors but facing my mother if i died here. And for some reason I felt to share my pain.

" 12 years ago, I was 7. In a small village protected by my father and his weak men. I was living with the only person ever giving a shit about me. We were attacked by warriors in black. My father was weak an his men as well they got slaughtered except for my father who was hiding the whole time. These warriors in black entered the house. They killed her, I was weak and could not defend her. You said you see you mother smiling and that's why you smile. "

At this point I could not hold all the tears back as one slipt and rolled down my cheek. My voice was starting to crack abit. my hand firmed his grip around the blade as I clenched my teeth.

" The last thing I saw about my mother was... her choking in her own blood, because they cut her throat and made me watch. I sweared I would kill those that did that to her and all those that stand in between. I killed my father as he was weak and beat me for many years before I out matched him. "

I would stand up slowly fighting the pain and got back up, I raised my arm to look at my blade, it was that of the man that killed my mother. I dropped it next to the man on his knee's I would then grab him by his collar both hand to raise him up on his feet. and then letting him go with a small push.

" There is no place for me anymore, I trained for 12 years an could not even beat your friend. "

[Morei Haji]

I looked up in surprise at this man as he began to open up. The tragedy that was his life hit me, and I felt genuinely sorry for him. It seemed that far too many people's lives were destroyed by things that they had no power over, and yet, they were transformed into something dark as if they themselves were the root of it all.

As the man lifted me up by the collar and pushed me back, I once again took my position next to Katsumi. She seemed terrified, and I realized I was on the border of breaking my promise to never leave her. It wasn't something I meant to do, as I had faith that this man wouldn't have taken my life, but it was a strong gamble to take nonetheless. I looked at her, a weak smile on my face, making a note to myself to make it up to her later.

I looked back towards the man, grabbing my sakabato and tying it to my waist once more.

"I also lost my two older brothers that day... I do not know if they are alive, but... I can imagine that they must carry the same burden as you if they are." I looked him firmly in the eyes. "My... friend here, he found something worth living for in this cruel world of ours. I promise you, you were meant for something so much more, and it's waiting for you out there."

And I had too had my reason, she was standing next to me. I was sure that if this man met the right person, or found some way to make peace with himself, he too could change for the better.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Did Haji simply expect her to just stand there and do nothing? The very thought of him getting killed by some rabid dog like this caused tears to well in her eyes, and the petite archer's arm twitched. She was coming so close to shooting him, to readying her bow and firing, and when the man grabbed Haji by the collar, Katsumi could not stop herself from beginning to take aim again. Her eyes narrowed sharply, but just as soon as she was about to lay the final decisive arrow into his skull, the man pushed Haji away. Relief flooded Katsumi, and with a heavy sigh she lowered her arms again, hanging them at her sides.

As much as his smile warmed her, there was no way that weak smile Haji had given her would do anything for Kat now. While she wasn't the type to demand nor was she greedy by any stretch, her stirring emotions about what had just happened, or more so what could have quite possibly have occurred, needing to be soothed. Katsumi quickly put herself into check and inhaled deeply, pulling herself together. No tears of fret would fall down her cheeks, but her heart continued to race, threatening to burst from her very chest.

Haji was definitely going to have to make this up to her later on.

[[Reader's Digest version: Katsumi basically aimed her bow, lowered it, and is standing on the ledge in absolute silence.]]

[Kuroshi Maki]

It seems this warrior really has a gentle hearth as he spoke, He tried to see the good in all people, He then spoke of his older brothers, did they see there mother die? He didn't even know if they were still alive and yet he still smiles. If his brothers lived they probably are looking for revenge as well same as me.. if not then I don't know how they could not. I didn't even notice that the warrior on the ledge had raised his bow an lowered it at the moment I grabbed the man by his collar moments ago. I would pick up my blade again with abit of effort and placed it back in the shead of the blade. The two arrows still sticking inside my body.

" If I may ask.. What are the reasons you two are still alive? "

I was curious now because he said this other warrior found a new reason to life in this cruel world. And then his words about there must be something bigger for me in this world. But what could that be, I lived 12 years with nothing but my blades and the beating and the training. I didn't had no friends, no love just anger and hate. What would put smiles on there faces that I didn't know of.

" You speak of something bigger for me?
Yet why am I still weak and alone in this dark place? "

My words packed anger but not aggression just anger. I already put away my blade and was just standing a few feet away from them. At this point I pulled out the arrow in my arm with a small painful yell and dropped the arrow soaked in my blood on the ground, the one in my foot wasn't that bad and was easily removed and dropped down as well. My body was still weak as blood still slides down the wounds. I would stumble back as I was losing my vision and my conscious.

[Morei Haji]

My mother was murdered when I was just 2 years old. I could see the face of my oldest brother Hidenori hiding me, a smile on his face telling me everything would be okay. He was the reason I was still alive, and yet... I had no idea what had become of him and Hideyasu. My father had come home to my mother, slaughtered on the floor like a pig. For once in his life, he had stopped sucking up to the nobles and took responsibility. He was extremely harsh on me as I grew up, and he always practiced his technique with the sword until his tragic injury one day, at which point he pushed for me to practice instead. Now that I was thinking back on it, I feel like he wanted me to be able to protect myself should the time come... I never felt love from my father, but maybe someday I would return to Owari to apologize to him.

A reason to live? It was an expected question after everything, maybe he was trying to find something for himself. Nevertheless, I knew what mine was.

"I was wandering around without a reason for quite some time." My hand would come up and I would place it on Katsumi's shoulder. "Until I met... him, just days ago. Now there is a bond that I feel is worth living for." I was still trying to get used to calling Katsumi a guy, not wanting to betray her secret.

"There is another reason building up too... I would like to see a unified Japan, where everyone could live at peace." It was one that was forming in my head after meeting the people I had met. Especially the two here with me, I did not want to see others scare the same lives that they had. And if my brothers were alive, just how wrought with vengeance were the two of them?

Suddenly, the man pulled the arrows out and seemed to be losing his balance. I quickly ran to his side to catch him, bringing his arm over my shoulder for support so he didn't fall.

"We really need to tend to your wounds."

Though, besides trying to stop the bleeding, I wasn't sure what all was needed.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

The archer jumped off of the ledge and went to Haji, standing by his side silently. His hand rested on her shoulder as he spoke, and her dark eyes glanced over at him. She had no interest in sharing her reason with this somewhat crazed stranger. He did not know her; she did not trust him, nor had any reason to share her life and reasons. Haji went on to explain a small part of it anyway, as a portion of his was hers. Katsumi simply remained silent, expression impassive per usual.

Her eyes narrowed at seeing the man pull out the arrows, and she thought in slight annoyance, 'Idiot...'

He would bleed out faster, and in the middle of the village. The arrows shouldn't have been removed until he was ready to be treated. She scowled a bit, releasing a huff from nose, nostrils flaring up. It was no surprise that he passed out, and of course Haji ran over to him before he could collapse.

With a sigh, the woman said, "Haji-san, the wound must be cleaned out to prevent infection and then we must stop the bleeding, and from there I can further treat him."

She then murmured lowly while deadpanning, "Removing the arrows like that here was foolish..."

Katsumi looked up and saw the now thin crowd. She walked up to a child and leaned down a little, rather short herself. Her voice was low, in that false tenor, and she requested softly, "Please, fetch us a bucket of water."

The woman placed a coin in the boy's hand. "We will be at the inn. There will be more for you there," she glanced over the boy, taking in the sight of his thin body, "and a pastry."

The child ran off, and her keen eyes searched the remaining villagers, many of whom were leaving. She recognized one of them to be the innkeeper himself, and Katsumi went up to him. The archer knew she needed to make a worthwhile offer for the innkeeper to harbor the fool after all of the drama. Said innkeeper seemed surprised when the petite girl walked up to him, and he took a step back.

Katsumi simply cut to the chase. "You will be paid double for a night if you take us in. For three. I ask for a room for two, cloth, and to use your hearth."

Removing a bag filled with coins, she placed it within the man's hand, and then partially brought out another, showing him that she had more where that came from. Katsumi explained, "I can pay you more tonight, and the rest in the morning."

Despite the drama, the coin seemed more than worth the trouble, and the innkeeper accepted, going off to ready the room and give Kat was she asked for. Katsumi turned to Haji, expression serious.

"Can you carry him on your own? I can hurry now if so and prepare some remedies," asked the woman.

When her dark gaze moved to the unconscious Maki, her expression grew colder, more distant. In fact, her emotions and thoughts were entirely unreadable. Katsumi's actions were mechanical, trained, and experienced. There was no room for emotion now. It would only slow her down.

But as she would presumably go off (if Haji could take care of Maki), the mercenary saw villagers trying to help up the weakened woman who had been attacked, and Katsumi stopped. The archer's gaze was still forward as she inquired coolly, "Will you be alright?"

Seeing the innocent villager attacked like that, a poor woman, struck something in Katsumi and caused her to take action. There had been more than simply sympathy, but empathy as well. Katsumi knew what it was like to be hurt in such a way. She hadn't wanted it to happen to another, especially right before her. Katsumi felt the need to intervene and save the woman, like how nobody had ever saved her in the past.

While Katsumi wasn't one to give out money, she removed the larger of her bag and removed several coins. Reaching out, the archer took the hand of the woman and placed the coins on her palm, gently curling the other's fingers over to take it. Katsumi avoided her gaze, and the others, eyes planted on the ground.

"I apologize," she whispered only loud enough for them to hear in her false tenor.

Yes. She was sorry she couldn't be fast enough, to save the woman from being harmed, to save another from abuse, however short-lived. Perhaps Katsumi saved from the villager from death, but it almost didn't feel good enough. Not for Katsumi, who was made to be a perfectionist in her life.

Swallowing roughly, Katsumi went off. The woman had most of what she needed herself, or it was being brought to her, but the archer needed to get to the room and prepare, to begin boiling the water the child would bring and to make a salve.

[Kuroshi Maki]

I could still hear his reasons, he found a reason because of the other warrior? Was it just me or was this man in love with another man? Maybe this world is more twisted then I thought. I already thought the other warrior was nervous when he offered his life to me if I didn't find a reason. As I fell out of balance I could feel somebody catching me and placing my arm around his shoulders. I could hardly stand. Pulling out those arrows were a stupid mistake but hell I didn't really care about life. The other reason he gave me was kinda funny. He wanted to unite this whole nation under one banner so people would life in peace? Was there such a thing as peace. I did notice the other warrior didn't fell like sharing his reason, but that was fair I did try to kill him.

" Unite a nation? I thought I was the one that was weird but you think you can unite a land with just the two of you? "

I spoke soft and difficult because my breathing was getting worse as my vision started to fade, the last thing I saw and heard were the warriors asking for help and the warrior walking up to the woman placing coin in her hand. I could not hear the words he spoke to her but didn't care. at this point I lost my consions and would lean completely on the warrior. I wondered if he would be able to cary my body. I tried my best to stay awake but it was hard.

(OOC: sorry short post, didn't knew more to type as Maki is losing his consions. )

[Morei Haji]

I watched in surprise as Katsumi had taken full charge of the situation. She seemed well versed in what was necessary to treat this man's wounds, but then, she had seen far more battle than I could really imagine right now. She displayed a sort of strength that I found admirable, especially since it was new to me. It occurred to me that I had a lot to learn about her still, and in time, I hoped that I would.

As the man fell unconscious, I realized that I hadn't answered his question before he passed out. Maybe someday, he would find out, but it was a goal I thought of entirely on my own. I wanted Katsumi by my side throughout it all, but I did not want to endanger her anymore than necessary. I wanted to unite our country in peace, I knew there had to be a way, and I would fight for it. I felt it was the only way to obtain the world that I wanted to live in with Katsumi, one where she wouldn't have to kill to get by.

"Guess it's just you and me." I muttered to the unconscious man, keeping him supported over my shoulder as I began to carry him to the inn. The innkeeper, which Katsumi had already paid off, seemed more than eager to accommodate us, probably due to the larger than normal sum he had been bribed with. I followed him to the inn, ensuring my pace was a brisk one so the man didn't lose any more blood than necessary.

Once at the inn, the keeper directed us to a room, and he had helped me to lay the man on the ground with his head propped up and a large cloth underneath him. I requested a smaller cloth from the innkeeper, and upon receiving it, I would begin to apply pressure to the man's arrow wound on his arm to keep it from bleeding out. Right now, I was only able to do just that, and I would await Katsumi's arrival.

I couldn't help but wonder who these men were that had tormented this man's life. But I knew if people like that stuck around, the Japan I dreamed of would only remain a distant dream.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

The archer made her way to the inn presumably before the others, not before stopping at a stall and purchasing a sweet roll. She was let into the kitchen, asking the wife of the innkeeper for certain herbs, and soon enough the child came in with the bucket of water. Katsumi gave two more coins to the young boy, and proceeded to hand him the pasty. His dark eyes lit up with excitement and ran off with the treat, resulting in Kat sighing a little in relief.

Transferring the water into a pan, she used the fireplace to warm the water, and gathered the herbs. Cutting them up, Katsumi began to make a salve, crushing the herbs and mixing them together. As she did this, the archer inquired about having some wine later in the evening, and the innkeeper's wife, who was well aware of the amount of money Katsumi laid down, happily agreed.

Soon enough, the salve was finished, and Katsumi took her supplies and headed to the room, with a young daughter carrying the salve and a preteen son carrying the warmed water for Katsumi. The entered the room and the kids bustled about, setting the items down, preparing the water, tidying up, and then leaving, as she set her things down and tidied up a bit, letting down and putting up her hair again more tightly and removing her tabi socks.

Upon leaving, Katsumi acknowledged Haji by going over to him with the salve and resting a hand on his shoulder, fingers squeezing gently. She closed her eyes, standing at his side for a few moments, wanting to take a brief break before diving back into work. The archer desired to kiss her beau, but shied away from any intimacy, hiding her feelings for him in public, even with the other man being unconscious. She never wanted to jeopardize them, or him.

Hand falling from his shoulder, the mercenary knelt to the ground and began her work. Removing the clothes, she proceeded to clean out the wounds with the warm water, before drying them off and rubbing the salve and applying pressure once more. None of them seemed to need stitches, fortunately, and she bandaged up the ones where the blood blow was minimal if not entirely halted, with skill one would not expect from someone her age. She had plenty of experience due to her father, and all of her harsh training and fighting. Not only did she have to tend to her drunken father's wounds, often when he was unconscious, but also her own.

The three wounds were eventually taken care of, and Katsumi leaned back, wiping her brow and releasing an audible sigh. Her lids drooped; she was tired, rolling her tense shoulders and neck, and then really desired that drink. Timing seemed to be perfect with the villagers of this particular town, and the innkeeper's wife entered with the wine. Pouring a few drinks, the woman left, and Katsumi picked up two, handing one to Haji.

"Haji-kun, would you like some?" she inquired. Her dark eyes slid over to the hopefully less rabid dog. "If he doesn't do anything stupid and rests, he should be fine. With a few days of rest, his wounds should heal up nicely."