19 years ago...
I awoke suddenly to the Yelp of a dog, I donned by sandals, clothes, grabbed my sword and went noiselessly into the silent night. It was warm, the blossoms had just come into season, casting their dappled shadows by the sliver of moonlight.
It was my first year as a student of Tennen Rishin-Ryu, I was fourteen years old. Mother nor father had stirred, it fell to me to search for the dogs. After a few careful moments, I happened upon our hound. Tsu lay dead on the ground, a small pool of blood had spilled from the wound at the back of his skull. I swallowed my sick anger and drew my blade, tears would have to wait. I heard the breath of my attacker before seeing him, I spun to face the threat even as my sword slashed from top right to bottom left, and back to stance. Luckily I caught the attackers weapon, a dull crack sounded as his Wakizashi was sent skittering to the ground. I saw the whites of his eyes as they widened in disbelief. I wasted no time, and stepped forward, making two more vicious arcs with the solid katana. I felt the brief resistance of flesh as the black-clad attacker flinched and fell backward, blood spilled across the garden path.
I shook with nervousness and desperation, abruptly I vomited as the impact of Taking and life and Tsus' death ran through me. I continued my patrol of the house grounds.
Gently pushing open the door to the kitchens, I discovered another stranger dressed in the black of a thief. I rushed forward, the figure spun to face me revealing a readied sword. Releasing one hand from my grip, I grabbed at the overhanging pans and began hurling them at the intruder. He came at me slowly, turning to avoid the worst of the pan-assault, without a better plan I dashed at the attacker searching for an opportunity. Clubbing him with one of mothers large cooking pots bought me precious seconds with which to steady and strike one handed with the Katana. The intruders swords flicked out wildly several times, deflecting my blows and inflicting superficial stinging cuts. My arms were numb from the repeated shocks yet I pressed the attack, driving the intruder backward. He mistakenly turned upon bumping into the stove, giving me the opportunity to pierce his chest, he fell to his knees as his life pumped out onto the stone-tiled floor. I ran to my parents room only to find a third intruder leaving fathers' study with a sizeable wooden box. We both hesitated for a heartbeat before I sprinted at him. I ran Kicking wildly at the box, seeking to floor the intruder. The box was thrown backwards into the mans' face, he grunted in pain as he stepped backwards, but remained standing. Mother and father had been roused by the scuffle and were shouting questioningly in alarm, I ignored their shouts and advanced on the intruder as he drew two dagger-length blades. I met his his cruel and confident eyes, before he launched into a flurry of strikes as I desperately parried and lost ground. The screen door slid open suddenly and my mothers quick glances at the scene must have quickly told her the situation. She hurled a wooden cudgel at the intruder, which stuck him fully in the side of the head. He toppled sideways into the corridor wall, letting his guard drop and ceasing his attack. I cut at his arms, at anything that was within reach, furiously chopping at the threat. Eventually mothers voice cut through the confusion 'He's Dead Isami-chan, you can stop now.' I found control of myself, and looked about at the eviscerated corpse below me. I looked to mother, whose saddened gaze returned mine: resigned to the fact that her son had now taken a life.
Father had armed himself and quickly surveyed his sons red-spattered form, before ordering that we both secure the homestead. After it had been confirmed that we were once again safe, we gathered up the body of Tsu and buried him in the gardens.
The intruders corpses, we dragged outside the grounds, lay out for the police to make their deductions. Father spoke to me as we listened to the mornings birdsong and observed the three bodies in the false-dawn,
the sound of the police craft whirred in the distance 'I will miss Tsu.' he said with reverence. 'You did a noble thing here today Isami-sama, it is not an easy thing to kill and to face death. No matter what the Police say, I am proud of you son, though you may wrestle with the morals of what has happened: you should know that you acted well; these 'men' knew the consequences of their actions. Now, go and wash that blood off and make yourself presentable to for the Officers.' I did as my father asked, reassured by his reference to me as an adult and his frank words.
I reflected on the night as red and pink swirls of water spiraled down the drain: reliving the sickening moment of finding Tsu I resisted another urge to vomit, and again upon recalling the life spill from the first intruder I had encountered. A wave of disappointment rode through me as I remembered losing control and submitting to rage at the final attacker, I cursed myself and pledged to keep my head in future, to adhere to my teachings.
A.S 808:
I had received an invitation by courier, an envelope of paper sealed with a wax impression of the Matsui family 末井. Intrigued by the archaic presentation, I carefully pried the wax from the crisp, tactile paper to observe the beautifully scripted jet-black strokes of traditional Kusari. The occasion was one of commendations and dignitaries and required full dress-uniform, it was likely there would be dancing.
The presentation ceremonies were long, and though I took comfort is seeing my brothers' great efforts acknowledged: I admit my focus drifted momentarily during the proceedings. During one particularly long speech, was when my gaze first fell upon Otsune. Seated near the front of the domed hall, she sat aside her parents listening attentively to the re-telling of the Battle of Satsuma. Though a glorious tale, my attention was rapt by her serenity and presence. Reminding me of a star in the darkness; her appearance struck me and let all other distractions fade and blur.
The ceremonies ended and we rose in unison and made our way to the ballroom, as the crowd mingled and ebbed, Hirioto caught my attention 'The Matsui daughter no less! You don't set your sights too high now do you Isami: only one of the most influential families this decade!' I lost sight of her as I turned and smiled at his sarcastic jest 'Isn't she a vision though?! Did you see those eyes, her hair '¦'
'She is pretty 'sami, but I tell you this as a friend: Don't get your hopes up, she's used to fine things and a peaceful life; We're fighters 'sami'. Ours is world of steel, blood and fire. We can't offer our wives the life of a princess, or even that we will return home when setting out for duty.'
I sighed 'I don't see her: maybe you're right Hajime; maybe it's destiny that I can't find her, perhaps she is out of reach.'
Hajime sympathised 'don't let it get you down..' his tone brightened 'I'm sure we can find a girl ugly enough for your pay grade ~somewhere~ around here!' he joked as we were ushered toward the dance floor.
*
The ladies separated from the men and both formed an aisle down the centre of the great hall. I took my place opposite a traders daughter who was pretty enough, yet did not hold my interest. We touched hands in the opening steps of the dance as we made the familiar forms. The women seemed to glide across the polished floor as their dresses lent a floral appearance to the unfolding manoeuvres. As the dance demanded, we switched places changing partners as we went. Short pieces of conversation could be heard as couples met for a few moments and then were parted once more, into the sea of uniforms and silks.
It was after some minutes of performing the steps by rote (as routine) that I found myself bowing before Otsune herself: I hesitated as my heart leapt into my throat; suddenly acutely aware of my manner.
'Rise or we shall miss the night' Otsune whispered chidingly.
'Miss, I should be arrested for such a crime: to waste such an evening with you would be a sin.'
I gazed upon her face as I rose and resumed the same steps as those around us, again, all else fell away. I performed the steps robotically as we spoke: 'you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen' I said dumbly: confounded as to how else I could express myself without breaching etiquette.
She smiled as she performed the steps with the ease and grace of some ethereal being. 'Kondo-sama, you forget your station: besides; am I to believe you have seen all women?'
'Ah, that is...no, sorry. What I mean to say is you look very beautiful this evening, and your dress is without compare'
'I see, so it is my dress that makes me pretty then?'
'No. I am sure you would look just as pretty without your dress..' I faltered 'No! I don't mean naked: though i'm sure you look..beautiful..uhm...forgive me, I mean to say...'
'You 'mean to say' that: You imagine the thought of me naked as beautiful ? Or that you are the best man; and so seek to bed the best woman?'
shocked I stammered 'Oh no, not like that...I'm not like those 'bucks' I swear! Could we..may I see you again? Would you give me your name?'
'We shall see' She said, her eyes fixed to mine, as the crowd changed formation taking all sight of her with them. I craned my neck as I faced my next partner, and annoyed her as I distractedly waltzed, attempting to spy Otsune: but she was gone ' lost in the nights frivolities.
The very next evening I took it upon myself To seek out and visit the woman whose name I would later learn was Otsune, without my families knowledge. I snook out of the barracks immediately after dining, making the excuse of solitary study. I crept from the window and tentatively began the long climb around the building and down to cover. Across the grounds, I scurried from tree to bush, careful to avoid any patrols that would end my mission. Waiting for guards to move on in their patrols took longer than I had anticipated, and so I arrived in town sweatier, dirtier and later than planned.
The moon lay high casting its gibbous light upon every path and rooftop: the night was painted with flourishes of silver. I approached the city; blooms of coloured light appeared as lanterns hung in celebration and decoration. Some previous chatting with my brothers had revealed the rough location of the Matsui compound, I headed past town toward it with haste: for it was already late.
An hour and half of cross country finally revealed the walled compound, I considered approaching the gate and its guard before reviewing my appearance and opting to climb again. Another half hour of surveying the perimeter passed before I had found a suitable entryway. After some considerably difficult climbing, crawling and hiding: I managed to make it to the main house. Lights burned in three windows, I made my way around to the rear of the building, looking for any clue that might identify Otsunes room.
Sure enough, extending from a decoratively framed window: reached an effeminately fenced balcony. Overlooked by the viewpoint, a bed of lilies bloomed: their scent lingering on the night air. I concluded that this was Otsunes window, since she was adorned with lilies the previous evening. I began a hushed calling as loud as I dared, soon realising that 'Hey miss' was not enough, I threw a stone at the soft glow emanating from the open window. Minutes passed so I proceeded to throw more stones with increasing frequency. Eventually my efforts were rewarded, a silhouette emerged onto the balcony, my heart once more caught in my chest with anticipation.
I looked up in hope only to be greeted by the scowling face of an older woman, of perhaps sixty years. 'Wha...Who are you?' we both whispered in tandem. I took a moment and replied. 'I am Isami. I ...'
'Bambi who? You are filthy! How did you get so dirty!? Nevermind. what do you want?'
'....Hai, I am here to see '¦the Matsui daughter. Is she home?'
'Nani? The mats....Oh! No, no bambi: miss matsui is out cavorting around town. A charity or something.'
Disheartened I continued 'Ah, I see. Uhm ' do you know where exactly?'
'No sorry bambi, they tend to move around a lot at that age.'
'O hai, of course, could you please tell her I called ?'
'Hai, but I have to be candid with you Bambi: Miss matsui is a popular woman, other young men want to court her. Rich men. What can you offer the family that can suffice?'
'I...I do not have much. But she has my heart. Please ...tell...tell her the fool from the dance was throwing rocks at her window.'
'Alright Bambi: can you find your own way out safely?'
'Hai, arigatou madam: I am sorry to have disturbed you.'
But the old-lady had already disappeared behind closed panes. I realised abruptly that our 'whispering' had drawn attention, as two guards approached from either flank. Some stern questions and roughing later the guards laughed at my sorry state as they escorted me from the premises.
My mood was maudlin as I trudged back toward base, the city almost crept up on me in my sulk. Suddenly, breaking the monotony of depression, a silver laugh rang across the night. I looked up to find the source of the enchanting sound, My gaze cast across the groups of revellers slowly making their way home. Then I spied her, a perfect breath in the chaos: my Lady Matsui was laughing with her friends as they chatted and almost floated across the ground. I raised a hand and desperately dove into the crowds to reach her, moments of uncertainty passed as her face was once again lost amidst the hundreds present, I surged on shoving bodies as forcefully as I dared and came up against a high trellised wooden fence. Miss Matsui, walked by on the other side. Our eyes met though I fear she did not recognise me at first. I shouted through the cacophony of the crowd 'Milday ! It is me: from the dance!'
puzzled, she exclaimed 'Oh! Kondo-sama? Is that you under all ...that?' she gestured to the dirt streaking my torso.
'Hai milady: I had some erm...trouble finding you.' the crowd pressed to divide us 'Might I call on you?'
Otsune glanced at the disapproving faces of her entourage before replying 'Certainly not sir, clean yourself up.' then she smiled a knowing grin 'Sayonara Kondo' she cried as the crowd bore her away once more into the nights travelling celebration.
I searched the streets for a fumbling half hour, before resigning myself to the fact that she was lost to me again. I continued my interrupted journey to base with little hope save that there had been something in that last exchange.
Though I had been careful sneaking back into the barracks, the Matsui guards must have sent word: since my commanding officer sent for me the next morning. For my insubordinate breach of base protocol and behaviour ill-fitting of an officer I was suspended without pay after being put in stocks for all my brothers to see.