The Old Wolf PT 2

“Stop trampling my flowers, you overgrown ape!” Inari shouted

“I’m just improving the ambiance.” Junichiro replied playfully flopping down in the field next to her

“No, you’re ruining work is what you’re doing said Inari angrily

“Come on, stop with your blossoms, and lie here with me.” Junichiro said beckoning her to him

“I can see in your eyes that you want to do more than just lie here.” Said Inari slyly

“Well, the night is still young, so we’ll see wont we?” said Junichiro caressing her cheek

As they kissed Junichiro woke from his dream, it was a happy dream, but Junichiro wept. The loss of his wife still troubled him horribly. He rose from his bed like any other day, but things had changed. He looked over at the sword leaning against his wall still bloody, glinting at him accusingly after he had butchered those men. They weren’t even really men, they were boys. He had her permission to do what he did. But if that was the case, why was he still feeling so guilty? Could it be because his idea of his wife giving him permission to walk the path of blood again was a hallucination that his own mind had conjured up? Maybe it would explain his guilt, or maybe living as a hermit all these years had finally driven him mad.

A knock at the door snapped Junichiro from his thoughts, His thoughts immediately went to assassins, but then if they were any good they wouldn’t have knocked now would they? Still, Junichiro was cautious as he approached. When he opened the door, at first, he saw nothing, then he looked down and noticed a small boy. The same boy from the house.

“Good afternoon sir. My mother wanted to invite you to dinner as thanks for saving us.” The boy said in a nervous voice

“Ah I see, that’s very thoughtful of her. When is this supposed to be?” said Junichiro taken aback

“She sent me here, to get you, she was hoping you would come tonight.” Said the boy

Junichiro was shocked. He had saved these people yes, but he had never expected them to be grateful, most times they hadn’t been in the past. No, most times they were terrified. Most of the time the ones Junichiro saved only saw a bloody handed savage. That was until she found him. Now here was an opportunity, a sign that for once in his wretched life he was on the right path. As he reflected on this, a gust of wind blew through his estate. She had sent him a blossom; she had given him her blessing. It was all the assurance that Junichiro needed. He gathered his cloak and set off with the boy.

Eiichi watched the old man and the brat leave. The daimyo had paid a ludicrous amount of money to his clan for the old fools head on a spike, but the chance to face a killer as renowned as Lornd Junichiro was too enticing to pass up Eiichi had given up his share of the take to challenge the old man one on one. Now it was simply about finding the right time to paint their tapestry of death together

Junichiro could feel the eyes on him, he and the kid had a tail. He didn’t want the boy to worry, so for now he acted completely normal. The kid prattled on about the inane things that kids talk about, But Junichiro was focused on the assassin I guess in his old age Hamma started hiring assassins to do his bidding, It was to be expected. Hamma never was the strongest swordsman. However, Junichiro was still a vit surprised. Normally assassins traveled in packs, but this guy was alone. It was peculiar to be sure. First, he got invited to dinner, now he had an assassin on his tail. This day was getting stranger by the minute.

The boy and Junichiro arrived just as twilight was setting in. As they walked up to the house Junichiro could smell the salmon teasing his nostrils, It reminded him of better days with Inari. When Junichiro and the child came into the house, the woman from yesterday couldn’t contain her emotions and hugged him tightly. The old man was taken aback by such emotion but he allowed her to finish.

“Thank you for saving my family.” She said tearfully still unable to contain her emotions

“It was nothing, I only did the right thing.” Junichiro replied

“No, it was everything. I don’t know how much worse it could have gotten had you not come when you did. Please break bread with us, it’s the least I can do to show you gratitude

“I, thank you.” Said Junichiro stunned

Dinner was a blur for Junichiro but his thoughts dwelled constantly on this woman and how much his saving her meant to him. He had never thought about it before, maybe more people were grateful than he actually considered. But then he remembered all of the horrors he had committed before he tried to go good. In the wild days before he met his wife, he Hammamoto, and their other companions were little more than butchers leaving rivers of blood wherever they traveled. But after so many years of carnage, Junichiro lost the urge, or more his compatriots wanted to walk down a path he refused to follow, so he abandoned them. He thought there would be peace, but his demons were not so easily silenced.

“Milord? Milord? Is everything alright?” the widow asked in a concerned tone

“Oh? Oh, yes I’m sorry, I was thinking of days past.” Said Junichiro in a faraway voice

“Did you enjoy your meal?” the widow asked meekly

“Absolutely! Your cooking is fantastic. Have you ever thought of doing it professionally?” asked Junichiro, attempting to liven up the room

“What? No, don’t be bashful, Milord. I’m not that talented. Besides who would look after my children?” the widow asked chuckling

“Hm, throughout this entire dinner, this is the first time I’ve seen you smile. You’re very beautiful you know? Also, your children can help with the restaurant. Your son looks to be a strong lad, he can definitely help.” Said Junichiro stroking his beard thoughtfully

“Milord you’re too kind.” Said the widow still giggling

“I’ll admit I’ve been rude this evening. I never even properly introduced myself. I’m Junichiro. Junichiro Yamamuro.” Said Junichiro jovially

“My name is Himiko Shoda. Its an honor to meet you Lord Yamamuro.” Himiko said bowing

“You intrigue me, Lady Shoda, when most people hear my full name, they usually don’t ant to be anywhere near me anymore.” Said Junichro surprised

“Why is that?” Himiko asked

“I’ve done many things that I’m not proud of. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories.” Said Junichiro darkly

“I have, milord. But I don’t care about any of that. If it wasn’t for you, my children and I would likely be dead. I just care about that. I’m appreciative of the man you are today, I’m not worried about your past. I’m sure It troubles you as well, but you shouldn’t focus on it either. Be the best you can be today.” Said Himiko getting up to clean up the meal

“Lady Shoda, you’re wise beyond your years. I never saw it that way. I could only ever see myself as a monster. I appreciate your words.” Said Junichiro getting up to help

“Please sir, you don’t have to do that.” Himiko started to say

“Please I insist. When my wife was alive, we always used to clean together. It made the work go much smoother.” Countered Junichiro

“Was? What happened if you don’t mind telling me?” asked Himiko

“It was, it was awful.” Said Junichiro sadly before continuing to work

Eiichi was growing restless; Junichiro was in this house for hours. Eiichi had thought of burning the house down but he needed to keep his patience. As he meditated Eiichi thought of his duel with Junichiro, he found himself salivating. He had been in hundreds of duels, but the legends painted Junichiro as nigh on a god with a blade in his hands. Eiichi needed to face him or his life would never truly have meaning again.

“Come to me Junichiro, come to me and give me the battle of a lifetime.” Said Eiichi

Junichiro and Himiko had finished cleaning and now he sat with the family sharing stories of his past. Well, the stories he wanted people to know anyway. As the children nodded off, he helped Himiko put them to bed

“You can stay the night if you wish, Lord Yamamuro. We have a spare room.” Said Himiko beckoning him to the door.

“No, no milady. I’ve already taken too much of your time. Besides I still have some business to attend to this night. I thank you for your hospitality” said Junichiro curtly before gathering his cloak.

“I understand, should you ever need to talk, I’ll be here.” Said Himiko calmly

“I thank you.” Said Junichiro leaving

Eiichi watched the old man leave, and the chase was on. Junichiro led him past his home and up into the foothills in the nearby wilderness. Eiichi had to be cautious, as the path they walked grew ever more treacherous. Eiichi had a sneaking suspicion that Junichiro took him on this path purposefully thinking that maybe the trip itself would kill him, but Eiichi wanted this too badly to let a fall stop him. As he started to feel his breath leave him, Eiichi found his quarry in a clearing. Well, it was more a field of the most beautiful white flowers, it shown to be almost ethereal in the moonlight Its beauty moved Eiichi to tears, he was an unashamed monster to be sure, but even a monster could appreciate the more beautiful things in life. He saw Junichiro under a tree meditating, wetting his lips in anticipation, the assassin closed in.

Hm, the assassin was good. Junichiro thought to himself as he knelt beside Inari’s grave. He never thought he’d be back here. Not alive anyway. But he was here. He decided that if he was going to walk this path again, he would need to do it with his sword, not one that he stole. Not one that could judge him, no Junichiro would retrieve the blade that knew him best. It already knew and accepted that It had been forged for dark purposes. Now that he had a new perspective on life however? It was up to Junichiro to find the light in the darkness. He thanked his wife once more for keeping it safe then rose to go meet his adversary.

“Tell me who you are. I already know why you’ve come.” Said Junichiro calmly

“I am Eiichi Kuga of the Serpent Assassin Clan.” Said Eiichi rigidly focused on his task

“Clan? But I only see one of you. Also, before we begin, I want to say I applaud your restraint for not hurting that family. In truth I extended my stay there to see what kind of man you are.” Said Junichiro watching his opponent for any movements

“Yes, Lord Yamamuro, a clan. Though tonight I walk alone as I couldn’t pass up such an opportunity, to face a legend.” Said Eiichi excitedly

“Hm, then what is it that drives you? Is it glory?” Junichiro asked

“No! Death is just the most beautiful art one can make!” said Eiichi storming for Junichiro

Junichiro barely had time to react to the assassin’s attack he was fast, and much more disciplined than the soldiers from the other day. He threw countless blows at Junichiro, pushing his guard to the very limit. Soon Eiichi came with another blow, this one was sloppier and Junichiro had time to parry it. Eiichi went for a stab, and this was when Junichiro made his move, he spun around Eiichi, it was a move he had done effortlessly in his youth, but today he wasn’t nimble enough, Junichiro felt the blade slash his side, and his vision immediately began to blur. Ah, poisoned, from a clan called the Serpents Junichiro shouldn’t have expected any less. Everything was spinning, this poison was potent.

Eiichi’s eyes widened with hunger. He had grazed the old man. Now it was time to move in for the kill, he would be a legend for slaying Junichiro, he and his brothers would never struggle for contracts again. He stalked Junichiro, calmly preparing to strike the killing blow. He was less cautious now; Junichiro couldn’t stop this no matter how hard he tried.

Junichiro’s vision was darkening but he knew Eiichi was on him. He had stopped being careful as he knew that the poison had taken hold. Junichiro knew, he only had one shot at this and it needed to be timed perfectly, he waited for the flowers o shift and for Eiichi to make his move. When he did Junichiro counter attacked, he parried twice and then swung his blade with the strength of a thousand Oni. First there was stillness, then a thud as Eiichi’s body hit the ground. Junichiro didn’t have time to gloat as he soon collapsed next to the fallen assassin.

“Well, so much for walking a new path, then again, this is as good a place to die as any.” Junichiro said to himself just before the darkness took him