Fantasy The Peaceful, the Warlike, and the Oppressed

[DergTheDergon]

The path through this quiet area of wood had been very quiet for quite some time, only one soul traveling it. A young woman clothed in orange robes, to be exact, having short white hair and brown eyes, refined yet delicate facial features, and a lean, toned, well-looked after figure. A Monk of the Order of The Golden Rose, as many would guess.

Meia traipsed down the forest path at a slow, leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds, ensuring to mindfully, with a soft, yet maintained focus, open up her senses to the world around her. This practice was how she upheld sense of great awareness and clarity that one needs to lead the life of a monk outside of meditation, and was one of the first things she was taught.

For a moment, her mind wandered. It is the natural tendency of the mind to do so, after all, and would take many more years for Meia to truly be able to control. She thought of her first memories, being cared for gently by a slow-moving, very old man that still was more than capable of looking after her as well as himself. It was a few years before he told her that she had not been born there. Instead, her parents had given her to the monastery in return for having healed her mother’s infertility. Strangely, she wasn’t saddened or bothered by it at all when she was told this at just six years old. She felt no attachment to her biological parents as she had no memories of them, having been given to the monastery far before she was capable of understanding what was going on around her, as a two-month-old infant. Besides, the monk went on to say that now, they were living happily with children of their own, and that their gratitude had gifted him a very promising student. These words made her smile, and even now as she thought of them, so many years later, her mouth subconsciously curved upwards with the warmth that thought brought her.

Catching her mind having wandered, she gently brought her focus back to the sounds of birds and a slight breeze, the vibrant plant life around her, the smells of nature, the feeling of the air and breeze against her skin. Like this, she continued walking.

She was on her way to the next human village down the road, the one she was told her parents had lived in. Apparently, the village had not made contact with the monestary in a much longer time frame than normal, which was part of her purpose for this journey. She had been tasked with finding out the cause of the delay. As a happy coincidence, this meant it was possible to find her parents. She had even been given a description of their home and the kindly couple themselves. Meia was very much looking forward to this.

The village was still several days’ journey, however, so she simply settled back into the walk. ‘A friendly fellow traveler or two might be nice,' she found herself thinking. She was used to the presence of other monks and was rarely truly alone like this. What’s more, this particular part of the countryside wasn’t known to be fraught with dangers, but soon she would cross into the Deepwoods, a place spoken of in whispers as a place few pass through alive, and fewer pass through unscathed. It would certainly be nice to come across a skilled adventurer for added peace of mind, even though Meia was confident that she could hold her own.

VioletShadow

 

[VioletShadow]

Sharp branches and prickly leaves scratched against her bare shoulders, leaving trails of blood as residue. Her panting was clear and easily distinguishable, referencing her high-pitched, yet quiet voice. Shizuka slowly felt her legs begin to numb, as the neverending rush of trees forced her to remember, and continue the getaway.

Memories of her parents being pierced with hidden blades, returned to her mind in fractured messages, their blood flowing in streams of crimson. She couldn't help but remember the calm looks of shock etched on their faces as they died, leaving not even a message to their daughter of where to go, or what to do. Her instinct was to run, so that's what she did. Straight out of the large tatami room, through the sliding doors portraying pictures of black demons, and into the wilderness. The last memory of her home was of blood-coloured tiles, littered with corpses. The gritty gravel tore against her bare feet, ironically referencing how she felt her soul was feeling at that very moment.

What affected her the most, wasn't even the loss of her parents, strangely enough. It was the fact that she had no where to go, no where to belong after this, even if she managed to escape. She wondered if things would be easier if she just let them capture her then, it's not like anyone would remember her anyway.

Then, she remembered what they would do if they captured her.

It was obvious what they wanted her for, the Keixa Clan were well known for only having heirs that were born of the most skillful ninjas. Shizuka is definitely not the most skillful, but her accuracy is unmatched in the local ninja clans. It seems she was only chosen because of difficulties they seem to have with accessing the stronger kunoichi, as well as the conviency of her capture. Afterall, the Mitsue Oni were always a thorn in the Keixa Clan's side; they probably wanted to kill two birds with one stone.

Suddenly, a rush of wind blew past her, as she abruptly reached the end of the woodlands, revealing a well-refined young woman robed in orange silk. Her hood and mask fell down simultaneously, revealing shining, emerald eyes which felt blinded by the sudden rays of sunlight, as she attempted to sidestep the woman, seeing as her speed was far too great to stop so suddenly.

Her outstretched leg buckled under the sudden pressure, causing her to trip and roll into the presumed monk. "So-sorry." She barely managed to utter the word as she continued to pant uncontrollably, pulling herself off of the taller woman. As she attempted to get up, however, a sharp pain rose from her left ankle. Collapsing back onto the earth, she clutched her ankle in utter pain. Managing to pry open one of her teary eyes, she eyed the ninjas mocking her a few meters away, clothed in their iconic dark red attire.

Knowing full well that this was the end, yet hopelessly desiring to not give up, she began pulling out the last dagger from her wrist sleeve.

DergTheDergon

 

[DergTheDergon]

As she calmly walked onward, she caught a faint, distant sound of rustling in the trees in one ear, the sound slowly growing louder. The martial artist's senses having been honed to a very fine point some time ago, she began to hear the sound growing louder, soon being accompanied by the sounds of leaves and grass beneath a rushing pair of feet. This caused her to pause in her walk, standing still yet still quite calm indeed, facing towards the brush with a clam curiosity. She could tell from the relentless pounding of feet upon the ground, and indeed the subsequent emergence of the culprit of said noise from the dense forest growth, that there was no stopping her. However, she did not feel a need to move out of the way and instead attempted to move into a position to gently catch her.

To her surprise, however, even her increased reaction speed was no match for the sheer velocity at which the cloaked woman was moving, causing her eyes to widen and for her to wince in pain slightly as the woman rolled into her, nearly causing her to fall over were it not for her many hours of balance training. Seeing immediately that this female ninja at her feet was in pain, and being aware of two more pairs of rushing feet, suddenly coming to a stop as she heard goading voices, this situation became quite clear indeed to the Monk.

Meia carefully stepped over the girl. She would prefer to treat her ankle right this moment, but it was quite clear indeed that the ninja's pursuers were not going to allow that to happen if they could help it.

"Don't apologize, simply rest," she told the cloaked woman softly, looking back and down at her, her expression calm and concerned with great sympathy showing within her eyes. Her peripheral vision as well has her well-trained hearing still kept track of the red-cloaked pair of ninja that had caught up to their apparent target. "I will tend to your pursuers."

With that, she turned back towards the pursuers themselves and stared them down, her gaze still calm yet her eyes now assuming an intense, focused look. Not a look of anger, as her teaching had focused on controlling emotions and now she was quite adept at it. She carried an aura of calm determination about her as she clearly, yet softly, spoke up, her eyes darting between the pair of red-cloaked Ninja.

"I know not why you chase her, but I will not allow you to further harm someone at a very clear disadvantage to you. I promise that if you simply return from whence you came, no harm will come to you. But if you insist on shedding this woman's blood, you shall have to go through me."

With that, she stayed completely still, standing in a protective, yet offensive martial arts stance, utterly still, entirely focused, and mentally preparing for anything the red-cloaked Ninja might do in reaction to her actions and words.

VioletShadow

 

[VioletShadow]

The sound of calm footsteps made their way over her dishevelled figure. What are you doing?! She wanted to yell, but her years of training taught her patience and perception was key to solving confusion. Listening to her words, she felt a wave of relief unwillingly rush over her, contrasting with the storm of bewilderment in her mind.

Why are you protecting me? It was the most prominent thought in her mind, her emotions screaming out at the woman less than a metre in front of her. Her upbringing led her to only believe in kill, or be killed. The idea of pure kindheartedness was incomprehendable. There was nothing for this woman to gain from this, but she could lose her entire life.

Her sharp eyes watched the scene intensely, with so much determination as to clear her tears. Her body felt incredibly numb, in her earlier panic she completely forgot to pace herself for her escape. Yet the dagger in her gloved hands, wielded with a will to fight, would not move from it's location.

Inspired by the woman's selflessness, Shizuka finally managed to pry herself off the ground, and into a sitting position, as the shinobi began to move.

They uttered not a word, all that could be heard of them was the rustle of leaves in the wind. It seemed they wanted to get this over with quickly, as the chase from earlier was incredibly long, and draining. Within moments of their disappearance, the two reappeared either side of the woman, one targetting her neck with dual-daggers, the other aiming for the calves with a short katana. They could tell she was at least somewhat proficient in the martial arts, and yet perhaps weren't as cautious as they should have been with their overly offensive attacks.

Afterall, they also seemed to forget Shizuka was so close to the woman.

With a flick of her wrist, a dagger pierced deeply into the dual-wielding ninja's kneecap, causing him to recoil momentarily. It was clear he attempted to retreat, yet the cleverly placed injury made it incredibly difficult to do so.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips, as she watched the ninja stumble and glare at her in his rage.
DergTheDergon

 

[DergTheDergon]

Breathing deeply, just once, to settle her nerves entirely, Meia prepared herself for the twin red-dressed shinobi to attack. She could feel both their hostility and the confusion of the woman behind her. No doubt she was raised to believe that violence was the only way, both to survive and to make something of oneself. All shinobi are taught that, as Meia's master told her. Hee had gone on to say that no way of teaching is inherently wrong if it garners success, and of course, Shinobi were seen as the deadliest warriors of the lands so their teaching certainly has done just that. What he had then told her during the lesson on Shinobi, however, struck Meia very deeply in this moment, as she watched the Shinobi disappear and felt the air in her surroundings for their presences, preparing to retaliate against their aggression.

"If just one Shinobi could be taught compassion, their example would be the lone obstacle standing in the way of the hatred their way of life spreads, and that one seed of pure love could end much of the suffering that they cause throughout the world,"the wisened and experienced old man had said, the words very vivid in Meia's mind. Meia's peripheral vision then turned towards the woman behind her as she thought this, the Monk still focusing intently upon the pair of Shinobi first and foremost. 'If I can save her, I will teach her', she thought, her resolve in this idea preapring her further for the fight to come.

Just a very short moment later, the Shinobi appeared in hand to hand range of her, attacking with an aggression and lack of caution that Meia was confident would be their downfall.Simultaneously, the monk barely ducking in time to avoid the daggers whilstusiingthat forward momentum to then deftly roll between the ninja, escaping their grasps. At the moment she noticed Shizuka's opportune attack, she took that moment to deftly disarm the katana-wileding ninja, then holding him firmly from behind with one arm behind his back and her strong left arm directly placed around his center of gravity, successfully restricting all movement and prepared for any cheap shots he would be able to make at her. "You two seem to be in a predicament," she said just as calmly. "This is my final warning. I've no reason to kill you but I doubt she would hesitate," she said, then directing her gaze at Shizuka as her voice became much softer.

"Are you alright?" She then asked, clearly more concerned about the woman's well-being than the two shinobi they'd just made fools of. If they made to escape again, she'd let them. Killing, unless done to defend one's life or that of another, is the greatest source of bad karma, her master taught her. If the man in her grasp made no indication of planning to get at Shizuka, Meia released him and, just for good measure, pushed him firmly in the direction opposite Shizuka, the monk herself in between her and both ruffians once more. Likewise, she would not stop Shizuka should she decide on any more surprise attacks, only intervening if it seemed Shiuka's life was once again in danger.

VioletShadow

 

[VioletShadow]

Shizuka had never seen such a unique fighting style before, especially one that utilizes nothing but the body. She watched her dexterous combat in awe, before the rustling in the air alerted her to the blade which flew straight across her right cheek, her instincts just able to dodge a fatal wound. The trail of blood spanned diagonally across her face, ending just before her right ear.

"Calm yourself Quon!" A masculine shout from the ninja confined by Meia, brought Shizuka to the attention of the ninja closest to her, blood spilling out of his knee. He was clearly enraged by the wound on his leg, to an extent unable to fathom for Shizuka. There was no clear reason for his rage, especially for being a ninja, who were meant to be calm, perceptive individuals.

"We need her alive." The other ninja spoke calmly, despite being restrained by the female monk. It was clear he was more experienced, he even kept an aura of mystery around him. He did not struggle against her seemingly firm grip, and merely picked up his friend when he was freed, only to vanish into the forest.

Realizing that the monk had asked her a question, she responded quickly after watching the ninjas dissappear. "My cheek wound should be fine. It's my legs, in particular my ankle, which is the main issue." Bringing a hand up to her cheek, she examined the extent of her injury, whilst she attempted to flex her legs slowly. They were still very much numb, yet if she had to, she was sure she could force them to walk again, if only slightly.

After a moment of silence, she spoke again, in an eerily calm manner compared to her emotions before. "What do you want in return?" She awaited the price she would have to pay expectantly, ready to become a slave, or maybe a personal assasin. She simply had no knowledge of simple charity, or good will. All that she's known is that people do things for themselves, nothing more. Her outlook on life was incredibly cynical. A minor flashback to her days back home, suddenly appeared in her mind.

A beautiful shinobi, one with golden eyes and luscious hair, presented a rose to her. He beamed a charming smile, but Shizuka only eyed him cautiously, before taking the rose with a small nod and polite smile. Literally a single day afterwards, she heard him talking with his friends behind the main building.

"This is going to be a lot harder than I thought."
"She's not very feminine is she?"
"Good luck trying to seduce Little Miss Stonefaced!"

She already knew what he was trying to do, him being the heir of another, weaker ninja clan. Yet hearing it for herself, was slightly dissappointing. Not for the reasons one might expect, however. Mainly it was for how awful he was at finding suitable rendezvous locations.

It was clear, even to herself, what she was trying to do with these idle thoughts. She wanted to escape reality. Losing one's home, losing all those that one knew, losing all that they've ever known, would cause anyone to be in great confusion, much less pain. She was simply afraid of the unknown world, especially now that her only safety has literally died on her. Unsure what to think, she remained in her position perfectly, almost like a statue.

DergTheDergon (Aka Tuckster 9000)

 

[DergTheDergon]

Meia winced as she saw the ninja she had not restrained take a cheap shot at Meia, yet before she could deftly knock out her current captive and make to restrain the other Shinobi, his captive collegue calmed him down with a shout. "I would not suggest trying again," she warned the ninja, before deciding to let them go. She knew they would not listen, but if they had her or thier would-be unfortunate quarry in another predicament, a deadlier one next time, she would not hestiate to fight them, as one's own life and the lives of innocents are the only things that the monk code considers to be above honor. Now, the currently retreating pair of Shinobi could not say she didn't warn them if that were to happen.

Then giving her undivided attention to the injured female Shinobi on the ground beside her, Meia nodded at the young woman's words before kneeling down in front of her and taking her rucksack from her back. Placing it on the ground, she took out some salves, bandages and other first aid supplies, carefully and wordlessly exposing the woman's leg wounds. As she did so, the question Meiea had a feeling would come from a shinobi such as this young woman was then leveled at her. "I expect nothing in return. The universe itself will reward me for my kind actions." The answer probably raised more questions than it answered, however curiosity about the way of Monks from layfolk was always a good thing, as Meia's master had said. "This slave will sting for a moment, but will numb the pain long term, as well as prevent infection," she exclaimed, as she worked carefully, with utmost focus, on tending to her leg wounds.

After she was done, she put away her supplies then slung the backpack back over her shoulders in a practiced motion, standing up and then speaking up, looking into the woman's eyes. "I suggest you rest for a short while, at least half an hour or so, but after the salve soaks in you should be able to walk just fine. Running or even jogging is inadvisable, however, for at least a week, and I reccomend that you sit down for a short break at least once every hour when traveling."

With her doctor-like lecture over with, Meia then tilted her head and stroked her chin. "The question now, I suppose, is what now? I advise that you accompany me to the nearby human village, at least for now. I feel that those ruffians will be back, and I fear for you in your current state should they catch you alone this time. This your choice however. Ah and, pardon my manners, I have yet to ask your name. I am Meia of The Order Of The Rising Sun. And whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" The Order Of The Rising Sun was very well known, and her affiliation with them likely explained her, for lack of a better term, 'sunny' disposition.

VioletShadow

 

[VioletShadow]

The monk's answer confused her to no bounds, but within moments, she created her own interpretation of the saying. Shizuka believed that Meia meant that she would repay her debt to her another time, and so, she merely nodded her head. Afterall, ninjas did not take a direct approach to find out what they wanted. Keeping herself as still as a statue, she kept a watchful eye on Meia's facial expression, the other obviously placed on her currently woeful wound, as it was treated. She managed to keep her own expression rather still, despite unwillingly flinching from time to time from the stinging salve as it began to cover her injury.

As the woman stood up, Shizuka's eyes noticably flickered, the adrenaline from the escape quickly leaving her body, leaving a seeping fatigue to fill it's place. "I see, thank you." She nodded appreciatively, despite her expression remaining rather emotionless. She wasn't one to dwell on the sad things too much, as she began thinking where she should go now. This choice of hers would possibly affect the rest of her life. An insecure feeling lingered as her thoughts began to ponder, seeing as she had no one to fall back on anymore. Should she continue her ninja clan, Mitsue Oni? An unpleasant feeling accompanied the thought, much to her confusion. Noticing how she inherently did not desire that option, she felt slightly hopeless. Simply, she was oblivious to the judicious range of options she had out there. Her ninja clan was all she knew, afterall.

"Ah, yes please." She concluded. Clearly, she was using the woman's sympathy for her own uses. A human village huh? She'd use the oppotunity to learn about a typical civillisation's culture, as well as most likely find something to do from there. Her ninja training was not to be taken lightly, with her honed senses and incredible reflexes. Much less her extraordinary accuracy. Hopefully someone will want to make use of her skills. It was a plan she was pleased with, as Shizuka gave a small smile towards the monk at her introduction. Clearly, she was oblivious to the group she was associated with, not particularly mentioning it.

"My name is Shizuka, of a certain ninja clan." She introduced herself briefly, but with a newfound, clear confidence.

DergTheDergon

 

[DergTheDergon]

Meia nodded back with a smile at her new charge's nod, unaware of the workings of the Shinobi's mind regarding her answer. What she had meant was that the good karma given to her would cause her kindness to come back to her through the actions of those around her and the workings of the world itself, no repayment from Shizuka herself required. That would likely resurface later, perhaps as a question akin to 'why haven't you asked something of me yet?' But for now, neither woman was aware of what the other had meant, and Meia gave the issue no further thought for now.

"Gratitude is not necessary, I simply am doing my duty for all life," she answered, said answer of course given in the cryptic manner all monks tend to speak in after years of training, picking the habit up from their masters. Meia could tell during the short silence that encomassed the pair of warrior-women that Shizuka was mentally troubled about some manner, or several perhaps, as well she should be. Meia didn't doubt for one moment that Shizuka's situation was dire, more than likely in more ways than one. Meia gave her a passing sympathetic glance before continuing on to the matter at hand: namely, what now.

Meia's eyes widened slightly in light surprise at Shizuka's answer to her offer of accompaniment, and the enthusiasm in her voice. It was clear to Meia that Sizuka perhaps saw opportunity or something similar in the idea of going to a human village. Meia nodded in agreement, helping Shizuka stand should she wish it whilst she attentively listened for the woman's gname. "Well met, Shizuka," she returned, smiling a bit at hearing the confident lilt that accompanied Shizuka's introduction. She did not ask about her clan, as she felt it was truly none of her business. However, noting Shizuka's lack of response regarding her order, Meia then continued on by saying, "as we walk, would you like to be enlightened about The Order Of The Rising Sun?" She waited with a calm smile, anticipating a yes answer but showing no disappointment and simply nodding if the answer was no.
Regardless, teh pair of warrior-women then began the trek down the rest of the road. "The village shouldn't be far; another day at most, even with taking adequate rests to accommodate for your injury. If we encounter any more of them, I advise you stay behind me and utilize those throwing weapons of yours, that tactic seemed to have worked well thus far."

The pair walked the rest of the day through the wooded road, thankfully not encountering ay more threats. "We should find a place to camp," Meia then said, wordlessly pulling Meia a bit away from the road and finding a nice clearing. Meia sat Shizuka down and bid her forest a while whilst the monk went about making a fire pit out of nearby fallen tree limbs. Once that was done, she sat down cross-legged in front of the fire, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, taking one hand and placing it over the logs. All of a sudden, a small spark of electricity seemed to shoot from her palm, igniting the wood quite nicely. Smiling to herself, she remained seated and closed her eyes once more, beginning her customary evening meditations. She would listen and respond should Shizuka speak to her, be remain in that same position, eyes closed. Once she was finished, she laid down and bid Shizuka to do the same. Tomorrow, they'd reach the human village in the mid-afternoon.

Unfortunately, neither woman was prepared for what they would find there.

VioletShadow