Tenome - Samebito Story Pt. 3

But the tragedy never came.

A loud impact was heard! Ruki turned to see the Tenome in mid-air having been bodied by a blue blur. It flew backwards, smashing through the pillar that was holding one end of the tent up and into the dirt of the camp clearing, doing a few rolls before stopping. It awkwardly scraped and stumbled up, hissing. But standing between it and its quarry was the source of the horrible stench it passed on the way up the mountain.

“Dad...?” Umi breathed. Standing before Ruki, Amaro and Umi was Wanito. But not as either Ruki or Amaro had seen him before.

Oni-like horns were now protruding though his head. His skin was dark blue and sleek, like a shark, further more a shark-like tail had cropped from his tail bone. Emerald contrasting Black were his eyes, an underbite of sharpened teeth were below those. The body was rippling with muscle. Wanito gazed back at Umi, Ruki and Amaro.

“A...Samebito?” Ruki breathed in awe.

“Indeed Hoshoku Miko. One who had lost his path.” The Samebito replied his eyes turning to Amaro.

“Wanito-san...“ Amaro breathed.

“Thank You. Amaro of Yamatai. Through your convictions I thought you to be something much more powerful and noble in birth... though that seems to be because mine were so lacking.” Wanito breathed, his eyes refocusing on the Tenome which was now trying to get to its feet.

“I will discuss more with you two later.” Wanito replied cutting Amaro’s hands free and handing him a knife to do the rest of the work. “Get yourselves and Umi to safety. The Tenome is a determined lot as are all vengeful spirits.” He positioned his blade: his hands held above him, but blade pointed at the Tenome as if to thrust his Tachi like a spear. “But even the cruelest of vengeful spirits... need fear those who served dragons.”

“Dad...“ Umi breathed.

“I’m sorry for everything Umi... I will make it up to you somehow... but for now... let me do just this.” Within an instant the Samebito exploded towards the Tenome... a shockwave from where he kicked off was temporarily visible with the dust.

Within an instant the sword had pierced the Tenome’s shoulder. But it still stood. It hissed in rage, its rubbery skin preventing the sword from going in too deep. The Tenome countered by slicing across Wanito’s chest. Wanito managed to dodge just in time, by creating distance between him and Tenome with a hard kick to its stomach, flipping off of the Tenome like a spring board, landing on his feet.

It gurgled from the impact, staggering back. It lifted its arms in front of it... not to see Wanito but rather in a pose that was like a Martial Artist, but instead of palms outstretched, its hyper-dense talons were bared, pointing to Wanito.

Wanito circled the Tenome who kept still. The Tenome knew where Wanito was at all times... its hearing, its smell, and sense of touch were all much greater than the average human. The Tenome could match the Samebito’s speed well enough when it was aware. Any move Wanito made, the Tenome would be able to counter. Wanito sheathed his blade... holding onto its hilt... The shark man stopped as the direction of the wind changed.

He closed his own eyes. All he needed was a single strike. If his gamble paid off... the Tenome would be ended.

The Tenome could no longer make out Wanito. It sniffed. Wanito was now down-wind from it, and its own senses were rife with smoke, fire, and animals. Its ears could not hear breathing, the crackling of nearby fires creating noise. It was effectively blind. It opened its palms to try and regain a visual on the Samebito.

Wanito seized on this instance. When the Tenome turned, Wanito sped forth drawing his sword with frightening speed. And with great speed and ferocity his sword struck the Tenome in the nape of the neck. Cutting through its rubbery skin like paper.

Alas it was not enough.

The blade struck solid at the base of the spine, unable to penetrate further. The hyper-dense bones preventing the blade from doing any more damage... The Tenome let out a sound that sounded both like a gasp and a growl as it turned to face Wanito and slashed once more.

Fresh blood poured from Wanito’s chest as the Tenome’s claws ripped through Wanito’s own skin with more ease. Wanito pulled back, his blade soaked with black, almost oily blood of the Tenome. It raised its hands once more, once again regaining visual on its attacker. Wanito circled again, only this time the Tenome followed his movements with its hands, facing him the entire time.

Wanito knew not if he had underestimated his foe, Vengeful Spirits are not to be trifled with, no matter their form, or if he had underestimated himself, having grown rusty with age. He took a quick glance at his Tachi, there was a notch in the blade where it had impacted with the Tenome’s spinal column... the Japanese style of sword was simply not suited for facing such blunt force opposition. His blade had dulled from the impact, and thus subsequent attempts to slice or pierce would not be as effective.

His eyes refocused on the Tenome, whose palms which bore its eyes focused balefully on him. It was within an instant to Wanito’s utter surprise the Tenome exploded forward with speed! Wanito barely sidestepping the vengeful spirit as talons with the sharpness and density of metal swiped the air Wanito’s face once was. Wanito tried to backpedal to get more distance from the Tenome, to no avail as it kept advancing, slashing and grasping for the Samebito. Wanito’s long Tachi was now a liability. Wanito began to realize the Tenome’s defensive posture earlier was only temporarily to get an understanding of the attacker which denied it its desired meal. It had managed to identify his form and primary weapon and was now actively hunting him. It lunged for him, intending to grasp him and hold him in pace so it may yet make a meal from his body or end the fight once and for all by crushing him to death.

Wanito neatly dodged by rolling out of the way causing the Tenome to stumble over itself and almost fall to the ground. It sniffed the air, trying to regain some semblance of Wanito’s position. Wanito looked at his dented blade... he had little options in the way of combatting this creature...

Meanwhile back in the Captives Tent,

“GAH!” Amaro gasped due to a sharp jolt of pain. With the aid of Umi had managed to get the rest of the ropes off him, but in doing so, he confirmed the extent of his injuries…

His right shoulder was dislocated and he had developed a sprain in his left leg, rendering him unable to walk without assistance on top of his unable to move his arm. He lurched over when he tried to sit up, his left arm clutching his shoulder.

Umi didn’t know what to do as she looked fearfully at the pained boy.

“Umi!” Ruki cried. “His arm might be broken, cut me free so I can help!” Umi looked at the knife, and with a nod of affirmation from Amaro, she grabbed it and began to cut Ruki loose, this knife having much easier time then the last knife she had pilfered. With one last cut, Ruki’s arms were finally free, rope burns mitigated somewhat by her cloth bracers, but still evident by her instinctively rubbing them. Her feet were free shortly afterwards, the rope burns around her ankles much more evident as a red-painful looking rash pattern hugged her ankles. She rushed over to Amaro:

“Sorry Amaro-kun... this might hurt.” She braced as she felt around, earning another gasp of pain. His shoulder was dislocated... she was no medical professional, but she had known enough from Survival training and experience in the Den to try something…

“Umi-san! Grab me that stick!” Ruki called out pointing to a broken shaft of stick on the other end of the tent. Umi nodded as she did just that. Umi didn’t understand, it was too short to be used as an arm splint...

“Amaro-kun? You trust me, right?” Ruki asked.

“Yes, Ruki-Chan, why?”

“The put this between your teeth… this is probably going to hurt like hell.” Ruki handed him the stick… and he understand. Amaro proceeded to lay down completely on his back, while Ruki held and guided his arm at a ninety degree angle. Crashing outside and the sound of hissing reminding them that they were still not out of danger.

“Brace yourself, Amaro-kun.” Ruki warned, prompting Amaro to place the wooden bit between his teeth and close his eyes.

Ruki then firmly pulled, slow and steady... Amaro gagged in pain through the bit, but that soon dissipated as his shoulder gave a tell-tale “clunk” sound as it was relocated. Amaro gasped and removed the bit, sitting up.

Umi was silent as looked mournfully outside on belts and needles as the two Youkai brawled elsewhere in the camp.

“Thank you Mik—I mean Ruki-chan… it feels better.” Amaro breathed a much of the pain than afflicted his arm was now mitigated. Arm was still useless, but at least he wasn’t in crippling pain.

“Thank goodness.” Ruki breathed. It was then she looked and saw his ankle, swelling through his tabi sock… “Amaro-kun, we can’t get you anywhere like this…” Ruki remarked, feeling the swelling in his foot.

“Damn those sickos, really did a number on you…” Ruki commented, removing his sock to get a full scope of the damage.

“At least... they did it on me, and not you.” Amaro responded

“Well, we can’t go anywhere with your leg like this...“

“Umi-san.” Ruki called, getting the girls attention. “I need you to get me a long, thick stick, enough to splint his leg, okay?” Umi merely nodded in affirmation, and vanished into the camp, opposite of the two Yokai fighting, she returned shortly later with the hilt of a broken axe or club.

“Will this work?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Ruki replied as she took the hilt.

“Amaro-kun… umm…” Ruki looked nervously around.

“I need to you to close your eyes. Don’t ask questions, and I need your top.”

Amaro did as she said. He didn’t understand why. But didn’t complain. He felt his shirt being lifted off of him.

“Keep them closed until I give the word.”

Moments passed. Sounds of hissing and heavy clashing in the distance.

“Okay, now you can you open them.” Ruki commanded.

He did so… and he noticed two peculiar things. One: Ruki was now wearing his top, which was otherwise adorably a bit too big on her. And secondly, she now had bandages in her hand. Before Amaro could ask where she got those, he put two and two together and realize the source of the bandages… Ruki’s Sarashi, hence her ‘need’ to use his top and the need for him to close his eyes. Amaro decided not to question what had just transpired or think too much more into it. Minutes later, Ruki was helping Amaro up, his bad arm around her shoulder for support, and his good arm holding a makeshift crutch made out of broken tent pillar that Wanito smashed the Tenome through. Excess sarashi being used to bandage up Amaro’s shoulder.

...

Wanito turned to see the Ruki guiding Amaro out of the tent, Amaro being worse than Wanito originally thought possible. Umi clinging behind Ruki.

He turned back to face the Tenome. His tachi was even more blunted and damaged from repelling the murderous spirit. It was good for cutting and slicing human enemies in two, but it was not good against cutting down the pillar that was the Tenome. Cuts crisscrossed the Tenome, but none deep, only the injury at the nape of its neck really bled. He gazed one last time at the Hoshoku Miko and the broken boy he thought to be a dragon... damn, he really must be getting out of touch, he can’t even tear apart of blind monk ghost. It was then a realization...

“Miko-san!” He called forth, positioning himself between the Tenome and the group.

“Yes, Samebito-san?!” she responded.

“Can you make use of your holy arts?!”

“Only the basics...“ Ruki replied honestly. “I don’t think I have the energy or strength to do anything really grand... your former bosses’ hospitality has left me exhausted…” Ruki snidely remarked. It was in that moment something was chucked at Ruki landing in front of them... Wanito’s tachi.

“That thing is useless as it is. I need you to bless it... for all of our sakes. You can do at least that, right?” Wanito responded as he looked towards the Tenome… now without a weapon.

“I could but... I don’t have my Gohei…” Ruki responded, “Last I saw it was at the lake…”Ruki looked away, still ashamed that their current situation was all her fault in the first place for getting captured.

“It would probably be in the Chiefs tent…” Wanito replied holding up his palms to the Tenome.

“But I do not know where that... wait, UMI!” Ruki cried as without warning Umi bolted from behind her. Wanito turned to meet Umi’s eyes, in which he nodded with affirmation.

“She will be fine, Hoshoku Miko. She is a strong girl.” Wanito replied turning to the Tenome. “Looks like I will not be the only one pursuing redemption, this morning.” Ruki initially didn’t understand what he meant, but realization eventually it hit her what Umi was doing… all she could do is sit and watch... but Wanito was unarmed… how could he.

The Tenome hissed and bolted for Wanito... seizing its chance. Wanito was caught off guard as the Tenome managed to grasp the Samebito.

“WANITO-SAN!” “SAMEBITO-SAN!” Amaro and Ruki cried in unison as the Tenome got Wanito it’s deadly embraced.

It began to breathe in… trying to suck the bones from Wanito’s body… Wanito was done for.

Or so it seemed. The Tenome recoiled, and tried again... and again... why wasn’t it working?! Suddenly Wanito slammed his palm into the Tenome’s abdomen, knocking it back off of him. Wanito’s shoulders were bleeding from where he Tenome had held him, its vicegrip was a force to be reckoned with.

“I see, spirit. You may have been able to absorb the bone of every creature on land that you may catch... but I bear the bones of that of the sea.”

Ruki realized what Wanito meant. The Samebito had some shark traits, shark tail being the most clearly obvious... so the bones of Wanito were not the hard, calcium constructs of most creatures... but rather the cartilaginous bones of a shark. The Tenome’s most lethal weapon was now rendered utterly useless in contrast...!

But that still meant Wanito was unarmed against an enemy whose clutches could still crush a man, and whose talons could rip through stone. The Tenome hissed, and advanced once more, talons beared.

But without warning, Wanito too charged... sidestepping the Tenome’s swipe and planting his palm firmly in the chest of the Tenome, the forcing of the palm strike sending the Tenome flying backwards!

“I need not a weapon to fight, spirit.” Wanito taunted to which the Tenome did not respond, merely ambling back up. Wanito charged forth once more, and proceeded to unleash a flurry of strikes from his bare body. There was no observable style or individual martial arts discipline, rather an eclectic mix from Southern Dragon Kung Fu to Ryukyuan form Karate.

A palm to the face followed by a kick to the abdomen staggered the Tenome, as Wanito followed it up by an elbow thrust to the Tenome’s chest sending it flying backwards. Despite this, the Tenome still kept getting back, utterly unphased. The strikes that Wanito was unleashing could have crushed a man’s lungs, could have snapped a man’s neck or cause cardiac arrest dozens of times over... yet the Tenome waded through the storm. The Tenome staggered back up after a particularly forceful chest strike only for Wanito’s to pick up an club from a past victim of the Tenome and smash it across the head followed up by slamming its head against a tent pillar.

Yet the Tenome still staggered back up.

Wanito was now bleeding from several places, the Tenome’s claws were not to be trifled with. Yet despite this, despite all of the abuse Wanito was throwing the way of the Tenome, it still stood. This was a battle of attrition... and Wanito was losing.

“Ruki-san!” Umi called forth as she ran back with a bundle of misc. black, white and red cloth with a tell-tale rod equipped with paper tassels flowing from one end and what looked like a gunbai war fan at the other end.

“Thank you, Umi-san.” As Ruki recollected her things, most everything was present, but the important thing was her Gohei. She retrieved it from the pile of clothes, and brought Wanito’s tachi forth…

She sat the sword in her lap and placed one of her gohei on the tip of the blade. She prayed she would enough concentration or energy to pull this off. She closed her eyes... trying to get some semblance of concentration. She was tired, utterly exhausted... having been up for almost an entire day, bruised and sore from Goro’s ‘hospitality’. She emptied her mind, focusing on trying to accomplish one thing...

Suddenly to Amaro and Umi’s astonishment, Ruki’s gohei began to crackle with orange and yellow energy, almost like some sort of orange lightning. Ruki then began to say something, Amaro made it out to be some sort of prayer or sutra as she blessed the blade. She held the blade up horizontal and then she proceeded to the Gohei’s tip along the blade… to their awe the energy from the Gohei was then transferred to the Blade itself, it now having the same orange, crackling glow as the Gohei. The Gohei itself now remaining inert. Ruki’s eyes opened, stunned that she managed to get it to work, despite her exhaustion.

She looked upwards towards, Wanito. Wanito was breathing heavily, and worse for wear. He was now on the defense, only capable of side-stepping the determined onslaught of the Tenome.

She grabbed the hilt:

“Samebito-san!” she called.

Wanito turned, seeing the sword in her hands. He rolled out way of another swipe for the Tenome, who quickly raised its hands trying to regain visual on its foe, giving Wanito a few second reprieve. Without another word, Ruki tossed the heavy blade, it didn’t go far, but Wanito made up for it by closing the distance and grabbing the hilt. He looked upon the crackling energies upon the blessed blade...

The Tenome was now closing the distance... this battle would end here. Wanito charged forth to meet the Tenome.

Blood flew. But not from Wanito. A horrendous screech erupted through the air as the Tenome’s arm went flying from its socket. Wanito’s eyes widened in awe-induced surprise at how even blunted though his blade, the blessing was all it took. The Tenome screeched and hissed erratically its other arm clutching its arm socket, black oily blood gushing from the wound. Without another word, Wanito charged the Tenome, his sword resheathed— only for Wanito to unsheathe it once more in a slice that ripped the Tenome’s head from its body. Oily blood squirted from the neck socket like a small geyser as the Tenome’s body dropped its knees before keeling over. Its body began to combust as spiritual blue flames began to erupt through the body as well as the decapitated head and dismembered limb. A orb of  blue light emerged from the combusting body before dissipating, the Zato’s soul having been brought some semblance of peace enough for it to pass on to the next life.

All that was left of the Tenome was ash. With the morning winds, even that would no longer exist…

Day break revealed a horrific site... a dilapidated camp that was once home to a bandit colony numbering of over forty... now empty. There were no corpses to be found... only empty sacks of human skin and organs. The survivors of which scattered for the hills. Out of a camp of over forty bandits, at least twenty had perished that night.

The Bandit Leader, a man named Goro, was nowhere to be found, having flew the coop in the wake of the Tenome’s onslaught of his camp. The very thing that allowed the camp to prosper, having brought about its ruin.

The captives that the Bandits had spirited away and abducted from their villages have been freed. And a fortunes worth of ill-acquired goods to be redistributed or returned to the rightful owners when Yamatai sent forces to properly deal with the clean-up. Any bandits remaining would be dealt with accordingly, if the Den itself did not deal with them itself.

However... as with these kinds of stories... happy endings do not come for everyone.

Wanito lead Ruki, Amaro, and his daughter back down the mountain. The crashing of the waves from the Sea-Cliffs could be distinctly heard. The Morning sun illuminating the Savage Sea in full as Pterosaurs of all sizes flew from their roosts as the morning rays invigorated their bodies.

Wanito stopped.

“Whats wrong Wanito-san?” Ruki asked.

“That... no... no...“ Wanito ignored here as he opened and his closed his palms with rapid succession. “This cannot be... why... why now are they...“ Wanito’s eyes were wide with surprise and fear.

“What is wrong dad?”

“My human form…” Wanito began “… was a parting gift from my master when I was exiled so that I could live amongst humankind… until a time my debts against my honor have been paid… Wanito solemnly explained.

“What does that mean?” Amaro asked, still held up by Ruki.

“I can no longer return to human form… it seems by protecting the Miko of Hoshoku… my debt has been paid. I am being called back to their service…” Wanito hung his head.

“Whose service? Dad? Whats going on?” Umi asked, suddenly very concerned.

“Umi. I am a Samebito. My kind serve beneath the waves... we serve the Dragons. I was banished to the surface for soiling my honor by taking human kindness for granted...“ Wanito choked, dropping to his knees.

“And now... my debt is paid... I am required to answer my masters once more. I must leave you… Umi.” Wanito

“Wait... Dad, why...“ Umi responded, tears starting to form in her eyes. “Don’t leave me... Please take me with you!” Umi cried rushing into Wanito’s chest hugging him.

“I cannot do that... I cannot subject you to... that life. Though you bear my blood, you are more human than I...”

“Please! I’ll do anything—“

“I am sorry Umi.” Wanito sobbed back some sort of red liquid. As he embraced his daughter.

“No! You’re the only thing I have! You can’t send me back there!” Umi cried. “Not after what they did to...“ tears were now pouring from the girls face.

“I have no choice…” Wanito sobbed.

“Hold up.” Ruki interrupted. “Wanito-san… Umi is your daughter, but is mostly human. Tell me, what happened to your wife?” Ruki asked.

Amaro’s eyes widened having heard the tragedy before.

“It is nothing that can be done about...“

“Explain it to me.” Ruki now demanded. “Your precious masters in their undersea palaces will understand.”

“Do you really desire to know? What those monsters in the village that you so graciously protect did?”

“Yes. I do.” Ruki sternly declared. “Whatever tragedy that befell your family... whatever cruelties they enacted on you... I deserve to know.”

“Very well, Miko-san. Umi, stay here. Miko-san, come with me.” Wanito replied. Ruki sat Amaro down, giving him an affirmative nod. As she followed Wanito into the woods where, Ruki believed he did not want Umi to hear any particular gruesome details.

“Okay, Wanito-san. Tell me everything. Do not omit a thing, every cruel thing that was done to you, to your wife, and to Umi… I desire answers.”

“Very Well. I do not expect anything from this.”

“You’re going to be surprised.” Ruki countered.

“So be it.” With that Wanito sat on his knees, which Ruki followed sat as he told her everything he had told Amaro previously…

“…and so hence why I served Goro. Why I wanted the village to suffer.” Wanito clutched his knees. “Not that you would understand… you are sworn to protect humans... my suffering is nothing compared to theirs...“

“I understand. Wanito-san.” Ruki interupted with a frightening calm, but to Wanito’s surprise her body language betrayed her calm. Her fists were clinched and were shaking with anger.

“I cannot let the atrocities done against your family be permitted or ignored. I care not if you are Yokai. Human, Yokai, Kaijinn... it does not matter to me where you come from, what you look like, or the truth of your natures. You are an honorable individual, Wanito-san...“ Ruki’s fists further clinched. “What was done to you... and your family...“

“Miko-san… why do you care what happens to me?” Wanito balked, he had expected her to make up some story to justify the villager’s atrocities or take some moral high ground to justify their hatred… yet he was sitting before her with her being the one who was angry... “After what I’ve done to the village… attempted to kill your friend… and even Umi was the cause for your capture to begin with! Even after all we’ve done… you still care? WHY?!”

“I care... because it’s the person who I am… even if Goro were to come back and atone for his crimes... I would forgive him… everyone is deserving of the same treatment, the same chance for forgiveness... you were given no chance, no forgiveness, your kindness was unrewarded and your life was ruined because of ignorance... as Miko, I cannot ignore that. You were manipulated at your lowest moment by a man whose intentions were malevolent and your daughter’s safety had always been your whole goal… you have no fault. Nor does Umi. Your daughter deserves better. I will ensure of it. I shall take her to Yamatai and see to it she’s cared for... even if it means letting her live in my modest shrine that barely supports two people... I will not let her go back to the village which ruined her family.” Ruki declared.

Wanito was taken aback. His eyes wide.

“I could not ask such a thing of...“

“Too bad. It’s happening.” Ruki interjected. “I will not let such horrendous actions by the village slide. I swear to you... I will see to it your daughter will have a better life…” Ruki finished however, to her surprise, Wanito was now sobbing. Red tears were flowing from his face, however, when they hit the ground they were solid, like a gem.

“Miko-sa… why... why after everything I done...I don’t deserve any of this… “

“Yes. Yes you do. You deserve even more than what I can offer, Wanito-san.”

“I… Thank you. Miko of Hoshoku… thank you for a kindness I never would have expected... nor feel I deserve…” There was now a pile of red gems at Wanito’s feet, his tears becoming rubies when they left his tear-ducts.

“Are those…”

“Yes.” Wanito replied, whipping his eyes. “When I originally wed, Izumi’s family created an impossible dowry price to deter her… from me. In sadness I wept for hours… only to realize that my tears… are what your kind consider to be coveted, precious gems. Samebito do not recognize such wealth, in the crystalline and coral sea palaces of my masters, our tears were simply something to dispose of… without value… but to humankind… they bear extravagant price. Such petty gems I took for granted… allowed me to be wed… though not all the wealth in the world prevented her fate….

…but maybe it can provide Umi a better one.”

“These precious tears--- could they buy Umi a better life? Away from that village?”

“Certainly. At the very least it would allow her a future and a decent home… she’d have to find her own way but… I can step in for her. Vouche for her… I know of a few clans in Yamatai who would be honored to train or adopt a child of a dragon-servant.”

Wanito’s eyes widened. “You would really… do that for her?!”

“Think no more of it. Though you are called back to your masters, I will ensure that your daughter is in good hands.”

More tears fell.

“Wanito-san… I think I have taken enough of your limited time… go spend the rest of it with Umi. By my word as Hoshoku-Miko: Attendant of Bishamonten, Descendant of Susanoo, Child of the Black Warrior from the North and as Shrine Maiden of Predation: I grant you reprieve of one day to spend with her before you must answer your master’s calling… your masters will recognize this.” Ruki declared invoking her status, standing up and facing towards the ocean as if specifically directing the declaration to the sea itself. To Ruki’s surprise she heard a distant sound of thunder… as if to answer her back.

“They acknowledge… your reprieve, Miko-sama.” Wanito replied, this time kneeling and speaking with utmost respect and deference, acknowledging Ruki as a higher status then himself.

“I thank you for this kindness… never in the decade since… I would have expected or deserved such a thing.”

“No sense in dwelling on the past. Go. You have only a day.” Ruki solemnly stated.

“Thank you… for everything…” Wanito sobbed one final time, before gathering up the pile of crimson red gems and placing them into a sack.

With that they headed back to Umi and Amaro. The sound of crashing waves against cliff faces being all that is heard.

When Ruki and Wanito returned, Wanito embraced Umi, and explained the reprieve Ruki had given him. When Umi asked him of the village, Ruki answered that Umi would not be going back there and that she would be going to Yamatai proper instead so that she may be given a better life then what surely would be that as a ‘scavenger’ or undesirable the village elders would keep her as. As such, she and Wanito could spend their final day together outside the village, and that Ruki would be there to take temporary charge of her when such time had come.

Meanwhile, Ruki would have a very, very long talk with the village elders. Wanito and Umi split up with Amaro and Ruki enroute to the village.  When Ruki and Amaro arrived, the freed captives have had already reached there before them and much rejoicing was currently unfolding in the village. All except for the village elders who stoically stood at the entrance of the village. However, it was apparent that Ruki and Amaro’s wellbeing was not on their immediate list of priorities, their half-hearted claims of relief non-withstanding as they immediately followed it up with what had happened to Umi and ‘the abomination’.

Ruki had intended to sleep and rest first, but that was the breaking point. Immediately she demanded that all of the Village Elders convene in the central manor that served as village town house.

In the town house, the Elders sat Seiza style… some begrudgingly and some with heads hung in shame as Ruki utterly laid into them. First she asked for their side of the story but was not having any of their attempts to down play their actions or role in what happened. For the next two hours they were given a mixture of lecture and outright scolding. Some of the more ignorant or socially minded individuals made constant attempts to counter, but to no avail.

“He was an abomination from the sea… why care about that monster that brought ruin to our village?!”

“That monster you called… was a Samebito. Do you know what that is?”

“Why should we care the names of a monster---“

“Samebito. Serve DRAGONS. You know? I’m sure you’d all know about those right? The gods who bring good harvest from the sea and bring the rains?” Ruki countered.

Suddenly the village elders were in stunned silence.

“So you utterly broke the family of a Dragon Servant in exile. Do you know why he was in Exile? Because he gave too much to YOU. He cherished human kindness. And how did you all repay him?” Ruki rhetorically asked.

More silence.

“Need I remind you… how Dragon’s typically react when they are upset? As I’m pretty sure all of what you did… what you caused… would have made them dangerously close to being upset.”

“As Hoshoku Miko, it is clear that there is an immense lack of spirituality and adherence to the Hoshoku Ideals in this village. Bandits and the Tenome all stem from this problem. I would say you have all learned your lesson… after all that had happened…” Ruki finished.

From there she ‘prescribed’ remedies for the village. This included building a shrine for the Dragons an their servants that the Elders would do well to take immediate action and prayer to try and appease the likely very, very vexed dragons. Likewise she also dictated her current move of taking Umi from the village which there was no protest.  

However just as Ruki was preparing to close her lecture and leave one of the elders spoke out:

“I though the Hoshoku Miko were supposed to safe guard us… protect us… not further punish or chastise us for doing what they do… no wonder why they call you the bastard miko.” One of the more vocal elders snapped under his breath.

Ruki stopped. Her eyes widened. It felt as though as a ton of bricks hit her in the stomach. The other elders looked at him horror at what he had just said.

“You all were thinking it. We called for spiritual aid, not spiritual condemnation. It is telling when she has more sympathy for a monster than her own kin---“

It was in that moment, the elders keeled over clutching their heads as a sudden psionic force exploded into their minds, paralleled by an immense, ground shaking roar in the distance: Kaitheros had returned. The ground quaked more and more as heavy footfalls echoed his approach. Suddenly the roof was casually flipped off of the expensive townhouse with a single claw as a very, very pissed Lord of Predation looked down upon Ruki and then to the elders.

“Ruki… what has happened.” He growled into her mind. On cue, several flashes of images detailing her experiences the last twenty four hours flooded into his mind including the conversation before. Ruki just sat with her head low, unknown to all but Kaitheros, tears were starting to form.

Kaitheros silent, but was balefully glaring down upon the elders. Some of them desperately kowtowing in reverence, the other who had snapped was now staggering in fear.

His psionic voice boomed once more.

“This village considers you their elder… but all I see is petty, ignorant children. The spiritual blight upon your village was something of your own upbringing. To condemn and insult my chosen because of pointing out this fact… is a disgrace. This entire village is a disgrace to the very ideals I laid out for those who live here… be fortunate that the very Miko before you, the one you so shamefully insulted, the miko of whom was cruelly captured and brutalized by bandits, bandits of whome existed because of you--- have given you forgiveness and a chance to redeem yourselves… for if I had my way, this village would be left to rot and fade away into the wilds like so many others before it. Everything suggested by the Hoshoku Miko shall stand. If not, I shall see to it that the Dragons have free reign to enact their ire, for this village would truly be lost.”

The command was absolute. And the elders said nothing more.

Later that day three of the elders resigned from their position and left the village. The Old Monk of the Temple was elevated to Elder position, to make up their stead. Said Old Monk was seeing to Amaro’s injuries and recovery for most of the day. Word was already buzzing about the village in regards to the elders leaving, the destruction of the town house roof and what had transpired.

Ruki later filled Kaitheros what had happened in more detail. He himself, relieved she was safe, having felt the pain of her injuries when he was outside of the Den, prompting his immediate return. But at the same angry and furious against those who had did that to her… though he was relieved more considering that she got off with only bruises in comparison to the last time such an incident had occurred which left her shoulder branded with a curse that needed to be painfully burned off and holy tattoo engraved over to remove and mitigate.

Thankfully a lowly bandit could not engage in such actions… said Chief was the one responsible for the majority of her injuries, and had fled in the onslaught of the Tenome. Ruki knew what would become of him… as it was likely every Theropod in the Den would now attack him on sight.

In regards to Amaro, he had definitely come off worse for wear than Ruki, both physically and mentally. His actions were nothing short of impressive though, albeit reckless. Storming up the mountain to rescue his ward was something Kaitheros deeply respected and cherished… albeit at a cost which could have killed him.

Furthermore, Amaro had killed others in doing so, which while still plagued the boys thoughts, Kaitheros himself had no qualms. Defending ones pack should always be cherished and such loyalty is something that should not be tarnished.

As for the Samebito, Wanito. Kaitheros sighed. True he had assisted the Bandits, but he had more the redeemed himself, and his cause… just albeit his methods questionable. Ruki said not how she got to him, leading Kaitheros to assume it was not her at all, but rather Amaro. Kaitheros knew not how Amaro had managed to get through to a Samebito of which was so emotionally driven by his family and crimes done against them, but he would not question it. Kaitheros looked towards the sea…

Evening fell.

Kaitheros sat atop the Sea Cliffs overlooking the Sea. His eyes upon a beach-head in the distance. His eyes perceived two figures, one older and one younger sitting amongst the rocks.

They sat like that for hours before they embraced. Kaitheros knew not what was being said, but knew that it was heartbreaking for both involved… eventually they parted. As the taller figure stoically walked into the waves--- only for the smaller figure to break after him and embrace him once more. The tiny figure’s fists pounding into his thighs, as if to beg him to not go.

The taller figure turned and hugged the tiny figure once more, kneeling down into the waves.

The tiny figure stopped as If being told something. And with one left embrace the taller figure waded headlong into the waves--- disappearing beneath the surface.

The tiny figure stood in the waves for what seemed like an eternity before turning and meeting the gaze of two figures Kaitheros found more recognizable, Ruki and Amaro.

--

Ruki approached Umi. Amaro, crutch-bound stayed back, his arm in a sling and his left leg completely casted up. Ruki saw the whole parting moment:  Just as Wanito turned turned to leave--- Umi ran forth and embraced him once more, begging him to not leave, and that she would not be able to be happy without him.

It was then he returned the embrace. Kneeling down into the waves, holding his daughter close. Tears of his own beginning to appear, but his face stoic.

“Umi… I will always be with you. Pray to the Dragons, Umi. The Miko can teach you. For if you pray to them, your prayers will reach me, and I shall hear you… though I will be far away we will never be disconnected from one another… My tears are for you… and you alone… use them so that you can be happy…”

They embraced for much longer this time before Wanito slowly let go. “I will always think of you, Hosekiumi… no matter the distance I will always love you…” He then turned and waded forth… and vanished beneath the waves.

Minutes passed as Umi stared headlong at the sea.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder as Ruki approached her. No words were said, but a single sob. As Umi hugged Ruki and Ruki reciprocating it… the tragedy that Umi had endured for most of her life was now over… but at a cost that was so bittersweet.

Heavy footfalls announced Kaitheros as he strode forth towards them. Umi starring upwards in awe. Kaitheros lowered his claw: offering all of them a ride. Amaro was hesitant but eventually relented. And with no further words being said--- Kaitheros carried them back to Yamatai. All of three of them slumping along one of his spines--- asleep. Exhausted from the two days of immense exertion they had endured.

…

When they arrived back in Yamatai, Kaitheros made it immediately clear that due to this incident he would not permit Ruki and Amaro out of his sight until they recovered. Forcing them to sleep within his own Den in the “Miko’s Academy” training ground.

As for, she Umi would be taken in by the main Yamatai orphanage until Ruki can finalize a permanent home for her from one of the great clans, of which several clans have already expressed interest in hearing her plight and heritage.

That night Amaro awoke… only to find Ruki missing from her room. He hobbled and stumbled… looking desperately for her. She was nowhere in the main building, so where--- it was then he went forth to where Kaitheros himself dwelled--- and was met with a sight he would never forget.

Curled with his tail surrounding body in a ball-like position, slept Kaitheros…his arm held close to his body as if cradling it... and in his hand… slept Ruki. She had probably been sleeping there for hours. A single saurian eye cracked open in knowing of Amaro’s presence. Amaro simply, without a word proceeded to leave. Ruki did not need him this night. And with a smile, Amaro withdrew coolly.

“The path of devotion is a great labor. Do not ever mar it.” Amaro heard as he left.

...

Epilogue:

Goro rode through the mists, the mountains of the Eastern Lands were a treacherous sort and the least explored region of the Den by man. How could everything do so wrong?! He had nowhere to go... he could not go back to the mountain or elsewhere... he’s a dead man. Every two legged sharptoothed animal in the Den probably would attack him on sight for what he’s done… despite that it was not them he was so fearful of…. Best he could hope was to go into exile... maybe find that cave that lead to the surface world... go there, go to Japan proper, lots of things have changed up there sure... but it would be better than death. Goro’s

The morning fog was thick. He couldn’t see a damn thing. However his horse however could... the Horse suddenly came to abrupt stop, standing on its hind legs, refusing to go forth.

“Dammit you animal, ride!” he growled, however the Horse jerked, forcing him to go flying off. The Horse proceeded to turn and run off into the mists, leaving Goro, alone.

“Dammit, come back here you fucking beast!” he called in anger. He turned around. “Fuck, looks like I have to walk the rest of the way back...“

“Going someplace….Goro?” a deep voice called from the mist.

Goro’s heart froze.

“Oh... War chief... fancy meeting you out here...“ Goro responded, sweat pouring from his face. Eyes wide with fear.

“No… *I* should be saying that of YOU.” The deep voice commanded.

“War-Chief... I can explain...”

“Explain? It is far too late for that. You betrayed me. Defied my will... you who took forty seven men and went off to against my commands... and for what? Abducting a Child of Huang to start your own clan...- that is not permissible…denying me my rightful conflict with the Child of Huang…” The voice boomed. Goro gulped.

“Forty seven men under your command... where are they?”

“Well you see...“

“No matter. They are dead as far as I’m concerned.” The deep voice interrupted from the mist. “Though that begs the question why is such a dead man in front of me?” The voice seethed.

“Please War Chief Ch—“ It was then that Goro heard something frighteningly familiar behind him.

A distinct sniffing sound.

The sniffing sound grew closer from behind Goro. He turned, wide eyed to see… a Tenome, shuffling through the Darkness, its eyes focused on him. He tried to run, but suddenly a knife flew from the mist and impaled itself into Goro’s leg, causing him to crash into the ground, bleeding profusely.

“PLEASE! I BEG OF YOU! I WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU! I PROMISE!” Goro got on his knees from the ground, the once headstrong, intimidating and proud man now on his knees pleading for his life. The mists began to clear, revealing the source of the booming force. Standing in front of Goro was a monster. A man that stood eight feet in height with ease, his build was rippling with muscle. His ears were pointed and his eyes glowing a distinct red. His skin was darkened and two distinct sharpened teeth emerged from either side of his bottom jaw, past his lips like tusks.

“You’ve had your chance, Goro. Now suffer the consequences for your incompetence.”

A sickening scream echoed through the mists followed by an equally disgusting slurping sound. And with that, Goro was gone.

The Tenome shuffled back from its meal back to the monstrous individual, cowering beside him, indicating this so called “War-chiefs” power.

“It has been five thousand years... I eagerly await to see how the spawn of my greatest foe hold up… I will not be denied my rightful conflict…”

As the mists cleared… distant fires could be seen from past the mountains... Soon the sun illuminated these fires to reveal a thousands upon thousands of tents… a storm is coming to the Den…

“…if she cannot… then I look forward to hearing her scream…"