A while after the confrontation with the group of samurai…
Waitress: Heeere ya go, sweet dumplings and spicy chicken curry for the heroine!
Yuri: Woooooooooooaaaaah!
Looking upon the plates of food that rested before her, Yuri's eyes sparkled. Her, Jin and now Enryu sat at a table in the tavern. Jin sipped from a tea cup, while Enryu drank water from a large glass.
Yuri: THIS LOOKS AMAAZIIIINGGG!!!
Jin: That curry looks like a disaster waiting to happen….
Yuri: Tee-hee ~! I can take it!
Jin: 💧That's not very reassuring Yuri…
Enryu chuckles aloud.
Enryu: As skeptical as always hahah!
Jin turned his gaze to Enryu, who slurped up a bite of ramen with a gaze of delight.
Jin: Hmm…. Why didn't you just get some ramen at the stand down the street?
Enryu: Cuz, it's outdoors. And besides…
The man gazes at Jin with a slight smile.
Enryu: I'd rather stay here n catch up with an old friend, ya know?
Jin felt his dual colored gaze narrow, his body facing forward, facing the redhead across from him.
Jin: How many years-
Enryu: Three years to be exact. I think that's when we parted ways.
Jin softened the look on his face, trying to look less harsh. Yuri however, could hear them, looking over at Jin with her big blue eyes, and her mouth stuffed with curry and rice.
Jin: It's been so long…
Enryu grinned slightly.
Enryu: Heh, hell yeah! C'mon man, ya don't write-
Jin gives him a comical blank stare.
Jin: Even if I did, I wouldn't know your location….
Enryu: It's the thought that counts man!
Yuri swallows her food with a big gulp, all before her mouth widens in surprise. As she exclaimed, a piece of rice was stuck on her face.
Yuri: Waaaaait, you guys haven't seen each other for three years?!
Enryu: Heheh, nope! So this reunion was definitely long overdue!
Yuri smiles wholesomely. Her warmth sparks a loving energy at the table.
Yuri: I agree! I'm so glad you agree!
Enryu's curiosity stirs, causing him to tilt his head at Yuri with a raised eyebrow.
Enryu: I never got your name properly… Yuri, was it?
Yuri: O-Oh! Yup! Yuri Ichihana!
Enryu: Sweet! I'm Enryu Yu.
Yuri giggled.
Yuri: Awesome name! It's nice to meet you, Enryu!
Enryu felt his eye widen in realization. He noticed a smile that he had seen before, causing him to put two and two together as he looked at Jin right after. The monochromatic swordsman sipped from his tea, not looking in Enryu's direction.
Enryu: Ohhh… I get it now…
Yuri tilted her head. The young lady was seemingly curious about what Energy meant.
Yuri: Hm? Get what?
Enryu exclaims aloud, smiling at Jin and laughing boisterously.
Enryu: What's with you n all you cute ladies man??! Everytime, every single time, you've got some absolute CUTIE at your side!
Yuri began to blush suddenly while Jin coughed, choking on his drink for a moment because of Enryu's comment.
Jin: *cough cough cough* H-Huh?!
Yuri: Waaaaah! It's not like that mister! We're just traveling companions!
Enryu chuckles again, picking up some noodles in his chopsticks.
Enryu: Relax relaaaaax, I'm messing with y'all! Heheh!
Yuri slaps her cheeks in an attempt to get the blood in her face to settle down. Jin on the other hand used his sleeve to wipe his mouth, retorting in an annoyed manner.
Jin: Enryu… you jackass….
The redhead continued to chuckle at his little joke he played, however, a familiar face approached them. Catching their gaze, it was none other than the middle aged man from before.
Yuri: Hm? Oh hiiii! How are you feeling, mister???
Middle Aged Man: I'm quite alright, thank you so much young lady for your kindness.
Yuri: Tee-hee ~ It was no problem.
The man looked over to the young swordsman with grateful eyes. He bows in respect for him.
Middle Aged Man: And thank you for your bravery. If it weren't for you, those men would have caused more damage.
Jin looked at the man from the corner of his eye before lifting his tea cup off of the table.
Jin: It was nothing… I just did what I thought was best…
The middle aged man gulped before continuing on.
Middle Aged Man: Yes…. In that same vein, I have a request…
Jin, Enryu and Yuri all looked at the man in curiosity.
Enryu: A request???
Yuri: What is it?
The middle aged man slowly dropped down to his knees and kept his head bowed to them.
Middle Aged Man: Please…. Slay the beast that's been terrorizing our village.
The three who sat at the table all had different expressions. Yuri's face was full of curiosity, Jin's was in confusion, and Enryu's was laced with surprise.
Yuri: A beast???
Jin: Hm??
Enryu: Like a wild animal???
The man shook his head.
Middle Aged Man: No… far stronger, and far larger than any ordinary animal… this monster stands upright, and towers over us all. It roams the border of our village at night, and tears apart or feasts upon any unfortunate soul who crosses its path.
Yuri: That's terrifying..!
The middle aged man lifts his head and nods.
Middle Aged Man: Yes… that is why we built the large gate around our village, so that it couldn't get in and take anymore victims… unfortunately, building it took time… and we lost many people…….
Tears began to stream down the man's cheeks as he clenched onto his pant legs. Tears dropped down from his chin, splattering on the back of his hands and soaking into his skin.
Middle Aged Man: …One of them being… my only son.
Yuri covered her mouth in shock, while Enryu and Jin's eyes softened solemnly. As the man sobbed, Yuri felt her eyes soften as well, and with a tender movement, the young lady stood up from the table. The blonde walked over to the man before kneeling down. Then, in a warm and gentle fashion, Yuri leaned forward and hugged the sobbing man, surprising the two boys who still sat at the table.
Jin: !
Enryu: !
The middle aged man's eyes widened as he froze. Yuri herself closed her eyes, holding the man in her arms.
Yuri: I'm so sorry for your loss…
Middle Aged Man: Nngh….
After a moment of silence, the man sniffled, causing Yuri to pull away from him with empathetic eyes.
Middle Aged Man: Thank you.. young lady. You're far too kind.
Yuri smiled at him, tilting her head a bit.
Yuri: It's no problem, mister. I'm glad I could help.
Jin sat his tea cup down before speaking up.
Jin: So this… beast. You said it travels along the border at night?...
Looking at the young man in surprise, the villager and the blonde diviner see Jin's melancholic gaze land upon the table he sat at. However, his words were directed at the man who had joined the trio, causing the villager to wipe his tears with his sleeve.
Middle Aged Man: Er… yes. As well as the forest nearby.
Jin: I see…. I'll do it.
The middle aged man was shocked, while Enryu closed his eye, smiling in response.
Yuri: Jin..!
Middle Aged Man: You mean… you will-
Jin: Don't get it mixed up…
Middle Aged Man: Huh?
Jin: I'm no hero. I just…
A memory of Saya's last moments flashed into his mind.
Jin: I just think it's right…
Yuri gazed at the swordsman who sat beside her for a moment before smiling at him.
Enryu: Heh, same ol Jin…
The middle aged man began to tear up more before bowing to Jin regardless of what he stated.
Middle Aged Man: T-Thank you..!
Jin felt himself grow flustered by the man's gratitude, before looking away from him and lifting up his teacup yet again.
Jin: Mmm….
__________________
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of town by a river, a hand stretched out towards the sky suddenly. Grabbing onto the bank, the individual pulled themselves out of the river. This person was none other than the leading samurai from the tavern…
Leader Samurai: Gaaughh! *cough cough cough*
On his hands and knees, the samurai coughed up water, forcing it out of his body as he recovered from his predicament.
Leader Samurai: That little bitch..! She must have been a Tao user! That hit was cheap! Dammit!
Hitting the ground with both of his hands, balled into fists, the samurai gritted his teeth in anger.
Leader Samurai: When I get back there, I'll have her head! Her little boyfriend too!
The man began to stand up, growling in irritation as he looked about his surroundings.
Leader Samurai: She must've knocked me over the gate. These are the woods we traveled through this morning.
Looking over to his left, the swordsman caught a glimpse of a metallic object that was shining in the moonlight. The reflection of the river water added to it's visibility, causing the samurai to recognize it's glint.
Leader Samurai: Aha! My sword!
The warrior ran over towards it, before kneeling down and picking it up.
Leader Samurai: Thank god I didn't lose it! It'd be a pain to commission another one. Those damn blacksmiths take forever to make a good sword…. Hm?
Feeling a presence behind him, the samurai faced the treeline to see nothing. However, he still felt a presence.
Leader Samurai: What the…. Oi! Show yourself!
The man held up his sword in a basic kenjutsu stance, furrowing his brow as his warrior instincts kicked in. However, there was no response to his call. Instead, it was met by the sound of the moving river and the evening animals. This prompted the man to yell out louder, this time in a more aggressive tone.
Leader Samurai: I said come out! I know you're there!
As the final word spilled from the samurai's lips, the sound of heavy footsteps approached him.
Coming out from the darkness and into the moonlight, a muscular figure towered over the armed man. As the figure came into view, it was very clearly humanoid. One with a man's figure, and that stood at about 8 feet tall. He was bulky, with pale brown skin, and wore rags, with a straw basket over his head. A tear in its side was apparent, and behind that tear was a single, bloodshot eye. One that exuded the bloodlust of a wild beast. The disembodied, bloody human arm between it's fingers proving that.
"Ggggggggghrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhh….!"
Leader Samurai: Wh-What the…?
As if in a predatory daze, the figure walked towards the samurai, dropping the arm and causing the man to panic. In a knee jerk reaction, the samurai swung his blade at the monstrous figure and aimed for his neck. However-
CHK!
Leader Samurai: Ngh!!
His blade made contact with the muscular man's neck, however, it did not cut through. Instead, the blade stopped right at the basket wearer's neck, incapable of going any further than the hulking giant's skin. This shocked the warrior, causing his eyes to widen as fear had set in completely.
Leader Samurai: (I… I didn't even break the skin!! How did his neck stop my sword strike?!)
However, in a worse turn of events…
Giant Man: Hnnhhrrgh…
Leader Samurai: !!!
The giant of a man grabbed hold of the swordsman's katana, causing a chill to rise up the samurai's spine.
Giant Man: Hhrrrhhh..!
SNAP!!
In a simple upward motion, the giant snapped the samurai's blade in half. This caused the commanding samurai, who was now on his own, to fall to the ground in horror. Sitting up and looking up at the monster that had broken his sword, the samurai could only watch as his blade rested in the hulk's enormous hand. The giant simply studied the blade he broke off curiously.
Leader Samurai: (Ngh! Impossible! That was eight-folded steel! How?! How did he snap it like it was just a twig?!!!)
The massive being suddenly turned its head to look directly at the samurai, sending a shock throughout the terrified warrior's body. With a grunt, dropping the broken blade, the enormous humanoid began walking towards the samurai. The latter simply scooted away, terrified by the strength and size of his attacker.
Leader Samurai: S-Stay back! Stay away from me!
Giant Man: Gggrrrrhhhhh!
Leader Samurai: Stay away from me! No! NO!
However, his pleas were ignored. The samurai screamed in horror and pain, resulting in birds flying away from the area due to the man's final, anguished cries.
"NNNOOOOOOOOOO!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!"
___________________________
Meanwhile, back at the village….
Jin, Yuri and Enryu made their way out of the tavern and towards the village gate.
Jin: You know, y'ain't gotta come with us Enryu.
Enryu carried his massive sword over his shoulder, smiling at his friend wholesomely.
Enryu: Ah c'mon Jin, you know I can't just let you have all of the action.
Yuri: Tee-hee, well welcome aboard Mr. Enryu Sirrr!
Jin: Oi… who made you captain?
Enryu: (Such a nice girl.)
Soon, the trio made it to the gate of the village, looking up at the large wooden doors in wait for them to move.
Enryu: Well this'll be a treat. It's been a while since I've seen your swordsmanship Jin. I wonder how much it's improved.
Jin: Not a lot…
Jin spoke in comical blandness, causing Enryu to exclaim with just as much comedy.
Enryu: Why'd you give in so easily?!
Yuri: Tehe, well from what I've seen, Jin is amazing with a sword~!
Enryu: Oh???
The one eyed swordsman gazed at the diviner with a hint of surprise in his golden eye. The blonde gave him a genuine smile and nodded.
Yuri: Mhm!
Jin on the other hand felt embarrassed and anxious from her praise.
Jin: Don't over exaggerate, Yuri…
In response, the girl turned to Jin, facing him with furrowed eyebrows, and a cute pouty face in objection.
Yuri: But it's true! You're a great swordsman!
Jin: Good grief….
Yuri began to puff out her cheeks, staring at the taller boy as if she was trying to get him to change his mind.
Yuri: Mmmmmmmm!
Enryu however, watched the two interact. This prompted the young man to notice something that was at the back of his mind at first. It caused him to smile after realizing it.
Enryu: (I understand now….)
*CRKK! KRRRRRRRRRRRKK!*
The trio's attention was caught by the sound of creaking wood. Said creaking came from the massive doors that protected the village from the outside. As the gates fully open, Jin, Yuri and Enryu gaze upon the open space.
Jin: Alright. Let's get this over with.
Yuri: Right!
Enryu smirked in response.
Enryu: Y'ain't gotta tell me twice!
As the three young individuals began walking out of the town, a familiar cloaked figure stood atop one of the power lines that surrounded the village. The figure watched them leave, keeping an eye on them before disappearing from sight.
_________________________
Later on that evening, the three young adults ventured through the forest that bordered the village they had just left.
Yuri walked along with her hands behind her back, fingers laced together as she looked around with wonder in her eyes. While Jin and Enryu were a bit behind her, able to talk to one another.
Enryu: She sure is cheery, despite the fact that we're hunting a monster.
Jin: You'd be surprised by how positive she can be…
Enryu gazed down at his friend, chuckling as he gave a large smile.
Enryu: She sounds like a perfect fit for your grumpy ass. Maybe you oughta-
Jin narrowed his eyes comically.
Jin: 💧Knock it off Enryu…
Enryu: Hahahaha! Dude that face is priceless!
Jin: Tch…
Enryu's laughter died down as he spoke in a low tone. His demeanor changed into one of curiosity.
Enryu: Jokes aside… It's been a while since our last meeting Jin. You've made quite the name for yourself over the last few years.
Jin:...
Enryu: The Bachijin… the Cursed Swordsman. Said to wield the shadows of the void, and to be a devil straight from hell. Crossing his path guarantees the destruction of one's soul…
Jin remained silent, keeping his eyes forward. Enryu on the other hand closed his eye and smiled comfortably.
Enryu: Honestly I think they're exaggerating… but I guess we both know what you can do, right?
Jin:.... Yeah..
Enryu: The thing is, I only have one question man…
Jin looked at Enryu from the corner of his eye, allowing his old friend to ask said question.
Enryu: How do you think… Saya would feel about this?...
Jin felt his gaze return forward, his eyes filled with regret and tiredness.
Jin:.... I think she'd be sad….
Enryu:...
As a silence ensued between the boys, Yuri called out to them, catching their attention.
Yuri: Hey Jin! Mister Enryu!
Both: Hm??
Yuri pointed towards the exit of the deep woods they were in.
Yuri: I can hear a river in that direction!
Jin: A river?... Perhaps we can get some clues here…
Enryu: Heh now we're talkin'!
As the three of them exited the heavy green, they came across an open space with a river that cut down the middle of it. The river separated the space into two sides, and wrapped around a massive stone that rested in the middle of the river.
Jin: Such a gentle river… it's pretty quiet out here…
Enryu: Yeah… a little too quiet…
Yuri searched around, looking for anything to help with their investigation. However, the next thing she saw shocked her. Her blue eyes shrunk in horror, as her mouth opened up with a terrified gasp.
Yuri: Oh god..!!
As Yuri took a few steps back from what she saw, Jin noticed a shift in Yuri's usually bubbly demeanor. This prompted him to gaze at her, curious and worried.
Jin: Yuri??? What is it???
The girl had no words. Instead, she simply lifted her arm to point towards a tree. The dual haired swordsman, along with the red haired one, jogged over to see what she was pointing to. The moment their eyes laid upon such a scene, both young men reacted differently. Jin in a more pressured one, Enryu in a more surprised manner.
What was before then was the corpse of a man smashed into a tree. Blood splattered and covered the base of it, while the man's corpse remained leaning against it as if he was stuck against the tree. However, the most shocking part was that it wasn't just some random person.
Enryu: Is that…?
Jin: Yeah. The samurai leader from the tavern.
Yuri: Wh-What happened to him???
Enryu: It's like he was hit by a boulder or something.. like it crushed him against the tree like a bug…
Jin: Hmm… could it be that "beast" that old man was talking about?
Enryu: My best guess is that it is…
Yuri was still shaking up on seeing the man's corpse. Her hand was still covering her mouth.
Yuri: B-But why?... Why would something do this to someone?
Jin noticed Yuri's panicked state and placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Although, his words were firm.
Jin: Yuri… calm down. Whatever did that isn't here right now. We can't panic. If we do, it'll make it easier to be uncoordinated when we face it.
Yuri looked into Jin's eyes, feeling a sense of tranquility within his gaze. This calmness began to calm her down, resulting in her hands being removed from her mouth.
Yuri: O…..Okay…
Jin felt himself smile slightly, resulting in Yuri to follow. But as she did, her eyes caught something from behind Jin. The moment her eyes focused, she saw another torso behind Jin and Enryu. Upon looking up to see the basket headed giant behind them, Yuri exclaimed as quickly as she could to warn them.
Yuri: Jin! Enryu! Behind you!!!
Jin: Ngh?!
Enryu: Ghh!!
Giant Man: GGRRRAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
In an instant, the giant man raised its colossal fist above its head. This gave Jin and Enryu enough time to move. Enryu dodged left, sliding to a stop with his sword on his back. While Jin grabbed Yuri by her waist with his right arm, dodging the attack while moving Yuri at the same time.
BOOOMMMM!!!
The attack created a large explosion of dirt and dust to rocket up over the treeline. As the smoke cleared, Jin set Yuri down.
Jin: (He was able to get past my senses??! That big ass brute?!)
Yuri: T-That's the thing?? That big guy?!
Enryu: Tch, sure looks like it. That bastard's quite sneaky. I had my Tao up and everything!
Jin: I did too….
The young man began to draw his sword.
Jin: Yuri stay behind me…
Yuri: Huh?! B-But Jin-
Jin: I've gotta test something…
Yuri: H-Huh??
VWSSH!!!
Without another word, Jin rushed in towards the giant man, readying his sword for an attack. As the basket wearing individual turned to face Jin, the swordsman lunged, aiming for a neck slash. However-
CHNK!!!
Jin:!!!
Just like with the samurai, Jin's sword stopped right at the skin. This caught the young man off guard.
Jin: (His neck… it's strong enough to stop a sword from cutting it?!...)
Giant Man: Hrrrgh…
Jin: Ngh..!
In that moment of hesitation, Jin's sword was grabbed by the giant figure. Jin however noticed this strategy, narrowing his eyes. But before he could do anything-
"UP HERE MONSTER!!!"
Jin: H-Huh?!
Giant Man: Hrrrgh?!
From above, Enryu held his massive red katana over his head. His large weapon was engulfed in flames, resulting in a blistering heat to blow upon Jin and the giant's faces. The moment the redhead came down with the attack, the giant released Jin's sword, raising its hand to block the incoming attack.
BMM!!!!
Enryu: Hggnnn!!!
Giant Man: Grrrrr!!!!
BOOM!!!
A massive explosion erupted upon a few seconds of struggle, causing the two swordsmen to jump and tumble away from the massive man.
Jin: Tch! It's just as I thought…
Yuri: Huh?!
Jin stood up from his kneeling position and wiped the soot off of his cheek with his right thumb.
Jin: This guy… he's using Tao.
Yuri: W-What?! Him?!
Jin: Yeah… the wild man, snarling like a beast. He's using it, and I don't think he's aware…
Enryu: I was thinkin' the same thing…
As the smoke cleared, the giant's hand was seemingly burned by the attack. However, it didn't mind the pain and simply gazed over at Enryu.
Jin: Just means we've gotta attack him with Tao as well…
In that vein, both swordsmen released auras that simply danced off of their bodies, readying themselves for further combat.
Jin: Keep him busy…
Enryu: Aye aye captain…!
In a quick motion, Enryu rushed the giant man, holding his sword in his right hand. As Enryu engaged with his opponent, Jin placed his left hand on the ground.
Jin: Mugen Kage:....
From the shadows Jin casted, a massive winged creature, reminiscent of a phoenix rose in a black inky form. As it's full being took shape, the bird was revealed to be a phoenix with dark crimson feathers and a black swirl marking on each of its wings. It had traces of gold and golden talons on its feet.
"... Shinku-Kasai Hou-ou!!"
Hou-ou: KRRAAAAAWWWW!!!!
Jin stood back up before rushing forward, followed by the flaming bird that flew directly at the giant man. Upon feeling the presence of Jin and Hou-ou, the giant man took his eyes off of Enryu.
Enryu: Oi oi!
SHH! WHM!!!
Enryu slammed the flat of his blade into the monster man's ribs, causing him to stumble off balance.
Enryu: Don't take your eyes off of me bub!
Giant Man: Grrrrhhh!
WHAM!
Giant Man: Ghhaaghhh!
Upon being knocked off balance, Hou-ou ran into the man with a flaming charge attack, knocking him off balance yet again. With that, Jin raced forward, attacking with multiple different attacks from his position. Each attack hit their mark, but only doing shallow damage to the wild man.
Jin: Tch! ( His defensive Tao is pretty insane..!)
Getting attacked from all sides, the giant man was overwhelmed by the various attacks coming from the three combatants. However, from Yuri's perspective, she could see that something was wrong. As he was getting hit, the giant man began to lift up his fist, this time a clear aura, like a year shimmer, came off of his fist.
Yuri: Jin! Look out!!!
Jin: Huh?!
Ceasing his attack pattern, Jin looked up to notice the aura covered fist. In a moment's notice, Jin called out to Enryu.
Jin: Enryu! Get away from him!
Enryu: Huh?!
Looking up, the red haired swordsman understood the situation.
Enryu: Oh shit!!!
Giant Man: HRRRRRAAAAAAAGHHH!!!!
With a heavy fist, the man swung his attack down onto the ground, rupturing it beneath the three. Jin and Enryu jumped away at the last second, however, the force of the attack created a shockwave.
WHHHMMM!!! BOOOOM!!!!
Jin: Gghnn!!!
Enryu: Ghhh!!!
Hou-ou: SQUUAAAAAAH!!!!
The force of the attack blew Hou-ou apart, returning the shadow familiar back to its medium. As smoke, dust and debris shot outwards, so did the two samurai on either side of the wild man. Jin tumbled to a stop, still somewhat shaken up by the sudden shockwave.
Jin: Ghhnnn damn it… the force disengaged Hou-ou…
However, what he didn't notice until the last minute was the giant man standing over him. Looking up from his all fours position, Jin could see the imposing figure loom over him.
Jin: Tch!
Giant Man: H….unn…grryyy…!
Yuri: JIN!!!
The giant reached out its hand for Jin's head.
Giant Man: I…. Eeeaaaattt…!
Jin however, was ready to slice this beast's arm off. But before he could budge-
"HRRRRYHAAAAA!!!"
SHHH POW!!!!!
Giant Man: GRRRAAAGH!!
With sudden speed and power, the giant was sent rocketing back, crashing into a few trees, snapping them in half.
Staring at the carnage with their eyes wide open, the two swordsmen blinked before looking at who had just flung such a giant so far. That person was none other than Yuri, who's fist was still extended after such a blow to the menacing monster's face.
Enryu: Whooooooo! That was one hell of a punch!
Jin: Yuri… how did you…?
Yuri: Grandma taught me how to fight. So doing something like that isn't too much of a problem for me.
Jin: 💧Flinging an eight foot guy like that….. wasn't a problem???
Yuri shakes her head.
Yuri: Nope.
The young lady stepped in front of Jin, her hands at her sides, ready to fight.
Yuri: Don't worry Jin, catch your breath.
Jin: Huh???
Yuri:... You're always fighting for me. Always protecting me…. So now…
The girl furrowed her eyebrows in determination. Clenching her fists as the giant humanoid stood up from her first attack.
Yuri: It's my turn to protect you!
End of chapter 4
To be Continued in chapter 5…