Chapter Five

Chapter 5: Pressure of Death

5-1: Amane Returns Home

Fujimoto was leading Amane and Toshiro back down to Yama Zengo, with all three of them well equipped to handle anyone who may stand in their way. Fujimoto was in front and center with Amane and Toshiro on his sides. The town itself was a few hours from their base camp which put their time of arrival around noon. For each of them, the time of day didn't matter and only gave them a pending sense of dread for whatever consequences they may get from their loved ones.

The air was filled with a thick tension as if they could be attacked at any time but the path was quiet. No one seemed to be using this road today which gave the three of them a break enough to let their guard down, at least slightly. Each one of them is more concerned with the consequences from Jade and Toshin than an eerie silence of the road.

Fujimoto wasn't looking forward to either of these confrontations. The one with Toshin was going to be the more difficult of the two but the one with Jade was going to be more saddening for him. Amane was feeling the pressure about his mother as well. He had just left her at home without telling her he was going to fight with his father. He joined under the guise of learning to hunt on his own but now that he was returning with his father; he would have to explain himself.

Toshiro could feel the coldness of his father from where they were standing. He knew it was just his mind preparing him for the reaction that he was going to receive. Luckily, or not, he had Fujimoto to help explain his side of things. He wasn't sure if that bit of knowledge was going to save him or not but it had to be worth something. All three of them had consequences they would have to deal with.

Having finally reached the outskirts of the town itself, Amane took the lead as they entered into Yama Zengo. Amane entered first, followed by Toshiro, and Fujimoto kept their backs guarded. With a sigh of relief the three of them steeled their wills for the task ahead of them: talking. For each one of them, this was going to be harder than actually fighting a battle.

“This is where we separate from one another.” Fujimoto stated. “Head home Amane while I go with Toshiro to talk to Toshin. It may possibly be a long conversation due to the amount of information I have to share.”

“Good luck with Toshin. I’ll head home and get yelled at first.” Amane had a smile on his face but was definitely still concerned about how his mother was going to reach. He just missed her quite a bit after the time he had been away.

“I’ll see you at home..” Fujimoto said calmly.

“See you both later.” Amane replied with a quick wave.

“See ya soon…hopefully.” Toshiro said, looking nervous about returning home.

Amane had started making his way through to the other side of town, while he had no problems, he felt like just…something off with the town. He couldn’t explain why he felt that way, he just did. His mind stayed on edge and open, as he gripped his hilt in preparation for possibilities of every variety. Trained as a warrior and having been to war, he wasn’t going to let his guard down while he felt this way. His instincts remained on high alert.

As he continued to walk, he passed by a small group of guys; roughly five of them carrying daggers. He noticed them as he passed by hearing them talk about killing someone. Knowing that not everyone who was against his father was in the war, he became anxious and worried about who this person could be.

“She got what was coming to her.”

“These people don’t know the horrors that have been caused due to this war.”

“Her husband was responsible for Junchiro’s death and many others during this slaughter.”

“She won’t be getting in the way now and if she’s not dead now; she will be shortly.”

“Would have been nice if she would have put up a fight, it was too easy as well.”

The group of men joked while mocking her death and how easy it was. Amane eyes narrowed, as he took off towards his home. Junchiro’s death. Her husband. She’s dead. All those thoughts ran through his mind as he ran through the town. These words were going to destroy more lives than just hers, he would see to that.

Amane had finally arrived at his home and began shouting,"  MOM! MOM, ARE YOU HERE?” He kept screaming for her trying to get a response. When he looked down, he saw a trail of blood leading to the back of the house as if someone was drug there. Quickly opening doors as he charged through the house. “MOM!” Amane shouted in surprise as he saw her sitting there on the floor leaning against a wall. Her blood flowed out from several cuts but the worst one was her stomach.

Jade’s hands gripped her wound tightly, as if to hold her blood in. Her clothes are torn from fighting and her hair is a mess. Tears streamed down her face as she writhed in pain. She looked up at him with a pained expression that was trying to change into a smile; for being able to see her boy once more. “Amane, you came home.” She said with a weak smile finally forming on her face.

“Yes, Mom, I came home.” He said with tears forming in his eyes. “Who did this?”

“I’m not sure who they are but it was a group of younger men. They blamed your father for Junchiro’s death and many more.” She replied softly to him.

“I’ll take care of you.” Amane said while tears formed streams down his face. His heart broke as he spoke to her, knowing she wasn’t going to make it but trying to fight the realization.

“We both know it’s too late for me, my precious son. You’ve grown up quickly and you’ve become so powerful. If this is what my destiny is I will gladly accept it. You must move forward.” She said, grabbing at his leg. “Come here.”

Amane was so stunned he had remained standing until she did so. He held her in his arms and placed his forehead against hers. “Mom?”

“Remember that, I love you.” She replied. “You are our last hope.” She kissed his forehead, having him lean down to her to do so. Her blood encrusted lips left a mark on his forehead as her hands slipped down his face, leaving a bloody trail of finger lines. Her vibrant green eyes with flecks of black and red fade slowly as she passes.

“Mom. Mom?” Amane laid her down on the ground. His body shook uncontrollably as his fist clenched tightly into a ball. A dark substance oozed from his body in a stream of particles. His eyes turned black while his irises red. The anger and sadness triggering something within him that he had no idea existed.