Chapter Four

Chapter 4: Fuseishutsu Civil War

4-1: Toshiro's Plans for the Future

The war waged on during the following three years. Amane was now eighteen years old and heading out to fight alongside his father. Training had not been kind to him during the time and now he possessed several scars on his body and on his hands. He pushed himself further than he would have managed before due to nightmares of his future. Older and more trained now, he was ready to take on the world and prove to himself that he was skilled enough to fight alongside his father. He left home several months before to live among the wilderness to learn to hunt and take care of himself.

Toshiro had also gotten three years of training, during the time of the war. He had gotten taller, stronger, and more lethal with his blade. Still using the sword his father had given him, which belonged to his ancestor Aurora. The icy blade fit well with his new appearance. The light pale color of his skin with a small amount of cold radiating from it. His frost colored eyes are more narrow and his hair longer but pulled back.

The morning had come on this new day, as Toshiro made it down to the training grounds carrying his blade in hand. They were no longer training with normal wooden swords but as fully realized swordsmen they were using; sharp, cold, and deadly steel.

Before him, his father sat waiting, white and gray hairs settling into his hair and a smile on his face. He held a gift in his hand. “Put your sword down.”

“Yes sir.” Toshiro said in a deeper voice.

“I present you with your very own jacket made in the style of mine.” He handed him the package.

Toshiro pulled it out of the box and looked it over for a minute. A long black jacket with two holsters for his blades built into the back. A lined neck area for protection against decapitations. “Thank you father.” Toshiro said calmly.

“You’re welcome, son. This is it for your training with me. You’ll still need to keep your skills up but you’ve learned almost everything I needed to teach you. When your power awakens the rest of the way you’ll have to train yourself.”

“I understand.” Toshiro stated then became confused. “Almost everything?”

“The Cold Stare, Toshiro. The one technique you didn’t want to learn and with everything going on, I didn’t want to push you on it.” He paused momentarily. “Do you want to try the jacket on?” Toshin asked.

“Right, I wasn’t thinking about that. I was just thinking about what I can do to get better though.” Toshiro slipped on his jacket and placed his sword into the holster.

“How does it feel?”

“It’s lightweight and comfortable while feeling very sturdy.” Toshiro said as he moved around. “I definitely like it.” He said with a quick smile.

“Good, I’m glad it fits you so well. Wear it with pride and take care of it. You never know when you might need it and that goes for your swords as well.” Toshin stated.

“I’ll do my best.” He nodded. “I’m ready to begin sparring for today.” Toshiro spoke calmly.

“One final statement.” Toshin replied. “You are NOT allowed to go into the war with Amane. That is not our business to be involved in and could cause some repercussions for our clan, if you do so.”

“BUT FATHER!” Toshiro yelled. “He’s my friend. I’m not going to leave him to go out there on his own.”

“Toshiro, you are forbidden from going. That’s the end of that discussion, do you understand?.” Toshin stated.

“Yes, I understand the term forbidden..” Toshiro stated sarcastically while aggravated, as he walked away.

“Where are you going?” Toshin questioned sternly.

“I’m going to meet with Amane before he leaves, unless that’s forbidden too.” Toshiro replied, still feeling heated about the exchange with his father. “If he’s going out to war, I want to make sure he’s going to be alright. I want to say goodbye before he goes…just in case I don’t get to see him again.”

“Be safe, Toshiro.” Toshin cautioned him. “Watch your back.”

“I will father.” He marched back up the stairs with his footsteps thudding on them. Toshiro was still upset that his father had forbidden him from helping his closest friend. He felt like it was unfair and would do anything to help them out and see them both return home. Toshiro went into the kitchen cabinet and grabbed a jug of wine and put it into a bag. He slipped the sword into his jacket holster and headed out the door.

As he walked towards the cave he ran into a girl with black hair and brown eyes with a pale complexion. She wore a black and silver dress with a silver belt around her waist that held daggers and a pouch full of medicinal herbs.

“Are you off somewhere, Toshiro?” She asked quietly.

“I am going to visit Amane in our secret location.” Toshiro responded in a calm manner, as he tried not to take his frustrations out on her.

“Can..I…escort you to the edge…of town?” She asked while blushing, her face turning noticeably red against her pale skin. Fidgeting with her hands as she spoke and looking slightly downward.

Toshiro lightly blushed but it wasn’t noticeable on his pale blue skin. “Sure.” He replied with a more welcoming attitude towards her.

This was the only woman he had any type of connection with and he didn’t know how he felt about her. He viewed her as a friend but she seemed to view him as more. He just didn’t know how to respond to that. There was an emotion within him towards her but he couldn’t recognize what it was.

“Toshiro, how are you doing in your training?” She asked politely.

“According to my father, I’ve completed my training, Kitanni. He gave me this jacket as a commemorative token as well as for my protection.” He responded.

“I do really like your jacket.” She said, slipping her arm through his and holding onto him. She blushed again,"  Do you have a girlfriend or anything like that?”

Toshiro blushed as well before answering,"  I do not but I’ve been too busy to think about that. There is a lot on my mind currently  and I don’t feel like that’d be helpful in my plans at this stage in my life.” He said bluntly not trying to hurt her feelings but just telling her how he felt currently.

“Oh.” She sighed somewhat depressed sounding.

“I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry. I just want to focus on helping my friend right now. I know he needs help.” Toshiro spoke sternly.

“I understand.” She sighed once again,"  I hope in the future you’ll find time to have a more personal relationship. I’ve heard that having a good companion and partner, in that way, can really help your stress levels and mind.”

Toshiro pointed and nervously tried changing the topic to the destination being ahead of them,"  Here’s the edge of town, Kitanni. Thank you for the company along the way.” He bowed to her and smiled.

“You’re welcome, Toshiro. I enjoyed your company as well. I hope to see you soon.” She hugged him quickly and backed away just as quickly. He avoided making a comment about it. She sighed internally to herself.

“See ya later.” He responded with a smile. I’m glad I avoided the last bit of that topic.

“Bye Toshiro.” She waved to him as he began walking off. “Come back safely!”

“I will.” He waved back to her before turning around to continue his walk.

Toshiro continued on his way into the fields keeping his guard up with  his mind set on his task ahead. As he walked, he thought about the things Kitanni was saying and while he wasn’t sure how he felt about her, he wondered if she could be more to him? While he wasn’t sure if he was ready for that type of relationship; he knew that someone thought about him romantically. Which after all the training and pain he endured, definitely made him feel good about himself. Those thoughts kept his mind occupied as he finally arrived at the cave, where he would meet Amane.

Secretly, the pair of them had been meeting up here during the war using the cave, their fathers met up in, for training. It was there, Amane hung his armor and sword up for the night along with a makeshift bow and quiver for hunting at range. Amane was getting ready to set out to join his father and was putting his final pieces of armor on before making the trek.

“Hey, Amane. How’s it going?” Toshiro asked, as he quietly entered the cave.

“It’s going alright so far, Toshiro. Just getting ready to leave..” He responded by placing his boot on.

Confused, Toshiro stood before him with an eyebrow raised,"  Where are you going, exactly?”

“To fight. I didn’t do all that training to just sit around when I can be helping. Dad trained me for a reason. I’m going to help him.” Amane answered with a joyous and stern tone.

Toshiro shook his head from side to side before replying,"  Yeah I know that much, why do you think I’m here?” He chuckles to himself. “Where though?”

“Sorry, I guess I didn’t explain how I knew where to find him.” Amane replied, laughing with him for a moment. “Dad sent a letter a while back with directions to their camp. I’ve got it with me.”

“Well, at least you know where to find him so you should make good time on your travels.” Toshiro holds up a bag in his hand,"  Look what I got.” He says while shifting it in his hand.

Amane looked up at him for the first time,"  Nice jacket. Reminds me of your father. Also what’s in the bag?”

“It is a nice jacket.” He said with a proud strut and puffed up his chest. “The collar is lined with a thin metal that is to help prevent decapitations, apparently. There are two slots in the back for two blades. Surprisingly,  it’s pretty comfortable actually.” Toshiro said with a smile on his face. “Oh yeah, the bag. It’s got some of our famous wine in it. Figured we could share a glass before you left. I knew you were planning on it, but I didn't expect it to be so soon.”

Amane smiled and chuckled lightly, he was happy to see his friend having a joyous outlook about himself. He nodded his head,"  Today just felt right.” He replied before changing the subject back to the win. “I always heard that the Shigekazu Clan’s wine was some of the best.” Smugly speaking,"  I hope that second blade is a back up because right now you have enough issues with one.”

“Oh that’s low. Just for that: no wine for you.” Toshiro laughed.

“I was just joking.” Amane laughed with him since he, truly,  had full faith in Toshiro’s skills. “Your skills are coming along great and I hope one day; you’ll be better than I am or at least at the same level. I just happened to get a head start.” Amane said sincerely and stood up fully from his kneeled down position. His boot is fully on and interlocked with the rest of the armor now.

“Only time will tell, my friend.” Toshiro replied. “I do wish you the best.”

“I appreciate that and wish the same for you.” Amane nodded his head and spoke in a somber tone. “Toshiro, I’m going to be honest with you.”

“What’s on your mind, Amane?” He asked quizzically and confused by the sudden change of demeanor. The tone that he was using had gone from more joyous to quiet, in the blink of an eye.

Amane sighed deeply before replying,"  I don’t think I’m going to survive the destiny laid out before me. I think my life is going to end in sacrifice...and that I’ll be alone when it happens.” Feeling relieved from telling someone, he smiled weakly,"  Just know; that whatever happens, you were always my best friend.” He stood up and placed his hand on Toshiro’s shoulder. “I mean that; you are my best friend. No matter what happens.”

Toshiro was panicked and confused, but looked him in the eyes and put both arms on Amane’s shoulders,"  You WILL survive this. There is no doubt in my mind, so stop talking like that.”

“I’ll definitely survive the war, that’s not an issue. The rest of my destiny though, we’ll have to wait and see.” Amane pulled him and hugged him,"  You can be better than me.”

Toshiro hugged him back,"  I’ll do my best, for you, my friend.”

They let each other go and each sat down on one of the makeshift chairs in the cave. Toshiro set the wine down on the small wooden table along with two cups and poured the wine into it. He slid one over to Amane and picked his own cup up. “Enjoy.”

Amane picked up his cup and took a drink then had a confused look on his face,"  Well that’s definitely a taste I wasn’t expecting. Not bad, definitely something to adjust to.” He was surprised by the taste of the wine.

Toshiro, on the other hand, was drinking like he’d been drinking it for a while,"  Definitely something you have to acquire a taste for and I have acquired it after a couple years.” He said, smirking.

“Now, don’t become an alcoholic while I’m away. I want to make sure you remember me when the time comes.” Amane said laughing.

“Of course not.” Toshiro became serious quickly,"  In a few months I’ll join you in your war. I want to be there to help you out.”

“You don’t have to, Toshiro. I couldn’t ask you to fight our battles and your father wouldn’t allow that anyway.” Amane retorted.

“You’re right, he actually has forbidden me from joining you in the war. However, it won’t be his decision when I’m of age. I’m going to help you and I’m not going to be a representative of anything. I’m going as your friend.” Toshiro responded.

Amane smiled,"  I really appreciate the sentiment. I’ll meet up with you here, when you’re ready. Just leave me a message on your decision and I’ll pick it up on my next visit.” He stood up with his armor fully on and grabbed his swords and put them on his side, followed by his cloak. Lastly, his quiver and bow were placed  around his body. “Good luck to you, my friend. I hope your training goes well and I look forward to seeing you again soon.” He reached his hand out to him.

Toshiro nodded,"  When we meet next time; I’ll show you my skills. Be safe and take care of yourself, Amane.” He grabbed his hand and shook it.

“Wait a second, before I forget.” Amane reached into the pouch on his side,"  Take this with you. It’s a red dagger that I found recently. Something about it seems important but I don’t really know why. I’d like you to have it as a sign of friendship and respect.”

“I’ll cherish it.” Toshiro smiled.

“Goodbye, Toshiro.”  Amane said as he began walking out the cave entrance.

“Goodbye and good luck, Amane.” Toshiro spoke saddened and proud watching his best friend leave.

Amane turned back towards him and gave him a thumbs up from the entrance to which Toshiro responded with his own. A final smile of confidence and belief in one another before Amane disappeared from view. He was truly going to fight this battle and Toshiro couldn’t be prouder of him.

Toshiro returned from the cave without his jug of wine after they shared one glass; he left the jug there for the future. He began to doubt his abilities and tried to figure out; if he was actually ready to move forward with his training and join Amane in this war. Knowing that Amane had faith in skills and abilities was helpful; but did he have faith in himself? He had only sparred with his father for the most part and that was it besides the guy three years ago..he needed a challenge.

As he returned to town, the sun was getting low in the distance. The daylight vanished for the night to make way. The sky had grown dark and the destination was still further into the distance, barely visible from the light of torches on the outside of the entrance. Sighing, he began to pick up speed by running towards his destination instead.

Lurking in the shadows, a large flying beast stalked its prey, Toshiro, using night vision enhanced eyes capable of seeing him clear as day while he ran. The large beast flew down from its high spot in the sky. Toshiro could feel something on its way but by the time it got to him it was too late. The creature swiped across his shirt and jacket around his elbow before flying away from him. He drew his sword and prepared for a battle.

The creature charged back quickly and slashed its claws at him again. Toshiro blocked the claws with the blade slicing through them, cleanly. The creature screeched in pain as it made a return trip turning around and slashing at him with the other claws, as if it didn’t learn a lesson. Toshiro took another hit from the claws, as it scratched his chest. He winced and gritted his teeth, while he focused on staying alive by protecting himself. Another quick fly by, as Toshiro slashed with his sword striking across the declawed arm. The beast landed from the blow and tackled Toshiro to the ground with ease.

Guarding himself from attack, Toshiro removed the red bladed dagger, given to him by Amane, and stabbed the creature in the chest while continuing to guard with his own sword against the pummeling strikes.  The creature hunched over Toshiro’s and tried to bite his shoulder. Toshiro moves his blade up, by  pushing hard against the creature's body with the dagger in its chest and his sword at its neck while cutting inward with both. Feeling the pain in its body the creature jumped back and flew off into the air. Blood dripped from its wounds and it escaped with its life, but not without scars.

Toshiro dusted himself off and put his sword back into his back sheath, then dagger into his pocket. He looked at his clothing and sighed to himself while thinking, I need to learn to sew. He continued on his way making it back with a victory against the beast. Finally reaching the edge of town he caught a feeling of someone he knew.  Standing by the gate and worried, Kitanni was waiting for him. “Have you been standing there since I left?” Toshiro asked with concern.

“Of course not, it has been hours, Toshiro. I was walking back home, after visiting my grandfather, and heard the sounds of clanging in the distance. I knew it couldn’t be from the war since it’s further out. I came back here to see if I could see more of what was going on. All I saw was flashes of light and had a strong feeling that you were out there. I didn’t want to leave until I knew you’d make it back safely.” Kitanni replied with deep concern and sincerity.

“I appreciate the sentiment.” Toshiro responded. “I should probably get back to my own house and so should you.” He turned red quickly at his own words since it sounded like he invited her to the house.

“Did you just invite me to your home, Toshiro?” She replied slightly blushing with shyness.”After your battle, I think you need rest and I will gladly walk you home. Just as a safety precaution to make sure you aren’t injured at all.” Kitanni said firmly unbudging from her decision. 

Toshiro said reluctantly. “Come on.” He sighed deeply while trying to hide his interest in her. His emotions were running on high after the battle due to his adrenaline kicking in. Everything he said, he felt like he needed to think about more than normal.

She scooped her arm back between his and held onto him, tightly. She was extremely willing to get close to him, with or without his permission. She just liked being near him.  “Do you know what attacked you?”

Toshiro shrugged at the question and the current predicament he was in now. ”I’m not sure but considering it could fly and had razor sharp claws; I’d guess a Mirror-gryphon and a big one at that.”

“They don’t usually get that close to the towns though.” Kitanni was very concerned that they were so close to town all of a sudden. She wondered what was pushing them towards the town.

“I was on the outskirts, in the field, and in the dark. It was only natural to run into trouble one of these times. I’m actually surprised it didn’t happen sooner; with the number of trips I’ve made out there during the past few years. One time isn’t that big a deal and it gave me practice along with confidence. The beast is wounded so if it survives I’ll finish it off if I run into it again.” Toshiro said coldly and confidently. 

She blushed at his slight arrogance in his skills. Confidence was something that she was seemingly attracted to, besides it being just him. She was just trying to get close to him and to have him see her as more than just an acquaintance. She nuzzled close to his arm and held on tightly. “Please don’t get hurt.”

“I promise to do my best.” He replied assuredly. 

“Maybe I should come with you next time and use some of my potions to help you.” Kitanni remarked trying to be helpful and encouraging while being his support.

“NO.” Toshiro hastily shouted. “I won’t have you risking yourself out there. This is something I need to do for myself. I need to be stronger and I need to do it without a crutch. Having you out there with me would make me too reliant on your potions instead of my own. If I have a potion to heal me at all, what am I risking? What will push me to be more aware and trust myself?”

“I can’t cure death, Toshiro.” She added with a harsh tone in her voice. “I understand that you need to be able to trust your own abilities.” She sighed to herself. “I’ll let you finish walking home without me.” She said quietly as she let go of his arm.

Toshiro realized almost immediately; that he may have been too hard on her. “I’m sorry Kitanni. I need to do it for myself and live up to my own standards. I need to live up to the hopes of my friend and my family. I have to be able to push my boundaries and not live within them.” He grabbed her hand in his,"  Please continue walking with me. I would love the company.”

She smiled at him,"  I’ll continue to accompany you.” She added in a playful tone.

“I’ll tell you something I was told today.” He said quietly. “My friend wants me to be better than him.”

“Who are you talking about? Is it Fujimoto’s son?” She asked, confused by his statement.

“Yeah.” Toshiro replied.

“I used to see you guys together a lot minus these last few years. Is everything okay between you?” She responded.

“Of course, we both have just been training a lot. We made a pact, secret to train together when we could. We just finished meeting and it's him, I want to be stronger for. That way he knows that he has someone he can lean on. I need to be stronger to help look after him because he’s going to try to look after the world. I’m sure that he’ll need help and I want to be there to help him.” He explained to her with a different kind of confidence; a confidence in Amane and a confidence in the goals presented to him. Toshiro knew that; if they worked together they could accomplish more.

“I understand, you want to be there for your friend.” Kitanni smiled at him. “We’re at your home.”

“That is unfortunate timing.”Toshiro said hesitantly with a sigh afterwards. “Would you like to come inside for a bit?”

Kitanni shook her head and sighed alongside him.”Yes, but I have to get back home myself. Another time…Toshi.”

Toshiro blushed at her nickname for him while it wasn’t the first time he had been called that, it felt different coming from her. “I definitely understand the whole curfew thing.” He paused for a moment while looking at her and waited too long before replying. She looked back at him with a confused look in her eyes and a soft smile. “Maybe, I’ll see you in town?”

“I do live here so it’s probably a big chance that you will.” She laughed for a moment before stepping back. “See ya later.” She waved him off and left him at his door without giving him a chance to reply. Her heart beat faster as she took off in her own blushing embarrassment.

Toshiro didn’t know how to explain these emotions he was feeling towards her. He went inside then shut the door behind him and sat down at the table. He was wondering about the very emotions that he was experiencing after talking to her. Could he have been falling for her?