Shin-Gi-Tai (Mysterious Charms)
v) Fire of the Heart
‘Ryo-chan, where is Yuto-kun?’
“He left for his Academy two days ago Tsubasa, why?”
‘Invaders,’
“Huh?”
‘Invaders have arrived, I heard a few of them talking, they’re disguising themselves as traders and gaining access to our village,’
“When did they reach here, what do they want?”
‘Destruction, and they want to begin with that academy, they are after the scholars,’
“I have to warn Yuto,”
‘You can’t go by yourself, tell the soldiers stationed at the post outside the village, the guards positioned on the docks are incredibly oblivious,’
Ryosuke got to his feet, securing the white band around his head.
“Tsu-chan, lead the way.”
*
The winds of change always blow in the same way….a gentle breeze, a developing gale. The storm that hits is never without repercussions, but as they say, there is always another way out. Like a hidden door behind a portrait, a little matchstick in the dark, an ingenious plan to defy fate or a simple prayer of a desperate heart.
Surprise was the only word to describe the Yamadas as their calm yet ignorant son barged in and commanded them to pack up and leave, to warn the villagers of the oncoming threat. Surprised were they to hear of his plan. Surprised was he when they obeyed without question. Surprised was he to receive a small gift wrapped in satin by his mom, something which was originally meant to be given to his elder sister. Just like them he questioned not, but let his feet carry him across town, the marketplace, towards the gates leading to the main highway, a single eagle, guiding him on his way.
News travelled fast in the village, in whispers, but like a wildfire it caught on. It could have been a rumor, for Ryosuke had stated no source, but his family’s belief in him was unnerving.
This event was just the beginning.
*
“Yuto-kun, maybe you want to take a break,”
Yuto looked up from the scroll he was reading to find a concerned Kamenashi-san peering down at him. He rolled up the scroll before stretching and stifled a yawn.
“It’s a great day outside, why don’t you go for a walk,”
“Un,” he replied getting to his feet.
Yuto breathed deeply, gladly as he stood surrounded by low trees in the garden of the academy. All he could hear in the background was the sound of birds and the muffled noises of low discussions, soft thumping of clothed feet on the wooden floors and the occasional whirr of the sliding doors. He walked deeper into the gardens, hoping the fresh air would clear his mind and took of his hat, when he was sure no one was around.
He plopped down against a tree and yawned so wide his eyes became moist. Folding his arms across his chest, he let himself be carried by sleep.
Yuto jolted awake at the screech of an eagle. The air was dense with smoke and someone was tugging at his arm.
“Ryosuke? What’s going on?”
“Baka, get up quick,” he exclaimed, pulling the flustered boy onto his feet.
“Something burning?” he asked confused as he followed Ryosuke towards the academy building. Yuto felt his heart stop.
Kamenashi-san and Toma-san were both armed with Katanas while other scholars ran around with arms full of scrolls or pails loaded with water. A roaring fire casted an eerie glow to the surrounding, and puked a huge amount of grey smoke in the air.
“THE EASTERN HALL HAS CAUGHT FIRE!”
“IT’S GETTING OUT OF CONTROL,”
“SAVE THE SCROLLS!”
“WATER, WE NEED MORE WATER!”
Yuto was frantic.
“Our work, all the material,” he gasped. Dazed he made his way towards the building only to be held back by his friend.
“Don’t be an idiot,” Ryosuke yelled, tightening his hold on the struggling boy.
“Senpai!” Yuto yelled instead.
Kamenashi rushed towards him.
“Yuto, we have spies among us, they’ve destroyed most of the building, we’re trying to save as much as we can, but you, you have to get out of here,”
“No, I want to stay and help,”
“You’re life is in danger Yuto, they are still here, we can defend ourselves,”
“So can I, and the soldiers will be arriving soon,”
“No,” Kamenashi replied furiously. Yuto was taken aback. He had never seen his calm and cool senpai so frustrated before.
“You’ve always been like a little brother to me Yuto, and you’re the future of this kingdom…you both are,” he said shifting his gaze to Ryosuke.
“We will do whatever it takes to protect the future of our country, so respect our efforts and get the hell out of here,”
“But where?” Yuto exclaimed.
“Take the highway and get to the nearest town possible, things will fall into place I promise,”
“Kame,”
Kamenashi turned to catch the object thrown to him by Toma-san. It was a large bow.
“You can get arrows from the storehouse on your way out and I need you both to remember one thing,”
“Hai,” they replied in unison. The fire roared even stronger.
“Remember the name Yasutsuna, Amakuni Yasutsuna, now go.”
to be continued...
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Note: Yup. yup it was a massive update but that's because i don't know when the next story will be up so hope you like it!!
Next: tsubasa-quill.livejournal.com/tag/shin-gi-tai:comical+affections
Note: Graphics by me....Tsubasa!!