Kaidara's Blade Chapter Thirty 7/6

[Billtog]

Greetings, all. I figured it was about time to brush up on my storytelling skills. It's probably not healthy to be out of practice all summer. Here is a story about a samurai friend of Kaemon Awa named Kaidara and his enchanted blade. Enjoy.

A few notes:
-I am used to writing screenplays. I may occasionally drift into present tense. If you see somewhere that I did that, please politely point it out to me.
-I'ven't written any fan fiction since I was into Pokemon in 8th grade. If I'm not completely true to the source material, please try to ignore it and just enjoy the story.
-Feel free to add comments and constructive criticism, but please keep your posts relatively short so that readers will have an easier time getting back to the story.

Without further ado, Kaidara's Blade.

(Edit- just to be safe, I'm going to rate this PG-13. It may contain graphic violence.)

Kaidara’s Blade

Chapter One:

__The incessant howling of the wind was starting to make it difficult for Kaemon to concentrate. He sat in his tent over a rough map of the area, drawing out battle strategies. When Einar heard that Utgar was sending a contingent north to cut into Ullar’s side, he gathered a small force of Tagawa’s finest warriors to march to Garron Pass and make sure that Ullar’s flank would remain clear. Kaemon had a total of 10 bowmen, 8 swordsmen, and 15 ashigaru spearmen with which to complete his task. Now, all he needed was a battle plan.

__Just then, Kaidara the Fierce entered the tent.
__“What did you find in your scouting, Kaidara?”
__“Orcs.”
__“Just orcs?”
__“Many orcs.” The alarm in Kaidara’s voice was evident.
__“Just how many?” inquired Kaemon.
__“At least 50 foot soldiers, 20 archers, and 10 mounted units.”
__“Their leader?”
__“Zelnak. He wields a nasty battle axe and rides atop a rhinoceros.”
__“Eight and fifteen against fifty... plus the bowmen... and THEIR bowmen and mounted units. I think we can do it.”
__“And how will we do that?”
__“Do you see this point?” Kaemon pointed to a cliff over the pass. “It is about 50 meters above the pass below it. If we get the archers up there, we can make a pre-emptive strike. We should be able to take out at least 20 orcs at that point. Then, they will drop boulders from above, slowing down the advancing orc force. Presuming we don’t lose any of our archers in that skirmish, we can make a final stand here.” Kaemon pointed to another spot on the map.
__“The hill?”
__“Yes. We pour what little oil we have left at the base, combined with bundles of dried hay from the abandoned field east of here. Halfway up the hill, we will construct a meager palisade wall, buying our archers a little more time to pick off the orcs before we are engaged in melee combat.”
__“Cunning...”
__“When will the orcs arrive at the overpass?”
__“A day and half’s march for them, no less.”
__“Then we should start preparing the rockfall.”
__“Shall I accompany you?”
__“No. Rest. Sharpen your blade for the oncoming slaughter.”
__“Yes, my lord!”

__Kaidara exited Kaemon’s tent and found his way to his own tent. He shared it with three of the other swordsmen, but they were not present in the tent. Kaidara ventured to his corner of the tent to a metal chest. He pulled out a key and unlocked the chest. Inside was his prized sword, Suyomonji. It was believed to have been crafted by Murasame himself. The sword’s name came from the fallen warrior who’s thirst for blood refused him death, and trapped his soul within the blade itself.
__“Do we fight soon, Kaidara?” spoke the blade telepathically.
__“Soon, Suyomonji. Very soon.”
__“I have become dull. We have not seen battle in months.”
__“You will be sharp. It would not be good to get you stuck in an orc in the middle of a battle.”
__“Orcs? Why does Einar insist on giving us menial chores? I should get to rip the flesh from kyrie and dragons.”
__“In time, Suyomonji. Be patient.”
__“Ever since we’ve been in this war, all I kill are orcs, marro, and soulborgs. I want a worthy opponent.”
__“And you will have that worthy opponent when this battle is over.”
__“Kaemon Awa?”
__“No, we mustn’t turn on Lord Kaemon. He is our ally.”
__“He is a worthy opponent.”
__“There are others. I will not stand against him.”
__“Then Einar himself!”
__“We do not fight simply to fight. We fight for Einar’s cause.”
__“Such drivel is not becoming of us, Kaidara. I long to feed upon greater creatures.”
__“In time.”

End of chapter.


Edit- Added line spacing to ease reading.

[deadeyedan42]

Zelnac sound alot like my custom Gornak. for some reason.




Nice story! Can't wait for more!

[Billtog]

Chapter Two:

__Long past dusk, Kaemon crept into Kaidara’s tent.
__“Kaidara.” Kaemon shook him softly. “Wake up.”
__Kaidara sat up quickly. “Who- Kaemon!”
__“Shh. It’s past midnight.”
__“What is it, Lord?”
__“I told you not to call me that, friend.”
__“Right, but what’s going on?”
__“A small troupe of orcs approaches. Perhaps they mean to scout, perhaps they mean to burn us in our sleep. You and I shall hunt them.”
__Kaidara stood up and reached for his gear. “With our bows?”
__“One bow shot and they will all be alerted. Besides, don’t you think you should feed your sword?”
__“True.”
__“If we are to surprise them, we shall travel in darkness. Suyomonji can see, yes?”
__“Yes, it can see 100 meters in all directions, beyond any object, even in darkness and fog. Nothing inhibits its vision but the enchanted metal box.”
__“We will need it tonight.”

__The two friends ventured out silently. The moon was full and provided plenty of light, so even at night they had to stick to the shadows. As they walked, Suyomonji became excited at the upcoming battle. Despite repeated confirmations by Kaidara that there were only orcs, Suyomonji hoped that there was something more.
__They came upon the group of orcs, no more than eight. The creatures of minor intellect were all carrying lit torches, regardless of the need to be unseen, and regardless of the fact that they can see better in low light than the humans they sought. Kaidara led Kaemon to spot the orcs would cross. They snuck in and hid behind a boulder.
__The orcs had neared within 20 meters of the hiding samurai, but then Suyomonji telepathically cried out, “Behind you!”
__Kaidara spun around quickly and diverted a sword thrust as Kaemon did the same.
__The ringing of metal caught the attention of the orcs.
__“There they is!”
__“There is the humans!”
__“They will taste good!”

__One orc hurled a torch at Kaidara but missed. In the brief instance of light, Kaidara recognized his would-be assassin.
__“Isamu! You cur!”
__Isamu caught the torch in his left hand and slashed if diagonally at Kaidara. The formidable samurai was able to bat away the torch, but it was only a distraction. A second sword thrust came in at Kaidara, straight to his heart. There was a flash of red light and time seemed to freeze.

__“Isamu, you are unworthy,” spoke Kaidara’s blade. “Your wretched tricks shall not become me.”
__“Curse you, demon sword. You will not steal my victory!”
__As time resumed, Kaidara and Suyomonji began to glow red. Isamu’s assured kill was prevented by a lightning-fast sweep of the blade.
__“Now is the time Kaidara, let me inside you so we may fight as one!”
__“So be it,” replied the wielder.
__The glow intensified and the now-vacant sword was lit afire. Three quick strikes shattered Isamu’s blade, and the dishonorable human turned and ran, swiftly followed by his ninja partner.

__“They won’t get away,” Kaemon declared as he drew out his trusty bow.
__“No,” spoke Suyomonji and Kaidara in a dual-pitched voice. “We have orcs that want us to kill them. It would be rude of us to deny them the sweet release of death, my dear friend.”
__The words coming out of Kaidara’s mouth bothered Kaemon more than the strange melding of voices. In spite of his better sense, Kaemon decided to join his fellow samurai in battle. The two warriors ditched their cover and formed a strong stance.
__“Meet your end, foul beasts.”
__“Who is two-voice calling beast?” came the orc retort.
__“We cut you up and put you in stew.”
__“Two-voice has good sword. Me take it.”

__The orcs charged, dropping their torches and each pulling out two crudely crafted falchions. Kaidara began a counter charge giving out a solid battle cry. Kaemon reached out to pull back his friend, but his strength proved incompetent in satiating the bloodlust of Suyomonji. Kaemon sheathed his sword Dakarogi and drew out his fine recurve bow. Three orcs fell to his deadly aim, but that was all Kaemon had time to eliminate due to his friend’s increasing proximity to the orcs in question. The wise lord decided it would be best to stay back, lest Suyomonji would accidentally bite him as well.
__Kaidara’s offense consisted of sword slashes at blinding speeds, and his defense consisted of using his finer blade to cut the orcs’ shoddy falchions into pieces. The five offending orcs quickly found themselves unarmed and armless, each crying out in terror at the inhumanly precise swordsman. Their cries were cut short as Suyomonji willed Kaidara’s body to cut out each of their throats in succession.
__All was quiet. The orcs stood motionless.
__“Your lives are now over,” spoke Kaidara and Suyomonji as the red glow started to fade and the flames died down. The hopeful spies and marauders fell to the ground.

__“Quickly, Kaidara, let us return to camp so that we may rest for the real battle.”
__“What about the bodies, Kaemon?”
__“Leave them. They will be a good warning.”
__The two friends returned to camp. Suyomonji was put back in its box and Kaidara went back to bed. That night he dreamt of cutting the hearts out of elves. Each time he let Suyomonji’s spirit into his body, a little bit was left behind.

End of Chapter Two

Sorry, I can't figure out how to get it to indent, so I realize it may be kind of hard to read. If anyone knows a good solution to this problem, let me know.

[deadeyedan42]

Hey Billtog, maybe if you put gaps between, "sceans" it might be easier to read, like this.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long past dusk, Kaemon crept into Kaidara’s tent.
“Kaidara.” Kaemon shook him softly. “Wake up.”
Kaidara sat up quickly. “Who- Kaemon!”
“Shh. It’s past midnight.”
“What is it, Lord?”
“I told you not to call me that, friend.”
“Right, but what’s going on?”
“A small troupe of orcs approaches. Perhaps they mean to scout, perhaps they mean to burn us in our sleep. You and I shall hunt them.”
Kaidara stood up and reached for his gear. “With our bows?”
“One bow shot and they will all be alerted. Besides, don’t you think you should feed your sword?”
“True.”
“If we are to surprise them, we shall travel in darkness. Suyomonji can see, yes?”
“Yes, it can see 100 meters in all directions, beyond any object, even in darkness and fog. Nothing inhibits its vision but the enchanted metal box.”
“We will need it tonight.”

The two friends ventured out silently. The moon was full and provided plenty of light, so even at night they had to stick to the shadows. As they walked, Suyomonji became excited at the upcoming battle. Despite repeated confirmations by Kaidara that there were only orcs, Suyomonji hoped that there was something more.
They came upon the group of orcs, no more than eight. The creatures of minor intellect were all carrying lit torches, regardless of the need to be unseen, and regardless of the fact that they can see better in low light than the humans they sought. Kaidara led Kaemon to spot the orcs would cross. They snuck in and hid behind a boulder.

The orcs had neared within 20 meters of the hiding samurai, but then Suyomonji telepathically cried out, “Behind you!”
Kaidara spun around quickly and diverted a sword thrust as Kaemon did the same.
The ringing of metal caught the attention of the orcs.
“There they is!”
“There is the humans!”
“They will taste good!”
One orc hurled a torch at Kaidara but missed. In the brief instance of light, Kaidara recognized his would-be assassin.
“Isamu! You cur!”
Isamu caught the torch in his left hand and slashed if diagonally at Kaidara. The formidable samurai was able to bat away the torch, but it was only a distraction. A second sword thrust came in at Kaidara, straight to his heart. There was a flash of red light and time seemed to freeze.
“Isamu, you are unworthy,” spoke Kaidara’s blade. “Your wretched tricks shall not become me.”
“Curse you, demon sword. You will not steal my victory!”
As time resumed, Kaidara and Suyomonji began to glow red. Isamu’s assured kill was prevented by a lightning-fast sweep of the blade.

“Now is the time Kaidara, let me inside you so we may fight as one!”
“So be it,” replied the wielder.
The glow intensified and the now-vacant sword was lit afire. Three quick strikes shattered Isamu’s blade, and the dishonorable human turned and ran, swiftly followed by his ninja partner.
“They won’t get away,” Kaemon declared as he drew out his trusty bow.
“No,” spoke Suyomonji and Kaidara in a dual-pitched voice. “We have orcs that want us to kill them. It would be rude of us to deny them the sweet release of death, my dear friend.”
The words coming out of Kaidara’s mouth bothered Kaemon more than the strange melding of voices. In spite of his better sense, Kaemon decided to join his fellow samurai in battle. The two warriors ditched their cover and formed a strong stance.
“Meet your end, foul beasts.”
“Who is two-voice calling beast?” came the orc retort.
“We cut you up and put you in stew.”
“Two-voice has good sword. Me take it.”

The orcs charged, dropping their torches and each pulling out two crudely crafted falchions. Kaidara began a counter charge giving out a solid battle cry. Kaemon reached out to pull back his friend, but his strength proved incompetent in satiating the bloodlust of Suyomonji. Kaemon sheathed his sword Dakarogi and drew out his fine recurve bow. Three orcs fell to his deadly aim, but that was all Kaemon had time to eliminate due to his friend’s increasing proximity to the orcs in question. The wise lord decided it would be best to stay back, lest Suyomonji would accidently bite him as well.

Kaidara’s offense consisted of sword slashes at blinding speeds, and his defense consisted of using his finer blade to cut the orcs’ shoddy falchions into pieces. The five offending orcs quickly found themselves unarmed and armless, each crying out in terror at the inhumanly precise swordsman. Their cries were cut short as Suyomonji willed Kaidara’s body to cut out each of their throats in succession.
All was quiet. The orcs stood motionless.
“Your lives are now over,” spoke Kaidara and Suyomonji as the red glow started to fade and the flames died down. The hopeful spies and marauders fell to the ground.
“Quickly, Kaidara, let us return to camp so that we may rest for the real battle.”
“What about the bodies, Kaemon?”
“Leave them. They will be a good warning.”
The two friends returned to camp. Suyomonji was put back in its box and Kaidara went back to bed. That night he dreamt of cutting the hearts out of elves. Each time he let Suyomonji’s spirit into his body, a little bit was left behind.

[super kyrie]

Great story billtog!! I can't wait for chapter 3.

[Billtog]

I'm sorry this one is so short, and that it took so long, but I'm trying hard to create a plot that won't be incredibly mundane. Things will pick up once I get farther into it. The problem about my writing is that I already know pretty much everything that's going to happen, but have no idea how to approach it in the story.


Chapter Three:

__“Our fliers have delivered a message that Kaemon Awa’s group is severely outmatched. We will be sending a small contingent to aid their struggle. It’s not much, but it’s all we can spare.” Bayla was a beautiful sight indeed. Her flowing green hair highlighted her purple eyes and fell just past her slender shoulders to the base of her wings. The kyrie commander was outmatched, however, when she spoke to Kitsuru Ikazuchi, the Japanese ranger called to Valhalla by Ullar. When the forces of good inhabiting that land thought “delicate,” the only image that came to mind was Kitsuru’s fair face.
__“Will they make it in time?” asked Kitsuru.
__“By air it will take only half a day, barring any inclement weather. You leave at noon.”
__“Why are you sending me?”
__“Your skill with a bow is matched only by Kaemon Awa and Syvarris, your skills as a ranger may help with the mounted units, and the unit Einar deployed to that area is familiar to you.”
__“Kaidara is there?”
__“Yes, and he needs your help.”
__“I will go.”
__“It is settled then. Meet back at this location at noon.”
__Bayla turned and walked off.
__“Bayla! Wait...”
__The kyrie turned to regard the young woman.
__“What do we face?”
__“The report says they are up against many orcs, a handful of ninja, and a pair of bladehawks.”
__“I see. Thank you.”
__Kitsuru wandered off into the serene Yigaru’s Forest. She wanted to be among the trees and wildlife before the battle.
__“Kitsuru!”
__She wanted to be alone among the trees and wildlife before the battle.
__“Kitsuru, I see destiny has brought us together once again.”
__“I’m just trying to relax before I’m sent off to fight.”
__“Then shall you relax in my arms?”
__“My heart is not for you, Syvarris.”
__“You still favor those barbaric humans?”
__“I am one of those barbaric humans.”
__“But it is not so. He walk here in the forest without restraining your feet or your spirit. You talk to the animals as do I. You are an elf at heart.”
__“I became a ranger because Kaidara was unable to do so after Ieyasu Tokugawa asked Kaidara to be in his army.”
__“So the brutish man has a soft side?”
__“It is his only side.”
__“But does he not slay many a creature with that demon sword of his?”
__“Kaidara controls the sword so that others may not fall under its spell.”
__Syvarris let out a resigned sigh. “I will admit this tires even me. I will wait until your lover shows his true side, in all of his twisted and disgusting nature. Then you will be begging for me to take you.”
__“Actually, I find you repulsive.”
__“Your words of anger cannot sting me, for we both know what is true within your heart. I now depart.”
__Syvarris left, heading deeper into the forest.
__“Finally. These elves are just impossible. Their men prance around like kittens and their women charge into battle dressed in hardly anything at all carrying unwieldy swords. They build their houses in the trees instead of out of trees. I yearn for the day this war is over and I can return home, away from this backwards culture.”
__“I know whatchya mean, sugar.”
__Kitsuru jumped at the sound of the voice.
__“These darn elves got everything backwards.”
__“Oh, Dan, it’s just you.”
__“I ain’t one for nature walks, but I just need some peace and quiet, know what I mean?”
__“I know precisely what you mean.”
__“That elf boy there, he thinks he’s so-“
__”I said, I know precisely what you mean.”
__“Oh, I’m sorry to disturb you, little lady. I’ll be right on my way.”
__Though “delicate” could describe her looks perfectly, they did not say the same about her mannerisms.

[Billtog]

Chapter Four:

__“It would seem our prey has arrived,” Kaemon conferred to the line of archers. “Fire quickly and true. When I give the signal, Ichiro and Sanosuke will cut the lines to release the boulders, then we run. Some orcs will surely choose to charge ahead when we ambush them, as they have no sense of loyalty to their kin. However, this number will not be large and can easily be handled by our troops back at the hill. The majority of the enemy will either be trying to hide in panic, or lying on the ground with an arrow stuck in its heart. We will use these rocks over here as cover. Their archers will not be able to strike us.”
__“Lord Kaemon, what if the opposing force should turn and flee?” asked the youngest recruit, Shinta.
__“It is unlikely. Though the orcs bear no determination to Utgar’s cause, their lust for killing is insatiable. In the improbably event that they do flee, we shall not pursue.”
__The samurai began to complain, but Kaemon stopped them with an upraised hand.
__“This is not Japan, this is Valhalla. Our purpose here is not to battle, but to protect Ullar’s flank. Should we give chase and let an unseen force slip through, we will be disgraced. There is more honor here in doing our duty than in killing our enemy, I assure you.”
__Kaemon’s words seemed to satisfy the warriors, but it was not a matter of concern at that time, as Shinta spotted the orcs nearing the position of ambush. He signaled Kaemon, and Kaemon signaled the rest. They quietly took places behind the rocks, waiting for Kaemon to give the signal to attack.
__The first blade grut reached a line on the ground, an imaginary line held true in the mind of Kaemon Awa. The samurai warlord gave a blood-curdling warcry, and his troops joined in. The attention of the orcs was caught. The surprised and sometimes terrified eyes watched as arrows descended upon them. The first volley of arrows met no resistance whatsoever, as the orcs were frozen in horror. Eleven arrows left bowstrings, eleven orcs fell to the ground.
__A massive orc astride upon a rhinoceros, Zelnak, gave a command in the orc tongue. Arrow gruts scrambled into a sloppy formation and let fly hasty shots, all of which bounced harmlessly off of stone. Zelnak yelled again, and the gruts fired another round, this one arcing up in an attempt to mortar the samurai bowmen. The crude orcish bows were not sufficient for firing that far in the air; those arrows too fell to the ground without biting flesh.
__Zelnak gave a third command which was cut short by a samurai arrow finding its way into his left shoulder. The orc champion looked down angrily and yanked the projectile out as if it were nothing but a minor annoyance and resumed addressing his troops.
__The orcs troops howled in unison, a cry which grew quieter when eleven more of their soldiers fell. Zelnak charged ahead down the pass along with ten orcs mounted on swogs. The blade gruts tried to follow in succession, but found themselves obstructed by a wall of boulders. One last hail of samurai arrows came down from the cliff. When the remaining trapped orcs looked up, they found their attackers gone.
__Kaemon and his squad ran with all speed back toward the hills. While they could certainly not match the pace of the swogs and rhinoceros, their path was a straight shot, while that of the enemy was curved and rugged. Kaemon, being the only marksman efficient enough to do, fire arrows as he ran, attempting to cripple the swogs.
__“Take out the rhinoceros ” cried Shinta.
__“Its skin is too tough. It will easily deflect an arrow fired from this distance, even from the finest of Japanese bows.”
__“Then fire for the orc We must take out their leader.”
__Kaemon took a moment to consider this suggestion. “Shinta, give me your arrows.”
__No response came.
__“Shinta!”
__A scream of pain came from above. All eyes diverted towards the sky, where Shinta was locked in the talons of a bladehawk.
__Kaemon quickly got his wits about him. He narrowly dodged a swipe from a second bladehawk from behind. The normally cool-headed warrior reached angrily for the man running beside him.
__“Your arrows, NOW ”
__The terrified bowmen promptly passed over his quiver to his commander. Kaemon began taking frantic shots at the bladehawk that attacked him. The swift avian easily dodged each shot, then turned around, charging straight for Kaemon. The determined warrior slung his bow over his back and unsheathed his blade. Kaemon swung for the creature, but it slowed its charge right before it reached its adversary, sensing such an attack; then it barreled full-force for him. Kaemon quickly dodged aside, but suffered a hit to his arm. The bladehawk lived up to its namesake, each feather sharp as any Japanese sword, slicing through Kaemon’s arm. It was a relatively shallow hit, but one that phased its target. Kaemon began to fall behind, but was caught by his comrades running behind him.
__Having made the most damage they could afford to, the two hawks flew off in the direction from which they had come. Kaemon wanted to chase them and bring them down with his bow, but he knew it was a bad idea. He had to stick to the plan. A handful of arrows could not kill, let alone hit, a bladehawk, and the retaliation would be devastating.

__“How many will arrive in the first wave?” asked Kaidara after Kaemon and his men had returned to camp.
__“Zelnak and his ten swog riders.”
__“How many fell at the cliff?”
__“About thirty-five, far more than we expected.”
__“Then it’s a good thing you decided to go. The men do much better when you’re around.”
__“We have another problem. Bladehawks, at least two of them, are with the enemy.” Kaemon stood solemnly for a moment. “They killed Shinta.”
__“How do we take them out?”
__“When they arrive, all archers will divert their attention to one until it falls. Ten archers, including myself, should be able to take it down in less than two minutes. That leaves us with hopefully only one more.”
__“They are intelligent creatures, they will attack when we are most overcome with orcs.”
__“I know. When they make it past the wall, I need you to take out Zelnak as swiftly as possible. He is formidable to be sure, but no match for you and Suyomonji. Without them, the orc forces will fall into chaos, making them easy pickings. If you can take him out before the hawks arrive... we can probably get through this without losing another man.”
__“Understood.”
__“We go to the overlook. Our goal is to eliminate as many orcs as possible in the fire. If that number does not include Zelnak, we will let him through.”
__“Understood.”
__“Kaidara... Zelnak is massive, twice the size of a normal orc. His weapon is huge, but he is not as slow as you would expect. Take caution.”
__“I will, Kaemon.”
__Kaemon Awa nodded and walked off to join his troops at the overlook.

__A thunderous cry erupted. Mounted orcs charged the hill in complete bloodlust, unaware of the archers above them.
__“Fire!” ordered Kaemon. Ten flaming arrows flew from above.
__The orcs suddenly found themselves surrounded in fire. Five of the ten swog riders perished in the inferno, two more fell to arrows.
__“Hold! They are too close to our swordsmen for arrows. Await the arrival of the foot soldiers.”

__“The enemy will split at the wall. By my count, there are four.” Kaidara hoped that Zelnak took one path, while the three riding swogs took the other. Suyomonji hoped that they all took the same path.
__“On the left,” Suyomonji alerted Kaidara by way of telepathy.
__“Zelnak!” cried Kaidara.
__The fierce orc looked up at the young man, took a moment to consider him, then licked his lips. He beat the rhinoceros into a frenzy, steering him straight for Kaidara.
__The experience swordsman summarily charged for Zelnak. He jumped at the last moment, clearing the sharp horn of the beast, and hitting the orc at full force with both knees in its armored chest. Both humanoids tumbled to the ground while the rhinoceros continued to run, finally escaping its cruel master. Zelnak took an impossibly quick swipe at Kaidara with his large battle axe. Kaidara took to the air with a six foot jump and slashed at the orc’s throat. Zelnak leaned back to avoid the killing stroke and countered with a headbutt to Kaidara’s stomach. The samurai fell to the ground, but quickly rolled aside to avoid being chopped in half. He sprang to his feet and slashed at the handle of the axe, leaving the orc nothing but a pole.
__Before Kaidara could take the orc commander’s head, he had to roll back to the ground to dodge a swooping bladehawk. He quickly turned and cut the avian in half, Suyomonji being far sharper than an ordinary sword. He faced the orc again and caught the splintered pole in his chest. Kaidara accepted the hit in exchange for evisceration of his adversary. He looked around and found that the others had finished their fighting and had their eyes on Kaidara.
__Kaidara nodded in appreciation of their effort, then looked down to the handle sticking out of his chest. He examined it quizzically, then passed out.




Please leave comments!

[deadeyedan42]

Another Nail bitting chapter, Can't wait for more Billtog!

[super kyrie]

*applause* *applause* *the crowd roars; Billtog! Billtog!* Amazing! Astounding! Incredible! Can't wait for the rest of the story!!

[Billtog]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww yeuh, boy. The story continues.

Chapter Five: The Fifth Chapter

__“I still think that Kaidara and the others can handle such a small force.”
__“Ah, Kitsuru, you’ve not been in Valhalla long,” spoke Larathiel, the elf archer in charge of the group.
__“What is so hard about a couple of orcs, two or three humans, and a pair of birds?”
__“The scouts saw a pair of bladehawks, yes. Within their enormous flocks, bladehawks usually have one or two companions. When they go scout, they only send one of those small cliques. However, for a real fight, they’ll not move alone. If we’re lucky, there will only be 50 of them.”
__“And what’s so horrible about these creatures? Why are they called bladehawks?”
__“They fly faster than the wind itself, and each of their feathers is as sharp as a razor. Try to imagine two and a half score of them taking turns slaughtering your samurai friends, and you’ll understand why we must aid them.”
__“Sir, I see them!” shouted the kyrie flying point.
__“We’ll not let ourselves be seen until right before they become embattled with the bladehawks! Ready your bows, men!” Larathiel strung his own bow as he made the order. “Kitsuru, when the battle begins, I want you on the ground with them. Tell them to concentrate on the orcs. We can handle the birds.”
__“Understood.”
__The troupe circled excitedly out of sight of the Einarian warriors below. In the distance, a brown cloud came into view. Mere seconds later, the orcs began to charge.
__“Those brutes do not understand timing. They’ll all be slaughtered before the bladehawks near.” Larathiel shook his head in disgust. “A shame. We mayn’t be needed at all.”
__“That’s a good thing!”
__Larathiel gave a resigned sigh. “Human, very few of your kind understand the warrior spirit. You are not one of them.”
__Kitsuru rolled her eyes and muttered, “I hate this place.”

__“Put down your bows, you’ve had your fun!” Kaidara said to the archers. “We want some too, right men?” An exuberant “Hai!” resounded off the nearby rock walls, startling the charging orcs.
__Kaemon Awa stepped up next to his friend. “As the ranking officer of this group, I get to join in on the sport.” The two grinned at each other. “Ready? ATTACK!”
__Nine fiery warriors sprinted down the hill brandishing katana.
__“Do not worry, Kaidara. Your wound will not ail you when I enter your body,” Suyomonji reassured his master. The faint red glow emanated from the sword and spread to Kaidara’s body, and it happened just in time for the symbiotic fighters to slice through a crude orc blade and then through the attacker’s face. The two continued to run forward, cutting through orc after orc until they reached the end of the opposing force. Suyomonji forced Kaidara to run around, hungry for more blood, but it was over. The orcs all lay dead while 9 samurai spattered with blood stood tall, savoring their victory.
__“Men, look above!” shouted Kaemon. A flock of bladehawks was descending upon them.
__“Kaidara!”
__At the sound of his love’s voice, Kaidara flushed Suyomonji’s spirit out of his body and turned to catch her in his arms.
__“We must take shelter. The Aubriens and kyrie will take care of these pests.”
__Kaidara looked doubtful. “Kaemon?”
__“Do as she says. Men, take cover!”
__The 19 samurai and 15 ashigaru scrambled about for safe places to wait.
__Kaidara felt an intense pain in his back. Talons raked through his flesh. The offending bladehawk circled around to face Kaidara, as if to say “that was for my partner you killed.” Kitsuru planted an arrow between its eyes.
__“Wretched things. I hate this place.”
__With support from Kitsuru and Kaemon, Kaidara managed to walk into a shallow cave.
__Arrows reigned down from above, and the avian attackers refocused their attack to the sky. Ullar’s troupe wisely alighted on the hill, for no one can compete with bladehawks in the air.
__Kaidara and Kitsuru observed the battle sheepishly. Suddenly they felt widely incompetent at archery.
__“Only one human can outdo them,” Kitsuru admitted softly.
__Kaemon turned his head and smiled. “Two, I believe.”
__“Shouldn’t you two be tending my wound?” asked Kaidara.
__Despite the shredded corpses of bladehawks falling into piles of dead orcs and blood dripping wildly from the sky, Kaidara’s two companions gave a hearty laugh.

__When the battle was finally over, Larathiel walked over to speak with the three humans.
__“How fares Ullar’s battle?” asked Kaemon.
__“It fares well, human, in no small part thanks to you and yours.” The elven commander gave an appreciative nod. “Will you return to Einar’s side?”
__“I’m afraid so. He was very clear about that. We’d love to spend time with your people, but recent times have had far more bloodshed than what has become casual.”
__“Indeed. I’m so torn. I want to spend time wandering through the forest with the animals, but nothing can match the rush of felling enemies.”
__“I agree whole-heartedly, elf. Our generals have a lot in common, I’m glad we are allied at long last.”
__“As am I. Most assuredly your two friends are.” After a short moment of silence, the smile faded from Larathiel’s face. “Well, Kitsuru, we must return.”
__“Yes... goodbye, Kaidara.” She kissed the warrior on the cheek.
__“I’ll see you...” Kaidara looked around for someone to finish his sentence. Kaemon and Larathiel both stared at the ground. “Soon.” He embraced her one last time, and she was off.

[super kyrie]

another great chapter.

[Billtog]

Chapter Six

__“So what did Einar have to say?” Kaidara asked Kaemon as they walked across the bridge away from Einar’s Palace.
__“We rest for today. Tomorrow morning we’re heading out to aid Jandar’s main force. They are facing endless waves of orcs, marro, and soulborgs.”
__“This shall certainly be fun.”
__“Ikaru’s troupe will be joining us as well.”
__“Must be a lot of orcs then?”
__“Einar said they faced ‘endless waves.’ I guess that means a lot.” They both laughed. “We will spend a short time in training in order to get accustomed to fighting alongside Jandar’s knights.”
__“I hate the way those Europeans fight. Their formations are so weird.”
__“Maybe we can help them with that.”
__“What is the battlefield?”
__“Just a flat field.”
__Kaidara shook his head and mumbled, “Europeans...”
__“Is that Kaemon Awa?” yelled a voice. Kaidara and Kaemon looked up to see Ikaru nearing them.
__“Hello, Ikaru.”
__“So you guys are coming with me to go fight with Jandar? It sounds really exciting!”
__Kaemon and Kaidara looked at each other knowingly. Ikaru was a very eccentric and excitable young warrior. Though his leadership skills were unmatched and skill with a blade was quite good, both Kaemon and Kaidara knew that his eagerness would get him killed some day.
__“I’m going to fight so well that Alexander Drake will give me the Thorian Katana! You’ll see. I’ll be great!”
__“Be sure to keep a cool head on the battlefield, young warrior,” cautioned Kaemon.
__“I will, Kaemon. I will. You needn’t worry about me. No orc, marro, soulborg, or any other disgusting creature can match the prowess of my samurai squadron!”
__“How about an endless wave of orcs, marro, and soulborgs?” chided Kaidara.
__“Well that’s why Einar is sending you guys too! Certainly no amount of those things can take TWO elite samurai squadrons, right?”
__“We are a supplement to Jandar’s main force. We are but a single wave in the ocean, Ikaru.”
__“It is as Kaemon says. Jandar needed more troops, so he contacted Einar. We are fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with knights.”
__“They’re simply cannon fodder. Jandar understands our strength.”
__“Ikaru, if you charge out haplessly and put your warriors in danger, I will kill you myself,” Kaidara said with a sudden surge of anger.
__This reaction from his senior warrior didn’t make Ikaru angry, but instead calmed him down. He stumbled over syllables, trying to come up with a reply in his defense, but couldn’t find one.
__“Yes, Kaidara. We will kill him,” spoke a voice in Kaidara’s head.
__“Come, we haven’t time for this discussion anyway. We need to inform our men.” Kaemon put a hand on Kaidara’s shoulder and pulled him along towards their camp.
__“Bye then...” said Ikaru in a disappointed tone. He too went off to talk to his men.

__“You shouldn’t be so forcible with him. He is young.”
__“He is brash.”
__“He is so because he is young. He will learn.”
__“We will not learn if he gets killed in battle because of his own foolishness!”
__“He will certainly calm down when he sees the horde we are facing. My words couldn’t describe it to you, and of course not to him. Do not worry, my friend.”
__Kaidara took a few deep breaths and nodded his head.

__“Kitsuru, may I have a word with you?” Bayla startled Kitsuru out of her trance.
__“Oh... of course.”
__“Jandar has requested that Ullar send him elven archers to aid him in fighting a large battle.”
__“Okay.”
__“You’re being sent as well.”
__“What? Why me?”
__“Because he needs marksmen, and you’re one of the best. You shall accompany Larathiel and Syvarris, along with Aubriens and Dunocians.”
__“Very well.”
__“You are here to fight you know. Ullar didn’t save you from death to have you wander in the forest.”
__“I know, I’m just getting really tired of elves, that’s all.”
__“Really? I find them charming.”
__“I prefer my own kind.”
__“That reminds me... Jandar has asked for help from Einar too. Some of your friends may be there as well.”
__“Is that a good thing?”
__“Well, it is a battle rather than a picnic, but it would be nice to be reunited with them, wouldn’t it?”
__“I suppose so. Yes.”
__“Good. Head to Syvarris’s camp. You leave in the morning.”
__“Yes.” Kitsuru walked off. Under her breath, she said, “of all the places I have to go...”

__“Ah, Kitsuru. My beautiful flower. You look glorious, my lady. How are you?”
__“Syvarris, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get focused on the battle ahead.”
__“Then perhaps we should take a stroll among the trees?”
__“No.”
__“Then how about we-“
__”Syvarris, leave her alone,” interrupted Larathiel. “Go practice your archery.”
__“Practice? Ha! My shot is as perfect as the day I was born.”
__“Then just go away,” suggested Kitsuru.
__“Oh you are a cold one, but I shall have you yet. I know you cannot resist me, my dear.” Kitsuru and Larathiel watched him leave.
__“I... I will go with him. We’ll see you in the morning, Kitsuru.”
__“Yes. And thank you, Larathiel. That one annoys me.”
__“There are those of us that feel the same, I assure you,” replied Larathiel with an innocent wink. “I hope to see Kaemon and Kaidara there.”
__“As do I.”
__“There will be peace soon, I hope. You can spend your time together.”
__“I have a feeling that won’t happen.”
__“Well, we can hope for it anyway, can we not?” When Kitsuru didn’t respond, Larathiel simply turned and left.