The Splintered

The Aftermath

"Right there?"

I said holding up a piece of wood that was going to be nailed down.

"Yep, perfect."

Once the bodies were properly buried, Dex was meeting with the village council to see if we could stay in Ueda castle. Us being here brought protection but simultaneously danger.

"Hey, greene."

Another warrior came up to me and gave me a random pat on the back.

"I saw what you did out there, Botan would be proud."

"I highly doubt it but thank you."

I replied continuing to help the warriors in repairs. I missed doing training with Botan if only for a short time. Moving concrete slabs was hard but once again not an audible complainer. One of the warriors raised an eyebrow with a soft smile on her face.

"You don't take compliments well do you?"

"What gives you that idea-"

I accidentally dropped some concrete on my foot as I screamed in pain pushing it off and hopping a bit.

"You've been working hard already, don't you want to take a break-"

"I appreciate the concern but I do my best work when I'm not resting."

I replied as the wall entrance doors opened, I looked at the warrior women who nodded at me that I could go as I slightly limped over. Joining the circle of warriors as Dex announced.

"We can stay in Ueda castle."

As we all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Why are they letting us stay?"

"Well quite frankly when I explained we were ambushed, half agreed half didn't. The deciding vote was given by Botan's grandson."

My gaze lifted hearing Botan had a grandson, a lump formed in my throat too. But I focused back on Dec.

"For now let's continue with the repairs and training, got it?"

"Un!"

We all yelled I started to walk off too but Dex pulled my collar back.

"Ah ah, let's get something to eat."

"I didn't know Botan had a grandson."

"He wants to meet you."

Now I see where this is going. Before I knew it I was in the shop, eating ramen awkwardly while the grandson stared at me in royal clothing or Sokutai. He had a smirk that threw me off.

"You seem nervous."

He said as I dipped my head and replied.

"You are the grandson of the person I failed, it'd be wrong if I wasn't."

"I see. Well officially, I am Itsuki Botan."

Holding out his hand to shake, I shook it saying.

"I'm Mason."

We picked up our chopsticks at the same time, I clinked up some more noodles slurping them down as Itsuki dug into his Katsudon. We ate in silence for a moment before Itsuki broke it again.

"You didn't fail my grandfather. He was stubborn as an ox, if he chose to die protecting his homeland that had nothing to do with you."

It was blunt, but what I needed to hear I guess. I finished my bowl and replied.

"Okay."

Itsuki finally fully smiled which randomly caused me to smirk.

"So he does smile."

"Whatever Itsuki."

Dex somehow convinced me to let Itsuki take me into the main village versus us returning to the castle. I ignored the gazes from a few women who wanted more than just my autograph.

"Seems some favor you."

"I don't think they favor me, my looks maybe."

I replied as Itsuki randomly scoffed and retorted.

"For quite the pessimist you're quite humble."

"How's that?"

Itsuki didn't answer me then as we walked over to a guard tower, climbing up the steps I gazed out at the rice field as Itsuki took a different demeanor while leaning next to me.

"Do you want power?"

Locking eyes with him I responded.

"Yes, I need it to protect those I care about."

"That's noble of you, now tell me, what would you do to gain that power?"

He asked as I rolled my eyes.

"I will never betray those I love or sign up with abominations. If that's the way then I decline."

Itsuki took a short pause, nodded then said.

"Good, I just needed to get a basis of your character."

"You do realize I could have lied-"

"If you were a liar you would have tried to save your skin by telling me Botan died being a crazy old man, instead you took responsibility for his death. Even now you still mourn him, no, it's etched into your psyche to never let something like that happen again."

It was freaking me out how well he was picking me apart, intuition maybe but I had a feeling he might be Splintered.

"As you might have guessed by now, I'm a Splintered. No, I did not use my ability to read your mind, I just know a renegade warrior when I see one."

"You asked if I wanted power, are you saying you could give it to me?"

I asked as Itsuki clapped his hands in agreement.

"Precisely. Dex wouldn't approve of it, since he would rather you gain your abilities the natural way. Fighting abominations till they manifest on their own."

"By the time that would happen we could be ambushed again, I can't wait that long. Jace is coming back I'm sure of it, I've got to be ready."

I declared with clenched fists as Itsuki gripped my shoulder then replied.

"Follow me, you can make your final decision once you see it."

Following Itsuki, he climbed onto a horse and I just realized I'd never ridden one.

"Hop on."

Holding out his hand, I took it climbing onto the back of the horse. I awkwardly had to hold him from the back as we rode away from the castle. I started to recognize the fields of grass and mud the horse trotted through. It's how I was rolled in the first place when I still had feminine traits. Itsuki slowed up once we reached a forest-type area, the horse started to neigh nervously.

"This is our stop."

I climbed off wondering what it was I was about to see, Itsuki tied up the horse on a nearby rack before pointing towards the woods.

"Up ahead you'll find a dying abomination queen, if you kill it you'll abilities will be unlocked."

Sketchy to the max but I didn't have much choice, Itsuki passed me a katana and some red armor from the Sanada clan. It'd be the first time I'd be wearing the full get-up, it was heavy but I'd rather have it than be dead. The chest was a little big but not too big at least, the kote fit perfectly ironically and the boots held together well.

"The queen, does she have any special abilities?"

I muttered tightening my kabuto or helmet on my head, this one thankfully didn't have any horns.

"Yes, but rarely does anyone live long enough to find out."

"Right."

Here we go, as I turned to Itsuki before entering the forest.

"Tell Dex if I don't make it back I did it for all the people we've lost already."

"I will."

With that, I slowly pushed through the green leaves as they blew around from the wind. This was going to be a long night.