Dojo of the Rising Sun (On Hiatus)

I-IV: The Legends are Real

The sun had risen. Its rays poked through the trees as Taka and the figures who had saved her galloped through, no road to guide them. She had already stopped sobbing, making peace with Kakume's death.

It was my fault. Taka thought. But it's no good to beat myself up over it.

It was still my fault, though.

The riders continued to blitz through the forest, Kyusei already awake and holding on to the saddle under him. She was clutching unto the rider boy who had saved her. His waist was tough, built and strong. She felt a sense of safety when she held unto him. Yet, as she looked around, she realized that he was the only person in the group of riders that didn't have a sword.

Odd. Taka thought.

They passed a few sentries, who bowed as they passed. She felt her arms tighten as she saw the insignia that was painted unto their backs and upon their banners.

A red circular slash, with a kanji in the middle that read 'destroy'.

Demon slayers... Taka thought. I've been saved by demon slayers!

The rider boy felt her arms tighten around him, and he looked back. "Hey, is something wrong?"

"I..." Taka hesitated, but decided to ask anyway. "You're a demon slayer. Aren't you?"

The rider boy responded with a smile, then looked away.

"You've heard of us, huh?"

Ahead, buildings appeared, though the trees still reigned, rising over the little huts. Dozens and dozens of slayers were waiting for them, and as they passed the little village, the slayers cheered. They raised their arms, and those who held weapons raised those as well. Taka could see more demon slayers hidden in the village itself, sharpening their swords and sparring one another.

This is a barrack... Taka thought.

Once they had passed the village, the trees took over their surroundings. She could feel gravity tug her differently as they started going downhill. The forest was not as densely packed as before, so the light of the sun peeked out more, warming Taka's cold fingers.

Then the trees parted.

Taka could not contain her gasp at what she saw.

A valley, a luscious valley of red and green, the sunlight tinting the leaves gold. And within the valley, a huge settlement of humans was built. Dark brown huts blanketed the flatter areas, their doors open to the air.

Her eyes widened as she saw the people inside. The houses were filled with refugees and former slaves, some of which she actually recognized. Inside, there were cloth mats where the injured would lay, while others nursed them, bandaged them, and offered them food. They were... caring for each other.

How... Taka thought. How could there be so many people in one house? Wouldn't that cause a fight?

She then remembered that these weren't demons. These were humans. Their hopeful, compassionate, and communitive natures that the demon slavers were annoyed by and hated so much was in full display here. These people were not petty, and were not quick to anger. They sought to better others along with themselves. They formed groups and communities, drawn to each other like moths to a flame. And when enough humans joined together, they created...

Joy. Taka thought, turning her head as she saw a group of children playing by the wayside. Hope. Unity. To be human is... to not be alone.

Something Taka has always felt inside her. And something none of the demons she knew shared.

Taka's shock only heightened as they rode into the industrial part of the settlement. To her left, she saw a huge tavern where old men smiled and clanked mugs of fuzzy gold liquid. Taka wondered if that tasted anything like honey.