Love, War, & Beetles

Chapter 1 - Found

Gorou's POV

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     The sounds of battle always burned into my ears, finding their forever-homes in my memory - every piercing scream, clash of metal, or dull thud of another person's body hitting the ground would reappear at some point in the following week. Her Excellency had suggested stuffing my ears before fights, but that would diminish the advantage my unfortunate blood gave the resistance.

     "General Gorou!" Suddenly, the bloody shores of Nazuchi Beach disappeared and my office surrounded me. I was lost for a moment, staring around to help ground myself, landing on the plush pillow beside my desk. "General Gorou, we're awaiting your permission."

     "W... I-I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

     "Her Excellency sent notice of a gang wandering around Yashiori Island. She told us to find them and bring them directly to her - we were asking who you're sending on the mission."

     "Right, yes, that! One moment, I had a list! It's... It's, um..."

     "Sir, are you alright? Do you need a doctor or anything? Maybe Her Excellency can -"

     "No. I'm fine, just a little tired. No reason to go bother her. Here's the list." He accepted it, worry radiating through the room until the door closed behind him. I could feel my thoughts slipping again, so I stood up, stretched, and walked out. The Shogun's army had relaxed a little, so a short walk to ease my mind wouldn't hurt.

     "General Gorou, what happened? Where are you going? Did another battle break out?"

    "No, Yamayo. Just relish in the calm and stay alert. I'm going on a walk - if I don't return in an hour, send for me."

     "Sir yes sir!" I saluted back before hurrying out of the camp. The horrendous weather had relaxed for a moment, leaving a cool breeze to sweep through the tall grass. No matter how hard I tried to relax, I had to stop and listen every two minutes. It's so calm today. Something big is coming. I need to go back. I forced the panic down, sliding down the thick trunk of a tree - it was only a little ways off the path, so when I was inevitably hunted down, they'd find me easily.

     The soft chirps of birds, the quiet rustling of grass, the softest murmur of a brook nearby - I forced myself to sit and endure the calm. Her Excellency expects a calm, collected general, not a spacy little runt! No more spacing out, only relaxing.

     I relaxed too much, coming to as rain poured outside - I was in a house, not under the tree anymore. I could feel water dripping from my hair and bandages around my torso. My conscious mind knew it was bad and terrible, but my body refused to respond - I was completely numb. I could see a fireplace lit across from me, but I couldn't hear it. Then I managed to figure out my body, flailing and slamming on the ground.

     Get up, get up, get up, get up, get -

     "Oh, hey! You're awake, Pup!"

     "Don't call me that!"

     "Well, considering you can't even move right now, I'll call you whatever I want."

     "If I could see you, I'd be able to kill you easily."

     "Aw, but what about my face?~" I went to speak, only to freeze once I actually turned over to see him hovering over me.

     A fluffy white mane trailed down his back, fiery orange eyes staring down at me. He had big red oni horns poking out of his hair, the red markings pairing well with his sun-tanned skin and pearly white teeth. He had no right to have such a distracting smile.