The Renegade: Oblivion

Ch. 2: Proof Of Skill

Aspect knelt by a small brook, dipping a rag into the water. It had been nearly a half moon since Fire had come to him, and yet there was no sign of the important official he had mentioned. Was it all really just a dream? He thought.

He drew the rag from the brook and squeezed out the water onto his head, savoring every last drop that ran down his furry black face. He began to feel a little better about not being among other people due to feeling self-conscious about his unusual bathing habits.

Suddenly he heard noises coming from beyond the bushes that led down to the stream, and Aspect froze. He pricked his ears, waiting, but nothing else seemed to happen.

He turned back to his bathing but was promptly interrupted once again by the noise.

He swore under his breath as he dressed himself, then put on his hat before silently dashing off in the direction of the noise. Curiosity roused him, and he wondered if the cause of the noise was the official that his brother informed him of.

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Two horses were traveling the path that Mori had trekked, but this time they had a suitable fighting force consisting of a few guards. Sat atop them were a short tanuki and a Blacklai fox, a creature that is essentially an ordinary fox, but with blue fur and black horns spiraling from their head and tail-tips. The little party had no need to fear thieves, for although they can be formidable on their own, when faced with a party of more than three they become rather cowardly.

So it was peaceful as they went, until the tanuki broke the silence with a friendly question to his cohort.

"Nice day, isn't it, Kojo?" He asked happily.

But the Blacklai fox didn't seem to share his easygoing tone. Instead he held bitterness in his voice. "Don't speak to me as if we were equals, Todokii," Kojo growled. "I am the great Kojo, advisor of the Shogun Thawe. You are merely the one to lead the way."

Todokii seemed shaken by the official's condescending tone, but he didn't lash out in response. "...You're worried about Lady Snowshoe, aren't you?" He asked suddenly. Kojo stiffened, and Todokii continued, "You know, I'm a father as well. I understand how you feel, but there's better ways to spend the day than worrying about her."

"Keep quiet!" Kojo spat. He motioned for them to stop and paused, watching the trees intently. Todokii opened his mouth to protest, but the glare he got from one of the guards kept him quiet.

"Who goes there?" Kojo asked suddenly. "Show yourself."

The silence went on for a few more agonizing moments, before someone cleared their throat up ahead. The party lifted their eyes to the canopy to find a dark figure standing among the branches.

The warrior stared down at them, expressionless for a long moment before letting a smirk cross his face. "Ever hear of the Black Warrior?"

Kojo strained to see him clearly, but the thick canopy hid him away from his view. "...Of course," He replied warily. "The Black Warrior, protector of travelers and Bane of Thieves, a righteous and noble soul. But who are you? A thief?"

In response, the black fox leaped out of the tree and landed nimbly in front of the small party. He swept his hair out of his face, standing tall, but his straw hat still cast a long shadow over his eyes. "I'm no thief. Quite the opposite. This Black Warrior whom you revere so highly... Well, he's me. And I've come to ask you a favor."

The official stared at him in bewilderment. Then he replied dryly, "...I'm afraid I don't believe you. The Black Warrior never revealed himself to travelers who weren't in peril. And we have a suitable fighting force, as you can see here." He nodded to the three guards who stood beside him. All three glared at the newcomer, one fingering his spear in anticipation, waiting for the order to attack. Then Kojo turned back to the fox. "So I'm sorry, but we need no help from rogues like you."

Aspect dipped his head, acknowledging the Blacklai Fox's words. "Of course I understand your misgivings. But would you please at least humor me somehow? How about this," He waved his hands to the guards, "You let me challenge one of your guards, and I'll prove to you that I am the Black Warrior. If I best him in battle, will you hear me out?"

Kojo thought for a moment, thinking over the offer. Todokii looked at him worriedly, and his eyes widened when the official at last agreed. The Blacklai Fox nodded, and motioned for one of his escorts to attack. At once the guard barreled forward, brandishing his mighty spear.

Aspect leaped aside, and as the guard spun around to face him he was met with a blow to the face. He stepped back, not expecting a simple melee attack but smarting from the stinging offense. He growled and rushed forward again, this time unsheathing a sword that hung at his side.

In response, the black fox reached to his side and revealed his own sword, a gleaming silver katana with a golden guard and a black hilt. He lunged and met his adversary in a clash of blades, sparks flying from the collision.

They continued with the battle, each dodging and launching their own flurry of attacks. Finally, as the sunlight struck the blades, it blinded the guard for a split second. The black fox saw the opportunity and promptly took it, taking advantage of the loss of sight and knocking his opponent's sword from his hand. As the guard fumbled around, the fox then launched a final attack, a flying kick to the neck. A moment later the guard was on the ground, choking and in a daze of defeat.

Aspect stared at him for a few moments, then turned to the official with a victorious grin. "So. You saw it with your own eyes." He held his hands in the air. "Do you finally believe me now? Or do you wish for round two?"

Kojo shook his head, looking rather pleased at his actions and embarrassed at his own obvious blunder. "No, I believe you now, Black Warrior," He replied. "But forgive me. Your appearance... it does not bring you as much glory as the stories say."

The Black Warrior snorted at his comment, obviously taking offense but not pressing any further. Instead he met the gaze of the official and his escort, his green eyes glimmering with triumph.

"Now, for my first reasons to come. I was sent by someone close to me to escort you to Jiang-lao. I need to speak with Shogun Isu."

Kojo eyed him for a moment before nodding. "I will provide you with a horse to travel with us. Jiang-lao is a day's journey from here, so it's best I keep you off your feet."

Aspect grinned. "Thank you," He said, leaping up on one of the guards' horses. "I am honored to be given the chance to travel with you."

Kojo just nodded briskly and motioned for the party to continue, and soon they were on their way, leaving the forest that Aspect called home behind.