The Storm of The Tribes

Chapter 1: The Home of The Mizu

It was a warm, merry day in the Home of the Mizu... The air carried a crisp, watery atmosphere, and the scent resembled rain. The landscape was covered in hills, trees, and long grass. A river led from inside a large hill, and through a city. That city was a small one, but it was populated nonetheless. Everyone was minding their own business, going about their daily routines...

"Akio! ... Akio!? You're gonna be late! We need to leave before all the crowds get there! Your Father woke up early to wait at the gate for us!"

A woman exclaims.

"I'll be right there, Mother!"

A boy replies.

At the front of a medium sized house, stood the two. The boy was a teenager, and he stood tall, with a positive demeanor. His hair was combed, and he was wearing a tunic with trousers and sandals. The woman seemed to be aging. She was wearing a blue kimono, with a white trim, and a pair of Geta Sandals. On her belt was a small satchel.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's meet up with father." The boy requests. "Hold on. I have to get some food for him." The woman replies. "Why were you pressuring me to get ready!?" The boy exclaims under his breath. "What was that, Akio?" The woman asks. "Nothing..." Akio replies. "Let's go, then." The woman continues. They start to walk together in the main path of the city.

"So, what kind of food are we gonna get for father?" Akio asks. "You know his favorite, right? Noodles???" The woman questions. "Let me guess, you're gonna go to Daisuke's shop." Akio infers. "It's not like he's your father's best friend or anything..." The woman says with an altered tone. "Did I ever say that sarcasm makes me struggle not to puke?" Akio asks. "You never really tell me anything, kind of like your father." The woman says. Akio sighs. They keep walking.

Soon, The two reach the shop, and they walk in. Inside, the front desk is in the center of the shop, and it has a long room going all the way to the back of the building. Around that room's walls are tables. People are talking, clamoring, and having an overall good time. Akio and his Mother walk up to the front desk. A stout, plump man is making a plate of sushi on the other side. "Aisatsu, You two!" The Man says. "What's up, Daisuke?" Akio asks him. "You know, the same old stuff... Cooking noodles, eating them,-" Daisuke says as he's interrupted. "Inhaling hemp dust?" Akio asks interjectively. "Yeah, that too..." Daisuke answers. "Um... We'd like the Shomei Noodles, please." Mother says. "Got it." Daisuke says. He opens a door, and walks into the kitchen. "So that's Dad's favorite dish?" Akio asks. Mother nods.

In about 12 mins, Daisuke comes out holding a bowl with a lid on it. "How is Hiroshi?" Daisuke asks. "He's been retired for a while." Mother says while giving a concealed, and somehow sly glance. Akio notices this; But he simply doesn't acknowledge it. "Ah... Oh! I almost forgot, that will be 15 coins, please." Daisuke tells the woman. "Alright." Mother replies. She reaches into her belt saddle and pulls out the required coins. They trade items simultaneously.

As they walk towards the sliding door, and open it, the sound of horse hooves, screaming, and a war horn erupt through the door. Mother walks out of the door, then Akio. In the center path of the town, 11 horsemen were trotting through, past buildings, with searching gazes on their faces. Another horseman enters the town, but both him and his horse were lavishly decorated. His saddle was trimmed with gold, with the seat and straps being brown. On the side of the saddle, there was a carving of a symbol, depicting a flame. His armor was orange and red, with the kabuto (helmet) being black, while covering his face. He had a large sword sheath on his back, presumably carrying a Nodachi. He rode to the main courtyard of the town, and then slid off his horse. The Man then proceeded to take off his helmet. Half of his neck was charred, and he had a gash on his lip. "We don't want to hurt any of you fodder, but we will if we have to. Bring us Hiroshi Hansuke, or we will tear this town apart!" The Man exclaims. "What does he want with Father?" Akio asks. Mother shrugs, full of expression. A figure unexpectedly jumps down from a building, brandishing a grey, fitted coat, and a hooded mask. He had a wakizashi sheathed on his left. "Now, who are you?" The Man asks sternly. "You know who I am, Kazuo." The Figure says to him.