Soldiers of Light ch. 9 "Land HOOOO"
 

Kurama smiled back at Jade.

"Yes, flight really is a wonderous thing the first few times. Then you get used to it."

He looked back out over the water.

"Hmmm...we might pass your village. Where would your village be?"

They had reached the end of the ship and Jade had stopped to peer out at the ocean in front of them. "It's about a day and a half ride south of Hokaido," a hint of sadness was in her voice, "I have not been back there in years."

"Really? That is close to where we are going. We could probably stop there for the night, if you wish. I would hope it means free lodging. Normally we'd sleep in the ship, so finding a residence will be a problem."

He leaned forward to look out over the ocean, being wary of his injured arm.

"Well, at least you'll be going home. I've been ordered to never return unless I've completed my mission."

He frowned slightly, one of the few times his smile was ever gone. Then his smile came back, and he seemed better.

"My grandfather's village is a bit further away, but I'm sure it's in the path of your home."

Jade turned around, leaning her back on the railing of the stern. "My family will probably be unhappy to see me. If I am home then that means to them that I have failed in my mission of protecting the legs and not died an honorable death. They are....rather difficult to reason with."

"No. We have the legs. The legs are in the custody of their owner, which is me. You returning home means you've completed your mission, and survived it. Besides, it was my ancestor that gave them the task centuries ago. They'll have to listen to me. So no worries. Just be glad about going home. I'm sure you have friends waiting for you, right?"

Kurama looked over at Jade. She seemed sad. He didn't know why people would be sad about going home.

Home was a touchy subject for Jade, she pulled her scarf off and began passing the fabric through her hands. "The children of my village are tested at a young age. If they show potential, they go to be trained to become guardians of the legs or bodyguards for the Daimyos. If they do not show potential, they become farmers, blacksmiths or fisherman. Those who train and those who do not are forbidden from interacting beyond the rudamentry business conversation. All of my friends who trained with me were sent away. A few were sent before me to the monks, only to have fallen in battle. The others are god knows where right now. If ever someone were to come back to the village, it is considered a great dishonor. Moving the legs is like losing them to my village. They were supposed to stay locked up with the monks for all eternity, and I was supposed to stay there with them until I either could not perform my task as guardian or died in battle. So you can see why I'm so "anxious" to go home."

Kurama gave her a very questioning look.

"Locked up for eternity? Who told them THAT garbage? The legs were to remain safe until the next wielder of the Raigaki revealed themselves. They were, however, meant to be given to me when I came to get them. You would have failed by not giving them to me."

Kurama looked up to the sky.

"I'll need to check what writings they have on this subject, since they seem to have it all wrong."

Jade gave a half smile before pushing herself off the railing. "To be honest, the elders of my village do not believe that the wielder of the Raigaki would come. They probably won't even believe that you are the chosen one, even if you wave that sword in their face."

He blew air out of his mouth, moving some hair away from his eyes.

"Well, then I'll show them what the sword can do. How many sword can launch blades of light? Or make an impenetrable barrier? Not many, that's what. If they need proof, then I'll prove it."

Jade sighed and began to walk off. "You can try, but they aren't easily convinced. There have been many others who have tried to convince us that they are the chosen one. The elders will put you to a test. You will have to fight the strongest member of the village."