Dawning Of A New Era (Athene & christian7_41king)

[LadyAthene]

Ayana Izuhana​

2nd July, 1886

There were many old proverbs which seemed to apply to life nowadays. One of the ones that eighteen-year-old Ayana Izuhana firmly believed in was that time truly doesn't wait for one. Whether a person - or nation, in this - was ready for change or not, it would arrive. And, as of exactly eighteen years old, that had happened in Japan. It came in a major alteration, one that was abrupt and, for most people, a very beautiful change.

It had been an image akin to watching a caterpillar become a butterfly right before one's own eyes.

The Edo Period finally came to an end. In its wake arrived the Meiji Era. Furthermore, the Meiji Era appeared to Japan with things like hope, promises of a better future, peace, and that was just a few of the aspects that were immediately coming to Ayana's mind.

A soft sigh elicited from her lips as she stared out of the window in her private bedroom. It was relatively small, all things considered. But it had all the necessities and, quite frankly, it was spacious and cozy enough for Ayana.

Still, she couldn't help but feel like this tavern wasn't really her home.

After all, home is where the heart is, right?

Today was one of those days where her heart felt ... as if it were elsewhere. Not literally, obviously. In its own regard though, Ayana knew it to be true. It was linked likely to knowing at least part of her background, enough to understand the real reason she wasn't with her biological family.

Not to say Ayana wasn't grateful.

Some days though, she felt ... a bit odd to know she was being raised not by her blood-related family, but a group of complete strangers.

And yet, with all of the recent fights having finally come to an end, she knew she wasn't the only orphan, be it official or otherwise.

"Just be grateful," Ayana muttered to herself, jumping slightly as a new voice broke the silence.

"Ayana-san! Break's over!"

Ayana suppressed a slightly disappointed sigh from being heard. She'd known the time would come, eventually. It wouldn't change the fact she didn't like it, but it certainly wouldn't dare make her risk talking back to her boss.

"Hai!" she called back, "I'll be out in a bit!"

Knowing she was pressed for time, Ayana's hands raised, gripping the two chopsticks she'd set down minutes ago. Gripping both and holding them between her fingers, she then used her empty hand to re-wrap her bun up. Once she was certain it was in the right spot, Ayana then created an X with the chopsticks, re-making the same bun she had undone once her break started.

Her head lowered as Ayana looked down at herself, straightening out any wrinkles that may have been in her kimono. Only after double and even triple checking to ensure the obi was securely wrapped around her waist did Ayana feel satisfied she looked acceptable.

And so, after taking a slight breath, Ayana walked out of her room and into the main part of the tavern.

Waiting for her was her boss, a kind but older woman who had raised her as if Ayana had been her daughter.

Unfortunately, the fact she resorted to that mindset did imply that Jun did indeed have expectations for Ayana.

"You look lovely as always. Now, go on and get any of those tables, please. They've been waiting for a while."

After watching Jun's gaze, Ayana tried to examine and guess which customer looked the most impatient. Although she felt certain she found the right one, there was a specific individual which made her head unable to help but turn. And, even if it was the wrong direction to go, she went there anyway.

The sword - swords upon getting closer to the man - had been what reflected the most in her crimson eyes.

"Evening, sir," she greeted, still eyeing the weapons curiously. "Forgive me but it's ... interesting to see anyone still wielding those. Ah ... anyway. Can I get you anything to eat or drink?"

 

[christian7_41king]

Mifune was a great swordsman and a somewhat shamisen player. He was armed to the teeth with swords and a naginata that he used more for a walking stick than a weapon. Two of his swords, when compared to some his others, looked very plain the sheaths looking to be made of wood of some kind almost. The twin plain swords were on the table while he sat tuning up his shamisen. He was plucking away trying to get it in tune when the waitress came over.

Mifune would look up and cock his head to the side at her comment about his collection. “is it that odd to be carrying swords?” he asked as he started playing composing a haiku along with his playing “how odd these times are, a warrior far from home, disappear like dew.”

He then smiled “I will have some tea and a dumpling... if you feel generous a cup of sake and I'll play for you in return”

he chuckled he then went back to tuning his shamisen obviously he was still learning but was completely devoted to his task as any good samurai should.

He couldn't help but lament the changing of times he was born in the wrong era. He would have been a good warrior back in the old days. though it seemed heaven had other plans. Least this town was mostly quiet he could rest his feet here for a bit. Thankfully he had a second passion outside his swordsmanship. Music, he loved music though he felt this western stuff was too loud. It gave him a headache he pulled out his money counting what he had. He had 500 yen from his last job plus a little more from his playing he had done earlier in the day. Mifune knew that 500 would be gone quick if he didn't find work soon. Sadly no one wanted a samurai as much as they use to.

He finally shrugged and focused on his tuning and waiting for food. He would look for work once he had his energy back.

Little did he know a group of drunks were heading towards the place that Mifune was having his meal. It was early but it was clear they were drunk and pretty rowdy. They entered like raging pigs and began making lots of noise and calling out for more drinks and food. Mifune paid them no mind as he kept playing, waiting very patiently for his food and tea.

 

[LadyAthene]

Ayana Izuhana​

Ayana tilted her head upon hearing Mifune's rhetorical inquiry. Was he serious?

"Well .... a bit."

It seemed like the most obvious answer that yes, it was weird to see samurai and ronin still wandering around, let alone doing so armed. Like it or not - and many people didn't - the sword-wielding jobs were slowly but surely dying out. There was just no need, if any at all, for anyone who would use a blade of any kind. Even for the more "wild card" types of jobs like mercenaries, this was true. Unfortunately, the gradual decrease of jobs requiring weapons had been one of the other things that came with the dawning of the Meiji Era.

Ayana had no personal opinion on such types of people, unlike others.

She had heard a great number of people who were relieved, feeling most of the sword-users had been corrupt in the use of their weapons and power. Then there were those who were fearful, thinking it was a foolish move to get rid of your weapons altogether.

Ayana tried to be as neutral as possible on the matter; she could definitely see where it was better to be safe than sorry. However, she also couldn't deny that it was nice to not worry about war or any horrible conflicts that had been going on prior to this new age arriving.

... But she was talking directly with one of the people who had all but lost their way of life. So, even though her input would have been generous, it was also honest. Some people, she had learned from experience, just couldn't handle the truth. Especially when it came down to topics like this, which was likely something the man was still passionate about.

"But ... that's okay," she quickly added, "I understand. It's one of these things that are simply based off the preference of a person. I'm not here to judge, just take orders."

A small smile crossed her face as she took note of the haiku and now noticed his instrument. "Very nice. I haven't met many people who can come up with lovely poems so quickly. I usually need to think for a few minutes, sometimes longer."

"I will have some tea and a dumpling... if you feel generous a cup of sake and I'll play for you in return”

A few crimson tinges painted her cheeks. Still, Ayana managed to nod, followed quickly with a verbal reply, "Well .. you don't have to play. If you wish to, do so because you want to, not to try to make things 'fair' for me. This is my job, after all. Otherwise, I look forward to hearing you soon. I'll be right back."

As Ayana walked away, she realized something. Her head tilted first, simply to make damn sure she had observed it correctly, before chuckling softly.

Thank goodness. Finally, I can serve someone who doesn't give me trouble about them.

Them, of course, referring to her eyes. More often than not, someone would notice the crimson orbs, bring them up, and give her hell about it. Of course, that was partly what her boss was for; to help out with situations like that.

Still, it was definitely nice to get a break from that sort of interaction.

As quickly as Ayana walked away from Mifune's table, she started to return. She'd get about half-way before one of the people she'd mentally noted to go to afterwards reached up and gripped her arm.

"Oi," he growled lowly, "Why the fuck is he getting his shit first? I've been here far longer than him."

"I ... I just got off my break. I was only shown which tables to go to, not --- "

"I don't give a damn," he interrupted, tightening his grip on her arm. "You should have come over here first."

"W-Well ... let me finish up and set his purchases down at the very least. I can then come over and ... "

The very infuriated - even slightly insulted - glare in the man's eyes hinted Ayana's words were falling on deaf ears. She swallowed nervously, fearing this would only get worse before better.

Damnit. And this night was going so well too ...

"Let go. Please. There's no need to make a scene ... "

 

[christian7_41king]

Mifune noticed and sensed the man's frustration as his server left to get his order. He put his shamisen away and took his swords off the table putting them back into place at his side. He picked up and began fiddling with his Naginata walking stick, he knew the man was glaring at him and was finding it rude.

Mifune debated correcting the man until he suddenly grabbed the young girl that was carrying his food. Mifune sighed “fools there will always be” he then stood and crossed the distance and said “is there a problem?” his eyes fixed on the man. Mifune's naginata rested across his shoulders his arms over the man was pissed and started mouthing off and complaining and having no patience. “patience young grasshopper in the grand scheme of things, is this really such a big deal?” the man was obviously older and didn't take to kindly to being called grasshopper.
The man shoved the server and went to punch Mifune. Mifune side stepped and tripped the man making him landed hard on his back “you bastard!” one of the man's friend yelled. Who tried to to attack Mifune only to land on top of his friend. Mifune for his part wasn't even sweating and didnt even use his hands or his weapons. “you boys going have to do better then that if you want to fight me.” Two other of the grasshopper's friends started surrounding Mifune while grasshopper and and his partner started getting up and joined in the circle. Mifune sighed “you guys are soooo boring! It won't be fun if I use my weapons on you much less my fists.”

“get him!” yelled the grasshopper Mifune sighed and soon the fight was on Mifune true to his word never used his hands or his weapons. Just his steel lined sandals covered feet. Beating the five men almost senseless. A sixth friend finally joined it and drew a hidden blade it was wakizashi in appearance but it sheath made looked like a regular, carved stick.

Mifune smiled “Ah good something I can sink my teeth into. i'll be taking that from you.” he watched the man carefully. “ just die!” shouted the blade man and started charging at Mifune blade going for a thrust. Mifune just barely dodged it seemed but in reality, he was toying with the man “oh your fast but not fast enough.” after the man swung his little sword around and missed Mifune, it was clear he lacked formal training with it. Mifune saw an opening and slammed his knee into his gut making him drop his blade in the process. Mifune sighed “well that was just terrible. I had such high hope for you.” Mifune took the blade and it's sheath. “now you and your friends scram I have no time to waste with you weaklings. Unless you want to lose your life too.” he then turned towards Ayana and helped her up “you ok miss? Clearly wanting her name as the 6 men slowly retreated shouting threats and vengeance.

 

[LadyAthene]

Ayana Izuhana​

As the threat of a seemingly inevitable fight got stronger, Ayana shook her head quickly at Mifune. "N-No! Really, I'm --- ngh!"

She would have been able to fairly say the word 'fine', had the man not squeezed down on her arm at that moment.

"Get your ass back over there and get me my order! Now! Insolent bitch!" Making sure to emphasize on the last word as she was pushed away.

As she stumbled back and eventually fell on her rear, the young waitress held tightly onto the plate. The sake, in particular, was expensive and she did not want to have any of her money used to replace it, not if it could be helped. Ayana bit her lip, restraining herself from having her own outburst at the insult. It would have been justified, yes. But it wasn't in her to say equally rude things back, even when she had a good reason to.

"W-Wait! Don't fight, please!"

Too late. By the time she tried to stop the fray, it had already stopped. Yet, there had been something else, and the only hint anyone may get was if they paid attention to her voice and noticed it got softer near the end.

Her 'curse' activated, causing her head to tilt.

... Is he truly that strong? That even against that many people, he can win?

Having been born right when the Meiji Era first arrived, Ayana had honestly never seen any serious fights before, regardless of what they were used with. As far as she could recall, the worst that had happened in this small tavern was the one she was watching play out with her own eyes. Normally, people just used their fists or even harsher words. Sword users were so rare that prior till now, she'd never seen a blade used in combat.

It was as beautiful as it was terrifying. If it weren't for the fact this was still a conflict, Ayana would have thought it to look like a dance.

Though ... a slightly clumsy one, at least one the behalf of the drunk men.

And, apparently, it was an also rather swift dance, apparently one that was too much for the six individuals to keep up with. Ayana knew she hadn't blinked, which helped her know she had indeed seen the entire fight play out.

"Umm, yes. I'm fine, thanks."

Her face burned red as she realized the other patrons and co-workers, as well as her boss, had seen the fight also. Oh was Jun in a very pissed off mood. Her biggest saving grace was it wasn't directed at her.

"Sorry, sir. We don't usually have angry drunks in here. It's a rare problem, I swear."

Accepting his help to stand up - primarily to ensure she didn't drop the tray holding his food and drink - Ayana moved with Mifune to his table and began to set everything down. "It .. should still be okay. Nothing spilled or fell on the floor ... I don't believe."

 

[christian7_41king]

“Ah don't worry about it. I'm just glad I could help.” Mifune smiled as he helped her set the food up. “So what is your name miss?” as he took his seat and smiled. He took a sip of his sake, savoring the flavor and then swallowed. “ has anyone told you, your eyes are very pretty. I like them.” he then went about eating his food.

He smiled as he continued his humble lunch finishing his dumplings and tea. He would finish his sake last. He then would start playing his Shamisen playing lively tunes for the patrons. Some tipping him. As it soon got later and most where going home. Mifune sighed. Then started playing a different song. “I'm not worried about nothing. I ain't worried na nada. Yet I'm sitting pretty impatient but I know you gotta put in them hours, making that money. I'm wishing you would stay a little longer, yet I know your always working harder, I can't stand it being alone and I don't need no explanation cause hun your the boss at home. You ain't got go to work. let me take care of you. I know I ain't got much, just a poor ronin. Yet the future is brighter when we are together. I know they say, we dont stand a chance but hun lets prove them wrong. We don't need no explanation when we are in love. The world keep changing and yet we are still the same. Two people forever in love.” Mifune half smiled it was terrible but it was true in a way. When you're in love nothing else mattered.

Mifune paid for his meal and was wondering where he was going to sleep as he packed up as he had nowhere to stay. He sighed looking as his newest addition to hi collection and muttered “junk” under his breath. Shaking his head, he started heading for the door, leaving his money for the meal plus the tips he earned as a way of thanks for letting his stay and play. 500 yen that all he had left now. He sighed he would have to go job hunting tomorrow and hope someone still needed someone of his caliber.

As he stepped outside he looked around and noticed a small little alleyway by the tea house he was just at. He looked further and saw an old mat and some discarded cloth that could make for a bed. Setting up and arranging it. He laid down, keeping all his weapons close by. he wrapped up in an old blanket thinking what he would do with his life in a world where his style was dying out along with his ideals. He sighed the fates were cruel but how could he change? To change would be a grave dishonor to him and all who had come before him he refused to let his ideals die along with the way of the sword. He would find a way to remind people what samurai were about. Honor, loyalty, and duty to the people. That what a true samurai stood for. He smiled “the people are my walls my castle my ramparts my moat. I will protect them with all that I have no matter what” he sighed as he felt sleep slowly begin to take him.