The Shinobi's failed judgement

[usercultist 148]

 

The sounds of steel clashing together echoed throughout the walls of Sakura-Gakure. 

 

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Within the Ashigaru barracks, Shinobi and Geisha, teacher and student, stood with drawn blades. The two were engrossed in combative training, and the Shinobi stood blindfolded, aiming to refine her hearing and spatial awareness. The Geisha, to improve her combative skills and blade work. As they neared close to strike one another, a musin entered the dojo and spoke, aiming to assist the Geisha with her skills. By doing so, the Shinobi's focus had been broken for a fleeting moment, causing her to miscalculate her dodge. After slashing through one another, they stood, backs apart.

 

The veil which had covered the Shinobi's eyes fell, cut in two. Blood dripped to the gravel as she sheathed her blade, and held a hand to her eyes. The Geisha fell to the floor, shrieking in pain as that crimson ichor spewed from her chest and severed fingers. Her wounds stung, abnormally more than they should, as the Shinobi's azhl blade bit away at her skin. Following a rush to the clinic, the Shinobi had been left with a grizzly slash across her eyes. They needed removal, and the Shinobi had been left in the dark, forever. The Shinobi, raised purely to provide use, quickly fell into a state of depression after the loss of her eyes. She deemed herself useless, unable to continue her fight for her nation. She grew tired, falling into deep sleep to regain her lost blood. As she did so, a single prayer was uttered to the one deity that gave her strength; Aritsuki, the Greater Kami of souls, death, and the moon. "There's still so much ah wanted t' do.. please don't take away my worth."

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Spoiler

 

The darkness that now enveloped the Shinobi's eyes was suffocating, and drowned out everything around her. She began to twist and turn, in a panic. As she spun about, the sound of splashing met her ears. She'd turn once more, and intense moonlight washed over her. A castle sat under the moon, much closer than it should be. Iena's darkness was suffocating, and drowned out everything near her. She turned over her shoulder and was met with the moon—enormous and impossibly close, pinned over the horizon. 

Beneath it, sat a beautiful castle, casting a great silhouette over the infinitely shallow pool that seemed to appear at her feet. It was crystal clear, and still, just deep enough to gently pass by the ankles. The water, placid enough to reflect the luminescent moon, mirrored the stars that seemed to only now blink into existence. Filled with an overwhelming sense of ease, and peace, the girl began to walk to the castle, being the only thing in sight. As she entered, she found herself in the castle's main hall, and face to face with the moon incarnate, Aritsuki. The ethereal Kami lofted a hand forward, extending her pale, glowing finger toward Iena's eyes. She quickly awoke in a disgusting cold sweat and with a remnant of her former sight.

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Edited October 3, 2024 by usercultist