The youngest of my family, I was always overshadowed by my older siblings. Not as strong or tough as my two older brothers, nor as charming and beautiful as my sister. When nobles came to visit, I was the one that would be sent away, as the rest of my family showed off in the hopes of gaining the favour of some important someone or other.
I quickly realised that when this happened, I would not be missed for long periods of time - indeed, often no-one would look for me until the next morning, and so it did not take much effort to sneak out and explore. Being friends with the staff helped - of course, my family would never expect their high-born daughter to even converse with such people, never mind sneak out of home with their help. They probably thought I sat quietly in my room, reading books like a good little child and staying out of trouble. Idiots.
My family 'home', if you could call it that, was on the outskirts of a small village, where I would regularly spend my time. Travelers often passed through, stopping for rest or company, and they had so many interesting tales - I especially liked the ones of technologies long forgotten, and distant lands unexplored. I would also use the free time to practice my sword skills - of course, I couldn't compare to my 'darling' brothers' skill with the katana, but there was something relaxing about training quietly in a forest clearing, away from the glares and muttered criticisms of my parents and trainers back home.
However, one day, things changed somewhat, when I met a travelling swordsman. Ronin, some called him, but he let such insults wash over him like water. I do not know what he saw in me, but there must have been something. Perhaps he saw a kindred spirit, someone else who had been cast out, at least in all but name. Or perhaps he was simply curious about the one person in the inn that held his gaze as he entered. Regardless, I must have done something right, as it was from him I learned the School of the Two Heavens.
The Two Heavens, unlike the brute force strategy that my brothers used, worked well with my coordination and speed, and I proved a natural - something that my parents would have noticed, had they cared a little more. My mentor did not stay long, sadly, but long enough to teach me the basics, and how to improve on my own. He had business for the Emperor, apparently. When I asked him what business the Emperor would have with a Ronin, he simply laughed, and said "Nothing for you to worry about, little bird. Sometimes a different perspective is needed, that's all. Train hard, however, and you might find out sometime soon." And so he left, and I trained in that peaceful forest, whenever I needed to get away from my family for a while.
However, after meeting someone like that, my mind became restless. I could not stand to stay cooped up in this stuffy place any more. Before, all these tales seemed fanciful: made-up; the stuff of stories. But having met a travelling swordsman, and hearing such tales of exploration and mysteries, it seemed so much more real...
Opportunity came when one day, a entourage in the colours of the Emperor showed up, requesting an audience with my family. Of course, I was sent away, as usual - I bore it with my usual silent acceptance, long since used to the treatment - but something seemed different. Visits were usually from families that were acquainted with mine, or nobles, not representatives of the Emperor. Curious, I hid nearby to listen in.
Huh... the Emperor was looking for samurai to abandon their lands and family, to explore Chynna? He was looking for Ronin?? ... I realised that this could be my chance! A way to escape my family, and explore new lands! And perhaps even make a name for myself! And something about the voice that was speaking was familiar...
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From my vantage point behind a side door, I could just barely make out a mane of light brown hair that seemed so familiar. The mysterious man continued outlining the Emperor's request, before asking the question. My family gave no response. Suddenly, he turned and looked directly at the door I was hiding behind, and I barely held my composure. It was Inoue-sensei, the Ronin that had taught me his sword style! He winked directly at me, before addressing my mother,
"Well, I am disappointed to see that there are no volunteers... but what about your other daughter?"
My mother looked up, startled. She hid it well though, and smoothly replied,
"What other daughter? We only have the one..."
Inoue's face immediately grew angry, and he stood up. "Don't play games with me, Kobayashi-san!" He glanced over to me again, and gestured.
I stepped confidently into the room, and the conversation stopped as heads turned towards me. My brothers frowned, and one of them, Akio, opened his mouth to speak, but my wonderful mother beat him to it.
"Akane! How dare you..."
"Forget about me, mother?" I cut her off. "Don't worry, I wasn't surprised". I turned to Inoue, who had raised an eyebrow at the drama, but had otherwise kept his cool completely. "I would like to volunteer."
"And you are...?"
"Kobayashi Akane, sir," I said as I bowed towards him, keeping up the charade that we did not know each other. "I apologise for the interruption, but I could not stand and listen any longer."
"Kobayashi Akane... a pleasure to meet you. I am Inoue Daiki" he nodded slightly to me, before turning towards my mother. "Now, would you care to give an explanation?"
"...This one is quiet, and usually prefers to stay in her room, away from visitors," she replied.
"Hah! A fancy way of saying you like to send me away when anything important happens! What were your words... 'An embarrassment to the family', was it?"
She looked down a little at that, and Inoue's eyes narrowed a little. He then turned back to me,
"Are you sure, child? This will be no easy task, after all. Abandoning your family, for a hard life in unknown lands..."
"My family care not for my existence anyway. I would rather leave and be of use to the Emperor than stay here and be ignored all my life until my parents marry me off to some guy I've never met!"
Voices rose in anger at that, as they tried to tell me it was for my own good, etc, before Inoue rose to his feet.
"Enough! The girl does not need your permission, nor your blessing, to accept the Emperor's request. And quite frankly, I am disappointed in all of you. Are you not loyal subjects of the Emperor? Are you not aware of his views on matters like this?" His voice turned a little kinder at this, as he turned to face me. "Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. Of course, anyone who dishonors their family with their actions will lose all respect... but in this case, it seems that your daughter has never even had the chance to be a part of this family, never mind dishonour you.
In fact, Akane here is the only one in this room that I have any respect for right now. She may not have your physical strength," he said, gesturing at my brothers, "or your beauty", looking towards my sister and my mother, "but she has more courage than any of you, that much is clear, and that in itself is often worth far more than strength or looks. And I think you'd be surprised at her capabilities, if you opened your eyes for once in a while."
My family, shocked, remained silent as Inoue turned back to address me,
"Now, Akane... your bravery and curiosity may be exactly what is needed to explore the new land of Chynaa... I cannot help you with your family, unfortunately - clearly you would be happier elsewhere, anyway. But I must ask, are you sure?"
There was no doubt. "Yes," I replied.
"Then may you hold your head high as you journey into the unknown. Although you would forsake your family, and leave the Emperor's lands, do so with courage, and may you find the life you seek!
"And as for you," he addressed my family once more, "I would say I hope that you realise the error of your ways... but that might be asking a little much." He shrugged. "Who knows, maybe someday..." He turned away. "How soon can you be ready, Akane?"
"Within the hour," I replied. "I have few people to bid farewell, and even fewer possessions to bring."
"I will wait for you, then."
I glanced at my family. Akio looked like he wanted to speak, but changed his mind. They stayed silent as I swept past them and left the room.
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Less than half an hour later, I was ready. True to my word, I had said goodbye to the staff I was friendly with, and gathered what possessions I planned to take - my robes, my staff, and my trusty knife. I decided to leave my practice swords behind. They would not be much use where I was going. We left without much ceremony - my family saying nothing else. After some time walking, we paused at a junction in the path.
"This is where we part, Akane. I must continue this journey of mine, and you have a journey of your own to begin."
"...Thank you, sensei. I will not waste this opportunity!"
"I'm sure you won't. Here, I have something for you," he said, as he took a large, cloth-wrapped object from his pack and handed me it. "Don't open it until you are on your way, alright?"
With that, he embraced me. "Good luck, child You'll need it. Now go!"
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The wobbling of the ship under my feet was unusual, but it became normal soon enough. The deck of the ship was unusually quiet today, as I kneeled down and unwrapped Inoue-sensei's gift. Two blades, rough with use, but well cared for, fell into my grip, and I smiled sadly. A short note was hidden amongst the cloth - 'These blades have served me well. Wield them with courage, little bird, and you will fly free'
A tear fell from one eye, and I was glad there was no-one to watch me as I cast the note to the wind.
'I will make you proud, sensei'
