Friend or Foe?

What seemed like a man, 5ft 10 with a slim build was standing at the front of the cave's lake. It was nearly impossible to find a woman carrying a sword, especially a woman out by themselves at night, so Makoto and Daisuke assumed it was a man. He was wearing ash grey clothing, hair tied at the back in a ponytail.

"I'm not disturbing you, am I?" The mysterious man said.

"No, I think we have all come for the same reason." Makoto responded. "We have come to secure a summon."

"Ah well, I guess we aren't here for the same reason then." Once the man responded, he turned around. His face was quite pale, with a burn mark on the left side of his cheek. "I've already got a summon."

"So why are you here?" Makoto asked.

"Every now and then, I come here to meditate. I feel a difference peace of mind when standing before this water. I find it so... clear and beautiful. Like it tricks my mind into feeling the exact same way."

"I think I may have seen you before. But, you're a Samurai hired by village or family. So how were you able to acquire a Tokihanatsu?"

"I was a hired Samurai. I worked for the Ando family. Around four years ago, I started to get attacked by agents of the government. It put the family at risk. Ever since then, I made the choice to become a ronin. I've stayed in three different villages, currently staying in Unosu."

"What makes you stay there?" Daisuke asked.

"There is a boy there. I saved him from a bunch of thieves. Ever since, he didn't stop following me. He can't speak, but he's extremely dedicated to learning the ways of the Samurai."

"He can't speak?" Daisuke interjected.

"I don't know how but... his tongue has been cut out."

"Oh my --" Makoto was about speak, before Daisuke interrupted.

"That's Kotoba!"

"You know him?" The man asked, confused.

"He's a student of mine. Makoto, (gesturing towards him) the leader of our village, encouraged him to allow me to teach him every other evening. We meet each other halfway."

"So all this time... I never knew his name, and he's been learning from me during the day, and you at night. Damn, this kid is really something." The man laughed. "I'm Raidon." He then bowed.

Makoto bowed in return, while Daisuke nodded his head.

"So, how is it then you were able to find out the boy's name?" Raidon asked.

"Like Daisuke said, I'm the leader of our village. I'm very keen on keeping close ties of kinship with fellow villages, especially during these times. I've known of Kotoba since he was very young."

"I see. So, Makoto and Daisuke. It's an honour to meet you."

"Likewise." Responded Daisuke.

"I'm guessing it's Daisuke here who wants a summon."

"Initially, I didn't. But, Makoto has been able to convince me on our way here."

"What's your summon?" Makoto asked.

"A Haast's Eagle. It's currently patrolling the sky."

"What? We didn't even notice it." Makoto stated.

"Good. It wouldn't be a good lookout if you could detect it, would it?"

Daisuke took off his upper garments. Bare-chested, he walked towards the water and sat with his back facing it.

"Would you like me to leave?" Raidon asked.

"It doesn't matter." Daisuke responded abruptly.

Makoto knelt beside Daisuke, "Are you ready?".

Daisuke nodded and closed his eyes. Makoto held Daisuke's nose closed and leant him backwards into the water, bringing him out as soon as his entire upper body was submerged.

For eons, the waters within the cave have served as a mysterious gateway between the human realm and the enigmatic Tokihanatsu world. Within this realm dwell beings both ancient and contemporary, creatures of both reality and myth. How these creatures came to inhabit this realm remains shrouded in mystery, with legends whispering of an ancient Emperor who delved into forbidden magic. It is said that in his quest to delight his children, he wove a realm within the depths where they could frolic with creatures of their imagination. Yet, tragedy befell them as some of these fantastical beings turned malevolent, snuffing out the innocent joy of the Emperor's offspring. In despair, the Emperor's final act was to forsake his mortal coil, leaving behind the aquatic world as we know it today—a realm teeming with wonder and danger, where the echoes of ancient sorcery still linger.

Once submerged, a person's consciousness and essence remain tethered to the watery depths, even as their physical form returns to the surface to draw breath. In this ethereal state, they traverse into a realm where they confront formidable beasts, potential allies in the form of summons. Success hinges on the ability to tame these creatures, forging a bond that transcends the physical realm. Yet, failure means returning empty-handed, devoid of the coveted companionship offered by a successful summoning.

As Daisuke opened his eyes, emerging from the ethereal depths of the Tokihanatsu realm, Makoto and Raidon stood with bated breaths, anticipation etched across their faces. With a heavy sigh, Daisuke shook his head, disappointment evident in the downturn of his lips.

"No luck this time," he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration.

Makoto's brow furrowed in concern as he exchanged a knowing glance with Raidon.

"It's alright, Daisuke," Makoto reassured him gently. "Success in summoning often eludes those whose hearts and minds are burdened. Is something troubling you?"

Daisuke met Makoto's gaze, with a mixture of gratitude and melancholy reflected in his eyes.

"Yeah, there's... something on my mind," he admitted reluctantly, the weight of his unspoken troubles evident in his tone.

Raidon stepped forward, his expression empathetic yet resolute. "Don't lose heart, Daisuke," he interjected, voice firm yet reassuring. "It took me two attempts before I was able to forge a bond with my own summon. Each of us walks a different path, and success comes in its own time. This setback is not a reflection of your strength, but rather a reminder that your moment is yet to come."

Daisuke's shoulders sag with the weight of Raidon's words, a glimmer of hope flickering within him. With a nod of gratitude, he found solace in the unwavering support of Makoto and Raidon.

Daisuke rose to his feet, drying the parts of his body that remained wet.

"So, Raidon --"

As Daisuke began to speak, he was interrupted by Raidon.

"Your horses. There are ninja's aiming crossbows at your horses!"