Kunoichi finds her True Grit

The dream came to Ichi once more. A dream of valleys, of rugged people surviving through hunting and gathering, of a ground that was rough and grey. In her waking life she knew this to be the Ryuta region, in her dreams she knew it as home.

The Oeki Clan had a small settlement, no more than 30 or so families. Their settlement hugged the banks of the Turina river. The tightly packed huts opened up around a small but humble village hall. This is where the chief of the clan and his family call their home, as well as where issues pertaining to the village take place. In the dreams, she sits in the halls with the man who she presumes is her father.

The dream races through time, showing glimpses of times of happiness. Her father consoling her after the death of a pet, his training methods to improve her sword play. His voice calls out the name ‘Ichi’ and she instantly turns around, seeing his intimidating figure crack a smile as he throws a snowball towards her. She dodges out of the way but as her feet touch the floor she's back in the village hall, next to her father presiding over a small war council. Talks of peace have seemingly broken down, and the strategy on how to engage one of the northern clans has begun. Talks of calling for help from the Sonnan clan across the river peak interest, as a man is instantly dispatched to call for their aid. A plan is decided to ambush the enemy in the valley, with the Sonnan, if they heed the call for aid to attack from the bottom of the valley. Ichi’s father taps her shoulder, and together, they rode out to battle.

The dream focuses solely on Ichi’s perspective. While time was speeding by before, the dream now slows down. The villagers charged, engaging first with Kunai, and when up close the shortswords made easy work of the enemies light armored back lines. The dream focuses a second on the face of Ichi’s first kill, the look of pain and suffering on his face burning into the memory of the young girl, but there was no time to dwell on that as she continued to battle. Each kill after the first meant little. There was no focus on their faces, no slowdown of the dream. Then almost as quick as the battle started, Ichi finds herself cheering the success of the conflict.

The Sonnan didn’t come to the Oeki’s aid, yet that didn’t matter. Their victory was a swift one, and together the village celebrated. Ichi sits on the roof of the village hall, looking over the celebrations with a smile. She finishes her cup, and lies back staring up at the sky. This day was a good day, Ichi thought to herself, as the clouds rolled over the midnight sky.

The dream ends, and the girl wakes up once again with a smile on her face. She touches the shortsword next to her, the kunai on her belt. A deep sigh pierces the early morning calm. She turns to face another day in a land she knows is not home. The dream offering a moment of comfort, as Ichi struggles to adapt to another day on the Western Continent, longing to return home.