Ukyo bent down and tightened the brown leather strap of his sandal. He plucked out a jagged pebble that had gotten wedged between the strap and his foot and flung it back into the road.
As he tossed it aside he looked up into the port town of Shotomin. Between the long locks of his blue hair, he could see all manor of things going on. Buying, selling, and haggling of all kinds, the typical activities of a port town. Ships being loaded and unloaded, goods being bought and taken to venders, and people waving good-bye to loved ones they may never see again. Whiffs of dust danced up off the streets as the wind scooped them up into the air. They flowed down toward the docks, dodging between huts and various businesses, before settling down to earth again.
The smell of sea breezes, mixed with fish and the sweat of sailors, was an interesting aroma that was hard to describe. It breathed of life, adventure and the sights of far away lands. That's what had made so many of the these men leave there homes and families, to sail away for years on end, just to get a glimpse of another land.
Ukyo had heard stories of these lands and the strange people who lived in them. People who ate their dead, burned women, and sacrificed their children to gods.
He discredited most of them, especially story's of sea monsters and dragons that would swallow ships and crew whole. Ukyo was a man who thought of himself as sensible, and those type of stories were to much to believe.
He stood, and with a calm, paced step, began his journey into town. He had to find the two men that would follow him into the Serpent Slayer's temple, and hopefully bring an end to the slaughter.
‘I want that flower, and he is going to tell me where it is one way or another. ‘The Demon' is in for a big surprise when we meet face to face.'
As he trotted down the gravel streets, stone crunching under foot, Ukyo thought he heard the sound of small feet running toward him. They faded away, but suddenly became louder again. He could hear a child yelling something about running faster, then it was gone yet again. He turned to look up the adjacent road, when three children barrel out and plowed straight into him.
"Nanto?!" The force of the three children sent Ukyo stumbling backward, almost off his feet. The children, however, were not so lucky. The lead boy, probably no older than six, seemed to bounce of the older man and fall back into the second child. She tripped, sending the third boy sprawling.
It took them a moment to regain there sense of direction, and it seemed as if the lead child was going to scold Ukyo for his clumsiness, when he saw his sword.
"Sumanu! Sumanu oh great Samurai!"
They all jumped to their feet and began to bow furiously. The lead boy's long black hair swatting him in the face as he bobbed.
Ukyo only smiled. "Please child, be more careful when you play." They all grinned nervously, desperate to be on their way.
He was about to pat the little girl on the head when a portly merchant came almost rolling from the same ally.
"Tsukamaeta you little brats! You know the price for thievery!" He puffed trying to catch his breath. His expensive silk pants were covered in dust, and beads of sweat dripped down his pasty face.
The children's eyes widened as they quickly huddled behind Ukyo. They shook violently, the third boy, who wore a tattered red shirt, began to cry.
"Excuse me, but is there some problem with these fine children?"
The merchant scowled at them. "I'll say there is! They stole from my stand! And I want my apple back!"
Ukyo looked down at the frightened children huddled at his feet. "Is this true children?"
They all exchanged a glance. The lead boy reached into his jerkin and removed a ripe red apple. He reluctantly handed it to Ukyo, but held his head down.
"Why did you steal child?" He asked in a soft voice. One he often used to get Kei's little sister to behave.
"We were hungry, and have not eaten in three days. We have no money." The lead mumbled, bowing his head even lower. His shame was obvious, like a painted mask that all could see.
"And did you tell this man that?"
"Yes, and he said he did not care. We were nothing more than street trash."
"I understand." He said and turned toward the merchant. "I suppose it did not come to your mind to offer these poor hungry children one single apple did it?"
The merchant glowered. "It is not my job to feed every unfortunate in town! Let them mooch from some other vender!"
He held out his hand as if to ask for the apple back. Ukyo smiled wickedly. Instead of giving it back, he tossed it high into the air, until it was swallowed by the sun.
In the bright rays of afternoon sun, Ukyo's Drying Poll blade was only a flashy blur as it cut through the air and the apple. Then, as abruptly as the blade had been drawn, it was returned, and the apple dropped into the stunned merchant's hand.
"Here is your apple," The fruit began to split and peal, and as each layer fell away, it took on the appearance of a deep red flower. "And a rose for your breast pocket madam. Come children," He put out this arm to herd them away from the fuming merchant. "Lets get you fed."