Persephone/Band Story 1/Chapter 10

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> Honor in Ashes
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> ### Season
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> 1
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> ### Episode
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> 10
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> ### Writer
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> Kiru Mi
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> ### Director
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> Kiru Mi
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> <- Previous Story
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**Honor in Ashes** is the tenth chapter of Persephone's First Band Story.

## Synopsis

The score is now two-on-two! Will Fumino pass the test and join her friends into the Kendo Club. or will she lies defeated, unable to overcome the first obstacle to her path?

## Transcript

[YamiTsume High Kendo Club]

(Saori and Fumino continues to attack each other, landing strike by strike. But neither managed to gain the upper hand)

(During the fight, Izayoi pokes Kanata at the shoulder. Both of them leaves the clubroom while Ayane looks at them leave)

**Izayoi** : Kanata-chan.

**Kanata** : ...

**Izayoi** : Can you tell me what happened back then?

**Kanata** : I suppose I could. But remember: you must not tell this to anyone.

**Ayane** : Does our history interest you, Izayoi?

**Izayoi** : Yes. I want to know what the Takenaka and the Mochizuki Clans did back then.

**Kanata** : ...It was the year 2005, exactly one year after the incident in 2004.

**Kanata** : One of the ninja associates to the Shirokage Clan was assassinated in his manor, so they suspected the rival Takenaka Clan and those related to them, with Mochizuki Clan among them.

**Izayoi** : ...

**Kanata** : Ever since that, the tension and the skirmishes get worse. And since ninja clans were considered off-limits to civilian approach, the media didn't bother covering it.

**Izayoi** : Who was the associate that was murdered that caused such a huge stir between the clans?

**Kanata** : His name was...Shiroishi Nagayama.

**Izayoi** : Shiroishi? But that's...

**Kanata** : My father.

**Izayoi** : ...!!!

**Kanata** : He intended to broker a peace negotiation between the Shirokage and the Takenaka, but was met with rejection from both sides. His retainers begged him to reconsider, but he replied with...

**Izayoi** : ...?

**Kanata** : "As long as I can see everyone's smiling faces in the end...I think my sacrifice is worth it."

**Izayoi** : I'm sorry.

**Kanata** : Don't be. That was his mistake to make. I'm probably left alive by the clan to clean after his work.

**Izayoi** : Then, Fummi's parents...

**Kanata** : During those skirmishes, it eventually erupted into a war. It took place in the lands of Nakaminato, when it was still accessible for us Koto mainlanders.

**Kanata** : The result explains itself.

**Kanata** : Fummi...Ayane...Yasumasa, and Sazane.

**Kanata** : Their parents died in that conflict, becoming an unneeded casualty for my foolish father's dream of an impossible peace.

**Ayane** : ...

**Kanata** : These bells are the only memento I have of him, given from his retainers to me. A memento I hold on to, in order to remind myself not to make the same foolish mistakes as he did.

**Izayoi** : He wished the best for both sides. I think he is a honorable person.

**Fumino** : And his honor died along with him in the ashes. In the end, he got what he wanted.

(Fumino looks at her bells)

**Ayane** : Don't be so hard on yourself, Sister.

**Kanata** : I know.

**Izayoi** : Thank you for trusting in me, Kanata-chan.

**Kanata** : ...Hm. Thank you as well, for reminding me of what must be done.

**Ayane** : Come. Let's cheer for Fummi.

(Izayoi, Kanata and Ayane walks into the club to see Fumino striking Saori in the helmet, her strike is so heavy that her wooden sword breaks in two)

(Saori falls to the ground, struggling to stand)

**Renzo** : It's three-on-two! Fumino wins the match!

**Yasumasa** : You did it!

**Fumino** : ...It's over.

**Saori** : W...Wait.

**Fumino** : ...

**Saori** : ...Your strength. H-Have you been...playing along...all this time?

**Fumino** : I have nothing to say to you. Lie there in defeat as you wonder over what you've said to me in this match.

(Renzo throws Fumino's nameplate and Fumino catches it without even looking)

**Renzo** : What wonderful raw strength. Who knew you had something like that up your sleeve?

**Fumino** : I'm sorry about the sword.

**Renzo** : Don't worry about that. We can always buy another one.

**Renzo** : Congratulations! Welcome to the Kendo Club, all five of you.

**Fumino** : We'll be in your care, Club President.

**Sazane/Ayane/Kanata/Yasumasa** : We'll be in your care, Club President!

**Renzo** : Hm...?

**Ayane** : What's wrong, Konagawa-senpai?

**Renzo** : I guess I haven't told you yet, but I am not the Club President.

**Sazane** : What?

**Renzo** : I think he's about to be back in...uh...

(Just then, the door opens)

**Renzo** : ...Now.

(Ren enters the room)

**Fumino** : ...!

**Ren Takenaka** : ...?

**Fumino** : Takenaka...!!!

(Fumino takes Saori's sword and lunges at him)

**Renzo** : Hoh.

(Ren grabs the sword on his back)

**Fumino** : TAKENAKA!!!

(Just then, a girl throws a katana at the wall. This causes Fumino to stop and moves backwards)

**Arrogant-Sounding Girl** : What a mess! Is this the "professionalism" you really mentioned, Konagawa?!

(The azure-haired girl enters the room and removes the blade from the wall)

**Renzo** : My apologies, President. As you can see, we just received five new applicants.

**Arrogant-Sounding Girl** : Hold your sly tongue, Konagawa! I'm not hearing a single thing coming out of your stupid mouth!

(The girl stares at Fumino and her friends)

**Arrogant-Sounding Girl** : Ah, the Shirokage brats. You really ought to be more careful around here, especially with the booby traps set around he-

(The girl's words abruptly stops before she falls into a booby trap)

**Arrogant-Sounding Girl** : -REEEEEEEE???!!!!

**Renzo** : I was about to mention about there being a new trap meant for the applicants, but you told me to hold my tongue.

(The girl climbs out of the trap)

**Arrogant-Sounding Girl** : Ah! So dumb! I might have gotten older...

**Ren** : What is your purpose bringing me here, Horinobe?

**Kyoka Horinobe, Kendo Club President** : I wish to have a mock battle between the members! It's the perfect way to know each other!

**Renzo** : In fact, we just did a battle while you're away.

**Kyoka** : And you didn't tell me about it?! The nerve of this guy!

**Kyoka** : Whatever. Ren!

**Ren** : Yeah.

**Kyoka** : Pick from one of the five new applicants to fight. It doesn't matter how many.

**Ren** : I see.

(Ren walks to the centre of the room while wearing kendo armor)

**Kanata** : Club President, shouldn't we at least introduce our-

(Kyoka throws an armor set for the four girls)

**Kyoka** : No talking! Hurry up and get ready!

(Kyoka unsheathes her katana)

**Kyoka** : My esteemed katana, Gekikokuchimaru, wishes to see some battle!

**Kanata** : ...

**Yasumasa** : (Just do what she says for now)

**Ren** : All five of you. You can all attack me at once.

**Fumino** : Fine by me!

(The five sorrounds themselves before Ren)

**Ren** : ...

**Renzo** : The rules here will be made simple. One hit on the head, and you're out! Understand?!

**Ren/Fumino/Sazane/Ayane/Kanata/Yasumasa** : Yes!

**Kyoka** : Hehehe...Let's see how long they can stand against Ren.

**Renzo** : BEGIN!

(Ayane strikes first, followed by the rest)

**Ren** : ...

(Ren dodges to the side, and he turns back and strikes Ayane on the head)

**Renzo** : Men! Oguma is out!

**Yasumasa** : ...!

**Ren** : Distraction is a major flaw.

**Yasumasa** : C-Crap!

(Ren slams his wooden sword onto Yasumasa's helmet)

**Renzo** : Men! Yasumasa's out!

**Ren** : Next.

(Kanata goes next)

**Ren** : ...!

(Kanata blocks Ren's attacks, and Sazane attacks from behind)

**Kanata** : I got him occupied! Strike now!

**Sazane** : Got it!

**Kanata** : I've locked his arms! He won't be able to dod-

(Ren moves his right leg forward, and pushes his body downwards with his left leg. This causes Sazane's sword to strike Kanata's helmet instead)

**Sazane** : What?!

**Renzo** : Men! Due to friendly fire, Kanata is out!

**Ren** : Do not let your enemy find any exposure in your stance. Remember that.

(Ren pushes himself upwards with his right leg. He then spins his body, and strikes Sazane on the head)

**Renzo** : That's four down! Only Fumino remains!

**Ren** : Now, only you rema-

(Ren is suddenly met with a powerful strike)

**Ren** : (W-What the...!!!)

**Ren** : (Such hatred and rage in that strike...If this is a battlefield, my head could have been sent flying)

**Fumino** : ...

**Kyoka** : ...

**Fumino** : ...I will defeat you, Takenaka.

**Ren** : ...

**Izayoi** : F-Fummi...?

(Ren tries to defend himself, but each strike from Fumino gets more and more powerful)

**Ren** : Kgh...!

(At the fourth strike, Ren lost his grip and his wooden sword flies away)

**Fumino** : ...

(Fumino grabs Ren's face, and removes Ren's helmet)

**Kanata** : Fummi, what are you-!?

**Fumino** : I will make sure...my parents' vengeance will be exact!

(Fumino raises the wooden sword, but Izayoi pushes her)

**Kyoka** : ...Hoh.

**Izayoi** : Stop this! You don't need to go that far!

**Izayoi** : Your parents...Your parents wouldn't want you to do this!

**Fumino** : ...

**Fumino** : What do you know?

**Izayoi** : ...Eh?

**Fumino** : You have your mother and father waiting for you at home. You have a warm embrace to come home to?

**Fumino** : What about us? Those who are lost cannot be reclaimed back. Then, at the very least...

**Fumino** : Let me do the same.

(Fumino approaches Ren)

**Izayoi** : I won't let you!

**Fumino** : ...

(Fumino shoves Izayoi aside)

**Izayoi** : Fummi!!!

(Fumino approaches Ren again)

**Ren** : (Have to...get to...Shizukesa)

**Fumino** : ...

**Renzo** : President.

**Kyoka** : No need. I'll solve this myself.

(Fumino steps on Ren's leg)

(As Fumino gets closer, Kanata and the others tries to stop her but she shoves them aside)

**Fumino** : For my parent's sake...I just want you to die, Takenaka.

**Ren** : Ngh...!

(Fumino raises her sword and aims it on Ren's head)

**Fumino** : May your death...be swift.

(Kyoka throws her katana at Fumino, hitting her back and knocking her out)

**Kyoka** : Alright. That's enough battling for today!

**Kyoka** : You all proved yourselves to be complete idiots! Frankly, I am quite amused. Not even Eikijiro is this messy at destroying the club room, with him being a musclehead and all.

**Kyoka** : Anyway, the four of you. Come here.

**Kanata/Sazane/Yasumasa/Ayane** : Yes?

**Kyoka** : Take your friend out of here. Have you ever noticed how mentally unstable she is? Drop her at a city full of people named Takenaka, and she'll probably go crazy.

**Kyoka** : Anyways, bring her here everyday. I have a way of helping her problems.

**Ren** : Ngh...

**Kyoka** : As for you, Ren and Mochizuki.

**Ren** : ...

**Kyoka** : While I handle this unstable girl for a moment, go to the roof to recuperate. Don't ever think of setting your foot into the club for now. I'll give you special permission.

**Ren** : ...Right.

**Saori** : ...President.

**Kyoka** : I realized her being so pissed off might be because of your words. But why now, of all times?

**Saori** : ...

**Kyoka** : ...Listen, I am aware of the sour relations between your clans during that time. But please, you must understand that I have a responsibility to uphold.

**Saori** : A warrior of the sword complaining about the activities of us ninjas are uncalled for. It has been an unspoken rule for you to-

**Kyoka** : The ones you ninjas just targeted are, in fact, a warrior of the sword. The Takenaka Clan are those of samurais. Then it's possible for me to intervene.

**Saori** : ...

**Kanata** : Excuse me, Club President. But can I know your full name?

**Kyoka** : Hmph. A little too late to ask me that. But sure, I'll tell you.

**Kyoka** : My name is Horinobe Kyoka, daughter of the esteemed Horinobe Clan. Like the members of my family, I am also a samurai of my own league.

**Ayane** : ...!

**Kanata** : The Horinobe Clan...They took a neutral stance during the war, and thus were unaffected.

**Kyoka** : Not exactly. You see, I actually knew your father, Lord Nagayama from my father.

**Kanata** : Ah.

**Kyoka** : In fact, my father continued his work after he was unfortunately assassinated. That's why it took a little longer for the fighting and the skirmishes to truly end two years later.

**Kanata** : ...

**Izayoi** : So, her father's plan was a success.

**Kyoka** : Regrettably, my father expresses his regret as he couldn't manage to save those who fell in Nakaminato that time. But then again, time waits for no one.

**Kyoka** : Kanata, I happened to overhear you while you were talking with the blondie outside.

**Kanata** : ...

**Kyoka** : Your father is indeed a honorable person. That is all I have to say about the issue.

**Kyoka** : As for more details, I believe you should speak to my father about that.

**Kanata** : I see. Thank you for telling me that, Club President.

**Kyoka** : Seeing your father having a high opinion of you, I guess I can see why.

**Kanata** : ...

(Kanata and the others leaves while carrying Fumino away)

**Izayoi** : ...

**Kyoka** : You there, blondie.

**Izayoi** : Yes, Club President?

**Kyoka** : Your attempts at stopping Shirokage was commendable, but do not constantly put your life in danger. Had she not think of you as a friend, your blood might end up on someone's blade.

**Izayoi** : ...She's my friend. It is my duty to stop her.

**Kyoka** : If you can fight. Without any strength to back it up, your words are meaningless.

**Izayoi** : Being weak won't stop me from doing the right thing.

**Kyoka** : ...

**Kyoka** : True. It takes more than just strength to face the world.

(Kyoka places her hand on Izayoi's shoulder)

**Kyoka** : It is as Konagawa said. You are bound for greater things.

**Kyoka** : Don't let my words affect your resolve.

**Izayoi** : Thank you for your humble advice.

(Izayoi bows to Kyoka and leaves)

**Kyoka** : Mochizuki, I want you to abandon your hate towards the Shirokage.

**Saori** : And how do you wish to do that?

(Kyoka picks up her katana)

**Kyoka** : Spar with me.

**Saori** : ...\*sigh\*.

(Saori takes a katana from the hidden compartment)

**Kyoka** : Ready?

**Saori** : Anytime.

(Kyoka and Saori begins sparring)

[Courtyard, Afternoon]

(Izayoi is spaced out, sitting at the school's bench)

**Izayoi** : ...

(Izayoi is staring at the sky, when...)

**Ayumu** : Boo!

**Izayoi** : HYAAAA!!!

**Ayumu** : Hehehe, hello Izayoi-chan!

(Ayumu appears from behind her and sits next to Izayoi)

**Izayoi** : Uuuu...Please don't do that next time...

**Ayumu** : Looks like the scare worked perfectly!

**Ayumu** : What are you doing, spacing out here?

**Izayoi** : A lot happened lately...So I sat here and starts wondering about stuff...

**Ayumu** : You can always spill your burdens into the Storywriting Club, you know! Yamazaki-kun misses you!

**Izayoi** : Eh? Really?

(Junji appears from behind)

**Junji Yamazaki** : I do not miss you.

**Izayoi** : Yamazaki-senpai!

**Junji** : \*sigh\* Hello, Izayoi.

**Ayumu** : It's rare to see you actually walking around school. Did something come up?

**Junji** : Actually, yes. We found a passed out student covered in blood at the unused room next to the club.

**Ayumu** : Huh?! Who was it?

**Junji** : Priscilla Fleurd from Class 3-C.

**Izayoi** : ...?!

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