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Act IV
Danger close to Home
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Chapter Twelve: The Trio's Ascent
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Mission: Avenge the death of Yukito
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Sayako was slightly out of breath by the time she reached the hill. She had pushed her body to its limit in running. In hindsight, this was probably one of the most foolish acts she could have done. In just a few hours she was about to embark on a mission to take down an entire estate. Even in top form, her night was to be an odyssey.
But somehow that didn't matter as much when she thought of Yasha's warm gaze. Nothing seemed to matter as much when it came to this enigmatic boy. There were warning bells in the distance screaming to her that this one person was fully capable of impeding her judgement. But yet again she suppressed that warning of danger. In a way, it was the danger, it was the not knowing, that made this all so wonderful.
He was in the same spot as he was before, looking as if he had never even moved. Sayako took in his appearance and suddenly realized that there were absolutely no changes in him whatsoever. It had been so long since she had seen him last, and she herself had both grown taller and had a softening of features. But Yasha looked just as he did on that fateful night when she had met him, a night when she had been so willing to throw her life away.
"What are you thinking about?" Yasha asked. He was not looking at her, but at the stars. Still, Sayako felt as though his eyes could pierce her heart.
"I am remembering the first time we met and how different things have become since then. Well, pretty much everything is different except for you. You remain the same."
"Sayako, I love your honesty. There seems to be nothing you fear in telling." he said with a small smile, now turning to face her.
"That is far from the truth. I seem only to be able to speak freely to you. I've kept many secrets in my life. I regret every one." she said, moving closer to him.
"Especially those to your sister?" he ventured.
"Yes. Those most of all. She is my twin. She is supposed to know me better than I know myself. But somewhere along the line, I messed everything up."
Yasha grabbed her gently by the shoulders. "Do not say that. There were things in your life that you simply were not ready to tell her. There are things, Sayako, that she was not ready to hear. Your sister is an amazing person with her own unique attributes. These consist of strength, courage, and dependability. You exhibit these as well, but there is something you have that she does not."
He paused as he considered his next words carefully. "You have the haunting wisdom, the knowledge of a thousand ages." he finally said. "You wondered when you were little why you were always so sad and lonely. Even now you cannot comprehend the depths of your own knowledge. You carry experience and tragedy with you always. In the past year you have adapted yourself to bearing it, but still, there are shadows in your eyes. You recognize them in your mother, and you've recognized them in Cho-Hei. That is why you instinctively trusted him. That is why your mother instinctively trusted him."
"How...how do you know all this?" Sayako asked breathlessly.
"I have seen beyond the limits of this existence. I have seen things that allow me to know your heart, and for that I am glad. I admire you Sayako. There is not a single other human being that I admire more, though your mother gives you very good competition. You sense that she keeps secrets from you. Do not hold this against her. Just as you hid your loneliness from your sister, your mother hides her darkness from you. In time she will tell you many things. In time you will discover the connections."
Yasha's words were not a comfort. Sayako felt the greatest foreboding assail her. The word "connections" stirred a deep memory within her.
"Connections? Yasha, does Shiro have something to do with all of this?"
Yasha looked as though Sayako has struck him. The shock was so evident upon his features that Sayako's heart stopped in great fear.
"I am surprised...though I suppose I shouldn't be. You are already putting the pieces together. I can not speak of Shiro."
"Well...why is Rimiko not a part of all this?"
"Sayako, your mother carried a great burden in her life. When she had daughters, the burden had to be passed on. You, Sayako, were the chosen one. But if you so wish, the burden can pass to Rimiko, and the loneliness and wisdom beyond your years will never cause you to despair again. Is this what you desire?"
For a moment, for an ungodly, sinful moment, the thought of freedom tempted her. The thought of never having these ill thoughts again, of never having this undying sense of responsibility upon her shoulders, was so very wonderfully tempting. But when she thought of Rimiko, her wonderful sister Rimiko, the answer was so very simple.
"This is as it was meant to be. I would rather carry the burden than see Rimiko suffer. Rimiko...if anyone is honest, Rimiko is honest. She is more innocent than I, and I do not want that to change. No, this is how it must play out. Physically she is much stronger than I am, and all my life, she's always protected me. For once, I shall be the one to protect her."
Yasha drew the girl close and enveloped her smaller form in a comforting embrace. "I expected no less. Now I am afraid you must leave me. Your clan departs. Tonight shall be a true test for many of the Azuma, but have heart. There is hope. There is always hope."
The two held each other for another moment and then separated, leaving a part of their hearts on that hill beneath the sky.
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Rimiko was getting nervous. More than half the Azuma had already departed and Sayako had not even returned, let alone fully prepared herself for the journey. Just as she was about to search for her missing twin Sayako appeared with an anxious air and flushed cheeks. Rimiko raised an eyebrow at her sister but it went unnoticed. Sayako took a minuet to prepare and was then set to ride. She was especially relieved to find that she was riding a fine mare this time and not a puny pack horse.
"Do you plan on telling me who Yasha is?" Rimiko asked bluntly.
Sayako, who had just saddled up, looked as though she were ready to fall off her horse. "How do you know about Yasha?" she asked in a panic.
"I heard you whisper his name, genius." Rimiko responded.
"You heard that? But I barely said anything." Sayako protested.
Rimiko stared at her. "But your hearing is just as good at mine, isn't it? I always hear things like that. Did it to Kenichi too." Rimiko said, the slightest of sorrows invading her dark eyes.
Sayako bit her lip. "Well, I guess your hearing simply must be better than mine. Yasha is a boy that I met. He...well, gives me advice. Always seems to appear whenever I need him." she said with a nervous laugh.
"What clan is he from?" Rimiko questioned.
"I don't exactly know." Sayako admitted.
Rimiko was speechless for a moment before she burst out "What do you mean you don't know?!"
"Exactly that. I don't know, all right? I don't know." Sayako shot back defensively.
"Sayako, don't you realize that you could be acquainted with an enemy? That advice he is giving you could be something much more sinister."
"Don't lecture me about making acquaintances with enemies. You brought one home and had his wounds tended to!" Sayako shouted.
A silence descended, and an ache filled Sayako's heart as she instantly regretted her words. A dark veil passed over Rimiko's eyes as her features hardened and her smile turned cold.
"Rimiko...I..."
"Don't feel bad, sister." Rimiko said, her words clipped. "You're exactly right. I did bring him home and look what happened. He insulted me and left me all because I felt compassion towards him. Don't go repeating my mistakes, sister. An enemy is an enemy. Compassion makes you a fool."
Rimiko rode ahead of her sister, and the two did not speak again on the journey.
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Cho-Hei, Kakunoshin, and Jubei were riding in perfect formation. The trio were trying to hurry their pace so that they may find Taro or Lord Godha and aid in guiding them to the western estate. Unfortunately, they were running into some unexpected difficulties. Kakunoshin and Jubei rode closely to their comrade and growled at the masses of swarming female ninjas who were being very persistent.
"I think it's so very wonderful that you were found innocent, Cho-Hei. After tonight I hope you can live a peaceful life with the Godha Clan." A pretty female ninja said, batting her eyes at Cho-Hei.
"Yes, maybe you could even start a family here!" Another female exclaimed.
"I just happen to be single..."
"So am I!"
"Me too!"
Cho-Hei somehow didn't seem to realize what these women were hinting at and kept nodding politely to them. Jubei rubbed his forehead roughly and wondered exactly how dense his comrade could be. Kakunoshin, who had the least amount of patience in the trio, was fuming.
"Could you ladies please allow us to ride ahead? We would like to catch up with the others sometime soon." Kakunoshin ground out.
Taro fell behind in order to speak with them. "Not a matter to worry about," he laughed pleasantly.
After a long and arduous ride the Azuma finally made it to the Western Clan. The Western Clan may have been grandiose in its architecture and finery but it greatly lacked in defense. Taro eyed the estate's borders greedily, instantly spotting several different ways to take the main castle by surprise. After conferring with Cho-Hei, who was able to recite the structure of the estate with the most clarity, Taro formed a simple plan of attack.
As the word of Taro spread the Azuma eagerly dismounted. The ninja moved in such perfect unison, such singular, conforming grace, it appeared and felt as though they were but one organism. Rimiko and Sayako forgot their quarrel as they reveled in the comfort of this unison, of this living, breathing, and moving as but one being. Hands flew in symmetry as the ninja tied their horses to trees, removed their packs and slowly raised their ki in preparations for the nights battle. The twins eventually found themselves smiling at one another, and their bickering was now forgotten.
Moving as the spreading river, the Azuma fanned out and traveled through the remaining woods on foot. Their movements were so careful and so stealthy that not even their fellow runners could see one another. Only their ki and purposefully left ki signatures enabled them to follow in each other's path.
The course Taro had planned was fairly ingenious. There was a major weakness in the Estate's setup when it came to the area stemming between the surrounding village and castle. There was a gate set up around the castle but it was easy enough to scale, and the guards were highly unimpressive. Entering from the right side the ninja were able to reach these gates without alerting any of the innocent life that suffered under the rule of the tyrant known as Lord Nakazawa.
Grappling hooks soared through the night as hundreds of Azuma scaled the tall gates with ease. The twins climbed next to one another, each making a silent oath to watch the other's back. As the gritty stone of the walls passed before their eyes their vision was suddenly opened to the largest and most regal looking castle they had ever beheld. There was no building in any of Lord Godha's estates that could compare to the riches in but this one.
"She's a beauty!" Taro exclaimed as he eyed the riches. "And she is rightfully ours!"
The Azuma ninja stormed the castle with a ferocity that had not been seen in years. All had eventually heard the story of Bano, and all had taken it to heart. Yukito's death was to be avenged. The death of an Azuma mentor was never to be forgiven.
Taro was the first to engage in battle. Always being at the head of his fighters, Taro slammed himself into a large guard and knocked him to the ground. After quickly beheading him Taro plunged forward and opened the large doors to the castle, ushering his men inside quickly. Ayame and Bano were also at the front and were the first to enter. A crowd of guards were there to great them and the elder ninja greedily tore into them.
Atsutane had somehow managed to weasel his way into the front and happily fought alongside his father. His daggers slashed and hacked through all his opponents. Stepping over and through the bodies the ninjas hurried forward, half staying on the first floor, the others moving up a spiraling staircase that seemed to wind up to the heavens.
Taro stayed at the base of the stairs, easily directing his men. Ayame and Bano hurried up the stairs with Atsutane on their heals. The twins, having been in the back and not seeing any action yet, decided to stay on the first floor. They moved to the long hallway behind the staircase and marveled at the many corridors that branched from it. Simply looking at them made the girls dizzy. Rimiko was about to pick a corridor at random when Sayako stopped her.
"Wait! There is a pattern to all these corridors. Many simply go around in circles to fool invaders. Do not go that way!" Sayako called as she saw several ninja heading towards a corridor to the left.
Sayako took another quick glance around and came to a quick decision. "Stay away from the left corridors! Go straight and to the right! Stay away from the left corridors!"
Many ninjas heard her call, and reassured by her confidence, followed her orders. Some looked doubtful, but so strong were Sayako's words that eventually all traveled in the way that she directed.
Rimiko marveled at her sister's confidence. "But how do you know?"
Sayako looked perplexed for a moment. "I can see a pattern in the architecture. Can't you?"
Rimiko shook her head. "Not at all."
"Well, come on, we need to go this way." Sayako said, leading her twin forward.
How is it that I know where to go? Sayako thought furiously as she and her sister ran through the long corridors. It is as if an instinct is telling me where I must go. But from where do I draw this knowledge?
"Even now you cannot comprehend the depths of your own knowledge."
Yasha's words rang throughout her heart, and for the first time, she began to wonder exactly how much his sorrowful eyes could see.
"Rimiko, you take this corridor and I'll take that one! Eventually they circle around and meet. I'll see you again in about twenty minuets." Sayako calculated.
"Right!" Rimiko replied, following her sisters orders.
Sayako plunged into the opposing corridor, her twin scythes begging to taste blood. The corridor was disappointingly empty and all Sayako could hear was the echo of her own hollow footsteps. For a moment she paused and spread out her senses, feeling the position of her fellow Azuma. Suddenly a ki shone out through the chaos and Sayako was completely thrown by its presence.
"But that can't be right." Sayako whispered. "That was the ki of Lord Godha..."
***
"Bano, should we try to reach the top or should we search each floor?" Ayame shouted over the sounds of frenzied battle.
"Let us try to reach the top and we can make our way from there!" Bano replied.
"Good idea pops!" Atsutane said cheerily, popping out of no where.
"Atsutane, stay here and help clear out this floor." Bano ordered as he headed up the stairs with Ayame.
Atsutane pouted and was tempted to follow his father anyway when several guards approached him. He grinned and flecked his daggers anxiously. One attacked from the right and Atsutane struck out and up, piercing and slashing the man's flesh. Another jumped from the left and Atsutane pulled out his dagger and used the full force of his body to turn and plunge it into the man's heart. He turned to face the third only to discover the guard was already dead. A shuriken was deeply embedded in his forehead.
"Wow! I didn't miss this time!" Tomoyo shouted happily.
"Tomoyo?! What are you doing here?!" Atsutane cried.
"I tagged along! Looks like I can be of some help!"
"You fool! You've only be training for a year! You aren't ready yet!"
Tomoyo hardened and suddenly threw a shuriken at him. Atsutane gasped and ducked. The weapon flew past his head and landed in the chest of a Nakazawa guard behind him. Had the shiruken missed, the guard surely would have killed Atsutane. The boy slowly absorbed this fact and turned back to Tomoyo, completely shocked. Tomoyo regarded him with a sad smile.
"That's the second time I've saved your life." she said wearily. "More than Amana would ever do for you."
***
"Finally," Sayako whispered evilly as a group of guards approached her.
She ran forward to met them, her twin scythes swinging. One man was caught in the shoulder with her blade and she pulled down then out as her other scythe swung into the chest of another. She kicked him in the chest to free her blade and then struck out with her other leg to catch another off balance. Slicing the thigh of one and the neck of another, the men in the back began to retreat.
"Don't go already!" Sayako protested, lifting her scythe high and then throwing it with all her strength. Her scythe spiraled perfectly and sunk deeply into the back of one of the retreating men. By the time she retrieved her thrown weapon they had all departed or lay dead.
Sayako carefully cleaned her blades and looked about her. The corpses were strewn about the entire corridor, all with looks of complete shock on their stony faces. Sayako grinned. She supposed they never once contemplated death by a girl.
Suddenly the corridor became quite cold. Sayako shivered as the temperature plummeted to unfathomable depths. She looked all about but could see no open window to account for the sudden chill. She rubbed her arms desperately and wondered what on earth was happening.
But just as the chill nipped at her bones a warm breeze suddenly flew past her, filling her with warmth and reassurance. As she gazed upon the dead bodies she could swear she saw a thin and silvery cloud retreating from their open mouths. Sayako stared in wonder as those silvery clouds were produced from each of the fallen men and flew up into the air.
I can not believe this, Sayako thought numbly. I am seeing their spirits leave their bodies!
The experience was like nothing she had ever seen or felt before. Sayako knew she was immensely blessed to behold this wonderful process of cleansing. She didn't know how she knew, but each of these men were being forgiven for their crimes. Those silvery spirits were being allowed into heaven.
The warm breeze passed her again, filling her with reassurance and comfort. But it was a reassurance and comfort that were strangely familiar to her. It was almost as if the breeze itself were a distant ki that she knew she had felt before. Sayako enjoyed the warm feeling, suddenly piecing together what it was.
People believe the touch of death is cold, but that is not so. Death is the warm breeze that banishes the frost. Death is the cleansing touch. Death is the purifier.
These thoughts should have been strange to Sayako, but it was as if she had known them all along. Her dormant knowledge was slowly awakening, and it felt as if she had lived a thousand years knowing the secrets of life and death.
As the warmth faded Sayako said her silent goodbyes to death, wondering when they would met again.
***
The trio of Cho-Hei, Kakunoshin, and Jubei had just entered the castle. Though allowed to embark on this mission, Lord Godha demanded that they enter last and avoid all battles except with Lord Nakazawa. The trio were not sure how skilled Lord Nakazawa was at fighting but with the memory of Yukito clear in their hearts they traveled the corridors together without fear.
"I remember this place." Cho-Hei whispered slowly. "Down that corridor is where we were taken once for our...interrogations."
The trio fell silent as they remembered those daily beatings, those daily tortures, all to try and force a confession from them.
"You're right. And unless my memory has failed me, whenever Lord Nakazawa was done speaking with us he would retreat that way." Kakunoshin said, pointing down another corridor.
The trio followed the long corridor and tried desperately not to get confused by its many twists and turns. Going on memory alone, the trio plunged forward until the corridor ended with a lone door at the end. Kakunoshin and Jubei went forward and entered through it first. Confused, the trio found themselves suddenly outside in a beautiful courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded on all sides by ornate balconies that lead to different rooms in the castle. The trio entered the courtyard and were struck for a moment by the peace and quite found in the stillness among the small bushes and trees.
Jubei and Kakunoshin walked ahead of Cho-Hei. Cho-Hei held out his hand and was about to beckon to his comrades, about to reassure them that they need not always walk in front of him, that they need not always protect him, when he heard the explosion. To Cho-Hei the explosion sounded as though it were a thousand angry screams in the night, each and every one calling for blood. Kakunoshin and Jubei must have seen what was coming, for they had suddenly pushed themselves together and made a protective wall for Cho-Hei. The two were thrown back with a tremendous force and knocked Cho-Hei to the ground.
For a moment Cho-Hei's vision went black. When he opened his eyes again he found himself starring at a gorgeous night sky. It was beginning to snow. The white sparkles landed gently on his cheeks and lips, as if trying to revive him.
Cho-Hei sat up and let out an anguished cry at the sight of his friends. Bombs had hit Kakunoshin and Jubei full force. Their blood stained the earth and yet their faces were so peaceful.
"Kakunoshin! Jubei!" Cho-Hei wailed.
Kakunoshin opened his eyes slowly, though he was no longer seeing this world. "I am sorry that we will not be there to protect you anymore." he whispered.
"Do not be sorrowful, Cho-Hei." Jubei spoke, though his eyes remained closed. "Protecting you as our final act is all we could have wished for. Please, avenge Yukito's death without us."
"No...please..." Cho-Hei cried, his eyes filling with tears.
A cold and merciless laughter sounded behind him. It was the laughter that followed Cho-Hei in his dreams, the laughter of the days when beatings were daily and Yukito was dying before his very eyes. Cho-Hei turned around and beheld Lord Nakazawa, a naked sword in his hands.
"Lord Godha scum. You three are pathetic ninja." he hissed, his eyes flashing as he walked slowly towards Cho-Hei.
"So you do not even recognize us?!" Cho-Hei demanded.
Lord Nakazawa paused for a moment. "No, I do not. Who are you?"
"I am the child whose life you ruined." Cho-Hei whispered, his eyes dead as he saw his comrades were no longer with him.
Cho-Hei spun on his heels and then plunged forward. He swiftly drew his dagger, his one masterpiece, from the small sheath at his belt. This was the closest he had ever come to Yukito's designs. This was the finest weapon he had been able to produce.
The two swung forward with their weapons. There was a flash of motion, a hiss of pain, and suddenly the confrontation was over.
Blood fell to the ground. Snow fell to the ground.
***
Yukito had been a person of clouds and rain, sweet smells and soft colors. He was a man who had the experience of a thousand lifetimes and the innocence of a child. The little boy named Cho-Hei would often ask why he had taken in both him and his comrades. Yukito would smile fondly at this question. His response was always thus:
"You children have pure souls. Now that I have found you, I would not turn you away for the world."
***
"I am so sorry, my mentor." Cho-Hei whispered as he fell to the ground.
Lord Nakazawa had deeply embedded his sword into Cho-Hei's flesh. The dagger Cho-Hei grasped had not even nicked Lord Nakazawa.
"Now I know who you are!" the cruel man laughed. "You are one of Yukito's brats. Ha! Looking back now, do you not wish you had just confessed and ended your suffering? And not only that, but you escaped me those many years ago only to return that I may kill you now. Your foolishness has caused your own death." Lord Nakazawa said, raising his sword over Cho-Hei's fallen form.
"Hold your weapon, Nakazawa. You have a new challenger." boomed out a commanding voice.
Lord Nakazawa spun around to find Lord Godha standing upon one of the ornate balconies. He held ready the sword that Cho-Hei had given to him. Fear crept into Lord Nakazawa.
"Why, if it isn't Godha. I would never have expected you to accompany your little lackies." he hissed maliciously, though he was slowly beginning to back away.
"You are right. I usually don't. But instinct told me that I should make a special exception just this once. Looks like I was correct." he said smoothly. Lord Godha then placed a hand on the railing and jumped off the balcony. He did a perfect landing in the courtyard and held up his sword. "Looks like there are still a few tricks in this old dog." he laughed.
Lord Nakazawa's eyes were darting furiously. "You don't know what you are doing. This is a mistake. We don't have to fight."
"No, Nakazawa, we do. Though I have only heard distant memories of Yukito I know that he was a good man. You murdered him and then had the audacity to brag about the act. And when your nephew finally garnered the courage to speak against your tyranny you had him exiled. Your own family, exiled." Lord Godha tsked.
"It would have been death for that traitorous bastard if I didn't know it would cause discord among the people!" Lord Nakazawa spat.
"Ah, seems like he was well loved, unlike you. Well, I have at least some reassurance for you. Once you are gone your nephew shall be placed on the thrown with all the support and help that I may give him. The Western Clan will be purified."
"That will never happen! My throne will never be taken from me!" Lord Nakazawa screamed.
Lord Godha shook his head. "There is no more time for talk. Farewell."
Lord Godha charged at Nakazawa. The two crossed swords so furiously that sparks flew from the striking blades. With each attack Lord Godha took one step forward and Nakazawa one step back. Lord Godha swung downwards then up, and moved swiftly into a series of complicated spirals. It was all Lord Nakazawa could do to parry the attacks. Lord Nakazawa's strength faded quickly and Lord Godha swung his blade forward for one final attack.
There were several flashes of light, and suddenly Lord Godha's sword was sheathed inside of Nakazawa's stomach. The man opened his eyes wide and cursed Lord Godha with his remaining strength. He fell to the cold ground and found no comfort in the arms of death.
Lord Godha grimaced. Nakazawa had managed to slash him deeply in the shoulder. Swallowing his pain, Lord Godha made his way over to the fallen Cho-Hei.
"One bottle left." Lord Godha said as he reached into his robes and pulled out a bottle of medicine. "Drink up."
Cho-Hei turned away from the offering. "No. I wish to join them."
"Listen my child, joining your comrades in death will accomplish nothing. I know what it is to loss someone dear to you. You must not surrender to the pain. "
"Then you must also know what a relief death is. Cessation is the only possible freedom from this torment." Cho-Hei said, tears sliding down his cheeks. "Kakunoshin was my left hand and Jubei was my right. I can not live without them." Cho-Hei sobbed.
Lord Godha put a warm hand upon Cho-Hei's shoulder. "Then tell me this, child; If you are to die, who shall carry on the dream of Yukito? Who shall pass along all his genius, all his passion? If you die, the spirit of your mentor dies as well."
"I failed my mentor! I did not avenge his death! You had to do the act for me and were injured because of it."
"It may have been my hand that slew Lord Nakazawa but it was your sword that drew his blood. Listen to me child, I could not have won had my weapon not been so superior. In that battle you were my right hand and the spirit of Yukito was my left." Lord Godha said gently. "So please, Cho-Hei, take this bottle and live. For your mentor and for your comrades."
Cho-Hei found he could not protest this. He nodded, then put the bottle to his lips and drank the soothing liquid. The snow continued to fall around them. Lord Godha smiled as a warm breeze suddenly passed through him.
***
"There you are!" Rimiko shouted, completely exasperated. "I've been searching all over for you."
Sayako took no heed of her sister and continued to stare at the cadavers around her. Rimiko marched up to her and waited for her to take notice. When Sayako did not, Rimiko waved a hand in front of her face.
"Do you know how dangerous it is to start day dreaming in the middle of battle? Well, more like the end of battle. There doesn't seem to be anymore fighting going on." Rimiko said, very disappointed by this fact.
"Oh, Rimiko! How did you fare?" Sayako questioned, finally noticing her.
"Pretty well, considering I didn't fight anyone!" Rimiko growled. "Why the hell did you send me down that corridor?! There was absolutely no one down there! I've been running in circles this entire time! But anyway, are you all right?" Rimiko asked, concerned at her sister's odd attention to the cadavers.
Sayako smiled warmly. "Yes. I'm perfectly fine. Come on. Lets go find the others."
***
Dawn was brilliant the next day. The morning rays of light shown down on the Azuma as many returned home. Akira, nephew of the now deceased Lord Nakazawa, would be returning to the estate in full glory as the rightful heir. Taro yet again had to remain at the estate which was now changing its hands of power. Bano, Ayame, Lord Godha, and Cho-Hei, who had all received wounds from battle, were happy to return home. As they rode in silence Ayame watched Lord Godha thoughtfully.
"You are such a trickster, my Lord. I can not believe that you came along without any of us knowing. What on earth possessed you to do so?" Ayame questioned.
"It was instinct that told me you children would be needing me to accompany you. Do not forget, I was a young warrior once." Lord Godha chuckled.
"And you still are." Cho-Hei said kindly. "Though I would rather that you had not mixed yourself in these affairs. I can never apologize enough for the wounds you have received."
"Cho-Hei, you act as though you inflicted the wounds yourself. This is nothing" Lord Godha said. Lord Godha had not come by a medicine bottle until a few hours after he received his wound, and consequently, the injury was still open and bleeding. Still, he did not seem concerned by it.
Lord Godha suddenly hardened, and his eyes went cold with foreboding. "May all the heavens protect me. There is something I forgot." he said, a painful dread in his voice.
"What is it?" Ayame pressed.
"Hinageshi."
"Ohhhhhhhhhhh." Ayame said. "She's going to murder you."
Lord Godha squeezed his eyes shut. "Oh, what she'll do to me when I return. I did not tell her I was leaving, and now I return to her injured no less!"
Cho-Hei and Ayame laughed, though secretly they were both a little frightened at the thought of being in Lord Godha's shoes. Bano stayed quite throughout the conversation, and Ayame noticed his silence.
"Something wrong, Bano?" Ayame questioned.
"I believe," he said slowly, "I have come to a decision."
***
In the very rear of all those returning home Atsutane rode silently along. He could feel Tomoyo was riding near him, and for some unknown reason, he felt the greatest desire to go to her. He blocked off his thoughts and rode forward stubbornly.
"Atsutane." Called out a heavy voice.
Atsutane looked up and found both his father and Cho-Hei waiting for him. He rode up to them slowly and regarded their somber faces.
"Atsutane, I have decided to accompany Cho-Hei in his travels." Bano said. "Together we shall craft enough weapons to resurrect the ambitions of Yukito. I am sorry to be leaving you, my son, but I have been running from my life's work for too long. I shall return, but in the mean time, I ask you to fully take on your responsibilities. You are an adult now, but always remember that I have faith in you, and I am truly proud of you."
Atsutane did not speak, but simply nodded his head curtly. After a final embrace with his son, Bano left with Cho-Hei following in his wake. Atsutane watched the pair ride off, and for the first time in his life felt the weight of adulthood upon his shoulders.
Another rider approached him. Atsutane turned around and found Tomoyo looking at him remorsefully.
"I'm sorry." she said. "I couldn't help but overhear. I'm...sorry."
Atsutane gazed upon her delicate features, but it was as if he had never truly seen her before. Every detail of her face had a fresh novelty, every curve of her body an epiphany. It was as if all this time he had only been seeing a shadow of Tomoyo; a distorted, bleary image. But now he saw her. The real and beautiful Tomoyo.
"Tomoyo..." he said slowly. "I'm an idiot. A real, true idiot. But you already knew that."
He then rode his horse up to her's and gently placed a hand upon the back of her neck. Pulling her forward he lovingly kissed her lips. The refreshing taste and smell of the woods passed between them. When Atsutane pulled back Tomoyo was smiling.
"Come here." he said, pulling her onto his own saddle. She rode in front of him, his one arm wrapped around her waist and his other holding on to her horse. The two rode in perfect harmony.
"I suppose now I'll be losing that weight."
"You got that right, tubby."
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End of Act IV
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Yes, that was a very cheesy ending to this act. It was SUPPOSED to make you feel all warm and gooey inside. If it didn't then you are truly heartless and should be ashamed of yourself.
This took me forever! But then again, it was the longest act so far. I can't help but feel that I thrust three new characters on to you and then killed two off and sent the other away just as you were getting to know them. I am terribly sorry about that. I really wanted to get deeper into the history of Bano, Cho-Hei, Kakunoshin, Jubei, and Yukito, but I have two more acts to go and I really want to have this finished before the end of summer. I think when I finish this arc I might write a little side story of their history.
Well, this has now hit fifteen pages. That's a pretty decent amount of reading. Relax and go to bed. If it's daytime, go take a nap. They're good for you.