***********************************************************************************************Act VI
Night of a Thousand Falling Stars
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Chapter Eighteen: The Play's End
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Mission: Defend or die
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Taro stood in the center of the great hall. His staff was held ready, his features were set. The Azuma stood in long ranks in front of him. Many looked upon him with reverent admiration. Taro took in their love with guilt. So many of the Azuma would follow him to the death. So many would lay down their lives if he so wished it.
AWe make our first stand tonight.@ Taro said calmly. ATonight we shall reclaim our supply lines, tomorrow we shall move back into our territory. Arm yourselves.@
The Azuma unsheathed their weapons as one. Again, Taro was struck with the perfection of some and the weakness of others. Why had the gap grown so large?
He whipped his spear into the first stance position. The others followed with ease. He held it still, wondering what feeling was pestering him. He drew his weapon into second position. What is that taste in the air? He spun his spear three times, then the fourth, landing in third position. The position of defense strike. Why was there silence? Was there not rage? Once, twice, three times over his head and his spear landed in the fourth position, offense strike. The others mimicked him well. But what are these undertones? Why is there such unease? And then; fifth position. The flurry of movements, the well practiced strikes. Finally, all weapons landing forward. Jabbing forward. Where an enemy heart would be. Fifth position; final strike. Their ritual practice was over. The Azuma could now go to battle. But no one made a step to move.
And again Taro wondered why so many of his men were weak.
And again Taro wondered why so many seemed to be strong.
And the answers to his questions came when the first three arrows were shot.
One landed in his chest. One in the shoulder. Another in the chest.
As Taro fell backward he saw the puzzle pieces flash before his eyes. He smiled as everything fell into place. Really, it was all so simple.
We=ve been looking for the enemy this entire time, he thought with a smile. And the enemy was here. My own people. My own traitors.
And as his body hit the ground all hell broke loose.
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Time slowed for Princess Kiku as two things happened simultaneously; first she heard the cries of her only born child, and then she heard the cries of her husband. She did not know how she knew, but she felt Taro=s pain as if it were her own. Something had happened, and she needed to go to him.
But though her chest throbbed with pain Shiro=s screams snapped her into action. She drew her son into her arms and jumped out of the way just as Agasuta brought down her blade. Kiku flung her back against a wall and faced Agasuta valiantly.
AWhy do you do this?@ Kiku demanded furiously.
Agasuta moved forward. Her pace was deliberately slow. ADo you understand,@ she asked, Ahow demeaning it is to be beneath the healer girls?@
AYou fool! You are not looked down upon!@
AYES I AM!@ Agasuta screamed. AThe women who tend to the nurseries are all the women who were rejected by Hinageshi. Who does she think she is? Whore of Godha. She acts as if her training is a privilege. Why is she in charge of the healer girls? Why?@
AYou stupid woman! You have betrayed your clan because you were not allowed to become a healer?!@
AI was content not to be!@ Agasuta screamed, a violent fury in her speech. AI was content to tend to the children! I was content! But the disgrace did not end there. The disgrace never ended. Every day Hinageshi would come and make her rounds, come to check and see that we were not messing up. And she came with her little students. The entire group, every day, coming to check and see that I was doing my job. Imagine, me being supervised by a group of little fools. The disgrace of it all.@
AAnd so you became a traitor. And so you sold us out.@
AI sold you out to your own clan. You wonder who the enemy is? Take a look around you, Princess. Half the people in your precious clan happily betrayed you. And for what? Money, Princess. Money.@ She chuckled softly. AThere is much money to be made in betrayal, after all.@
AToo bad though. I was beginning to like you and Shiro.@ Agasuta said as she approached them with her knife held high.
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Rimiko stumbled forward, Juriette's blade standing straight in her back. She collapsed against the floor and felt the blade so deeply embedded in her flesh. She struggled to sit up but only managed to cough up blood.
AWhy?@ Rimiko whispered.
AYou=d like a reason?@ Juriette asked. AAll right. Here is your reason. This clan has done nothing for my mother and I. It kept her in the nursery; it kept me as a servant. So why not become traitors?@
She pursed her lips. ABut Rimiko, I truly did enjoy our friendship together. You were very good to me when no one else was. I'm not killing you because I want to. If you stay alive the rebels will surely torture you. I=m going to kill you now so you won=t have to suffer through all this.@
AOh, thanks Juriette! Thanks a lot!@ Rimiko spat.
Juriette shook her head. AI=m sorry it had to be this way.@
As she pulled another dagger from her sleeve the door to the room crashed open. A figure burst inside and knocked into Juriette full force. The petite girl was sent flying across the room and smashed into the adjacent wall. Sayako righted herself and ran to Rimiko=s side.
AAre you all right?@ Sayako asked quickly.
Rimiko stared up in wonder. AHow did you find us?@
ARimiko, look at me. Straight in the eyes, and do not look away.@ Sayako ordered.
Rimiko did as she was told. Sayako wrapped her arm around her sister=s waist and grabbed a hold of the knife. She pulled it out in one swift tug. The pain was so great that Rimiko barely felt it. In fact, she barely felt herself. The world swam before her in meaningless shades of grey.
ADrink this Rimiko. Drink all of it.@ Sayako ordered. She then turned her sister and lay her on her stomach. She thanked the heavens for those lessons she received from Bikki, Shoko, and Chiharu. She carefully created a mixture of herbs from her medicine pack that was perfect for open, messy wounds. She rubbed this medicine into the wound and it slowly began to close upon itself.
AI=m sorry I did not realize this sooner, Rimiko. Juriette always had such pretty jewelry and such fine clothing. I should have wondered where the money was coming from. And she was always trying to give us those snacks and she would cry so much when they were ruined. Why did I not see it earlier? They were poisoned.@
A hollow laugh sounded from across the room.
AYou figured everything out too late.@ Juriette spat. AEven if you kill me, you will not stop this battle.@
ANo.@ Sayako said. AAnd I would not want to.@
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Kenichi ran from building to building, screaming and shouting, calling out the alert. He ushered children inside, ordered men out, and tried to congregate the innocents into one section of the town. He rubbed the sweat off his forehead as he wondered what else he could do.
There was an odd whistling sound, followed by a smack. Kenichi looked around but saw nothing. The sound repeated. Suddenly there was a horrible chorus of the odd smacks. He turned his gaze to the sky and suddenly saw a rainbow of lights. It was as if a thousand stars were falling to the earth. He watched this beautiful phenomenon for a moment before he realized what was happening.
The enemy was shooting fire arrows. Hundreds of them.
The arrows flew from every direction. There was no stop to them. Each arrow had a slim shaft and thick tip that carried an angry flame. They landed in the rooftops, street, and some stopped only feet from where Kenichi was standing.
So close, Kenichi thought. The enemy must be closing in.
Kenichi heard a strange whimpering and saw a group of guards cowering in a nearby alleyway. "You there!" he called out. "Help me get the water buckets! We must put out these flames!"
The men huddled closer together, shaking violently. "But…" one of them spoke. His protest died on his lips as he shuddered furiously.
"You call yourselves men?! You must help me! At least tell me where the nearest well is."
The men exchanged quick glances. "Please forgive us!" one shouted, and suddenly they all turned tail and ran.
Kenichi cursed furiously. He had no idea where the nearest well was, and even if he did, he could not do this job alone. But suddenly a petite figure approached him. A pretty servant girl who he had just ushered to safety left the protection of her hiding spot and joined him.
"The well is over this way. If we hurry we can contain the fire."
Several more women left their hiding spots and joined Kenichi. "Those cowards!" one of the women snorted, watching the men's retreat.
"Yes, in time of need, you can always count on a woman." Another, a short and stout healer girl said.
Kenichi looked around and discovered he had attracted a whole group of women. They were a mix of healer girls, nurses, and servants. Each one had a spark of determination in their eyes. They ran together to the nearest well, and Kenichi simply prayed that it would be enough.
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Atsutane=s eyelids fluttered open. He rolled over on his bed and buried himself under his sheets. His efforts were in vain as the noise outside persisted. He finally reemerged from his bedding and sat upright, trying to piece together the cacophony of sounds. His eyes shot open. There was a battle going on!
He looked around and was terrified to find he was not in his room. He was lying in the healing quarters of Hinageshi, and beside him lay Tomoyo, still asleep. He then gazed down at his body and discovered the many layers of bandages that were wrapped around him. Memories flashed as he remembered his own torn flesh. There was only one way he could have survived that battle; Tomoyo.
ASo you saved me again?@ He muttered feebly. AYou are going to make one hell of a wife.@
An odd smell suddenly struck him. He took in a few deep breaths and realized it was smoke. A faint crackling noise alerted him to the proximity of the fire.
AIt never ends, does it?@ He whispered to the sleeping Tomoyo. "We can never have a peaceful night, can we?@
He slowly slid out of his bed, and on shaky legs, made his way over to Tomoyo. She slept on peacefully. He gently put a hand against her cheek. She sighed and nuzzled it gently. Atsutane could not help but admire how beautiful she was.
ACome on. How about I save you this time?@
He carefully pulled the girl from her bed and placed her upon his back. He took only a few steps before the room began to spin. He was still weary from his injuries, and Hinageshi=s medicines had been sedative. Atsutane began to wonder if he could do this. He heard a soft moan from Tomoyo in protest to the rising heat. Refueled with dire energy, Atsutane slowly began to make his way through the sweltering room.
But with each step he took it seemed as though the door were farther and farther away. The heat rose quickly until Atsutane could feel the sweat pouring from his skin. There was a harsh crackling behind him, and he knew his bed had just caught fire. The flames were spreading, and Atsutane was losing his strength.
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Chiharu held her hands up in horror. She watched as Taro landed on the pulpit in the main hall, his body lifeless. Shoko trembled next to her, and Bikki sobbed gently. The trio watched as the entire hall exploded into chaos. Several Azuma traitors drew their weapons and began to slice through the crowds. The others slowly realized what was happening and engaged in battle. All was confusion as some Azuma simply stood around and demanded who was who.
AWhy is this happening?@ Bikki wailed.
Chiharu felt her stomach drop. A creeping horror overtook her quickly as the violent scene unfolded before her eyes. Bodies were hacked and thrown to the floor; comrades were turned against one another as no one truly knew who the enemy was. She wanted to cry, she wanted to faint, but suddenly she heard Hinageshi=s words echoing in her heads.
AAs healer girls, you have many responsibilities. Never shy away from them or else you will make me look bad! If you see people who need you, go to them. And if by aiding those people you are putting yourself in danger, go to them anyway!@
Chiharu nodded her head furiously. AThat=s right!@ She cried. AIf Hinageshi were here, she=d do...something! Come on, let's go do something!@
It was no speech, but her words were powerfully inspirational. Bikki wiped her eyes furiously and Shoko composed herself. The three girls slowly edged forward from the back of the main hall and made their way to Taro. He was not breathing, but they did not lose hope. Each girl grabbed onto him and pulled with all their might. Slowly they dragged his body to the back of the hall where there was safety from the fighting. Hinageshi, being so wise in her ways, always required the girls to carry medicinal herbs with them. The girls quickly emptied their pockets, their sleeves, and a few other places (which are rather unmentionable). They soon had a large pile of herbs and supplies beside them.
AWe have enough here!@ Shoko said excitedly. AWe can make do with these supplies!@
ADo you hear that Taro? You=re going to be okay.@ Bikki said.
AAnd don=t you dare die. Hinageshi will never stop yelling at us if you do.@ Chiharu warned.
A moment of silence passed between the girls as they all said a silent prayer. Then, with all the knowledge they possessed between them, they got to work.
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Sayako smiled as her sister gained strength. ADon=t you see, Juriette? This battle must happen. Our clan must be purified. Through your treachery you have actually helped us. We shall emerge from this stronger than we have ever been@
AYou bluff.@ Juriette said. AYou bluff and you=ll die.@
AI speak the truth and you shall regret. That is, if we let you live. Rimiko, try to sit up now. Come on, I need you.@
Rimiko squinted her eyes and sat up slowly. She leaned heavily on Sayako and adjusted her breathing.
ADo you want me to kill her, Rimiko? It is entirely up to you.@
The hilarity of the situation suddenly struck Rimiko. She began to laugh hysterically as she felt the skin on her back mend itself. She was tired, she was confused, and frankly, all she wanted to do right then was cuddle with Kenichi.
AI=m supposed to decide her fate? I=m too sleepy to do that.@ Rimiko wailed.
Sayako held her sister gently. AIt is up to you, Rimiko. I shall do the deed for you. Just decide quickly whether or not you want her to live.@
AIt is not that simple!@ Rimiko protested. AI do not understand.@
ANo, you don=t.@ Juriette whispered.
AOh shut up! Do not make yourself the victim. You choose to do this. You choose to!@ Rimiko began to sob. AAnd you did not just betray the clan. You betrayed me. We were friends. I liked you. You were so nice to me, especially when the other children were cruel to Sayako and me when we were young. You were the only one who stood up for us. Why bother to do so if you were just going to kill us? WHY?!@
AWHAT CHOICE DID I HAVE?!@ Juriette shouted, tears now streaming down her face as well. AMy mother and I were poor. My father abandoned us. We were going nowhere in life. If we betrayed the clan...we could get money. We could get enough money to start new lives. Somewhere far away. So we joined with a few others who were also sick of their lots in life. We began to steal from the clan, and for the first time in my life, I had pretty clothing. I had jewelry.@
ADo you realize how many lives will be lost just so that you could have pretty jewelry?! You have ruined lives, Juriette! You'll pay for this in your next life! You=ll be reincarnated as something that can never where jewelry. You=ll be a cockroach. You=ll be a worm.@
Rimiko sucked in a deep breath. AThat is it. Now I=m decided. I certainly will not kill you, and neither will Sayako. I want you to live out the rest of your life just so you may realize there is more to this world than pretty jewelry. You will see this battle through. You will see the consequences of your actions. And when the guilt finally sets in, you will be begging me to kill you. But I will refuse, Juriette. You will live until you die of old age. You will live until you atone for your sins.@
Juriette opened her eyes wide, and realizing this was the worst thing Rimiko could have done, she began to cry.
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Hinageshi ran with every ounce of strength she had. Flames and more flames flew past her as she raced into the night. Her kimono was hiked all the way up, giving a scandalous view of milky white thighs, but Hinageshi could not be concerned with appearances now. Her legs were deceptively muscular from long days spent running around her hospital wing. Her hospital wing, her sanctuary, which was now nothing but angry fire. Her heart cried silently as her body pushed forward.
No tears now. No tears now.
She entered the familiar hallways of her quarters. A room to her left had several fallen beams in it, silently turning to ash. Ayame gave birth to Rimiko and Sayako in that room. At the end of the hallway there was another room, inaccessible because the ceiling had collapsed in front of it. That was the room where I first told Bano he would be having his first son, Atsutane. He had been so proud he had jumped for joy, upending a table and covering the tatami mats with spilt tea. Hinageshi pounded through the side hallway, where Chiharu, Shoko, and Bikki messed up their first medicinal concoction, which had foamed over and turned blue, and opened a series of complicated doors, which was meant to protect her weakest patients.
As soon as Hinageshi entered the room she had to take a step back. The heat was so overpowering that it was like a living entity. Hot gusts blew across her face and ash clouded her eyes. She had to squint, but she could just make out two stumbling figures.
AATSUTANE! TOMOYO!@
Hinageshi screamed and worked her way over to the pair. In a confusing, jarring mess the trio found one another. Tomoyo was still unconscious, Atsutane barely holding on. Hinageshi shouldered both their weight as they slowly made their way from the room. Hinageshi did not know how they managed it, but they escaped the building alive.
Outside the air was sweet and refreshing. As Tomoyo and Atsutane collapsed on the ground, Hinageshi allowed herself a moment of solace.
So many lost memories...
But her grief would not get the best of her. She still had work to do. Lord Godha was somewhere in those flames.
She made her way to the royal chambers by pure instinct. How many nights had she found her way there, through the cold and darkness, to be rewarded by the warmth of Lord Godha? And how many mornings had she awoken only to feel dirty, to know she was dishonoring the memory of a women long dead?
"Godha's whore," The guards would whisper as she passed.
And how many times had she sobbed in his arms, the arms of the man she loved but could not have?
"I know, Hina, I know it is hard. Sometimes at night I awake from dreams where I am with her and she asks me why I have forgotten her touch, why I now sleep with another…"
"But would your wife not have wanted you to love again?"
"Yes, but in the daylight, it is hard to remember such things."
"My Lord!" Hinageshi screamed.
The flames were now towering around her, and at any moment she knew she would be engulfed. Stubbornly she plunged forward into the royal chambers as the soles of her shoes sizzled against the floor and burning pieces of tapestry fluttered around her like confetti.
"If only I were free, my love, if only I were not Lord of this Clan…"
"If you were not our Lord, we would have collapsed long ago. The clan needs you more than I."
"Hina…"
And suddenly there he was, lying on his bed, oblivious to the world. Hinageshi rushed to his side, completely inspired by his beauty. Her hands gently traced his face. His breath was held still. His eyes would not open. Hinageshi opened her own eyes for the first time, no longer seeing just Lord Godha's face, but the blackness that had poured into his room, the poison that had crept ahead of its maker, spreading faster than the flames ever could.
"What does freedom mean?" Hinageshi whispered. "Is it your continued memory? Is it the grandson heir you now have?"
Hinageshi moved closer and wrapped her arms around Lord Godha's still figure.
"Or is it that, as an emperor, the only freedom…is this?"
More smoke filled the room. Hinageshi laid her head upon Lord Godha's chest, which refused to rise with breath. Several tears spilled from her cheeks.
She had been able to outrun the fire, but not the smoke.
Lord Godha had already passed.
She, too, was determined to pass with him.
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Princess Kiku reached into her sleeve and withdrew a long dagger. Agasuta reeled back in shock.
AHmph.@ Kiku said proudly. AYou think any woman married to a weapon=s fanatic does not learn a thing or two? Shiro, get out of here.@ Kiku ordered. Shiro ran to the door, but ducked out of his mother=s view and instead hide in the corner. Neither woman noticed as they were both focused on each other.
ADo not underestimate me.@ Kiku warned gravely. AI am not some simpering princess. I will kill you with my bare hands.@
The two women stood motionless, eyeing each other critically. Agasuta stood rigidly, with the blade held tightly in her right hand. Kiku stood calmly, blade held ready at her side. Agasuta struck first, her blade jabbing forward. Kiku dodged to the left and circled around the women, putting herself into the safety of the center of the room while Agasuta now had her back against the wall. Kiku jabbed forward, pushing Agasuta back. Agasuta easily dodged her blow but was now cornered. Panicked, Agasuta struck blindly in huge slashing motions. Kiku jumped back, but did not escape one of the blows. The blade sliced through the front of her kimono and left a deep scratch down the center of her chest. Kiku could feel her blood spilling onto the floor.
AMOMMY!@ Shiro cried.
Kiku turned around to gaze at her son and was struck again. Agasuta was aiming for her heart, but Kiku was still turning away, and instead the blade struck low and sliced her hip. Kiku hissed in pain.
But Agasuta was now off balance, for she had put too much force into her strike. Agasuta leaned forward dangerously, her back exposed. Kiku sunk her knife into the hard flesh, blood flying up to hit her in the face. Kiku wiped the crimson from her eyes and beheld Agasuta on the floor, the blade standing in her back. Kiku knelt by her side. There were tears flowing down her cheeks, creating trails where no blood could touch.
AIt did not have to be this way.@ Kiku whispered, cradling the dying women in her arms. Agasuta calmly laid her head in Kiku=s lap.
AIt did, my Princess. It did.@
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Bikki, strongest of the trio, lifted Taro to expose the back of the arrow shaft that had pierced his shoulder. Chiharu swiftly took a hold of the shaft and snapped it off, leaving a view of the bloody open wound. Bikki lay Taro back down, and Shoko, who had the steadiest hand, removed the last arrow with one quick pull.
"Good thing he's unconscious." Shoko muttered.
Bikki gently felt the side of his neck. "His pulse is steady."
Chiharu nodded. "Good. Shoko, work on stitching the chest wound. Bikki, bandage the shoulder. It…"
But her words were cut off as suddenly a ninja approached them. The girls recognized him as one of the lower ranking Azuma, but by his upheld sword, they knew he was a traitor.
"Naughty little girls," he leered. "Someone should teach you a lesson."
He approached them swiftly, ready to strike, when Chiharu suddenly exclaimed, "Excuse me! But don't you bother us. We're busy."
The man was perplexed and halted his steps. "You heard me," Chiharu continued angrily. "We're busy. Get out of here. We don't have time to deal with you."
The man was thoroughly confused, and for a moment he nearly sheathed his sword and walked away. "Do not mess with my head!" He suddenly yelled, and continued his attack.
In a swift movement Shoko reached forward and grabbed one of the herbal pouches. With a flick of her wrist the fine powder flew out of the bag, forming a shimmering cloud of white around the man. He reeled back, his mouth open in shock, when he suddenly fell to the ground unconscious. The girls all had their noses covered with their long sleeves and were careful to hold their breath.
"That…was a very…nice move…" Taro muttered huskily.
"Taro!" Bikki cried.
"You're awake." Shoko exclaimed.
"Oh please hold on, Taro. We're almost done!" Chiharu promised.
Taro smiled dimly. "I'll try." He whispered. "I'll try."
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Ayame walked calmly through the forest. A gentle wind stirred her hair. It felt so nice that she removed her tie and allowed her hair to billow down her shoulders. The noises of battle were far away, and she felt oddly safe. There were no enemy ninjas here.
"What are you thinking about right now?" Ugaki Nagen asked, appearing from behind one of the tall ancient trees.
"I was thinking how peaceful it is here." Ayame said. "And how oddly safe it is."
"Safe?" Nagen asked. "I suppose I do not frighten you then."
"You and I are much the same person, and I am not afraid of myself. So no, you do not frighten me."
"Yes, I do suppose we are the perfect counterparts. Which one of is good and the other evil?"
Ayame smiled as she drew her twin blades. "We could play a round of jenken to decide."
Nagen laughed as he unsheathed his long katana. "I'm lousy at jenken."
"So am I." Ayame whispered.
Nagen lunged forward, striking furiously with his blade. Ayame parried the attacks easily, but the force he exerted caused her to use her full strength to do so. She took a few steps back before swirling her right blade into position and going forward with her own attack. She spun and struck to the side with the right blade first and then struck upwards with the left. Nagen was forced to jump back. The two circled each other wearily.
"Must we fight?" Ayame asked, he voice old and tired.
"Counterparts often do. It's because we have so much in common that one of us must die." He replied swiftly. "If we do not, this will never end."
"Tell me, Nagen," Ayame whispered, "Have you seen the ending to this play?"
"No Ayame. I have seen nothing. It will be a surprise to us both."
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The women of the Godha clan swarmed around Kenichi, following his orders perfectly. They created a line and passed buckets between each other, concentrating their water on the doors of each building. Kenichi threw a final bucket onto the doorway of the servants quarters and a stream of young girls flew from it, all covered in soot. The girls choked on the fresh night air and desperately tried to clear their lungs. Kenichi's group let out a cheer and quickly moved onto the next building.
"These are the royal chambers!" One of the women cried out to Kenichi. "What if Lord Godha is in there?"
"Concentrate the water here!" Kenichi ordered. He grabbed a bucket from the nearest girl and dumped it over his own head. "If I do not come back soon, move on without me!"
"NO!" The women protested as Kenichi plunged into the inferno.
Kenichi had heard of hell, and he was quite sure this was it. His ears filled with roaring and flames licked his cheeks. Nevertheless, he pushed forward until he discovered the couple Hinageshi and Lord Godha, lying together on a smoldering futon. For a moment Kenichi was struck by how much this resembled the ending of a tragic play, where the two lovers resigned themselves to die together. He moved closer to the couple, fearing the worst, but was shocked to find Hinageshi still alive.
"Get up!" Kenichi demanded, shaking Hinageshi furiously.
"No!" Hinageshi screamed. "I shall not leave him!"
"He is dead, Hinageshi, and I know he would not want you to follow him!"
Kenichi grabbed her and hauled her up. Hinageshi screamed and flailed her arms. Kenichi dragged her out of the room.
"MY LORD!" Hinageshi screamed furiously. "PLEASE, DON'T LEAVE ME!"
But even as she reached her hand towards him, flames consumed Lord Godha's body, taking him away from her and the world of misgivings forever.
*********************************************************************************************** Ayame jumped to her left, Nagen's sword just barely missing her. Both she and Nagen were covered in sweat and blood. Nagen had a nasty wound in his shoulder, and Ayame had been sliced in the thigh. Neither one would last much longer.
Stronger…I need to be stronger…
But Ayame's strength was quickly fading, and she did not know how much longer she could last. Nagen was breathing heavily, but it seemed that he could endure more than she. Ayame's vision swam and she cursed to herself.
I know there is strength left in me…I know it…
Ayame could feel it, a place where her final strength lay; a dangerous place that housed her very ki. If she unleashed that strength, she could take Nagen down in one strike. She felt that place, a well of strength inside of her, and it begged her to be unleashed.
My ki…if I allow my ki to be unleashed…I will be killed as well…
Ayame felt her heart swell. Is it my time to die?
A memory came to her. A memory of a boy, a boy who was not a boy, of death, who was not death, of a being, a being of love greater than she had ever known…
Your swords shall swing in perfect harmony he had said to her. Your spirit shall grow and your senses shall dull.
New memories came to her…of her loved ones…her beautiful daughters...
Rimiko on the day of her choosing, making a decision that only a stubborn girl like she could make. Sayako, being so proud of her map-making skills, being so intelligent for a child so young. Lord Godha, always being by her side. Kiku, who had become such a beautiful wife, Taro, who was such a wonderful husband and leader. Smiling Shiro. Gentle Hinageshi. Laughing Chiharu, Bikki, and Shoko. Serious Bano.
How I shall miss you all…
Ayame closed her eyes, felt her ki, and pushed.
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Rimiko clutched her chest and Sayako fell to the floor. Both were speechless as a power greater than they had ever known washed over them. Both exchanged glances, too frightened to speak.
"Mother…" they both whispered quietly.
"Rimiko…Sayako…"
Ayame's voice floated on the wind. Rimiko and Sayako sat up.
"Yes mother! We can hear you!" Sayako cried.
"Rimiko…Sayako…you are my greatest treasures in this world…remember my love for you…"
And then her voice was gone.
"MOTHER!" Rimiko and Sayako screamed.
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First your hearing shall fade, then your sight. You will not need them. You shall be at the pinnacle.
The boy's voice calmed her as Ayame dug deeper into her ki. It was as if her ki were a burning light, one that made her ache as she pulled it from the depths of her soul. She felt her body slowly breaking as the power she called destroyed her. It did not matter. Only this mattered.
Nagen reeled back, being the first to taste her power. Ayame's ki was now exploding from her, a mystical white light that created a halo around her weakening form. Nagen lowered his sword, smiled, and fell back with the beauteous light.
And as you strike down your last enemy you shall fall to the ground. Utter peace shall find you. I shall find you. You will smile at me, I'll smile back, and then you and I shall return to the stars. Rikimaru will be waiting, and together you will inhabit the night sky.
Ayame released her ki. The world around her was loud with explosion, but suddenly went silent. She saw the trees around her breaking into splinters, she saw the rocks around her turning to ash, but she heard nothing. Suddenly her vision swam and turned to black. She felt the final traces of her ki leave her body. All her sorrow, rage, bitterness, joy, love, and memories, exploded forth from her. Ayame laughed, cried, and fell back to the moist earth.
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The sun streaked across treetops that never slept. A gentle wind ran its fingers over the Godha estate. The first to wake was Kenichi, who had somehow ended up on his back in the middle of an alleyway. He gazed around him and discovered that the women, including Hinageshi, were also lying on the ground, unconscious. Kenichi shook his head, afraid for a moment that all had been slain. He thanked the heavens when he realized they all simply slept, and turned to his side to see where he was.
He lay outside the royal chambers, but the blaze had subsided. Kenichi gazed all around, only to realize that all the fire had subsided. The ash was still smoldering, as if it had only been put out. Kenichi wondered at this miracle, not knowing for the life of him what could have tempered the massive flames. The last thing he remembered was a beautiful white light.
A lone figure staggered towards him. Kenichi slowly got up and realized it was Rimiko, clutching her back painfully as she walked. He rushed to her and held her gently.
"It was my mother." Rimiko sobbed. "She released her ki to put out the flames. She's…she's…"
Rimiko sobbed mournfully into his shoulder, and Kenichi's heart broke along with hers.
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Shiro walked slowly, enjoying the beautiful day. He examined what had once been part of the surrounding forest of the Godha estate. Many of the trees were now piles of ash, gently being scattered by the wind. Shiro made his way to the center of the wasteland, discovering the broken body of Ayame across the ground. A boy stood next to her, his indigo eyes wide.
"So you have remembered your former life, Shiro?"
The child nodded. "As my mother fought Agasuta, I came to remember the evil creature that I once was."
The boy laughed. "Still acting as guilty as always. You were not evil. If you were, you would not have been able to have had a second chance at life."
Shiro shook his head. "I was a face-stealer demon. I aided in the death of Rikimaru…"
"Because you had no other choice. You had to play out your part. Remember, Shiro, when you stood before me, Ayame stood beside you. She asked me to give you a second chance, and I did. Do not spend this life in mourning. Ayame had wanted you to live a happy life, and to honor her memory, you must do so."
Shiro contemplated this. Finally he nodded in ascent. "Must she die?"
"Yes." The boy said sadly.
"Will you accompany her, or will you stay?"
"I believe I shall do both." The boy said. "Sayako unknowingly bonded herself to me, and I to her. I believe this is the first time a spiritual being and a human have been so closely tied."
"Well…" Shiro said with a smile, "It is no real surprise. She is, after all, a daughter of Ayame.
"That she is." The boy said happily.
Shiro frowned. "Must my father die?"
The boy looked up. "If I allow him to live, than I must allow one of the enemy to live. It is your decision."
Shiro stood silently, not knowing what to say.
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"Ger offa mer!"
Shoko heaved Chiharu off of her face and sat upright. She gasped for air and looked about her. Everyone in the great hall was scattered around the floor. She, Bikki, and Chiharu, had landed in a pile.
"When will you get off my arm?!" Bikki yelled.
"When you get off my leg!" Chiharu retorted.
"Quite!" Shoko ordered suddenly. "I believe Taro is…is…"
The three girls turned to see Taro's figure upon the floor, the only figure that did not stir with breath.
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"Please." Shiro said. "I do not care about the consequences. Please do not take my father."
The boy nodded. "As you wish."
*********************************************************************************************** The three girls gathered around Taro's still figure. Each clasped their hands in prayer. Chiharu sobbed softly.
"May your soul be at peace," Shoko whispered, about to close Taro's eyes.
Taro's hand suddenly shot up and grabbed her by the wrist. Shoko screamed and smacked him.
"DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!" She cried, falling backward.
Taro sat up, looking at her quizzically. "I'm sorry Shoko, I didn't mean to frighten you."
"Well you did!" Shoko cried indignantly. "Taro, you can be so…"
But Shoko cut her words as she stared at Taro in wonder. The three girls blinked simultaneously.
"YOU'RE ALIVE!" They screamed, all flying forward at once to hug him and only managing to smash their heads together. They laughed and cried and kept falling over, only to get up and repeat the process again. For many minuets they babbled incoherently, crying tears of joy. Soon others in the hall began to stir and joined in their mirth. The joy escalated as Kiku entered the great hall and fell into Taro's arms, kissing him as she deeply as she could.
They were joined later by Kenichi and Rimiko, Rimiko with red rimmed eyes but a calm heart. She was somewhat pacified, and cheered when Kenichi reminded her of their sakura wedding. Rimiko laughed and punched him softly, reminding him there was no way he could get out of the marriage even if he wanted to. Sayako and Yasha also joined them, silently watching the others. A thousand words passed between them, and Sayako smiled gratefully as she knew Yasha would not be leaving her.
Hinagehsi took everyone's breath away as she entered the great hall and smiled at them. She seemed to have grown even more beautiful over the passing night. Her hair tumbled down her shoulders, though touched with gray, still thick and shiny. Her cheeks were covered in soot but still rosy, and her heart was broken, but she kept her chin up. She embraced her three students and commended them on saving Taro. The girls accepted her praise thankfully, and asked her is she was all right. Hinageshi smiled back at them, saying he truly would have wanted her to live, but did not explain herself any further.
The last to enter the great hall were Atsutane and Tomoyo, who were leaning upon each other heavily. Atsutane immediately called Hinageshi over and demanded she make them some tea. Hinageshi chuckled softly and smacked him on the head.
As Sayako was encircled by Yasha's arms, she gazed at Rimiko and Kenichi, Taro and Kiku, Tomoyo and Atsutane, Hinageshi, and all the survivors of the Godha clan, and chuckled lightly to herself.
"The traitors have met their fate, and the clan has been purified. We are now stronger than we have ever been." She whispered softly, and then drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
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Nagen opened his eyes slowly. The sun had risen, and it was a beautiful day. He scowled angrily.
"So I am alive, eh?" he asked, sitting up.
He gazed around him, seeing the smoldering ash of what had once been forest. He chuckled to himself.
"Damn powerful that woman was." He commented. "And I know that power of hers should have killed me."
He lifted his right hand and examined it. There was not a single mark upon his flesh. He wondered at this, and only one solution came to him.
"So they saved one of their own, and in return, I was allowed to live." He murmured thoughtfully.
Slowly he stood up and brushed the dirt from his clothing. He smiled as he breathed in the air of a new morning. A tinge of regret came upon him.
"I shall surely miss you, Ayame. You were a wonderful woman and a wonderful enemy. Without you my life will be boring."
He picked up his fallen sword and began to walk away from the Godha estate. When he was but a few yards away he looked back one last time. It seemed as if the sun were kissing away the estate's sorrow.
"I suppose this truly is the end of the play…" he whispered, then left the Godha estate, never to return.
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Epilogue
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She was an empty shell, but she was not alone.
Beside Ayame stood a man with hair as white as snow, and a scar adorning his beautiful face. He leaned over her, tears streaking down his cheeks. He so rarely cried, and Ayame could not help but admire his tears as they fell. She reached up to touch him, and for the first time in many years, laid her hand upon the flesh of the man she so greatly desired. Rikimaru cupped her hand to his cheek and laughed softly. She too laughed, and wrapped her arms around him.
"I have been waiting for you." He said softly.
"Will we ever be separated again?"
"No."
Rikimaru picked her up as though she were a child. Ayame's heart soared as familiarity washed over her. This was as it was meant to be. The couple turned around, and discovered a boy waiting for them.
The boy had indigo eyes and a dazzling smile. Ayame smiled back, feeling her heart break with love. The boy gently touched her forehead, and she felt herself become as light as air. The boy placed a hand against Rikimaru's forehead, and he too became light. Together the trio flew up to the heavens, where they rested for eternity among the stars they loved so dearly.
Down on earth, Sayako and Rimiko sat together beneath the night. Suddenly two stars streaked across the sky. Both girls smiled, neither needing to speak a word.
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The End
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