Chapter 8: Trials of the Sekiseigumi

Dear Claire,

I pray this letter finds you well. You received me with kindness when first we met, and I write to you in hopes of depending upon your kindness once more. You will recall what I told you of Ugetsu and his growling faction of insurgents. Upon my return to Kugane, I was dismayed to find that his influence had spread to alarming proportions. Outbreaks of violence have become a regularity, and the men and women of the Sekiseigumi struggle to maintain order. Each day we fight, and each day our strength is shorn further. The enemy, it shames me to say, completely has our measure.

I shall speak plain: we are in desperate need of aid, and I beseech you to lend your katana to our cause. As master Musosai's last pupil, your skills would help us to turn the rising tide. I know full well that I ask much of you—to journey halfway across the world and involve yourself in a struggle not your own. Yet ask I must, for should the bakufu fall, the realm would be plunged into chaos, and innocent people would be subjected to untold suffering.

With all my being, I pray that you will answer our call, and ere long we shall meet again in Kugane.

Sincerely yours,

Makoto.

"That is what it says," Claire said as she finished looking over the letter, with Momozigo gazing up at her. She had paid a visit to the Quicksand where she had an inn room for the night and she happened across Momozigo, who had been spending the last week. When he saw her, he greeted her as an old friend and he gave the unexpected news of having just received a message from Makoto.

The contents weren't at all what she had been expecting, and Momozigo was frowning as he thought over the details.

"Musosai's first and last pupils, pitted against each another…" he said slowly. "There's certainly poetry in that, and you can take comfort in the knowledge that you'd be fighting on the side of justice."

Almost a little too much poetry in that. What were the odds of something like this happening? To have met with someone who both knew Master Musosai and Ugetsu… and to ask for her aid in their fight? With so much happening lately though, could she really afford to go?

"As Makoto writes, though, it's a lot to ask, and the decision is yours to make," Momozigo reminded her, "But for my unsolicited opinion, I reckon you should do it—for the old man if for no one else."

Claire frowned as she thought it over. She had only just returned to Eorzea after helping to free Doma only recently. And with the Resistance planning a new operation to reclaim Ala Mhigo, should she really spend her energy so soon? But then again, she remembered that the Resistance would need time to get things ready and she had nothing to do until then…?

She couldn't see the harm in it. She wasn't sure what she would be able to do for them though, for she still knew precious little about how their government and justice system worked in the Far East. Nevertheless, she bid farewell to Momozigo and allowed the aetheral currents to carry her away and across the sea. Without a doubt, a much quicker journey, but she couldn't help but feel a slight longing to be able to sail across the sea once more.

Yet it wasn't like she could spend the next couple weeks at sea at the moment.

So, after opening her eyes, she had reappeared in the very center of Kugane, her eyes taken aback by the bright colors and buildings that stood out around her. There was much talk and laughter in the air as she strolled through the streets, glad to have a chance to take her time and admire the beauty of this city without the threat of the end of the world hanging over her head. Well, for now.

She knew where to go though as she headed up to the northeast to the structure, passing through the decorated gate and looked around. She stared about the large courtyard, remembering the last time she stood here—with hopes that Gosetsu was alive and well. She felt her heart ache at the thought of how he heroically stayed behind to hold the crumbling ceiling above their heads as they fled from Doma Castle.

"A samurai, yet yours is not a familiar face," said a voice, knocking her out of her thoughts. She looked up to one of the buildings and spotted one of the Sekishigumi watching her with a critical eye. He was looking over her, and she saw how he seemed to be staring at her own katana.

"Makoto's foreign guest, I take it?" he asked as she approached and Claire nodded stiffly, feeling like she had been expected to come.

"My apologies, but she is not on hand to receive you," the Sekiseigumi informed her, looking a little to the west. "She is presently leading a mission to Sakazuki, where insurgent leaders are meeting in secret. However, they are late to return, and I must confess that I grow worried. I would go and find them myself, but I cannot well abandon my post. Might I ask you to go in my stead?"

This was probably the quickest way for her to see Makoto and she agreed, leaving the barracks behind her. She was still struggling with the landmarks around these parts, but she knew that Sakazuki was in the Ruby Sea… just near Hell's Lid if she was recalling it correctly.

With Doma free of the Empire's control, trade had opened up between here and Kugane so she was able to find a small ship that could take her to the Ruby Sea. But since they did not wish being caught by the Confederacy and pay for a stranger, Claire agreed to be dropped off at the outpost just before entering the sea itself. She thanked them once she stepped off the ship and began to question some of the guards out here if they had seen any of the Sekiseigumi come this way. They pointed her out just past the Hell's Lid, and warned her to be careful, which she was grateful for it.

She swam across the water and reached the shores of Hell's Lid quickly enough as she climbed up the ash-covered shores and cast her gaze from a great height, hoping to spot Makoto. She was almost sorry she did, for from where she stood, she thought that she could see what looked like a group of samurai towering over two others on the ground on a nearby shore. Without even thinking about it, she dove into the sea, hoping that she wouldn't make it too late.

*Makoto*

"No!" Makoto cried as her comrade's body hit the ground. She ran to his side, almost blinded by tears at how sudden this was. But as she did, she completely left herself open and she paid dearly for it.

She got stuck hard under her guard… and as she was knocked to the ground she felt blood dripping from the wound in her stomach, but it wasn't deep. She had managed to move back just far enough to avoid a fatal blow… but still, it knocked the wind out of her and she was on her knees, unable to move.

She didn't understand how this happened. The two of them were just looking around when before they even had time to register what was happening, a group of armed men jumped out of nowhere and began to swing their katana about.

She tried to call a retreat to her comrade, but she hadn't been given the chance to, barely having enough time to draw her blade and block an attack.

Now here she was on her knees with no choice but to wait for her fate to come. She kept her head down, knowing that there was nothing else that she could do as she waited for these three to finish her off. She closed her eyes, biting down on her tongue, refusing to beg or give these beasts the satisfaction of hearing her scream.

But before the blade was brought down upon her, she heard one of them let out a startled cry, "Another one!"

Another one? She had wanted to look up, but was struggling to breathe at this point. However, she heard what happening, a pair of running footsteps and the sounds of a fight was out. They were clearly fighting with someone, but who? And who could take on three at once?

As she spit out a mouthful of blood and was feeling her wound, wincing slightly, whoever had appeared to help her seemed to be having an easy time dealing with the ambushers. She could hear their cries of fear and pain before the sounds of bodies hitting the ground rang about… and then it was silent.

Makoto didn't dare look up for a moment, not sure if they were part of the Confederacy or something much worse. At least until…?

"Makoto?" asked a familiar voice and that was enough to cause Makoto's head to jerk up.

Of all the people she had hoped to be here, hers was the one that she never thought to see in these parts—at least not so suddenly. Claire held out her hand for her to take and helped her to her feet.

"By the kami, it's really you," she gasped, unable to believe that their fates were cross paths here. "I know not how to thank you, Claire."

She bowed low, trying to show her just how grateful she was for her timely arrival.

"We caught wind of a secret insurgent meeting, and came here hoping to learn something of their plans," she explained, "But they were the ones who knew of ours. They were expecting us and had laid a trap. Before we knew what was happening…"

That was when she remembered and looked behind her to see her fellow on the ground… bleeding from the neck to where his throat had been slit. She closed her eyes, grief and fury echoing through her very soul… now crying out for revenge.

"We Hingans live by a rigid caste system, wherein one's standing in society is inherited rather than earned," she told her, trying to keep herself from giving in completely to her hatred. "My comrade—he hailed from a poor farming village. His family grew scarcely enough to pay their lord his dues, and it was all they could do not to starve. In order to escape the shackles of his birth, he sought a new life in Kugane, a more progressive district, where a man may yet rise above his station. He became a samurai in hopes that he might one day have the power to bring about change—change to an irrational system that holds people hostage to their birth."

Just like so many of her fellow Sekiseigumi. Just a group of men and women who were tired of how they were seen in a society where only their blood seemed to matter; and were determined to do something to change it.

Taking several deep breaths and forcing herself to compose herself, she looked back at her new friend, who had been listening ever so sympathetically, "Souls such as him make up the Sekiseigumi, those raised with a plow in hand, and not a blade. You'll find none among us born into a samurai family; ours is a ragtag band gathered from the lower rungs of society. Yet for our disparate origins, we are patriots all. Ugetsu and his cohorts, too, claim to be patriots. But in order to bring about their change, they would as soon see our nation razed to the ground."

The sad thing was that she could see why they thought the way they did. She was no fan of the bakufu herself and had thought many times that they should find a way to change it. But she was no fool in knowing what would become of it.

"As with any nation, Hingashi is not free of problems. Far from it," she confessed slowly, "But should the bakufu be toppled, the great lords would rise against each other in a bid for power. The realm would be transformed into a battlefield, and another Age of Blood would begin. If we are to prevent this—if we are to protect the peace, Ugetsu must not be allowed to succeed. No matter the cost."

Even if Ugetsu succeeded in overthrowing the bakufu, she could only imagine how many innocent people would be forced to suffer or die in the process. He wanted to change things as quickly as possible, and if that meant an ocean of blood then so be it, at least in his eyes.

"…Forgive me, not is not the time to hold forth on my passions," she added to Claire, remembering that she had to report back to the barracks immediately and see to it that her comrade was given a proper burial. "I shall bear my comrade back to the barracks. Pray join me there."

Claire nodded, having offered to help, but Makoto refused, wanting to do this much. Claire seemed to understand how important this was to her and nodded, promising that she would meet her later at the barracks in a couple hours. She decided to examine the rest of Sakazuki—just to make sure that there weren't any other enemies about—and she would report back to her when she was finished. Makoto thanked her before, with a great effort, she heaved her former friend upwards and over her shoulder, grunting in pain in the process.

She was able to take him back to the boat that they used to get here and sail the rest of the way back to the port in Kugane, where she meet with others of the Sekiseigumi, who let out cries of shock at seeing what happened.

She repeatedly told them that she was fine as she watched them respectfully cover his body with a sheet before they took him away, promising that they would look after him for her, while she wearily made her way back to the barracks to inform Shiden what happened. He was astonished to hear the events that happened there and how their 'foreign guest' arrived to save her at the right possible moment.

Claire, herself, soon appeared after that, after feeling that she had given her the time she needed to fulfill her duty to her comrade. Makoto greeted her once again and brought her before Shiden, who was looking at her with a great deal of interest.

"That the enemy should know our plans… the loss of a comrade pains us, but we are grateful for Makoto's preservation," her friend said as he looked to Claire with great interest. "She has told me all. As master Musosai's pupil, your blade would be most welcome in these dire times."

Ah, that was when she realized that she had to ask her of her reasons for being here. She had hoped against hope that she would agree to lend her blade to their cause, but just because both she and Ugetsu studied underneath the same master doesn't mean that this was any of her business.

"Claire," Makoto asked suddenly, causing her to look back. "Pray allow me to confirm your intent. By your coming to Kugane, may we take it to mean that you will aid us in our fight?'

Claire wasn't much for words, that much was clear to her. But the simple nod that she gave to her was as though she just shouted it out and Makoto felt her spirits soar for that moment as Shiden raised up a joyous fist.

"From the bottom of my heart, I thank you," she said with her voice ringing with gratitude as she bowed low again, "Our cause is much bolstered for your blade. Without further ado, I would introduce you to our captain."

That was when she remembered how against Captain Kongo was of seeking out Master Musosai and she looked up to add quickly, "However, there is one thing I must ask of you. Pray keep the fact that you are Master Musosai's pupil to yourself."

Claire tilted her head at that as Makoto understood the confusion all too well.

"It may make little sense to you," she added quietly, "but that you shared a master with a wanted criminal would mark you out for suspicion. That is simply the way of it in our culture. Lieutenant Shiden alone knows the truth and understands, but few are as open-minded as him."

"Ah, it occurs to me I've yet to introduce myself," Shiden said as he also bowed in greeting, "As Makoto says, I am Shiden, lieutenant of the Sekiseigumi. And may I apologize for our order's penchant for procedure. When I sent you to find Makoto in my stead, I could not leave my post due to a prior duty—tending to the whims of visiting dignitary. Pressing business, as you'll no doubt appreciate. Now if you'll wait just a moment, I shall bring Captain Kongo hither."

They waited patiently as Captain Kongo was brought out to see what all the commotion was about. Makoto informed him of what happened at the isle and of the loss there, and how she would not be here right now if their new ally didn't step in to save her.

"May I present to you, Claire Fay, who has journeyed from faraway Eorzea to aid our cause," Makoto told him, after explaining the events at Sakazuki. "Though she is not of our land, I have witnessed her skill at arms firsthand, and have every confidence that she will prove an invaluable ally."

The captain, however, didn't look impressed as his normally kind eyes turned cold when he turned his gaze upon Claire. Then, without warning, he drew his blade and looked ready to cut her down.

"C-Captain!?" Makoto gasped, taking a step backwards, shocked at what he was doing.

"You would have us trust our lives to an outsider!?" Captain Kongo demanded harshly, never taking his eyes off Claire. "For all we know, she is one of Ugetsu's or even an imperial spy!"

"Captain, please! Claire is a good woman and true! I personally vouch for her identity, and shall assume all responsibility for her actions!" Makoto said quickly, trying to stop him before anything unforgivable happened. She understood his concerns, of course, but there wasn't a doubt in her mind that Claire would never betray them.

Captain Kongo looked highly skeptical at this as he kept his eyes on Claire, who gazed back without any emotion on her face. Either she had ice in her blood, or she was used to being threatened, and she had to wonder if that was cause for concern.

Thankfully, Shiden stepped in to try and defuse the situation before anyone got hurt.

"Should her origin give you cause to doubt, you would do well to doubt us all," Shiden added suddenly, his voice very calm as he tried to talk reasonably, "the sons and daughters of nameless farmers and laborers and the kami know what else."

Captain Kongo's eyes narrowed as he glanced at him, but his words seemed to have worked, for he sheathed his blade.

"Very well," he said before turning back to Claire, who had remained calm the entire time, and warned, "But mark my words, outsider: a single misstep, and I will cut you down."

Claire didn't say a word as she observed him through those piercing green eyes, as if she was looking into the very depths of his soul and could see something in him that the rest of them couldn't. But she just gave a short nod before the captain huffed and turned on his heel—heading back into the barracks.

"Forgive the captain, my friend," Shiden said once it was just the three of them again, "He holds himself responsible for all our losses, and we fight a losing battle."

"No need to apologize," Claire said as she kept her eyes on the captain's retreating back. "I think it was more to scare me into behaving than an actual threat."

Makoto blinked as she looked back to the captain, wondering if that was true. She knew that the captain was under a lot of pressure, and the grief that he must be feeling after their many recent losses must weigh even heavier upon his soul than her own. But it did comfort her to know that he was not the type of man who would strike out of impatience.

"In spite of our best efforts, we are no closer to ascertaining Ugetsu's whereabouts, nor do we know the full extent of his operations," Shiden went on explaining, bringing her back to the matter at hand. "And in light of the recent ambush, I fear there is a breach in our security. As if we had not problems enough, His Excellency the Tairo, one of our nation's most powerful men, has chosen this juncture to come to Kugane on an embassy visit."

That was true, in all that happened today she had nearly forgotten. They would have to keep a close watch on the Tairo during his visit and prevent Ugetsu from striking again.

"Ugetsu will surely look to wreak further chaos, and it falls to the Sekiseigumi to keep our honored guest hale and whole," Shiden finished up, "We will be out in force providing security, and I pray that we can rely on your blade as well."

He gave a quick bow before leaving the two of them alone. Makoto turned to her and said quickly, "I too must beg your forgiveness for the captain's outburst. With naught to show for our efforts, he grows ever more irritable. Now then, I must return to my duties. We have no tasks for you at present, but in case of an emergency, pray remain near and with your katana near at hand."

Claire merely shrugged once more, as if she wasn't surprised by any of this and gave a quick farewell, deciding that she would explore more of the city. She would return in a few days' time, but to contact her should they need any aid.

"I will," Makoto promised as Claire gave a kind smile and left.

The rest of the day went on with an air of sadness over the barracks at the news of what happened. Many of them came to check on her, to make sure that she was alive and in one piece, which brought her a little comfort. She saw Shiden later that night, and he promised that the guard had been bolstered and they should be ready when the Tairo arrives. When it was just the two of them alone in the courtyard, they talked more about Claire for she wanted to know what he thought of her.

"She seems… different," Shiden said slowly. "Not at all what I expected Musosai's pupil to be."

"What were you expecting?" Makoto asked of him.

"Not sure," he frowned. "But she seems to be the exact opposite of Ugetsu, does she not? Meek… quiet… following orders without a complaint?"

But Makoto was shaking her head at that.

"That's not what I see," she countered softly. "I see very much of Master Musosai in her. The true Musosai, that is. Ugetsu was no true follower of his, this is clear to mine eyes and it comforts me to know that."

Feeling a faint bud of hope beginning to open inside her, she was able to get some much needed sleep that night… something which she was truly grateful for.