Chapter 9: Matsuba Mayhem

"No! You must be lying! This cannot be real!" Makoto all but shouted out in denial. "I cannot believe that the Captain is dead!"

"It is, I swear it!" Shiden tried to tell her soothingly. "I would never lie about such things! The Captain is…!"

"No!" Makoto sniffled as she turned away, hiding her face in her hands, trying to block her tears.

"Makoto," Shiden scolded lightly, "I understand your grief, believe me, I feel it as well. But is this any way for a samurai to behave? You must accept it. Captain Kongo is dead. He had committed seppuku in order to atone for his failure in dealing with the insurgents."

"But why now?" she demanded tearfully, "Why die before we stopped Ugetsu? He never would have left us alone when we needed him the most!"

"I don't know what else to tell you," he said as he patted her consolingly on the shoulder, "I know it's terrible, but I believe he did what he felt was best. It is a terrible loss, but we can't give in time to mourn or even hold funeral rites for him for the time being. The Tairo will be arriving later this evening and we must be on hand to ensure that he's safe. Makoto, please. If the Captain were here, I know that he would want you to stay strong. So, I need you to get up, brush yourself off, and focus on what we need to do right now."

Makoto's heart was breaking apart. Ever since she first stumbled to the Sekiseigumi's doors, weak and exhausted, it was the Captain who first welcomed her in with open arms. He was a patient man and good teacher—almost like a second father to her after all that she had been through. To hear that he was no longer here with them? It was like losing her family all over again. She couldn't bear it.

But she knew that Shiden was right. The Captain would want her to stay strong and keep working to catch Ugetsu. She couldn't stop now. So, after she rubbed her eyes, taking several deep and calming breaths until she was certain that she had her emotions under control.

"Good," Shiden said approvingly, "There will be time to grieve later. For now, I need you to keep your wits about you. I have been named as the acting Captain until the Tairo leaves. And I need your help. I will be having you patrol the Short Pier this evening, do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sorry," Makoto muttered as she rubbed her eyes. "I will be wherever you need me, Sir. Claire should be paying a visit soon anyway, I'll have her help keep an eye on things as well. You can count on me."

"Good," he smiled back, "I'll leave you to it. It won't be long for Ugetsu and his insurgents to catch wind of this. We must be ready for the worse."

That had been early this morning and she had been trying to rest for this eve, yet she couldn't bring herself to sleep now.

She needed time to think and to digist all that happened. For the time being, she was standing outside in the training yard, her thoughts racing and her heart aching at this terrible tragedy. What was to become of them now? It is true that Shiden was handling things for now, and would most likely be chosen as the new Captain once the Tairo had left. But things just didn't feel right without the Captain here. What were they to do?

That was when she spotted a flash of pink hair and looked up to see that Claire had returned, just as she had promised. She seemed to be looking well, and had come straight over to her when she spotted her standing there on her own.

Makoto didn't even give her a chance to say anything. For as soon as she was near, she cried out, "Claire, it's terrible! Captain Kongo… He has committed seppuku!"

Claire was visibly taken aback by what happened and stared at her in shock at this as Makoto went on bitterly, venting so much of her own frustration and pain for this whole situation.

"He wished to atone for his failure to catch Ugetsu and all the causalities we've incurred," she explained, telling her everything that Shiden had told her, "So he wrote in the letter they found next to his body. With his Excellency the Tairo soon to arrive in Kugane, all is in chaos; we haven't even had the chance to hold funeral rites. It is all Shiden can do to keep our order functioning. Yet function we must, for the Tairo is likely to be targeted by Ugetsu and his cohorts. As part of the security detail, I am tasked with patrolling the Short Pier area. I should be grateful for your extra pair of eyes, Claire."

She was on the verge of weeping openly before Claire took her hand silently and gave her a comforting look before nodding. When she saw her nod bracingly, she felt some of her own courage return and gave her a watery smile.

"I am in your debt," she bowed, "If aught strikes you as suspicious, I ask that you notify me at once."

Claire promised that she would, and they left the barracks together, splitting up once they neared the piers. Makoto was glad for a brief moment alone though, for she needed the time to pull herself together.

*Claire*

She had only met Captain Kongo once before, but that was enough for her to give some serious thought to these recent turn of events. He sure didn't seem like the kind of man who would take the easy way out.

Despite how he pointed his blade at her, she didn't want to think that he was a bad man. On the contrary, he seemed to be a man who cared deeply about the lives of his fellow Sekiseigumi. She still had a hard time trying to understand why anyone, under any circumstances, would want to kill themselves for an 'honorable' death.

You can't accomplish anything if you're dead, after all.

And if it had been her, she would not wish to die until she at least made sure that the one responsible for so many other deaths was punished first. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to rest in peace.

There was something about this whole situation that rang out falsely.

Makoto had said that a letter had been left with the body, but so far no one had prepared for funeral rites. In fact, no one seems to have even seen a body, at least, that was what she picked up on. She would have to speak with Makoto again when she saw her.

In fact, no sooner did she finish her scan of the docks and wonder if she should go back and speak with her about this, when something small caught her eye. It was so small that she almost didn't pay it attention, but when she noticed the red color, she slowly turned back and bent down to examine the object. Wedged between the planks of the dock was a broken cord with a small, metal charm still looped into it.

She pulled it loose from the creaking boards and held it up to examine it. It was an elaborate charm that she had seen others in Kugane wear for good luck—but what made this one different was that it was stained with what was unmistakably blood.

She frowned heavily at that as she looked about, trying to figure out how it got here. Perhaps she should bring this to Matoko and get her opinion on it… but she couldn't help but feel that something terrible happened here.

*Makoto*

Makoto was leaning up against a pillar, having finally mastered her emotions over this tragedy when Claire returned. She, herself, hadn't seen anything strange happening about here, but when she saw the seriousness in her friend's eyes, she knew that something was wrong.

"There you are," she said, "Did you observe aught suspicious?"

Wordlessly, Claire held out the blood-stained charm and she took it curiously, running the charm between her fingers as she frowned at it.

"A charm… and it is stained with blood. But where have I seen it before…?" she asked herself, looking closely. That was when her eyes widen as she realized that she had seen a charm very similar to this one many times before.

"This belonged to Captain Kongo!" she cried out in horror, her hand shaking, "There is no mistake—it ever adorned his neck. But how did it come to be at the docks?"

Claire frowned at her before asking, "Did you actually see his body?"

The captain's body? Well, no. Shiden had been the one who informed her what happened just that morning. He explained to her that he went into the Captain's quarters and found his body, along with a message explaining what he had done.

"No, I myself did not see it…" she confessed, before gasping again as the full realization hit her like a sack of stones, "Could it be… 'twas but a ruse? That the Captain did not kill himself, but rather was slain by insurgents?"

Claire nodded in agreement to this theory and Makoto felt cold inside before gulping back, "Kami preserve… if this is true, it would mean the enemy walks among us!"

That would explain so much… it explains how the enemy always seemed to be aware of their movements. The last thing that she wanted to do was to suspect one of her fellow Sekiseigumi, especially after all that they had gone through together, but the more she thought about it, the more that it made sense, and the more her anger rose.

"We must notify Shiden at once and have him bolster security around the Tairo," she decided at once, "To the Thavnarian Consulate, Claire!"

She led the way, a new determination blazing inside her to replace the grief. She was determined to see whoever had slain the Captain and so many of their fellows pay for their crimes. She wasn't going to stop until she had personally rooted out every single traitor in their mists. She led Claire through the busy streets, taking a couple short-cuts and back allies, but soon found themselves just outside the Thavnarian Consulate, to where another Sekiseigumi was there on guard. He was greatly surprised when they skidded to a stop in front of him and asked where Lieutenant Shiden was at the moment.

"If you are after Lieutenant Shiden, I'm afraid he isn't here," he explained, and Makoto found her own worry rising at this news.

"Why isn't the lieutenant here?" she demanded, wanting to know what was more important than ensuring the Tairo's protection, "What is he doing?"

"…What he's doing?" her fellow asked with a bitter laugh, "Come now, surely you know of His Excellency the Tairo's predilections."

Makoto's felt her stomach sink as she realized what he was hinting at.

"Y-You mean the rumors were true?" she moaned out before she turned back to Claire and explained, "It is whispered that the Tairo is wont to indulge his voracious appetite for pleasure houses under the guise of official duty."

She felt sick at this truth being revealed. She had wanted to believe that it was merely a spiteful rumor made to cast doubt upon the people. Oh, she couldn't hide the disgust in her voice.

But still, now wasn't the time to condemn the Tairo's actions. They had to hurry. So, if Shiden wasn't here, then that must be…?

"If this is the case, then he will be in Sanjo Hanamachi, and so too will be Shiden," she decided. "Let us hurry!"

She led Claire off again, heading down a few more shortcuts as they made their way to the Sanjo Hanamachi—hoping that they weren't too late. Thankfully, no sooner did they step reach a courtyard that connected to the pleasure houses, she spotted Shiden standing in the shadows, his back to them. She sighed in relief, glad to see that he was safe and well—and she opened her mouth to call to him when she felt her voice die in her throat.

Shiden was staring off at one of the buildings, as if lost in thought, before he unsheathed his blade and began to walk forward. This action was so startling to her that she couldn't help but cry, "Shiden? What are you doing?!"

They went running up to him just as he quickly resheathed his katana and spun about to face them, irritation clearly written over his face.

"You two…" he said, "Why are you not at the docks?"

"I was given to understand that the Tairo is come not on official but personal business," she told him, still feeling angry to this whole thing.

"Aye, that he is, but that is none of our concern," Shiden stated calmly, more force than was necessary, before adding firmly, "At any rate, I have the area well covered. You may return to your stations."

He turned about to leave again but she spoke up, her mind still confused.

"Shiden, wait," she called after him, and when he paused, she asked, "There is no danger here. Why was your katana drawn?"

But that was when Claire did something very strange and held up her hand to stop her, taking a step forward with her eyes narrowed dangerously. Makoto wanted to ask what was wrong but she found her eyes still glued to Shiden, who seemed to take an age to answer.

At last, he sighed, a hint of amusement in his voice as he confessed, "You are too clever by half. More's the pity we failed to finish you off on Sakazuki."

Makoto stepped back in horror as realization washed over her like she was hit with an avalanche. Claire, didn't look the least bit taken aback as she already had her katana in her hands and was sizing him up as he sneered at her.

"Your foreign friend was supposed to die then as well," he admitted as he turned back to face them, "But we underestimated Musosai's pupil."

So many thoughts and memories filled her head at that moment… the memories of when she first arrived at the Sekiseigumi's doorsteps, meeting Captain Kongo who then introduced her to Shiden, and of all that she had learned from him? She had lost count of all the times they fought together… of how many times he saved her life in a fight? Had that all been nothing but a lie the whole time? All these memories and feelings clashing together with the shock and horror of everything she just found out were all swirling against each other that they were just blurring together in a mess.

"How could you, Shiden?" she cried in grief, unable to figure out what else she should say at that moment, "The captain was your friend!"

He showed no emotion as he glared back, as if thinking about what answer he should give her.

"…Let me tell you a tale," he said at last, "I was born in a farming village and grew up in squalor. Our liege lord was a tyrant, one who wrung us peasants for everything we had. None dared to rise up for fear of their lives. My parents, pushed to the brink of survival, mustered the courage to speak out. For their troubles, they were promptly arrested, but it did not end there. Nay, our lord wished to make an example, and so he had them burned alive before the gathered villagers. Through gritted teeth I watched my mother and father die, powerless to help in that moment, I vowed to myself that one day, I would change all that is wrong with the world."

Makoto looked up, her eyes red from unshed tears as his own eyes were as cold as ice. So, it wasn't all a lie… there had been a part of him that was generally good.

"I took up the katana and trained like a man possessed, and eventually won a place in the Sekiseigumi," he went on explaining his actions, "In the beginning I was overjoyed—finally, I could make a difference! But reality couldn't be more different, and ere long I came to see the Sekiseigumi for what it was: a tool of the powers that be, glorified guardsmen who patrol the streets for petty criminals."

He then smirked in such a disgusted and furious way that she didn't even recognize him as the comrade she once knew. He then snarled out, "Samurai… Justice… These things are naught but hollow ideals, and they can change nothing. This I realized to my despair."

Claire looked on sadly, but her blade was still held up, and she was clearly preparing for the worse.

"But then I met Lord Ugetsu, and he awakened me to the truth that in order to bring about true change, we must bring down the bakufu," Shiden explained with a rather dazed and blissful look now, as if recalling the happiest memory he ever had. "We must tear down the establishment and dig it up from its rotted roots!

The bakufu was rotten, that she wouldn't deny. And there were plenty of times that she wanted to tear it apart and build it up from scratch. But she knew better. She knew what was going to come for them all if Ugetsu was allowed his way. Whatever change for the good wasn't worth the bloodshed that was certain to follow in his wake.

"You are my comrade and I feel your pain, but Ugetsu's path leads only to death and destruction! Countless people would be made to suffer!" she tried to reason, one last attempt to get him to realize what he was doing.

"Ha, no more than what we endured in our village," Shiden barked back with an almost inhumane laugh, "There is no hope for Hingashi but to be reborn—in the fires of conflict!"

"This is madness!" she cried, "I will not allow your twisted vision to be realized!"

She pulled out her own katana, fury almost blinding her at the thought of being betrayed by one of the few people she thought that she could trust with her life.

"Then it seems we must cross blades," he said, with another grin that made him look monstrous, "But are you certain you wish to do so here, where an unwitting passerby could come to harm? It wouldn't reflect well upon the Sekiseigumi, I know."

She glared at him, but knew that he was right… but it wasn't out of concern for the people though, she knew that much now.

"Let us take this to Matsuba Square," he said, "The others are out on security detail, and there will be no one to disturb us."

He was mocking them now, and she was so angry and hurt that she wanted to lob his head off. Instead, she and Claire followed after him as he led them up a nearby flight of stairs.

"You know," he said with a self-satisfied air about him as they followed, "When I told Master Ugetsu about how one of us had found Musosai's final pupil, he was greatly interested."

"I'm sure he was," Makoto hissed back, "How much did you tell him?"

"Oh, just everything I knew," he confessed calmly, "He wasn't surprised when he heard what happened to old Musosai. That he refused to take his own life and fled like a coward. But to think that he would journey to the other side of the world just to find a new pupil and have her kill him? Why, that was enough to take him by surprise. I cannot understand why you don't share the same feelings as Lord Ugetsu, my foreign friend, if you were both taught by the same Master.

"You don't know anything," Claire responded at last, having remained silent the whole time, "Just the thought of Ugetsu was enough to fill Master Musosai with regret. His very memory tormented him to no end."

Makoto felt guilt rising up inside her at that news as Shiden snorted once more and called back, "He did what no one else had the courage to do! He's making sure that things change! But perhaps that is why you are so different from each other. You are not from these lands, and so we can't expect you to understand."

"Believe whatever you want," she replied and Makoto envied the dignity in her tone, "I know the truth."

They arrived at Matsuba Square before he turned to face the two of them.

"I knew that we needed to be rid of you," Shiden replied to them both, "But I had not expected to do the deed myself."

And quick as a flash, he drew his blade and went charging at him. At first, he targeted Makoto, who did her best to block his attack, her emotions still a turmoil inside her. But once he got a feeling of the force that Claire held, he turned his full attention onto her.

"You were my favorite, Makoto," he confessed, "This gives me no pleasure."

"And I respected you, Shiden…" she said mournfully.

"It is not too late," he called back as he and Claire were going all out to try and take the other's head, "Join me and swear fealty to Lord Ugetsu!"

"Never!" she yelled back, fury rising up inside her, "I will fight you to my dying breath!"

"Hmph, you did always have a stubborn streak," he had to yell, already panting as he struggled to keep his footing against both of them, "This time it will be the end of you. I should have killed you off long ago, as I did the others. Let me show you something I learned from Lord Ugetsu."

He jumped back and with a vicious slash, he cut a flaming red X in the air.

"All those assassinations were your doing?!" Makoto demanded, even more fury rising at the news. It was bad enough that he was a traitor, but to think that he had been the one who had planned all the deaths of their comrades and not just some random insurgent? "Damn you, Shiden! No punishment will suffice for your crimes!

The part of her that had still been hesitant to strike an old friend faded at this revelation and she was now fighting just as hard as Claire was. Just as she was beginning to think that they would bring him down, she heard yelling from far off.

"To arms! To arms!"

"What's this?" she asked as she saw around ten or so of her fellow Sekiseigumi come running in, their own blade drawn.

"We are come to aid you!" one of them yelled.

"Kami be praised—it's the Sekiseigumi," she smiled as she tried to tell them what was going on, while avoiding Shiden's blade, "My friends, we are betrayed! The lieutenant serves Ugetsu!"

But to her horror, she watched as Shiden jumped back and out of their reach before turning to the Sekiseigumi and grinned evilly, "You arrived just in time."

All of them turned to him and saluted as they cried, "Yes Sir!"

"What? What is happening?" she gasped in panic.

"Come now, surely you did not think I was alone?" Shiden asked as he grinned back at her and she understood. Her fellow Sekiseigumi did not come to help her… they had answered Shiden's call to aid.

"No…" she gasped, "This cannot be…"

It was bad enough that just one of them was a traitor… but so many? How could she have been so blind?

"These two have uncovered our plan," he called to the others. "They are a threat to the cause and cannot be suffered to live. Kill them."

"Yes sir! For the cause!" one of them yelled as they ran in. For that moment, the shock was too much for Makoto and she just stood there in a stunned state before Claire gave her a hard shove and slap to snap her out of it.

"Wake up!" she said, her voice full of authority, "Stand tall. We must deal with them."

Makoto was sick of crying. She held back her head and stared ahead, knowing that she was right. Standing there with shock was only going to get her killed, and she couldn't leave Claire—who might just be her only true friend left—to fight off this many on her own.

She ran up with her blade held up and began to take on four or five of them at a time, forced to leave Claire with the other half of the traitors on top of dealing with Shiden.

"That there should be so many traitors…" she whispered as she fought before pleading, "Please, open your eyes! Come to your senses! Tearing down the bakufu will only lead to chaos! We are the Sekiseigumi! We are sworn to protect the nation! What you are doing is… is wrong!"

Perhaps there was some confusion in their faces as she tried to reason with them, but they kept going, forcing her on the backfoot as the pressed in on all sides. Thankfully, Claire had much better luck by finishing off the Sekiseigumi on her side before turning her attention back to Shiden, who was now growling in frustration.

It was just when she feared that they weren't going to walk out of this ambush alive when she heard running footsteps. For a horrible moment, she feared that it would be more traitors, but then another voice spoke up, one that she never thought that she would hear again.

"Quickly! They're this way!"

"That voice… could it be?" she gasped, and after knocking her opponents back, she spun about and saw, to her amazement, was Captain Kongo and what looked like half of the Sekiseigumi rallied behind him.

"Forgive me my delay," he called, his katana drawn, "It took some while to gather those on duty."

"C-Captain! You're alive!" she cried as her opponents all froze in shock at the sight of their former Captain standing there, alive and well. She then yelled out quickly, "There are traitors in our midst, the lieutenant among them!"

"Aye, I know," he frowned at Shiden who glared back. "'Twas he who tried to kill me!"

"Th-That was Shiden, too!?" she asked in horror, and wishing that she would stop being so surprised. He had already admitted to the murder of so many of their own, of course he would try to kill their Captain. But still… the two of them had been friends for years… how could someone just be willing to kill someone like that after all that they went through together?

Shiden didn't show any signs of remorse as he glared back at him and spat out, "Hmph, aren't you a tough old bastard?"

"Why, Shiden? I trusted you," Kongo asked, the other Sekiseigumi standing behind him as they stared at what they saw, not quite believing their eyes.

"To change Hingashi, why else?" Shiden countered as if he were dim, "But mule-headed as you are, I don't expect you to understand."

"The earnest and true Shiden of old is no more—that is all I need to understand," Kongo replied with an air of grief hanging about him, before turning to the Sekiseigumi behind him and ordered, "We deal with the traitors! Have care, and remember: We are the Sekiseigumi, and our blades stand for peace!"

So not all of them were on Shiden's side. That thought, alone, was enough to fill her with a new sense of hope as she turned back to face the traitors. Soon it was a battle on all sides. It was hard to tell who was on which side with all the fighting going on, but she focused on whoever came at her. As she fought, she watched the Captain and Claire out of the corner of her eyes whenever she dared.

"Come, Ljin," Shiden roared at Claire so that it was just the two of them standing in the center of the Square and they were facing off, "I shall be your opponent. I am done toying with you, Let us see your true worth!"

With a calmness that Makoto had to wonder if she was something more than a simple child of man, Claire kept her blade raised as high as her head as they clashed, their fighting the fiercest of all. Meanwhile, Makoto focused on her own opponents, her true comrades at her side as they helped to push them back.

At one point, she saw how Shiden jumped back with several other traitors and they held up their blades to perform the same attack from before.

"Bleed from a thousand cuts!" he roared as he cut the X in the air once more. But as the attack went flying at her, Claire dodged it easily before dashing in close and almost succeeded in getting under his guard that time.

Shiden moved back again, real worry written over his face when he realized that he was against a true master of the blade. Not that he was ready to accept it yet as he hollered, "My brilliant blade pierces all!"

But as he brought his katana down upon her, Claire moved to the side and he was left wide open to her as she sliced at him so quickly that he didn't even see what hit him. Only that her attack was too much for him and his blade dropped to the ground as he fell to his knees, his hand pressed hard to his side.

"No…" he wheezed, trying to get back to his feet but was unable to, "How could I lose?"

At the sight of their former Lieutenant falling, the traitors that were still standing were all dropping their blades as panic overtook them.

"Lord Shiden is fallen! We must retreat!"

And soon they were all running, bolting from the Square and were heading straight towards the docks, most likely looking to steal a ship and escape Kugane.

"You'll not get away," one of the true Sekiseigumi yelled, giving chase.

"Leave them!" Kongo yelled, causing them to stop as their traitors escaped, "We cannot risk endangering the citizens."

Instead, he ordered them to ensure the safety of the people who may be around them. If they could, capture the traitors, but their first priority was to make sure that no others were harmed. Others who were injured he ordered to return to the barracks and to have their hurts treated, and to search the personal items of anyone who had been exposed as a traitor here this evening.

It was good to have him back. And soon her fellow true Sekiseigumi began to set off with their orders. Those who couldn't walk were helped to their feet and left them while the other half went in pursuit of the traitors… leaving only herself, the Captain, and Claire with Shiden, who was still wheezing on the ground.

They all turned to look down at his pathetic state and wonder what was to become of him now. Makoto knew that the only punishment left for his actions was death, and while she knew that it had to be done, she couldn't help but feel pain in her heart at the thought of how this all went turned out. And it seemed that she wasn't the only one either, for the Captain was staring down at him with a look of sorrow, as if he were a father at the deathbed of his own son.

After taking a deep breath, he said, "It's over, Shiden."

Shiden, who had remained silent since he had been brought down, soon began to laugh.

"Over?" he snorted out, "Nay, Kongo, this is only the beginning." Makoto blinked in confusion before he looked up, a wildness in his eyes akin to that of a rabid animal, smirked as he declared proudly, "Love live, Lord Ugetsu!"

His hands then flew to his blade, still on the ground, and she raised her hands up to stop him too late. She covered her face, unable to bear the sight of it, as Shiden—someone she had once been so proud to call a friend—ran his katana right through is neck.

No words were said as she heard his body hit the ground. With a wave of regret and pain flowing through her body like blood, she forced herself to look up as Kongo just looked on sadly.

"Farewell, old friend," he said remorsefully, "May we meet again in the next life."

Makoto took several steadying breaths, determined to find some good from this tragedy, and looked to her Captain, having been so certain that she would never see him again.

"Captain, thank the kami you're safe!" she cried, "Will you tell us what happened?"

"I will," he said with a nod, "But first, there is something I must do."

She wondered what he meant by that before he turned back to Claire and she felt herself freeze once again. The last time the two of them were face-to-face, he had threatened her, and she almost expected him to tell her to leave them be.

But to her amazement, he took a deep breath and said, with his tone full of respect and gratitude, "Claire, for your timely intervention, I give you my thanks. And for my earlier discourtesy, I beg your forgiveness."

Claire seemed taken aback when he bowed low to her. But then she smiled and shook her head as she responded, "No apologies are needed."

Makoto smiled, glad to see that any hostility that either had for the other was gone.

"Allow me to thank you also," Makoto added, knowing that if she hadn't been there, she surely would have been dead. Not only that, but it was she who first made her think about the suspicions surrounding Captain Kongo's apparent death. If she hadn't come to her with that charm then she never would have questioned anything, and she let her know that by saying, "Were you not on hand, there is not telling what might have come to pass."

Fully appreciating just how narrowly they escaped Ugetsu's plans coming to pass. She bowed low as Captain Kongo sighted out loud.

"With me gone, Shiden would have had free rein," he stated, "He was the last any of us would have suspected."

"Aye…" she agreed, "When he told us that you had committed seppuku, none thought to question it."

To her surprise, he laughed out-loud at that.

"Ha, a convenient lie, but a poor one," he told her good-naturedly, "Any who know me well should know that I would not take my leave ere I had dealt with the insurgents. To do so would be the greater shame by far."

That was true, and she beamed back at him, glad that the worst part of this nightmare seemed to be over.

"Now then, let me recount to you my tale," he told them both, "Late at night, Shiden summoned me to the docks to discuss an urgent matter. As I approached him, the wretch slashed out at me without warning. Though I couldn't react in time to doge the blade, for a blessing it caught my charm, sparing me a fatal would. My momentum sent me over the docks and into the sea, where I remained until it was safe to resurface. My lungs were ripe to burst when Shiden finally left."

And as he moved back some of the cloth of his kimono, she could see the faint red mark standing out against his throat… just very narrowly missing a lethal blow.

"Such an ordeal that must have been…" she said before she reached into her pocket and pulled out the charm that she still carried, and handed it out to him. He looked startled at that but smiled gratefully as he took it back.

He nodded and went on, "Having learned that there were traitors beside Shiden, I kept to the shadows and watched their movements. And the rest you know."

He looked back to Claire as he said humbly, "Claire, my thanks again for your help."

He then confessed that he had been hiding in the shadows when the two of them went to inspect the docks. With Shiden's true colors having been shown, he didn't know who else he could trust, for he was certain that there were many others inside the Sekiseigumi who had to be helping him. With her near the top of his list… at least until he saw her looking about the docks and picking up the charm before reporting to Makoto. That was when he knew that she couldn't have been on Ugetsu's side, for they never would have gone to Makoto like that.

When he realized that they had gone to speak with Shiden, he feared that they would both be struck down by him and went to enlist the aid of ever Sekiseigumi that had been on duty. He then later found out that those he positioned nearest to the pleasure houses were the ones who were aware of his plans to kill the Tairo and those Shiden had sent to patrol as far from the pleasure houses as he could—to make sure that they wouldn't be near to discover the truth.

"So that was how you knew who was truly on our side," Makoto smiled at him.

"Aye," he nodded, "I will be having their personal possessions searched when we return to the barracks. Hopefully, we will find out more of what they were planning. That some good may be found from all that has happened here this eve."

He then looked back down to Shiden's body before gathering him up in his arms. He would carry it back to the barracks before they decided how best to proceed from here.

"To think that Shiden was a traitor…" Makoto said out loud, still shaking slightly from their fight, "I still struggle to believe it."

"I, myself," Captain Kongo agreed grimly, all three of them walking back together, "I had known him ever since he first joined the Sekiseigumi and had fought at my side more times than I can count. I want to believe that there was still a trace of the good man I once knew still in there. I suppose that he came to believe that as long as he served under the corrupted government, he could never change the world for the better. Tis a shame that he will no longer be able to see that he was wrong."

They returned to the barracks with the few who had remained loyal to them, and the Captain soon had things back in order. It was as if there had been a sort of fog hanging over them the past several moons, and with the discovery of all the traitors among them, it was as if those clouds had parted slightly. For now they knew beyond any doubt who was with them.

As the late hours wore on and the Captain found a moment to spare for herself and Claire, he turned to face them, looking at them both carefully before his eyes settled on Claire. Claire looked on, as if wondering if he was going to question her over what happened.

"You journeyed here from a distant land in order to lend your strength to our beleaguered order, yet I drew my blade upon you," he said slowly, and Makoto could tell that he chose his words with care, "As it turned out, 'twas those whom I thought I knew and trusted that betrayed me. Suffice it to say I feel a right fool."

But Claire merely shook her head silently, but it was clear what she meant, even if she didn't speak. She didn't blame him for his mistrust in her, and she held no grudge. It was truly a relief to see that any tension or mistrust the other had was no longer present.

"But now we have succeeded in rooting out all the traitors in our ranks," Makoto reminded him, knowing that they must take their victories where they could. At least they no longer had to worry about Shiden plotting murder behind their backs.

"That we have," he agreed. "And from those we caught, we were able to wring out some key details of their operation. Shiden had been seducing our men over to Ugetsu's side. Those who proved unamenable to his advances were killed, like our comrade in the recent mission. It makes my blood boil to think that those most loyal among us were struck down by treachery…"

"What of Ugetsu's whereabouts?" she added, hoping that he may have discovered more about where Ugetsu was hiding. There was only one way that this whole battle could end.

"It appears he makes his base on the mainland, somewhere in Yanxia, but the precise location still eludes us," he confessed.

All of Yanxia? She supposed it was a start, but how were they even to begin searching such a wide stretch of land? It would take them weeks just to search over it, and even then, she was sure that Ugetsu had plans in store should they come sniffing about. He wasn't going to stop his quest to defeat the bakufu anytime soon, and she knew that.

That was when she remembered something else and felt herself grow indignant over what she discovered before Shiden's treachery.

"…Forgive me if I speak out of turn, Captain, but even as we laid our lives on the line, the Tairo went about satisfying his urges," she questioned, wanting a real answer, "Can we truly say that we protected the peace this day?"

Captain Kongo looked back at her with a tiredness in his face, as if he understood completely what was going on inside her mind.

"Well do I understand your frustration, Makoto," he sighed, "Yet for his many vices, there is no denying the instrumental role the Tairo plays in keeping the realm whole. Ever are the great lords watching for a fracture to form, by which they might break the status quo and usurp power. Through skillful intercession and manipulation, the Tairo keeps each of them in check. 'Tis no secret that the bakufu is a cesspool of corruption, but in spite of this we must protect the peace. Such is a samurai's calling."

Makoto looked down as she let that news sink in. she could understand that much, and she knew where the Captain coming from. She understood that the Tairo was one of the few who could keep all this corrupting from breaking out into a war. And she also understood that, as a samurai, she must protect those who need it. But that doesn't make it any easier to know that she protected someone who would sneak away to a pleasure house when his only duty is to the people.

Still, she nodded as she forced her temper down. She wasn't going to allow her anger to take over like Ugetsu. While she could see his point of view, it wasn't worth the idea of all the lives that will be lost if the bakufu was allowed to fall.

Captain Kongo then looked to Claire and stated, "Though you come to us from afar, you share this calling with us. I pray that we can continue relying upon your blade, my ljin samurai friend."

Claire nodded bracingly and Makoto was taken aback by one of the Captain's rare smiles. He wasn't known for giving out praise easily, nor of being the friendliest person. But seeing this brought her much comfort as he bowed once more and left them as he went inside.

"I understand his reasoning," Makoto said quietly, "I just have a hard time accepting it."

"Hm?" Claire asked as Makoto looked back.

"You don't seem to be upset at all about the Tairo's actions tonight. I know that it's not your problem, nor your government, but still. I must ask. How do you do it?" she asked, "Doesn't it upset you to know that people can be so despicable?"

Claire chuckled softly and said, "I've encountered plenty of such beings in my life. And many more who don't appreciate what we risk for the good of the realm. There are many people who will only think of themselves, and sometimes that mindset cannot be changed."

"Then how do you accept it?" Makoto asked.

"I think of the countless others who deserve the protection," Claire answered calmly. "If you cannot stand the thought of protecting the Tairo, then think of the people who were spared suffering from tonight's events."

Makoto thought that idea over and realized…. She was right. While she was revolted by the Tairo's sick pleasures, she remembered that saving him may have saved countless other innocent lives. That was enough for her. Ugetsu wanted change to happen overnight and make everything fair and equal for the people. She could respect that desire. Yet, she also knew that the way he was going about this was just a road filled with violence. It was almost like he desired revenge and didn't care who had to suffer for it.

Like her parents.

She blinked hard as she held her head high. Everything was alright for now. Instead, she smiled as she looked to her friend and gave her a quick hug, taking Claire by surprise, before she hugged her back.

When she pulled back she said, "You are right. Thank you for reminding me of that. Allow me to add my voice to the captain's. You are a stalwart ally to our cause and a samurai true. Master Musosai was not mistaken in choosing you."

Claire looked uncomfortable by the praise as she muttered a quiet, 'thank you'. She then promised that she would return in a few days' time and for her to take it easy until then. Makoto waved her off, wishing her a peaceful night's sleep before she went inside herself.

She took a steadying breath before feeling the full weight of weariness take over her. She thought only of her futon waiting for her back in the barracks.

She didn't get far though.

"What was that about?" asked a voice from the shadows and Makoto jumped and spun around to see that Captain Kongo was leaning against the wall and was observing her with a strange look in his eyes.

"Captain? I'm sorry, I didn't see you there, I…?" she began but he held up a hand and she paused as he drew closer and looked her firmly in the eye.

"Now, Makoto, I am going to ask you a question, and I want you to be completely honest with me," he said to her seriously and she blinked, wondering what it was that he wanted.

"Those techniques that Claire used in the battle," he began slowly, "I have seen them before. Only a fool would mistaken them, in fact. But they were the spitting image of the traitor Musosai."

Makoto's eyes widen in horror as he continued looking down at her with that questioning look before adding, "And just now, I overheard your conversation with Claire outside?"

"C-Captian Kongo," she gasped quickly, "I know that it looks bad, but please, you must listen to me, Claire is not with Ugetsu or…?"

"I know that now, Makoto," he cut off quickly, "I witnessed that all tonight. If she were really with them, she wouldn't have stood against them with us. But, I want you to tell me just who she is and what her reasons are for being here."

Makoto looked down with a frown, afraid that he would be furious with her. But after taking a glance around and making sure they were alone, she quietly told them about how she had decided to go to Eorzea to track down Musosai, in the hopes of enlisting his aid in defeating Ugetsu. When she arrived though, she found out that he had already passed away, having chosen an honorable death in the end at the hands of his last pupil.

Captain Kongo had been silent for the most part as he listened to her tell him the whole story.

"I see," he said at last when she finished telling him how she had sent the letter with a plea for help, "So that is what this is about."

"Sir," Makoto pleaded, "I understand why many would find this suspicious, but you have said so yourself that she stands against Ugetsu. Ugetsu is no true pupil of Musosai! His shame in what his first pupil had become was so great that he knew that his spirit would never be able to rest! That is why he chose to leave, so that he could make amends!"

But he held up his hand again to silence her and he took his time in thinking this all over.

"Perhaps, before today, I would have questioned it," he began, "But after the display that I have seen earlier, I cannot believe that this is part of a trap. But you have yet to answer my question Makoto. What is her reason for coming here? Why would she be here, on the other side of the world, fighting a battle that is not her own?"

Makoto had wondered about that as well for a long time. Most would never do what she was doing right now and that left her to wonder her reasons for doing so. But then, she spoke up with what she truly believed what the answer.

"I believe that she sincerely wishes to help us," she answered simply. "What other reason could she have?"

Captain Kongo looked long and hard at her before he sighed.

"I see," he said slowly, "If nothing else, it brings me comfort to know that there are still good people in the world. You have put your faith in her… then I will as well. Let us hope that it will be enough for the battles ahead."