And now, for the finale. Thank you all so much for the comments and support. Much love from me. xx
Kiyoshi kind of turned into a devil whenever she fought. Meaning she would use dirty tricks, taunt; do anything until her opponent was either a writhing mess or sack of lifeless flesh on the floor. But her skill was a massive force to be reckoned with. She had no mercy for her enemies. Tsai was no exception. He had nearly bled to death last time they met. But his intentions were to kill the infamous Violet Assassin and burn the flowers she carried. He was going to be careful this time.
Kiyoshi made a quick half-step with a sly gleam evident in her eyes. Her katana fitted loosely in her palm until Tsai dashed forward. For a man of his stature he was incredibly swift on his feet. Their blades clashed and swipes were exchanged continuously. Tsai managed to scrape Kiyoshi's cheek with the tip of his blade. She recoiled at the slash but retained her composure. Her cheek glistened crimson, as did her hand when she wiped the excess blood away. But her smile turned wicked as she rebounded with a horse kick to Tsai's temple. He tripped back just in time for Kiyoshi to stab straight through him.
The air turned still as the two samurai stared intensely at one another. Kiyoshi then took notice of the stab in her side. "You fought well." She said before twisting her blade and shoving Tsai off. It was then hell broke loose. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a soldier run towards an unsuspecting Kambei. She leapt into the air diagonally backwards to stab the soldier that had somehow made his way to Kambei. She then collapsed backward to fall into Kyuzo's arms. Kiyoshi looked at the soldier, then to Katsu (who was holding a gun), then to Kambei. She let her brain sort it out. If she hasn't saved Kambei, the solder would've been shot, taking Kyuzo down as well.
Kyuzo put his hand down onto Kiyoshi's injury which elicited a groan on Kiyoshi's part. "Let's go. I'll be fine Kyuzo." She mumbled. Kyuzo wasn't convinced. He tore a piece of fabric from his red jacket and tied it around her waist to halt the blood flow. Kyuzo picked up his lover and pressed a chaste kiss onto her forehead. "We need to find Ukyo!" Katsu exclaimed over the roar of the ship surrounding them. "We know that, genius!" Kiyoshi retaliated. "He should be this way. You lot get off the ship. I have to face Ukyo myself." Kambei interrupted. "No, sensei! We're coming with you." Katsu made a sharp turn that led them outside to find Ukyo. He was cornered; surrounded by a three way metal room.
"Kyuzo, drop me. We need to fight him." Kiyoshi began to wriggle out of his grip, but he held tight. "You'll get hurt. I won't allow it." He retorted, keeping his eyes on the fight between Katsu, Ukyo and Kambei. "I have to. It's all we've been fighting and training for. I won't back down now." Kiyoshi finally managed to writhe her way out of Kyuzo's arms and pull out her katana. She found the tiny division that enabled her sword to split in two and serve as double katanas. She dug her thumb into it and broke her sword apart. Ukyo backed into the wall, but he was smart. He dashed at Kiyoshi without warning, sword in hand, but he was unaware of the female samurai's hyperactive senses. She trapped the extended sword and used it to fling an unbalanced Ukyo to Kambei. A surge of pain dashed up her side and she collapsed to a knee. But she watched as Ukyo finally died. It just so happened that Kiyoshi blacked out.
~Ø~
She woke up days later with something soft and damp swiping at her forehead. "Ms. Kiyoshi! Are you alright?" Kiyoshi blinked until Kirara came into focus above her. It was nighttime, judging by the stray fireflies that had gotten in. Her head was felt like it was being repeatedly hit by bricks. "Somewhat…" she managed. A bandage was wrapped on the puncture from battle. "Wait, how long have I been out?" She asked. "A week… Kyuzo's been worried sick about you." Kirara finished with a whisper. Kiyoshi lofted herself up and into her feet, Kirara urging her to lay back down. "I'm fine, my dear. Wait why am I wearing a kimono?" Her question turned more into a statement. Kirara opened her mouth to answer when her grandmother came in. "Oh! Don't you look so much better!" She exclaimed. "Yes, um, thank you, ma'am."
"Well don't stand there staring at me! Your boyfriend's waiting outside, darling."
Kiyoshi nodded carefully and made her way outside without tripping or dying. The summer air sported many breezes as the moon basked everything in its silver light. She breathed in and let the clean air soothe her lungs before looking for a familiar bush of blond hair. Her eyes gazed over the quiet visage of the village. Then she saw him. Kiyoshi didn't know what happened; she probably called out his name and ended up in his arms. He buried his face into her neck as his hands remained entangled in her smooth hair.
Kyuzo pulled away and satisfied his desire of her taste on his lips. They kissed for what seemed like ages, and Kiyoshi suddenly pulled Kyuzo closer. There was no more war, no more agony; only them. And that's what mattered to the couple.
Life is full of surprises, isn't it?