Chapter 11: The Battle on Bekko

Makoto had been afraid of this, yet she couldn't say that she was surprised either.

One by one, the other members of the Sekiseigumi had turned on her, giving her looks of deep disgust and refused to follow even the tiniest of orders. They kept guard over the city, that much she could convince them to do… but otherwise, her words had fallen upon deaf ears.

More than once, she had been forced to retreat to the peace of her room in the barracks and cry silently to herself. She knew that her tears were unbefitting a Sekiseigumi—a captain no less—but she could not help it. She knew not what to do. And with the day of Ugetsu's duel drawing ever closer… she feared that she would be forced to face him alone.

No… not alone. She knew that she had at least one person's support and that was the one thing that inspired her to get back to her feet, rub her eyes dry, and continue her duties. But still, her spirit seemed to be growing frailer with each passing day until the battle at Bekko was upon them.

She arose that day, with no small amount of dismay that most of her order had all but deserted and left the barracks. It was with no small amount of relief when Claire returned once more. As soon as she saw her, all she wanted to do was throw her arms around her friend in gratitude.

"Claire…" she said mournfully, before she even let her say anything, "My fears have become reality. Members of the Sekiseigumi are deserting one after another. Finding out that I am Ugetsu's sister, and you Musosai's pupil, has shattered their faith in our cause. With so many gone, we haven't the strength to face the insurgents. We have to convince them to return somehow…"

Claire just gave her a sympathetic look as she let her catch her breath and calm down. This was something that she had picked up on her friend. Claire didn't seem interested in giving her the answers she wanted, but rather content to stand there and let her work out the problems herself—speaking only when she felt that she had to.

She took several deep breaths as Claire watched on, waiting for her orders.

"There is no two ways about my connection to Ugetsu. But if we can dispel the stigma surrounding Master Musosai at least, they may yet have a change of heart," Makoto sighed, hoping that if they couldn't follow her, perhaps they would be more willing to follow Claire. She was a strong and confident samurai who had no doubts that what she was doing was the right thing and Makoto wished she could be like that. If nothing else, it would at least clear Master Musosai's name and inspire the others to fight for the sake of the innocent lives here.

Whether or not they will accept her as their captain? Well, they would worry about that when they got there. While she wasn't hopeful that they would listen, it was at least a place for them to start. "I require but a chance to speak my piece. Will you help me round up our disillusioned comrades? I will look around the barracks and the northside of town, if you could focus your search on the south."

Claire nodded and slowly turned to leave… but not before Makoto ran at her and flung her arms around her middle.

"Thank you," she muttered softly as Claire merely held her gently and rubbed her back with a kind expression before she could remember where she was and regained control. She held back the tears and nodded to her, once more drawing strength from her stoic presence before she went running off.

*Later*

"Why should I believe you?" one of her comrades, or perhaps former comrade, demanded, "You had been lying to us since day one! I bet that you were the one who had been going behind our backs and seducing our members into joining your brother!"

She held back the cry of grief that was desperate to break out. Instead, she held her head high and said, "If you want to know the truth, then return to the barracks. I will be open with you all and I will not lie. If you still wish to leave after that, I will not stop you. But, if you care about Hingashi at all, then you will heed my words. That is all I ask."

That was all she could say to them, but to her relief, they seemed willing to listen to reason… at least for the moment. Many of them didn't wish to trust her, but there were just as many who seemed to have lost any will to fight. They all seemed doubtful that anything she could say could encourage them to stay, but they decided to humor her and, one by one, they returned to the barracks.

When she returned, Claire had manage to charm the other deserters back as well, and she smiled on when she saw her return with the last person.

"My thanks for your help, Claire," she said gratefully, "Let's begin before they change their minds."

Claire nodded and gripped her shoulder tightly, offering her silent support, which Makoto took strength from as she turned to her comrades.

"Hear me, my comrades," she called after taking a deep breath, "In our nation, Musosai is a name that evokes loathing. All know that his were the hands that created the monster Ugetsu. And all know that he evaded responsibility for fear of death."

She knew that she had to be honest. There was no point in denying what everyone was aware of, but she had to get them to see past such things before she could ask for their help.

"But naught could be further from the truth, for Musosai ever taught that a samurai's calling is to preserve order," she went on, speaking from the heart, "However, Ugetsu seeks to do the very opposite. In bringing down the bakufu, he means to usher in such chaos as to trigger another Age of Blood. Ugetsu may have trained under Musosai, but he was no true pupil of his. Nay, his true pupil stands before you now, and she, like her master did, wields her katana to protect the peace."

She was afraid of this. Not a single person looked convinced at that, and instead, were looking on at Claire with similar disgust.

"Bah!" one of the gruff samurai spat, "Protect the peace, you like to say, but what did Musosai ever do to 'protect the peace'? Can you tell us that?"

"I would ask the same question," another questioned, "All we know is that he challenged warriors the realm over and never was once defeated. An impressive feat, to be sure, but it's neither here nor there."

At that, Makoto feared that she had no real answer. In truth, she didn't know what it was she could say that would satisfy them.

"It… it takes strength to protect the peace," she said, cursing herself in her mind for her slight stutter, "As we strive to hone our skills through rigorous training, Musosai honed his through duels."

They didn't look convinced, and she feared that she may have just been wasting her time. At least until Claire stepped forward. What she said next shocked everyone to the core.

"He brought evildoers to account as Kogarashi," she informed them all with that soft voice, yet with this news, she may have screamed it out for all of Kugane to hear for no one was expecting that. Makoto stared at her with wide eyes as she contemplated such a revelation. Was that true? Everyone knew the story of the wandering samurai who ventured from one corner of Hingashi to the next as he righted wrongs and brought criminals to justice.

But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that it had to be true. Kogarashi was the name some began calling him, but none knew his true name or where he came from. That was also when she realized… it was just after Musosai had left Hingashi behind did the stories of Kogarashi also mysteriously disappearing without a trace.

"Wait a second… The Kogarashi?" one of the other Sekiseigumi demanded, "The mystery samurai who roamed the land smiting the wicked when I was little?"

"The man who protected the weak and punished common crooks and great lords alike before vanishing like the wind?" another cried with his eye bright as this news sank in.

"It was Musosai all along?" a third gasped out, "I-I became a samurai because of him!"

And soon they were all crying out in wonder and respect as they looked at each other eagerly.

"M-Me too! Kogarashi was my hero! I wanted to change the world like him!"

"Looking back, 'twas when first I heard tell of Kogarashi that the desire to take up the katana took root in my heart."

All at once, it was as if any fear or mistrust they had for Claire disappeared and were now looking at her with nothing but respect.

Makoto turned to look at her and said, "I had known that master Musosai journeyed the land with my brother, but to think that he did so as Kogarashi…"

Besides, Claire hasn't grown up hearing the name of Kogarashi… how else could she have learned of that name if not from Musosai?

"Could the experience have pushed Ugetsu to his extreme beliefs?" she then added to herself as she may have understood a new part about her brother that she may not have seen before.

It was here that Claire went on speaking, "I know not what you have heard of him, but I know this to be true. When I first met Master, he was seeking a new pupil to instruct and he had chosen me. I traveled with him all across Eorzea as we righted wrongs and saw those responsible punished. All that time though, he knew that he was fighting against a sickness that would soon claim his life. It was then that he revealed to me that he sought the criminal Kogarashi… whom he meant to see punished for his crimes. It wasn't until I met him on the battlefield did he reveal that he and Kogarashi were one and the same… and he faced his judgement… fearlessly. He died an honorable death… and was absolved of all of his sins."

It was probably the most that Makoto had ever heard her say, yet she found she could not stop listening. Her voice, though quiet, was enough to command the respect of all the others as they listened in with rapture. When she finished, they all looked convinced… at least, mostly.

"Very well, Captain," one went on, their faith in Musosai having been restored, but there was still distrust in their eyes when they looked to her, "We were wrong about Musosai. But what have you to say for yourself?"

"That's right, we haven't forgotten about that!" another agreed, his shock having worn off, "Your brother's the bastard that's trying to tear down our nation. How can we trust you?"

She looked down, not sure what it was that she could say now that would convince them. She wanted to explain her reasons, and most importantly, why she wished to see her brother brought to justice more than anyone. For he was not her brother any more. But before she could even open her mouth, another voice cried out.

"Arrrgh, enough! I've been biting my tongue, but I can't stand it anymore!"

She looked up just as a Lalafell came running up towards her, one dressed all in green and a bit of a furious stomp in his tiny feet as he marched up to them. That was when she blinked in realization, remembering that she had seen this man once before… back in Eorzea. Claire certainly seemed to remember him and was taken aback by his sudden appearance, something that the gentleman seemed to sense.

"Hello there, Claire," he said, his tone changing to one of an old friend would say when he addressed her, "Fancy seeing me here, I shouldn't doubt? The idea occurred to me to visit Musosai's homeland, you see, and you know how spontaneous I can be."

"That… that you are," Claire said before her shock gave way to a bright smile, one which he returned before he turned back to the others and gave them all a dark glare.

"But what do I find upon arriving but this painful display of narrow-mindedness!" he called out, with the air of a parent reprimanding misbehaving children, "The old man would be turning in his grave!"

"Who the hells are you?" one barked, outraged that a foreigner would speak to them in such a manner.

"Who I am doesn't matter," he shot back, "What matters is what I did, and that was to journey with Claire and Musosai on a quest to right wrongs. We've established that you all respect and admire Musosai, who happens to be your childhood hero, Kogarashi. Well then, you should know what he used to always say about his own countrymen: that you're so focused on a person's birth, you blind yourselves to his true worth."

They paused, their anger fading almost at once as it dawned on them what he was saying.

"It's so bleeding obvious I can't believe I have to say this, but having a villain for a brother doesn't make Makoto a villain!" he finished up by crying out, "In spite of their relationship, she opposes him, for gods' sake!"

Makoto couldn't help but feel as if she was being wrapped up in a warm blanket as she saw the others lower their heads and her new friend went on, "Now, look at yourselves. None of you were born into samurai families, but through hard work, you've made it this far—become who you wanted to be. What Makoto has done is no different! Like you, she's broken free of the shackles of her birth to live a life of her own choosing!"

What did she do to deserve such friends sticking up for her? She didn't know, but she thanked the kami over and over for it.

There was silence for a brief moment… and then…

"By the kami, why could I not see this?" one cried, "After all we've been through together as comrades?"

"Damn it, you're right!" another cried, "How many times have I had to put up with scorn because I came from a poor village? But there I was dealing that scorn to the captain…"

Tears returned to her eyes, but this time they were tears of joy when another cried out, "Strike me down for a fool. I've always despised this aspect of our culture, yet all this time I remained its unwitting prisoner."

Hope rose in her heart as she watched them all rallied themselves up for this upcoming battle.

"Come, my friends!" it was decided up, "Let us bring back those of us who are still at large. We have a battle to win and peace to protect!"

And they all went running off, cheers being heard as they ran off to prepare, already going over battle plans in their heads and sharpening stones being pulled out to sharpen their katana. Makoto was unable to find anything to say as she watched them leave before she turned back to her new dear friend and said, "You're the gentleman from the inn in Ul'dah. I owe you a debt of gratitude."

"Oh, don't mention it," he grinned, "I'm a showmaster by trade, and words are my domain. Swords… not so much, so I'll bow out of here. Ooh, I think I'll go and take a dip in one of these hot springs I've heard so much about!"

Once this was all over, she made plans to treat him to some of the best that Kugane has to offer. He then glanced back up at Claire and added, "The rest I leave in your capable hands, Claire. Put a stop to Ugetsu and give the old man the peace he deserves!"

She merely grinned back, giving him a thumbs up and was ready to go. Makoto couldn't help but watch with gratitude as she wiped her happy tears away as he left. She had lost everything once before… but only now did she realize how blessed she truly was.

"The appointed hour is nigh," Makoto said, her courage mounting, "Let us make for the field of battle—for the Isle of Bekko."

Claire went on ahead of them as she joined her fellows outside the barracks. The best swordsmen would be coming with her while the rest remained behind and looked after the city. She then proudly walked on ahead of them through the streets and towards the docks where they had a ship waiting for them.

She didn't pay much attention to whatever was said around her. The only thing that went through her mind at that moment was the idea of facing Ugetsu and to see him pay for what he did. He may have broken her spirit before… and almost ended up breaking it a second time by revealing their relationship, yet she was not going to back down.

Though they were related by blood, she had a new family now. It was her duty to bring him to justice. And by her own hands was she going to put an end to him.

She and her fellows met with Claire upon the shores of the isle and she could feel the tension in the air. She knew that they were coming and she would be ready when they did. With Captain Kongo now gone, she was aware that the only person among them who even stood a fighting chance against Ugetsu was Claire… she only hoped that she understood this as well.

"All wayward members are returned, and all with their resolve restored," Makoto said to her friend when Claire joined them, "Let us go and face Ugetsu!"

It did not take long for them to arrive… her brother at the head of a fighting force, each one with a blade at their side. She glared back at him as he looked over them all, seemingly impressed that so many had shown up to stand against him. But he brushed that off as his eyes soon turned towards her. The two of them looked long and hard at the other before he turned his full attention to his sister pupil besides her.

"Will this false peace continue?" he asked, "or will the fires of true change sweep across the land? Today, we decide Hingashi's history. Today, we decide whose path is right; Musosai's… or mine!"

Everyone behind him drew their blades just as the rest of them drew theirs. Claire stepped forward as Ugetsu's eyes narrowed when he focused on her.

"There is but one among you, worthy of being my opponent—she who trained under mine own master," he said, pointing his sword right at Claire, "Come Claire, show me the strength of your conviction!"

She didn't need to be told twice, she broke away from the group as she charged on ahead of them to meet him. The two clashed their blades at once and she heard her brother's cry, "Let us fight, pupil to pupil."

Makoto had her attention drawn to two other samurai and began to fight them off at the same time. The others faced off in pairs around them as they let the two strongest fight off in the center of the battlefield. Try as she might, she could not draw her eyes away from the battle for long, and soon enough, she noticed that others were more drawn to the fight of two masters.

For the insurgents, they seemed shocked to discover that there was someone strong enough who could stand against Ugetsu, and Ugetsu, in turn, seemed to be fascinated by his sister pupil.

"Such nostalgic bladework…" she overheard him sigh, "There is no doubting under whom you trained. But no amount of Musosai's training will grant you victory over me."

Almost like she could foresee his move, Claire moved back far enough as Makoto saw Ugetsu bring his blade swinging about as the shadows of cherry blossoms filled the air.

"For I have transcended our master!" he declared as she moved in close again, where he blocked. Back and forth they went, both able to keep up with the other with ease. The rest of them only fought for the sake of fighting, but eventually it felt like no one was really battling anymore, save for the two in the middle. It was like watching some kind of spellcasting, none of them could turn their eyes away for long as the beauty and power of what they were seeing shone through brightly like the sun.

"My blade shall reduce you to dust!" Ugetsu declared but Claire blocked and avoided all strikes he dealt to her and he had to grin and said, "You have learned well. 'Tis plain you will not fall so easily."

There was no doubt that these two trained under the same master, for their moves were perfect and every bit as graceful and deadly as a striking serpent. Ice cut through the air as shadowy images of the moon seemed to sparkle in their blades and petals were cast every time their blades struck… that is assuming that they could even keep track of their motions. They moved so quickly that the image was blurred and only flashes of light could be seen half the time.

"For you, I shall call upon my true strength. Steel yourself," he warned as Makoto foresaw the image of a full moon in her mind's eye and watched as Claire moved back once more as he cried out, "I am one with the twilight moon!"

He created the image of a full moon with the stroke of his blade before he came in close for a strike and she dodge him as a flaming X appeared in the air and charged at her.

"A rain of blades to shroud the moon!" he declared as she saw the red and black appear at her feet and had to move as far back as she could to avoid the rain of death. Claire soon seemed to be able to guess his movements; it was as if she was somehow able to predict where his attacks would fall, so she knew exactly where to move to avoid his blows.

In fact, they kept this up for so long, that Makoto realized that Ugetsu was panting for air, something that she had never known him to do. He was quickly being pushed to his limits.

"You are surpassingly strong, that much I allow," she heard him gasp, "But I have a mission—a vision to realize. I will give Hingashi true peace…"

"And what will you see done in order to achieve that?" Makoto couldn't help but ask herself as she felt a terrible pang in her heart. She knew that Hingashi was far from perfect… that there were changes that desperately needed to change. But she could not allow for his method of killing everyone and starting over from scratch. There were other ways to get there and she would see them change someday… he could have gone on to do great things… why did he always have to be so impatient?

"In snow and in bloom, my blade sings for my nation!" he cried as he created a checkerboard pattern below the two of them as the sand turned to ice. Claire moved to the squares that were free of ice to avoid being sliced apart by the knife-size icicles that would have normally torn her to shreds. And she had to do all that while avoiding Ugetsu's blade as he charged in towards her. Both of them had stopped messing about at this point and so the two were forced to keep moving back and forth—seeing which of them would break this stalemate of theirs.

Makoto had never seen anything so beautiful and deadly all at once—wishing that she could watch them battle like this forever. It was like watching something out of a fabled tale of two who were on opposing sides as they battled a duel to the death. She knew that this moment would remain in the minds of all who watched it… inspiring and frightening them in equal measure, for it felt more like these two were not of this world.

But at long last, the battle ended as she knew that it would. Ugetsu's twisted ideals were no match for the true principles of their master and Claire was the one who brought him down. She finally broke through and ran him straight through with her blade… causing Ugetsu to collapse, no longer even able to stand up.

As soon as they saw this, there were cries of shock and terror all around them.

"Lord Ugetsu… defeated?" one traitorous samurai cried, "Impossible."

Their confidence suddenly deserting them, they turned in ran, leaving their master there to meet his end. They fled across the Isle of Bekko, heading back towards the direction of Yanxia. Yet, that was fine with her… for they got the true cause of all of this. Without their master, the others were just a pack of lost puppies who would not last long on their own.

Her comrades gathered around her, staring in shock at what they just witnessed. They looked at Claire as if she were some mighty Lord who stood over the remains of a conquered army. Which, in a way, she was. Though she merely stood there over one man… this one man who had caused the deaths of many, as well as so much suffering to countless others. He had been brought to his knees, made to kneel before her as she still held her blade directly above his head.

But Makoto knew that she could not allow her to deal the finishing blow. This was for her… her own chance for revenge. She would take her own brother's life with her own hands… not only will she rid this realm of a dangerous threat, she would clear their family of this shame. She stepped up to her brother's side, looking down at him with pity to see him in such a state before she looked back to Claire. Claire's eyes glanced over at her before she nodded in understanding and withdrew her blade.

She understood that she was the one who had to put an end to him… the only family she had left. Makoto shut her eyes as the image of the loving and caring big brother that she once adored filled her mind. No… that would not help. That man was gone. He died years ago when he left on a journey only to return as someone she no longer could recognize.

It was because of him that she lost everything… her parents, her home, even her own name. And just the thought filled her with anger as her eyes snapped open and she drew her blade, steadying herself for what she had to do. She held her sword above his head, ready to bring it down.

The seconds ticked by… no one moving or even breathing as they watched the two remain still as statues. After a moment, he looked up at her and she could see the blood dripping down from his mouth as his eyes looked glassily up at her.

"Why do you… stay your blade?" he asked before he realized that her hands were shaking.

Over and over, Makoto screamed inside her head to bring the blade down… but it was like her body was having a hard time trying to do so. She just looked down at him, her hands refusing to stop their shaking as he went on, "It is over… The heavens have chosen… Now, strike me down…"

She was going to… she had to… so then why did her hands only continue to tremble even harder? Why could she not get the image of the big brother she once knew out of her head? Why could she not stop the love that she still held for this monster? Why?

"A samurai… must be decisive…" he went on, "Finish me… or I shall finish you!"

He stood up, using whatever strength he had left as blood dripped from his mouth and went right for her. She saw this and acted on instinct before his blade even fell. Normally, she would not stand a chance, but in his weakened state, she was more than able to block him and get under his guard. She moved with an elegance she never knew she had as her blade swung underneath him and slashed across his chest.

He remained on his feet for only a brief few steps before he fell to his knees… their fight over in seconds.

She stood there, horror-struck at what she just did. At least until she heard his voice… the voice that she remembered him back when they were still children.

"Good…" he gasped, "You've grown strong… little sister…"

'Brother…' she thought mournfully as she heard his body hit the sand beneath them hard. 'Though you are a monster… I still love you. Forgive me.'

She would always remember him as the boy he once was. Not the beast he grew to be. That was her vow and she made it upon her blade as she stood straight once again. Feeling the sorrow inside her heart, but her eyes were dry, she knew that she had avenged her parents and finally put an end to this threat. Sparing not a glance back at her birth brother, she looked to her adoptive family, knowing that there was no more reason to remain.

"Come, my friends," she said, "Let us return to the barracks."

They all followed after her, offering their own support as they finished what they set out to do. Thankfully, no one else was lost this day, and they were free to return home.

Everyone had left the site… with only one remaining behind. Claire stood where she was as she looked sadly at Ugetsu's body. But soon, she set off on her own, following after the others and putting an end to this chapter once and for all.

Makoto felt a little awkward when they returned to the barracks, only for her to be treated like some sort of hero.

"I did nothing worthy of praise," she told them, "For it was by Claire's hand that Ugetsu was brought down. I merely landed the final blow to a weak villain."

Rather than dwell on it, she gave orders that any and all who were injured were to be given aid first thing when they return to the Barracks. Meanwhile she would inform the rest of their order Ugetsu was finished and that his reign of terror was at an end.

She smiled sadly as she watched them follow her orders without complaint and she felt as if both a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders, only to be replaced by another one. She was able to get her thoughts in order when Claire returned to her side, giving her a proud look, which made her heart soar at the sight.

"We've succeeded in quelling a major threat to the nation, and it was in no small part due to you, Claire," she said thankfully as she looked around the simple barracks with a sadness. Though she knew she did the right thing, she could not help but mourn the big brother she once loved with all her heart. Though that man was long since gone from this world.

"You have my eternal gratitude," she went on to her friend, "While not all insurgents are accounted for, without a leader to unite them, they will eventually scatter to the winds. As for me, my appointment as captain of the Sekiseigumi has since bene made official. 'Tis a heavy burden, but I swear to bear it with honor and live up to Captain Kongo's faith in me."

"And Musosai's name?" Claire asked her softly and she smiled wider.

"Meanwhile, the revelation of Kogarashi's true identity has been doing its rounds of our order. 'Twould seem that nigh all of our younger members idolized him, and joined out of the desire to make a difference," she told her, feeling a little giddy at the thought of being able to help in some way to bring the truth to light. While it may take a while, she believed that Musosai's good name will someday be cleared and that his good deeds will far outweigh his part with Ugetsu.

"In embarking upon his quest, I believe that Master Musosai in part wished to sow the seeds of a new generation," she told her, "Ugetsu sought the quick path to change, and cared not that it was fraught with strife and suffering. He saw Hingashi as a dilapidated house fit only to be torn down. But Master Musosai sought to restore this house, board by board, nail by nail. One injustice at a time, even should it take several lifetimes. To ensure that his legacy lives on, I will embark upon my own quest of change here in Kugane. And I pray that you will do the same no matter where your road takes you."

*Claire*

Claire nodded back with a smile and welcomed another quick hug from Makoto. All the while, she felt the soul stone in her chest burn brightly and knew that by facing her brother pupil in mortal combat, she drew forth a new technique.

She kept this quiet from Makoto though as she pulled back and they shared their final goodbyes with each other. Before she left, Claire was given a gift… a set of clothing worn only by master samurai… and when she pulled them out of the chest, she recognized them at once… they were the same garments that Musosai once wore… and it was with pride that she pulled them on this time.

She turned and left Makoto with a wave, content that she had everything well in hand here. There was only one thing left that she felt that she had to do before she put this chapter of her life behind her.

She took the short way back to Ul'dah by simply teleporting back to the jewel in the desert, finding relief in the hot and dry air. She stretched out, enjoying the feeling of her new clothes as she slowly made her way through the streets. She drew more than a handful of curious gazes as she wandered through the town with a katana at her side and dressed in the clothing of a Far Eastern samurai. One man was even excited at the sight of her, thinking that more samurai were returning to fight at the coliseum, before she left the city itself and headed out into the dry lands. She could feel the sand beneath her feet as she made her way down the Silver Bazaar.

It had been moons since she last stood in this place, but it was about time that she pay her respects to the fallen samurai and inform him of all that had happened in his homeland. As she walked on, she pulled out the small flowers that she picked up from the Far East. It was a single branch from a cherry blossom tree…

She remembered how he used to talk on and on about these blossoms and she knew that he would have loved to have seen them again. She had to admit that they truly were beautiful as she stared down at their pink and white petals, so pure and delicate that she was half surprised that they survived the trip back. She hoped that he would like them.

She arrived at the bazaar just as the sun was glowing red in the sky and was beginning to set upon the horizon. Just like the day that they came here and buried him… the sun was already beginning its journey back towards the east.

The soft breeze off the ocean washed over her and she took in the salty smell as she looked to the katana that marked his grave, already showing signs of rust from being exposed to the elements. Someday she would like to erect a proper grave for him, but for now, knew that this was what he wanted.

She placed the branch at the foot of this humble grave before she knelt down in prayer. She silently told her master all about the battle at Bekko and of Ugetsu's final battle. She told him everything that had happened since she first met Makoto at the Quicksand and how his greatest shame had finally been put to rest.

But that was when she really began to think more and more about Ugetsu and the conviction in his voice. He truly believed that what he was doing was right, and that left her to question her own beliefs and what she believed to be right anymore.

"While I do not agree with his methods," she whispered, "I can't help but understand his pain. But know that Ugetsu's dream has died and that he will never harm another person. Your name is also being cleared as we speak. They speak of you with fondness now… rather than distain. I hope that this will grant you the peace that so eluded you in life… Master."

It was all she could do.

She made sure that Ugetsu was stopped and that her master's spirit could finally be put to rest. There was no longer any reason for him to worry about what else would come from Ugetsu's plans. That was all that she could hope for.

Yet, as she readied herself to stand up, she could have sworn she felt an old hand rest itself at the top of her head and she looked up in surprise. She blinked when she remembered that she was alone, yet she could have sworn she felt Musosai's presence in that brief moment and she felt a smile play upon her lips.

"I know," she said as she got to her feet. "You don't need to worry about me. I'll come back again soon, to talk."

She turned with a sad smile and began to walk away… but not before a gust of wind came and blew off a single flower petal from the branch and it floated towards her. She saw the petal as it flew over her shoulder and her eyes were drawn to it as it soared up upwards, carried upon the wind. She craned her head as she watched it fly higher and higher until it disappeared amongst the vast sky. But she found herself smiling the whole time, knowing that this story was over… but another would soon begin.