Aftermath
12 November 2005
by Nate Hansen

Most of the screams had died down - or quieted at least. It would take a long while for the smell to disappear. A group of weaponless Matsu bushi walked by - their Crane escorts giving Nikana a nod. Nikana looked each Matsu in the eye. They met his stare only briefly before lowering their eyes and looking at the ground.

'Lion pride wouldn't allow their eyes to stay cowed long,' mused Nikana. 'The real dishonor belonged to Matsu Goto - the others were only following their Daimyo into battle.'

'If only it was that simple for me,' Nikana's thoughts continued as he hurried along his way. 'Perhaps it is as simple as Tetsujin-san said - our duty is clear: obey the Daimyo in whose service you are given. Tetsujin-san's path is clear. And so is mine - serve the Emperor, may he live forever, and the Empire first. But how to carry this out? Doji Shiju was victorious - or rather his army was - and so the matter is settled. Well, openly anyway.

Nikana sighed, considering the direction his thoughts were taking.

'I'm spending too much time with the Scorpion,' Nikana chuckled. 'Ridachi-san and I seem to be of a similar mind - sometimes serving the Empire means following what you know to be right rather than the strictures of society - true bushido is living the truth of ones own soul. Of course, no assumptions should be made regarding a Scorpion. Karai-san has as much admitted Shiju's involvement with the gaijin. Duty and honor both compel me to walk a razors edge - I have a duty, however impermanent to Doji Shiju but I have a greater duty to the Emperor. The last gaijin killed the Empress...'

Nikana dropped to his knees, his face to the grass as all color drained from his grim visage. "Empress Yugozohime-sama," Nikana rasped as he gripped his katana. Blood seeped from the newly torn wound in his side. Nikana sat there for a long moment unsure what to do or say as he finally understood - as the dream of many nights passed resurfaced in his mind. "Forgive me I did not see it sooner. You said I would act unknowingly and I have... I will not fail you again." His purpose blossomed in his heart and mind. I will not leave the Emperor or the Empire vulnerable to this hidden threat. It is best to remain here where I can discover the truth and take action. But how to deal with the entire threat? Too much time with the Scorpion indeed. I will need help.

Nikana was pulled from his thoughts a short time later - having arrived at the Healers tent. On seeing him approach Takako shot him a stern look, having noticed the fresh blood on his bandage. Nikana gave her a deep nod.

"It appears I'm bleeding again," Nikana said humbly.

Takako's lips opened as if to say something but said nothing as she pulled out bandages to dress Nikana's wound. Nikana loosened his kimono.

"You're very pale and you're straining yourself too much," Takako observed while re-wrapping Nikana's torso. "You're not listening to me are you..."

"I'm sorry, Takako-san. You've been a good friend and fierce ally this day."

"What's on your mind, Nikana-san?"

"I... know I can trust you... there is something I must do... but it is dangerous and I fear to involve you..."

"Hmmh, yet you bring it up...," Takako said, the edges of her mouth curling into a slight smiling.

"I've come to value your guidance and I need it now more than ever... I feel I must share with you something I've shared with no other... I have dreams that are no dreams."