Among the World Without You
21 July 2005
by O'donna Dean

In the quiet of the night, Takako sits and meditates on her journey so far. Meditation is the time when she feels the closest to her beloved Hanshiro. It has been almost a year since he flew away into the Heavens. Takako remembers his last words to her.

"I am ready to climb to the Celestial Heaven. I will see your father and mother tonight. My heart is soaring for this opportunity to be with them. We will be together there to watch over you. Our love for you knows no bounds. You will feel it, in every drop of rain. You will hear it, in every song a bird sings. You will see it, in every flower that blooms. We will always be there for you. Never doubt that."

He is at peace now and knowing that makes it possible for Takako to explore the world around her. Takako opens her eyes and pulls out a beautiful piece of parchment and starts to write.

The song of the bird
Speaks your love for me, husband
Oh how I miss you.

After finishing she rolls it up and ties it with a small, red, silk ribbon. She rises, walks over to the corner where a small table sits. On the table is her small statue of the Fire Kami, a small stone incense bowl, and an ornate metal lantern. Takako bows before the statue and says a small prayer. At the end of the prayer she touches the small scroll to the flame in the lantern and drops the scroll into the bowl. She sits and watches the scroll burn as a tear gentle rolls down her face.

Takako rises and walks over to the small desk in her room. Here lays one of her most prized possessions, her journal. She opens it, picks up her quill and starts to write.

My beloved. I am writing today in the Land of the Crane. I was asked by the Elemental Council to come to Mura Howaido Yuukaku to represent our clan in the White Orchid Festival. On my trip here I met up with a group of people also traveling to the Festival.

There is Seppun Nikana, a noble samurai. I have discovered that he enjoys spending time in the gardens like I do. He took time out of his morning to meditate with me in the garden. I feel that there is something heavy weighing on him. I think, in time, he and I could be true friends. My trust will be easier for him to earn then some of the others.

Then there is Mirumoto Tetsujin, a Dragon samurai. He is an albino. Some would think that he is bad fortune's mark. I don't feel evil in him. He has had a hard life, that much his face shows, but I don't think it will be unlucky to be around him. He has been kind to me. He took the time to show me some strategy on how to play Go, which will be helpful tomorrow. I can also tell he reads and believes in Shinsei. I look forward to a time when we can sit and discuss the Tao.

Shinjo Yul is another of my traveling companions. Unicorns are a strange bunch. I don't know much about him yet but I look forward to learning more about him. He is the first Unicorn I have ever met. He is quite large and uses a strange looking sword. He has a beautiful horse; its face is very wise. I feel an old soul inside the horse.

There is another shugenja in the group. A young Lion, Kitsuki Shaiyan. This Lion is very quiet, very reserved. I had to wrestle him in the tournament today. I don't know much about him. He is closed off to me. I am having a hard time sensing anything about him. Time will tell.

And lastly, the one it will take me the longest to trust, Shosuro Ridachi. A Scorpion Courtier. I also have never met a Scorpion before but I have heard tales from my Aunt when I was growing up. He has this ability to make people talk to him, to tell him things that they would normally rather die than reveal. I am uneasy around him. He hides his soul from me. I can usually at least get a feel about people I come in contact with, but not him. Maybe I am just too afraid to get close enough to him. Maybe I am afraid that I will reveal myself too much to him. Trust will be hard for this one to earn.

Well, my love, I need to rest, for tomorrow will be another challenging day and I will need all my strength, mentally and physically. I miss you but I am doing what you asked, I am seeing the world. Among the World, without you.

Takako lets the page dry, and then she closes her journal.