Empathy
29 October 1998
by O'donna Dean

The cloud of confusion made it difficult for Marako to sort this matter out. How could something so dishonorable as murder be so just? Listening to Reika's story made it hard for Marako. So many memories of her own mother's death. Vengeance, is it wrong to want it? If I knew who had killed my mother, wouldn't I want the same? She questioned herself. Yes, I would want vengeance, but I would do it honorably. Honor, a hard precept for some to comprehend. Reika was born a samurai, but raised as a geisha. She was never taught what honor means. Can she be blamed for acting dishonorably?

"Have you come to kill me?" Reika asked again.

Marako stared at her intently. So many questions still in her mind. She didn't know how to answer them. Her heart knew what Reika was feeling. Scared that she was about to die, but comforted knowing she had avenged her clan's death. Marako's mind, on the other hand, was asking about justice. Justice must be served, and served swiftly. But whose justice? It is my duty as a magistrate to be just, but is it just to kill her? Marako thought to herself. Vengeance. Honor. Justice. A thunderstorm in her mind. What am I to do?

"I will ask you as my companions and my friends to leave the hut now." Naoki-san said, as he rose to his feet.

What? What did he just say? The clouds started to part in her mind. Is he about to do what I think he is about to do? The only thing that would keep Jinjiro and I from losing a great deal of honor. He is about to decide this matter for us.

I know what you are planning, Crab, and I thank you, Marako said to Naoki in her mind as she nodded and walked out.

Jinjiro and Marako left the hut. When they walked a ways from the hut, Marako confronted Jinjiro.

"Jinjiro-san, I will not speak of this again, but I would have done the same if it had been my mother's killer. You were here to do the same. She took care of it for you. I will not speak of this again."