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If a fire dies, one just needs to rekindle it.

"See that guy, the one with the spear?"

"Yeah, what about him?"

"The say he killed ten bandits in the village near here. They were going to kill the

headman's daughter because they wouldn't give them any rice."

"And he killed all the bandits?"

"Yep, Every last one of them. They say there was only four in the village, and he

tracked down the other six and killed them too."

"He's probably some kind of bandit himself."

"I don't know, the headman offer him his daughter's hand in marriage for saving

the village, but he just walked away they say."

The young boy chimed in, "I want to know who 'They' are. The villagers? I say he

only killed seven of the bandits."

The gossiping men looked down at the younger jirajin, "Boy, you better stay away

from that guy, he's mean as they get!"

"Yeah, don't let him hear you say something like that!"

The young boy smiled, hefting his pack, and the handle of a sword peeked

out, "He can hear me any time. I was the one that killed the other three." He looked at the

samurai buying rice, "isn't that Right, Yarimoto-sama?"

"Eh?" Shuji turned and blinked, "Rihatsu, there you are! Come on, you know we

don't have time for gossip!"

The two men quailed and ran back to their shops. The market at Rosuro was

bustling people hurrying everywhere to buy what they needed to survive, as rumors of another

war were sweeping the land. Most paid little attention to the rumors though, as life would

always carry on, even amidst the war and strife. Rihatsu sighed and watched a young shop

girl dash past him, her long hair flowing behind her as she hurried with a package under her

arm, her tail and hips swaying as she ran.

"Ow!" he griped as Shuji bonked him on the crest of his skull, "what was that for?!"

"For not paying attention. We don't have time for that sort of thing, and you well

know it," Shuji scolded him softly, pushing a bundle into the boy's hands, "here's enough

provisions to see you to Nizuru. Remember how I showed you to walk?"

"Yes..." Rihatsu sighed.

Shuji thwapped him again, "Tell me."

"if I carry myself as a farmer, I'll be less likely to get attacked by bandits."

Shuji nodded, "Right. Stay alert, and never be ashamed to run if you feel a battle

isn't worth dying over. Right now, your objective is to get to the Citadel. Nothing is more

important, not your honor, or anyone else's."

Rihatsu nodded, "what about justice and protecting innocents?"

Shuji smiled and sighed. For the weeks of their journey, they had stopped four

different conflicts where innocent people were in danger, the last of which was the village just

south of Rosuro. He nodded, "if it is something you can handle quickly, and without much

danger, then yes, by all means."

Rihatsu nodded, "I hear rumors that Garasu's youngest daughter is beautiful

beyond measure. They say her breasts are like-"

"Rihatsu!" Shuji barked at him, "Get going."

The boy grumbled, "Fine, fine... I bet Usuyami-sama is having lots of fun."

===================================

Arrows rained down thicker than the morning mists of Tetsumo, sticking into the

hull and deck of the boat as Usuyami hissed, "They just never give up!" she turned and

looked at the steering deck, "Captain-san!"

"Yes! I know!" he hauled on the tiller and the boat lurched to the side, the grind of

wood against wood as the two boats collided, throwing the Gasaran archers off balance.

Usuyami stood and loosed three flaming arrows into the boat's hull, high enough sot eh

water wouldn't put the fire out, but low enough for the ones on deck to not be able to reach

it. "Aoi!" she shouted, and Aoi gave Kazou a wide swipe, the entire Gasaran vessel bursting

into flames as even the lanterns on the quarterdeck exploded with the force of the fan's

magic. As the besieged boat pulled away, Usuyami Sighed, and Aoi relaxed, the farmers

and merchants below deck giving a riotous cheer at their salvation.

"Well it is good to be traveling in safe hands again, Shidomori-sama," a familiar

voice cheered.

"Kibotani-san!" Usuyami smiled and shook the merchant's hand, "What are you

doing here?"

"Well I heard there was War coming, and that Ikito was first to be attacked. It

seems I was right, wasn't I?"

"Sadly, yes."

Magura smiled and nodded, "Well, with you here, I'm sure the entire army of our

enemy will flee in terror of the Great Archer of Akanti. But tell me, how is the Lord Rokkotsu?

After the Inn, we separated ways, and I've so wondered about his new spear and his lady

friend."

Usuyami hung her head, "Natsumi has died, Kibotani-san. Yarimoto-san... he's

changed, I think..."

"Oh dear... The enemy?"

"We think so... the thing that attacked up seemed to be her husband, changed

somehow."

"Goodness! That's a terrible thought... and he was the one who...?"

"Yes." Usuyami sighed.

Aoi nodded in reverence, and Magura did the same.

"Treacherous are the deeds of those we face in these dark days. Well if either of

you ladies needs anything, let me know. I'm heading to Ikito to purchase a thousand

kimonos to save and hide for after this terrible ordeal, hopefully the sea silks of Ikito will be

preserved should the worst happen." Magura nodded.

"A Sea Silk Kimono..." Aoi beamed, "that's definitely a treasure."

Usuyami nodded in agreement, and the trio conversed a while about the Ikito

provinces.

"You see, the Ikito people are at one with the sea, so much so that many of their

cities are not actually on the land, but they float atop the sea!"

"What about storms?"

"Oh they are some of the best seafarers around. Even the Captain is from

Uzumira." Magura nodded.

"What's it like?" Aoi nodded.

"Well you'll see tomorrow when we make port, but it's much like standing on this

boat. It takes some getting used to."

"It's rare to see suikajin in Sufai," Usuyami mused.

"Yes, they have strong ties to the ocean, and without water to swim in they tend

to become lethargic and easily irritated," Magura agreed.

"I wonder what will happen when we get there."

"We'll just have to see, Aoi-chan," Usuyami smiled and nodded, the sun setting

over the boat as night rose over the sky.

---

As the boat was offloading passengers and cargo, an armored suikajin female

stepped up to the trio who had been conversing about the large flotilla of roving archer ships

they had passed approaching the city.

"You are the Lady Shidomori of Tetsumo, are you not?" The samurai bowed

politely.

Usuyami nodded and bowed back, "Yes, is there something I may do for you?"

She nodded, "I am Kasuri Hongo. My lord wished me guide you to an audience

with him."

"Ah, Toromatsu-san knew we were coming?" Usuyami looked to Aoi, who

shrugged. They had not given their real names aboard the ship, except to the merchant

Kibotani.

"Lady Tsuyangi saw your bravery against the Gasaran fleet; she informed Lord

Toromatsu that you were coming," the samurai nodded, "Please, follow me if you would."

Usuyami shrugged and hefted her things, following the samurai over the plank

ways and tethered boats, already having earned a good sense of walking on floating things.

It didn't take long to get to the keep of the city, essentially a battleship that could be

undocked from the city when needed the 'castle' was quite impressive, easily as big as the

main forge at Tetsumo, it set the standard of oceanic warfare. Stationed everywhere were

numerous samurai, bows, swords spears, harpoons, and even the local version of the

foreigners' 'cannons'. Moving through the ship's interior, the sheer number of warriors and

samurai astounded the pair. As the samurai knelt and opened the door to the audience

chamber, Usuyami and Aoi both bowed low.

Usuyami started, "Thank you for inviting us into your home, lord-"

"SHIDOMORI-CHAN!" the large suikajin roared jovially, making both women

straightened up in shock.

"Ah... Toromatsu-san?" Usuyami blushed at the -very- informal greeting.

Jobi Toromatsu was a large man, in every sense of the word. Marginally taller

than his girth, he was always portrayed as an overly friendly, almost lazy lord, sitting

comfortably in his floating island. Unlike the three other clans of the Twilight Seas,

Toromatsu's Jisetsu Clan wore oranges and purples, favoring them over the greens and blues

of the ocean. He smacked his taut paunch as he rose to his feet, waddling across the room

and laughing up at Usuyami, "My dear, the last time I saw you, you were far too young to

remember... still a chirping babe in your mother's arms, gods watch over her honorable soul."

He bowed his head in reverence for a moment, as did every other samurai under his

command. "I hear you've come to warn me about an attack by those Gasaran sludge."

"Yes Sire. We have reason to believe all the Gasaran Clans have been united

somehow, becoming a much more dangerous army. We also know they have the backing of

others who have skill not native to these lands," Usuyami nodded.

"Aye... we've seen these monsters they've started bringing... black, hairy sea

creatures that devour anything in their path. Tsuyangi's Water Mirror told me you'd be

coming," he nodded and chuckled, "She also warned us about the ramshackle navy these

vermin have assembled to attack us. We are well prepared, but I think you for your concern

in coming... rest assured, I have already spoken with the Kujati and Rusumi Clans. We will

beat these fools back into their bleeding mountain." He smiled and nodded, "But Tonight! We

will have a meal such as you have never experienced!" he put his stubby arms around the

waists of the women, guiding them to the side of the chamber where the doors opened onto

less formal rooms, "your father, Gods watch over him, was one of the best ambassadors I'd

ever had the joy of knowing. Wise beyond his years, and sharper than a devilrock's most

poisonous barb! And the fuss he made when his little baby girl reached out and rubbed my

belly!" he laughed, that same belly shaking with the effort.

Usuyami blushed and nodded, "I must have been very young, Sire."

"Oh aye! But you were old enough to mention to everyone in the court that you

thought I was Sufai's lucky aspect," another laugh echoed in the room, as the maids brought

small cakes and tea. "So, I'm assuming you have a plan to chop these milksop rats down to

size?"

"Well... yes... it's a bit hastily thought of, but we have one of our allies heading

north to the Rakari provinces, and hopefully the Hodai of the Gatari Highlands will listen to-"

=================================================

"Yarimoto-san! What is the meaning of this?" the Lord Kutaku Hodai hissed

angrily as Shuji strode over four of his guards who had just been knocked senseless. Shuji

frowned and shoved a thin Kyujin with dark fur and wiry features to the floor in front of him.

"This is your vassal, Lord Hodai. He has been assisting the Gasaran army in

monitoring your troop strength and deployments," Shuji hissed. "I caught him making a

report, but the contact escaped me."

Kutaku frowned, "And that is your reason for storming my castle?"

"The chittering traitor called your guards down on me," Shuji huffed, "Had they

listened to my warnings and explanation that I was bringing a traitor to justice, they would

not be waking with headaches in a few hours."

Kutaku sighed, scowling as he looked to the prostrate advisor, "Kamba... is this

true?"

"No, my lord! I would not consult with those foul beasts! This one seeks to sully

my name and earn your favor while advancing his plot to take over your lands!"

Shuji calmed and laughed at the lie, "Lord Hodai... My Clan lands are nearly a

week from yours... what benefit would I have with such a long, open supply chain to maintain

between regions? Not to mention, it is far too chilly in the winters here. Despite the beauty of

your homeland."

Kutaku nodded and held out his left hand, "Aorishi..." The attendant to the left of

the dais stepped forward, carrying a sheathed katana and offering the handle into Kutaku's

hand silently. Kutaku pulled the sparkling steel from it's sheathe and scowled at the

advisor, "Kamba... you have shamed yourself. And in doing so you have shamed me for

allowing such treachery to exist in my clan." He looked over the large audience hall, "Let this

serve as a warning and a reminder to all of the Hodai! Dishonor your loyalty and word, and

your life will be forfeit!" he looked at the whimpering Kamba as his blade swept around and

down in a fast, almost serpentine motion... Kamba's head rolled five paces before his teeth

stopped chattering.

Kutaku nodded and cleaned the blade, sheathing it and nodding to Shuji, "I thank

you for your honesty, Yarimoto-san. What can I do for you?"

"Gather your forces, lord Hodai. Send word to the other six lords. The Gasaran

army marches, and they mean to blot out all that is good and just in these lands," Shuji

nodded as he spoke.

Kutaku blinked and nodded, "I will do as you suggest... word will be sent... but...

If I may... what happened?" he nodded to Shuji, a glimmer of worry in his aged eyes, "The

young Rokkotsu I knew was not so steely and sharp. What was once a reed in the wind has

become a blade of the finest steel... What changed you so?"

Shuji smiled sadly and nodded, "people change, lord. Losing your heart can bring

such a thing about."

"Ah... love." Kutaku nodded and smiled sympathetically, "My wife died seventeen

years past, giving birth to my only son." He clapped a firm hand on Shuji's shoulder, "it hurts,

the grief... but given time, you will see. She is never fully gone, so long as you remember

her."

Shuji nodded and idly thumbed the bit of ribbon tied about his sash.

Kutaku smiled softly and nodded, "come, you must be tired... a bath and some

food for our guest!"

=======================================

"Usu-chi..." Aoi whispered, shaking her friend, "Usu-chi?"

Usuyami murmured in her sleep and groaned, "Oh... no more fish..."

Aoi giggled quietly and nudged her again, "Wake up..."

"Mrrrhhh? Aoi? Ugh, what is it? What time is it?" Usuyami rubbed her sleepy

eyes and sat up slowly.

"I can't sleep... the rocking and waves are just," Aoi trailed off, pouting tiredly.

Usuyami groaned, "Aoi, I can't stop the ocean..."

"I know! But... maybe... if I was with you..."

Usuyami nodded sleepily and hefted the blanket, letting Aoi crawl into the futon

with her. Aoi did just that, squirming up close against the taller woman and smiling at her.

"Thank you..."

Usuyami mumbled a response and slumped back to sleep, only to be woken by

Aoi's soft voice again.

"I didn't like how Lord Toromatsu was looking at you," Aoi huffed softly, keeping

her voice low.

"Mmmhhh? I didn't notice..." Usuyami responded grumpily, roused again from her

sleep.

"I think he's plotting something..."

Usuyami shook her head and smushed Aoi's head into the pillow, "Go to sleep. If

he's plotting something, then we'll deal with it when he reveals the plot."

Aoi huffed at the tactics. Usuyami's father had been famous for letting traps and

plot be sprung on him and still escaping the intended result, be it death or loss of honor.

Usuyami was similarly lucky... but Aoi feared her luck would run out sooner than her

father's. Aoi blinked as a soft breeze ruffled her fur, and she caught a soft scent on the air...

but as he went to lift her head to look, the sleep she had not gotten took hold of her,

dragging her back down into its dreamless embrace.

---

Light spilled in through a window slit near the ceiling of the small cell. Usuyami

was already awake as Aoi sat up groggily, "Ugh... morning already?"

"Oh yes. It's morning." Usuyami said dryly, sitting against the cold steel wall,

stripped of her clothing and jewelry. It was then that Aoi noticed her own state of undress

and gasped, curling up on herself.

"Wh-what happened?"

Usuyami nodded, "Remember that plot you were thinking about... We're up to our

necks in it now."

"Indeed you are, miss." A voice purred stepping in front of the barred door; the

foreigner wore a heavy-looking outfit, jacket and pants both the color of dried blood, with a white collared shirt and black necktie. Feline in appearance, with dark gray and black fur, he

smiled icily as his green-yellow eyes glowed in the gloom of the prison.

"You're the one who bought Toromatsu's honor?" Usuyami hissed softly, not

moving a muscle as she eyed the antagonist.

"If you must put things that way, then yes. I am." He bowed in the flowing,

supposedly 'graceful' manner that most foreigners did, and smiled politely. Usuyami could

almost see the venom in his voice dripping from his teeth. "My name is Gulata Brekhovina. I

have so dearly wished to meet you."

"Then you have met me. What do you want?" Usuyami spoke coldly. Aoi knew

better than to speak at this point, her companion having the matter well in hand.

"To see if you can be persuaded to stop this foolish resistance. The Lands of

Ippon are long overdue for the rightful balance to be restored. The land cannot bear the weight

of the lives foisted upon it, so it comes to my Lord's purpose to bring death and renew the

cycles of life, easing the burden on the land." The female smiled and made grand gestures

as she spoke, the words honeyed with sweetness that hid the underlying poison within.

"Death comes for all in due time. Some run from it, some wait for it, others run to

meet it. Which are you, foreigner?" Usuyami nodded.

The feline's honeyed words were tossed aside, replaced by pure malice and

hate, "I am death, child. And I will be yours should you not mind your manners."

Usuyami laughed and stood slowly, "You? Kill me? I think not. Hundreds have

tried, all have failed. You are no more than a stone to be stepped over on the path of my life."

"Insolent bitch! I'll have your skin as a trophy!" the feline snarled and unlatched the

door, yanking it open. He too two steps before Usuyami's arm whipped out and a small

chunk of metal struck him square on the forehead, making him stagger back. Two steps and

her elbow rammed into the base of his ribcage, but she did not stop. Another step brought

her around and her tail lashed across his chest, knocking him back out the door and into the

steel wall on the other side of the small passage. The feline slumped to the ground and

Usuyami nodded to Aoi, "Time to leave."

"Yes." Aoi stood and marveled at the controlled fury she had witnessed, always

astounded by her love's ability to rein in her temper after such a display. The pair stepped

over the unconscious feline and dashed down the hall. The two guards never knew what hit

them, as Usuyami drove the side of her hand into the back of one's neck, as her heel

smacked the other Suikajin's sensitive forehead, knocking him down to his knees before he

blacked out. Their swords were surrendered to the women, who also took a moment to pull

off the upper clothing of the male guards, covering themselves for the sake of modesty.

Usuyami led the way, katana in hand as they worked through the corridors of the floating

castle. Twice the surprised a guard, knocking him out before an alarm could be raised. "This

way," Usuyami hissed at Aoi, her fury starting to bubble through as she dashed up the main

stairwell, the large door at the top, leading to Toromatsu's chambers was made short work of

by a heavy, tail-assisted kick, and the enraged jirajin woman crashed through the five

screens that barred the way. The Last screen obliterated under her shoulders and she stood

there, glaring at Toromatsu as his female companion screamed in fright and scrambled away

from the stunned lord.

"Wh-What is the meaning of this?!" he blubbered, trying to pull his loincloth back

over his now-flaccid manhood.

"that would be MY question, Toromatsu," Usuyami snarled, gripping the blade as

she strode forward, "When did you lose your honor and your sanity?"

The lord quailed and chirped, "Y-you don't understand... Gul'brekh... he has

monsters... creatures that devour and destroy..."

"And in your cowardice, you sold your honor for a glimpse of safety?!" she roared

and lashed her tail against the tatami, "As soon as these fanatics have ruined the lands,

what makes you think they won't turn back to finish you?" she stepped again, "These thing

know nothing of honor or decency. They enlist foreigners to fight for them because they know

their own cowardice and fear hinders their ability."

Toromatsu was in tears now, screaming at her, "You don't have anything to be

afraid of! You have no children! You don't love anyone! You're as free as you can be, and

that's how you can say things like that!"

Usuyami's fury simmered, "I have no children, that is true. But if you think for one

second that I love nothing... you are not only a fool, but you are blind." She sighed and

leaned down to Toromatsu, her rage controlled and refocused at the ones she knew were to

blame. "Toromatsu-sama... You are strong. My father believed that you were a strong man,

and a wise and great leader. Yes, if we fight these fanatics, many will die. But if we do

nothing... than it is an assurance that ALL will die. I Love my home. I love my people. And

most of all I love the one who came here with me to show you that these things are evil." She

nodded, "and it is from that love that I draw courage to strike at the darkness that now raises

its head to harm them. Help us. Help us destroy this evil and guarantee a peace that will last

for your children, and their children."

Toromatsu shook and shuddered, "you... you believe they can be stopped."

"No," she responded firmly, standing back up and offering her hand, "I know they

will be stopped."

Toromatsu looked at the hand and nodded, gritting his jaw and taking Usuyami's

hand in his as she pulled him to his feet. "Very well. I will put my trust in you then. And hope

that in doing so, my honor may be regained somewhat."

"I will not fault you for a momentary lapse of judgment, my friend." Usuyami

smiled, "but, we still have evil in our midst."

"Yes, you are right... guards!" Toromatsu shouted as several guards thundered

into the room, swords drawn, "no, no... find that foreigner... and Arrest him!" The guards all

blinked in confusion, and Toromatsu bellowed, "NOW, damn you!" The guards all hopped and

ran out.

Usuyami nodded, "now, I must ask.... Where are our clothes?" she nodded and

set the sword down.