“ You know, I’m really gonna miss that place…”
“ Maybe that Kagayaki girl was right though… We should just live peaceful lives sis…we should go back home.” Magaru glanced at her sister
“ Let’s protect her mother and Aunt too…” Nagaku chuckled
“ She’s not going to make it…that’s why she wanted us to leave and never return. “ Mioa looked at the Yonaka Kingdom from the hills.
“ Leaving a place that you lived in your whole life…it’s hard. “ Meiyo tears up
“ It’s for the best…let’s go and live our new lives. “
The four of them all walk into the woods…never to look back.
*****
“ Your life ends now Kagayaki! “
I tried to break free from Tomoe’s grip around my neck. I found myself unable to breathe…. I kept blacking out. This won’t be the end for me. I’m going to kill her once and for all! Tomoe squeezed tighter and I started making more choking noises, I started to clench my fist so that I could try to punch her…until Tomoe noticed and smirked at me. She got bored of choking me and threw me to the ground. I started coughing and trying to catch my breath. I slowly got up, picked up my sword and angrily glared at Tomoe
“ You could have killed me right there…what changed your mind? “
“ I would rather you die by my sword instead! “
“ Then go ahead and try! “
“ I’ll make sure that you’re dead for sure this time Kagayaki! “
We both charged at each other with tremendous speed. Both of us struck each other in the stomach. We turned to look at each other and fell to the floor…we’re both severely injured. The one who is badly injured is Tomoe, who laid there coughing up blood with a smirk on her face. I slowly crawled over towards her with my sword in my hand… I will finally get to kill this evil woman! I slowly held my sword up to strike Tomoe again…but I paused…there was something about the look in her eyes…it was filled with sadness. Why am I feeling sorry for this evil woman? She deserves to die! I glared at her with my sword in my hands…I started trembling.
“ Why did you stop? Isn’t this what you wanted, Kagayaki? Kill me already! “
“ The look in your eyes…tells me that you don’t want to be killed. “
“ It’s too late for me…just kill me already idiot! “ she yelled
“ It’s not too late for you….let me help you- “
Tomoe slapped my hand away. I looked at her with confusion. She’ll soon die.
“ Leave me! I deserve to rot! I killed everyone you loved and I killed my father! I don’t deserve to live! “ tears streamed down her face
“ Everyone deserves a second chance at life…including you Tomoe! You committed evil crimes that you can pay for! ”
Tomoe looked at me with a stunned expression, no one has ever told that she deserves happiness. More tears streamed down her face and she covered her mouth to hide the crying sounds. She’s had a very rough life, both parents didn’t want her.. she lived with her Aunt who treated her like a daughter more than her own mother. She wanted to experience love from her parents like other kids had. She knew in her heart she didn’t deserve a second chance at all. She wanted me to let her die and leave.
“ You’re wrong! I don’t deserve it at all! “ Tomoe slowly picked up her sword so that she could strike herself in the stomach. I limped over towards her to take the sword away from her.
“ Please leave me alone! Let me die! “
“ I can’t let you do that Tomoe! You have a future ahead of you! “
“ What future?? What damn future? I did have one…but it’s already too late! “ she looked up at me with tears in her eyes.
“ What…do you mean by that? “ I looked at her confused
Tomoe told me to come close to her so she could give me a letter. She whispered something to me that I’ll never forget…tears streamed down my face when I heard what she had told me. She told me about her “ future “. Tomoe pushed me away and managed to get the sword from me. She then says one final word to me.
“ Be sure to protect my “ future” Kagayaki…I’m sorry that I took yours away. I only wish I had a friend like you in my life. Well you know that age old saying “ A fool is cursed by dying. “ She started to cry again.
And then she finally struck herself in the chest. She looked at me and smiled at me with tears in her eyes. I gently gripped the letter she gave me and I put it in my pocket. Tears streamed down my face, Tomoe could have lived and had a second chance at life. I knew that’s the choice she made for herself and couldn’t do anything but take her body to be buried. I was still a little injured from her attack, so I slowly carried Tomoe’s lifeless body out of the Yonaka Kingdom. I went over to the cliff and threw her into the ocean. I said my goodbyes and also promised to deliver that letter to her “ future “. I slowly limped to my horse. It was hard riding a horse while injured badly . I started to get blurry vision while riding my horse. Then I fell off my horse and started crawling towards my horse. She started neighing uncontrollably for help but no one was around to hear her. I couldn’t get up…so I passed out right there.
839 A.D.
Twenty one years ago, I defeated Tomoe…well she basically defeated herself. I obviously survived my injuries…Hojo and Jingu came to find me passed out by my horse. After I recovered from my injuries I headed out to deliver that letter to Tomoe’s “ future “ . It was honestly the most heartbreaking thing I ever did. I continued fighting in wars that happened in other parts of Japan. My sword techniques were getting rusty due to my age. I could not hold my sword the same way.. I was no longer a teenager that could kill their enemy in a minute. I’ve been in so many battles it took a toll on my body…a woman shouldn’t be fighting like this, but I was no ordinary woman. I was a samurai warrior and it was time for me to stop fighting in wars. I will no longer fight. My daughter Kiatsu had just given birth to her baby girl named Kigo. I didn’t want to miss those special moments like I had with Kiatsu. After the final war ended, I gave up my samurai ways. I was tired and couldn’t even focus during battles like I used to. My body was severely damaged from the constant battles and wars I’ve been in. The scar on my right cheek speaks for itself. I decided to live a peaceful life for the rest of my life.
“ Captain Kagayaki, is it true that you’re never going to fight ever again? “
“ Yes! I’m afraid that I’m too old now…I’ve been fighting in wars and battles since I was seventeen years old…my body cannot fight like it used to! I am also a grandmother now! I don’t want to miss those moments! “ I chuckled
“ Captain, we will miss you! “
“ And I will miss you very much! “
“ Who will be the new Captain? “
I walked towards Tadasu and Taeru. I put my hands on both their shoulders.
“ These two are your new Captains! Captain Tadasu and Captain Taeru!”
The twins looked up at me and they gave me the biggest hug. I started to tear up and knew this decision was hard. But I was tired and needed peace. I also knew that I could trust the twins. They were strong and very good leaders. All my warriors surrounded me and gave me hugs. Tears fell down my face, I was going to miss my warriors but they were in good hands! I returned home to spend time with my daughter and granddaughter. We all gushed over the baby and enjoyed ourselves. Late at night I went outside to watch the stars. Hojo joined me.
“ Remember when we used to watch stars with Onna..”
“ Yes! She would point out which one looked like fruits! I also remember when mother and father would watch them with us! “
“ Hojo? “
“ Yes, Kagayaki?
“ Do you think they’re all watching over us? “
“ Of course! And they’re all proud of us too! “
“ I hope so..”
“ I think father would be very proud of you…for bringing peace into the world!”
“ I’m so glad the war is finally over! “
We both looked at the stars wishing that our sister and parents were still with us. But they are here with us in spirit. For the next twenty four years I haven’t picked up a single sword. I have finally lived in peace…or have I?
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