Dawn of the Samurai

"I've got a bad feeling...."

 

Kyo grabbed her sword.

 

"Watch over Maiko, Takahiro." Akira stood up and walked outside.

 

Kyo looked around, to find the answer.

 

"Well, well. If it isn't the young Ishida boy. It's been ages since we last met."

Akira turned to where the voice came from. "Show yourself, you serpent."

A man dressed in elegant robes stepped into view.

"I'm hurt, Koza. After all these years, you still bear a grudge." The man said sarcastically.

"Uzuki, you *******. Because of you, my family is dead and I had to endure those nine long years in that hell. Why did you do it?!"

Uzuki laughed. "Why not? Your father was the only thing standing between me and the emperor. Once I do away with emperor Sakuhito, I'll be the supreme ruler of these lands."

Akira drew his sword and ran at Uzuki. "Not if I have anything to say about it!"

 

"Uzuki, who did you use so my brother could be controlled by a demon?" Kyo stepped forward, taking out her sword.

 

"Your tyranny will stop now Uzuki. I will defend my people and the woman I love. You have bled the people dry for too long." Takahiro rushed forward, sword drawn. He was immediately stopped by Uzuki's bodyguards. They parted to reveal him collapsed on the ground, bleeding from many wounds.

 

"I did it, of course. Your brother Yuki makes an excellent puppet." Uzuki drew his sword and blocked Akira's attack. He then swiftly knocked him aside.

"I shall all of you live for now. I'll finish you once I become emperor." He laughed as he and his bodyguards walked away.

 

Maiko ran to Takahiro. "No!" She held him in her arms and cried. It was obvious that his life was slipping away.She tried to stop the bleeding but he was too weak and had lost too much blood. He smiled at her and weakly whispered "I love you" before he lost grip on consciousness. His breathing grew shallower and finally stopped. Maiko gripped his lifeless body and cried.

 

Akira slowly stood up and saw Maiko crying.

I can't stay with them anymore...Because of me, Takahiro lies dead.

Akira slowly walked away, tears dripping from his face. He fell back after a few steps, tears still streaming from his eyes.

 

"That's it. Run away! It's all your fault Koza and now you run from your responsibilities. Why did I ever trust you? You have destroyed that which was good in my life and I hate you for it. You are no brother of mine. I wish I had never met you."

 

Koza stood up.

"You're right. Death and destruction seem to follow me wherever I go. I can't protect anyone.....I truly have become just like Uzuki......"

He broke out into tears. "I'm nothing but a monster!"

 

"That won't bring Takahiro back, nothing will. Run to your girlfriend and console yourself. I'm sure she can make you forget that your quest has destroyed my dreams. I'm leaving after the funeral. After that if we meet I will kill you."

 

Koza threw his sword to Maiko.

"Just get it over with......Send me to hell where I belong."

 

"I have a better idea." Maiko picked up the sword and returned it to Koza hilt first. "You will complete Takahiro's work and protect the people. It's the least you can do. Either that or die trying. Protect them from Uzuki and honour the memory of a good man."

 

Koza sheathed the sword.

"You're right. He trusted in me, and I must return his kindness."

 

"I will still leave. There is nothing for me here now. I will go home and get work on the farms. I will live out the rest of my life alone and sad."

 

"I will be sorry to see you go, sister. I can't force you to stay though, nor will I. I'm sorry that I dragged you into this mess."

 

"I really was right at the beginning. I was no real use here and now I'm no longer needed for information you are happy to see the back of me. You argued for me to stay when I was useful. I hope you rot in hell Demon!"

Maiko glared at him. She left with the people who gently carried off Takahiro's body.

 

Koza walked off and headed for Uzuki's manor.

I'm sorry, Maiko.....