In the dizzying heat of the summer the coming of dusk was a welcome relief. The rest of the city readied for their nighttime activities, legal or otherwise, but the clan of the Crane prepared for an honored rite.

A deep hush stayed in their halls. Voices suitably solemn and faces impassive the Cranes walked before a procession. The trip was short; the destination--a pyre set near the city walls--quickly achieved. Eta laid the white shrouded body gently over the tinder and the fire ignited. For a moment the fire hesitated to consume pristine whiteness, and then one could see nothing besides the flames, hear nothing but the chants of the Asahina for the passing of Yukieri's soul.

The immediate family stood apart from the rest of the clan, a father and a mother and their only remaining daughter. The elders were paragons of traditions; hair dyed white and properly groomed, no betrayal of grief in their faces or posture. The daughter's short black hair was testament to how different she was from the deceased Yukieri. Although wearing a silk kimono of subdued design she was distinct from the rest. Hisui had been at the Kakita Dueling Academy but a week before, the thought of court far from her mind. Now she was here, replacement for her sister, a mere day after Yukieri's death, and inwardly she rebelled.

Her father had called her soon after she arrived. Still dressed in her traveling clothes she had sat before her father, disheveled, hungry, and wishing she just stayed in Crane lands. He had showed distaste at her choice not to change but began with conventional greetings. Concentrating, she had managed to produce the right replies, not letting annoyance show on her face. Her father's next words came as a surprise.

"Hisui," he started, voice sonorous, "as the remaining daughter of our family you will immediately assume the position your sister had and will be trained in the arts of diplomacy."

She bowed her head. "Father, I do not think I would be up to your commands, as honored as I am you should consider me."

"This is for the family and for the clan. And--" Hesitation in her father's voice made her aware there were tensions he could not bring up. She knew her sister committed jigai, but she did not know the reasons why. Apparently, neither did her father. "There were matters concerning Yukieri, matters which a person in her stead would be capable of uncovering." She understood. She could gather information from the younger courtiers more easily than her father. Generations kept such knowledge among themselves. He placed a folded piece of rice paper before her. She took it.

"And what am I to do, Father, if I found out the reasons to Yukieri's jigai?"

"Return to me, and I shall deal with it, personally." Kakita Osamu regained control the moment he finished the discussion. He allowed himself a smile. "It will not take you long to learn. You have always been a quick learner."

She recalled the conversation as she watched the pyre burn. Yukieri, brilliant and beautiful, dead for reasons unknown, and she, Kakita Hisui, duelist of the Kakita School, suddenly a courtier. This was the diplomatic equivalent of sending one samurai to get rid of a horde of Oni. She could only imagine the havoc she could cause.

---

As unusual as a dark head among Cranes, Subaru's long white hair was striking among his dark-haired Scorpion brethren. It's been said an encounter by with an ubume gave him that, but others said it was tribute to his well-known fascination with the Cranes.

Subaru knelt before his superior, expecting a new task. He had been in Scorpion lands long enough for people to forget. He was not wrong. "Two months had passed since Kakita Yukieri-san's passing." Kurodo fanned himself with a black fan decorated with the Scorpion mon. "How unfortunate a beautiful young woman as she had to depart from this world so soon. Since then the Crane have trained her sister, Hisui-san. I heard she would soon assume her sister's duties. It would be not unusual if you cultivate a friendship with her. I have no doubt you will find her an interesting and unusual challenge for you."

He felt sick in his stomach, but these were things he had to do. "I am certain I will," he replied, bowing deeply. Dismissed, he wandered to his rooms. Again, he thought. Distasteful as his duty was he knew it was for the best. He had sworn loyalty to Kurodo-sama, and he will remain loyal. But couldn't Kurodo-sama find an easier duty?

He ordered his body servant to pack. Tomorrow. He should start out tomorrow.

In court she hated wearing her sister's kimono, but they were beautiful and well-made, most of them worn only once or twice. And numerous. She couldn't believe how many kimonos a young maiden must have at court. Maybe the answer was 'never enough.' There were fall kimono and obi folded in teak chests, and she had to see them now that summer was ending. She hoped they were a lot simpler.

Opening the chest released a scent of sweet herbs. She sniffed appreciatively before looking inside. Her heart sank. If there was any way to decorate kimono more intricately it had been done. She'd forgotten fall meant cotton padding. Lifting one decorated with mythical birds in a garden she heard something slide from the folds. She picked it up.

It was a pillow book, popular in court. She had never heard of this title before. "Akai kanashimi", probably a reference to autumn. Making sure no one was looking at her she opened it. The front page was a meticulous copy of a passage from her sister's favorite book. If she could remember right it was not titled "Akai kanashimi". Curious, she turned the page. Inside was her sister's writing. At the rightmost side was a date six months ago. She read on.

'My first day in court. It is dazzling to be among so many influential people, to have them count me as one of the select few who mattered. It is hard-a lot to remember, names and positions and titles. I nearly made a mistake with someone's title, enough to disgrace myself shamefully. Fortunately a man with stunning white hair stepped in, carelessly leading the diplomat away. He was a lovely man, attired in proper court wear, with dark eyes against white hair and pale skin. I am curious of him.'

The truth dawned on her. This was Yukieri's diary. She had never seen her sister keep a diary, but it wasn't unusual to see young maidens carrying these books around. Yukieri must've pretended this was just one of the many popular pillow books. If this was really Yukieri's diary then it could contain all she needed to know. If she was lucky, it would reveal a lot about the people Yukieri dealt with.

She smiled. The servants were too busy airing the contents of the other chests. It had been blind luck she checked this box. She hid the book in her sleeve and almost whistled as she checked the obi and kimono she would have to wear.

---

Subaru knew Kakita Hisui from descriptions other Scorpions had supplied. Not the lovely maiden Yukieri was, but definitely conspicuous. Short hair barely to her shoulders, she was correctly dressed in Crane colors. Her stride carried a bushi's grace, not Yukieri's careless sashay, and the kimono's hem trailed, not frothed at her feet.

Hisui bowed deeply to the Phoenix ambassador before moving on. Other Crane maidens flirted and did their duty at the same time. She focused on her duties alone. She was direct too, barely exchanging pleasantries with a Lion, who, angered the Crane's cutting words, was not prepared for another Crane courtier's interrogation amidst his placation.

A challenge, this one, he thought. Should he change strategies? But wait--Hisui was looking for something. She stared at every male Crane intently. What was it? Checking the territory? He signaled to one of his fellow courtiers. He flicked his closed fan twice against his arm and touched his lips with it. Shosuro Sameru uncrossed his arms and nodded.

Hisui wondered who was the white-haired man in Yukieri's diary and Yukieri's last letter. She was driven insane trying to figure which Crane he could be. Why did Yukieri like a Crane? She was tired memorizing every scrap of true information she could get from the gossips.

A Scorpion diplomat she knew stood in her path along with a handsome man dressed in Scorpion colors, his hair a blinding white. Her mind racing she bowed. A Scorpion with white hair? Could it be--? "Sameru-san," she murmured. "Yester eve's court function was bereft of sparkling wit."

"But tonight I am back, hoping to regain my lost glories. Hisui-san, may I introduce you to Bayushi Subaru, a courtier newly-returned from Kyuuden Bayushi? Subaru-san regrets not being here to say his greetings when you first came to court."

Hisui bowed. "I am honored by your interest, Subaru-san. I trust you enjoyed your rest from court life?"

Implying he was not up to the intrigues of court? What a way to begin a conversation! He smiled. "I have indeed, but it is invigorating to return to the court. Amazing how months can change everything in one's world. I deeply regret that your sister is not among us. I heard so much of her grace." He was curious about what she thought on her sister's death. He also wanted to know how much she'd learned to keep her face.

Hisui was on guard. She lowered her eyes, and tone properly somber she said, "My family still grieves for her everyday. She was well-loved by all who knew her."

No hesitation. Good Crane, he approved. This one would take more than flattery to succumb to his control. Already anticipation washed over him. The games will begin, he thought.

Hisui noted Subaru's dashing good looks behind the elaborate gold mask. He could hardly have been here when Yukieri reigned. He said he was not in court. Ah, one crossed from the list then. She needed to know more information before she could interact with him. She didn't want to risk a mistake. Yukieri obviously made one mistake in trusting someone and that led to her suicide. She wasn't about to make the same mistake.

---

A few days after Hisui was with other Crane maidens. They were performing Court duties, of course, but gossip lightened the hours. And when she steered the conversation to Yukieri's death they would sigh, treating her like a heroine in a tragedy. "Now Yukieri-san, she used to attract admirers by simply walking through the court. You can't deny her amazing beauty, can you, Hisui-san?" They baited her. Comparison was part of the whole experience.

"Oh, of course I will not deny it, Konishiko-san. She was truly a treasure to watch in motion. I am sure some of our Crane courtiers found her simply delightful."

"Oh, true enough." Doji Teiko laughed "Why, Doji Migetsu and Kakita Ryuudo nearly came to blows in full view of the court, except that they carried no weapons at that time, and would look ridiculous fighting using fans. You could imagine how the evening's sadane sounded with both of them denouncing each other's style."

"Yukieri must have been pleased to have such admirers." Hisui tucked one more flower in her arrangement and surveyed it. "It's a little too heavy at the top, isn't it?"

"I agree. Maybe a different flower here?" Konishiko changed the lily to an iris. "Much better. Yukieri-san favored none of them above the rest, but they were drawn to her. When we heard a brilliant match with a Lion was being arranged we thought she would be pleased. All of a sudden she got dreadfully sick and the shugenja could do nothing for her. She would not let any of us see her, and that was around the time the engagement was broken. We were surprised and saddened to hear her die."

Hisui sighed. They didn't want to say the word suicide. "Much better Konishiko-san. You have an eye for detail."

"Thank you, Hisui-san. I think putting a base of wisteria is unusual though. Does it tell a story? And then a flower symbolizing death for the middle."

"It doesn't." Hisui lifted the decoration and placed it in the middle of a table. She was not taking part in the tea ceremony, but she was sure Migetsu and Ryuudo would. She hoped one would react to it.

---

The training grounds and the gardens adjoining them were popular choices for younger members of the court. The young maidens could enjoy the gardens while the men would practice dueling and other bushi skills. Often they would admire each other through open doors and assignations set using notes and servants.

Hisui was alone this chilly autumn afternoon, dressed in a simple hakama and gi. Her bokken raised, she performed complicated patterns to the air. She had not been the best duelist in the Kakita Dueling Academy, but she was not the worst either. It calmed her mind after she'd think enough to scream.

'His white hair is brighter than snow, he smells of the woods. I call him Yukihayashi, that I may call him Yuki too. I've given him a different name like the others I write about here. You can never tell how complicated life can be when someone stumbles into your diary.'

Much complicated, neechan, she thought, considering I have no idea who he is. She performed a shomen strike as she tried to catalogue the Cranes in court. A lot of Doji, some more Kakita, and even a couple of Daidoji. The idea of trying to talk to them and sniffing their cologne was ridiculous. About as ridiculous as me being courtier, she mused. At least she adapted very well to court.

'Amazing that though one hears of love, one never thought it could happen. It always sounds like a tragedy. Yuki is like the tragic heroes in the stories. He cares deeply for me. The moment I saw this story of two Scorpions betrayed by fate I thought about us.'

He must be a damned good liar then, she thought. If he had deeply cared for her he would have stopped her from committing suicide by finding some solution for their problems. That Yukieri was soon to enter an arranged marriage didn't seem to bother him. He had continued his suit. Didn't that mean he really meant to be with her? But where did he suddenly go?

She thought of the few lines her sister had written in her letter. 'Yuki, who I thought understood, asked me to go with him. I could not go with him and remain true to my duty as a Crane. I could not face a lifetime without him. Rather I will do as honor demands and stop this madness. Yukieri.'

To find Yuki and to kill him, that was what she had to do.

He clapped at a particularly good swordplay. Hisui paused with bokken in midair. She glanced his way and bowed. He returned it then walked towards her. "I admire your technique, Kakita-san."

"Thank you, Bayushi-san."

"Kakita-san, it is not expected you would be so skilled with the sword. After all, you do so well as a courtier. Is everyone in your family so accomplished?" He smiled so cheerfully it was easy to believe he was sincere.

Flattery will get you nowhere, she thought, but replied, "I was originally trained as a duelist, Bayushi-san."

"A duelist. I had rarely sparred with a Crane. It would honor me if one day we could face each other in friendly combat."

"It would honor me too, Bayushi-san." She glanced down at herself. "Excuse me, Bayushi-san, but I have to return to my quarters. Duty calls."

"Don't let me stop you, Kakita-san." He stepped aside, smiling. Hisui bowed and left him. Subaru watched her. Interesting, truly interesting, he thought. He should see Kurodo-sama soon.

"Yes, Kurodo-sama. She takes a little more time to manipulate. She is very direct. It is unusual." He let a smile touch his lips. "She does not listen to flattery, poetry and sincere comments are almost always ignored. Trying to flatter her she finds my perceptions faulty, trying to speak to her of romance lead to arguments. Can you imagine how I keep her interest?"

"Discussing sword techniques?" Kurodo hazarded. He had been watching this particular relationship grow with amusement.

"Exactly, Kurodo-sama. We spar against each other. She is a tolerable duelist."

"But is she investigating Yukieri-san's death?"

He paused. Was Hisui investigating her sister's death? He answered slowly, "It is probable. She does not seem to do it deliberately. She has never asked me about it."

"Maybe she believes you were not here." Kurodo lifted his cup to his lips. "If so, then it's best she harbors this idea, erroneous as it is." Subaru nodded. "She'd proven her worth to the Crane. Distract her, Subaru. Make her fail."

Subaru was glad his mask covered most of his face. He didn't want his superior to see the dismay he felt at the orders. As he nodded he thought it was going to be hard to do that. He had to admit he would hate to see her fail.

But why? Was it because he had started to care for her beyond what was acceptable? He was afraid to answer his own question. Kurodo smiled at him, knowing he would do as he was ordered.

---

"Can you lend me a pillow book?" Hisui asked Teiko while walking through the gardens one day. The other girl raised an eyebrow. Subaru, trailing after them, was made curious and listened in, all this while pretending to be admiring the nearby trees.

"I didn't think you were the type to read pillow books, Hisui-san."

"I'm bored and I'm looking for a particular one my sister recommended. It was Akai sabishii or Akai kanashimi, I think."

"Oh, that. It's Akai kanashimi. Your sister used to borrow that from me. But I thought your sister had a copy. At least, I saw her walking with it in hand."

"Oh no, I couldn't find it in my sister's room. My sister mentioned it in letters. What is the story about?"

"It is a re-telling of Bayushi Itaru's and Shosuro Temare's story. You do know that, yes?"

Hisui racked her brains for any idea. "I'm not really certain. Those Scorpions, they have so many stories." She flicked a glance to Subaru, who studiously ignored them. Subaru plucked a late-blooming lily. Though beautiful, the flower drooped on its stem, petal edges browned with its coming death.

"They were truly in love with each other, but Temare was to be wed to a Shinjo, to seal a pact between the Unicorn and Scorpions. They dueled and died by each other's swords. When the eta removed their bodies they found kempi flowers over their hearts. They started the tradition of giving brooches shaped like these flowers to your lover." She sighed. "We all cried when we read it. I'm sure you will too."

"What a waste of good samurai," Hisui murmured. Teiko rolled her eyes. Subaru had to hide his snicker by sighing in appreciation with his nose buried in the flower. Hisui glanced sharply at Subaru again. He put his sickliest and most obviously false innocent smile. Hisui wrinkled her nose at him and listened to Teiko.

"Dying by your lover's sword so you will remain true to each other, don't you think it's romantic and tragic at all?"

"A waste of good samurai is a waste of samurai, no matter how romantic they did it."

"Hisui-san, a moment," Subaru said, before Teiko could fully express her annoyance at Hisui's lack of appreciation. He held the flower in his hand. "I thought you would love a flower like this. Its imperfection is its beauty, and I know how much Cranes appreciate this reflection of one's soul."

Teiko fanned herself more rapidly as she listened in. "I thank you, Subaru-san. I'll take this as a tribute to everyone's imperfections, beautiful and unusual for each of us."

Subaru bowed and walked past them. Teiko wrinkled his nose in amusement. "I am sure he was listening in earlier. Though why he should be interested in a pillow book is beyond comprehension."

"Maybe he's curious about you, Teiko-san," Hisui teased.

"I think he's curious about you, not me. I hear you spar with him most afternoons and out of the blue he gives you a flower to symbolize 'beauty's imperfections'." Hisui started and the flower fell from her hand. She did not dare pick it up before her friend. "Ah, see? You're surprised to hear he's interested. Are you blind?"

"Subaru-san is a Scorpion, and I don't think it's his style not to go for the most beautiful in court." She looked at the sun. "We have been out for too long. Kiyotsu-sensei would murder me for missing one of his painting lessons. Do you wish to stay or will you come with me?"

"I'll come with you." Hisui steered her friend back to court, not glancing back at the flower still lying in the middle of the path. Subaru came back. He had listened to the last part of their conversation. And here he thought he was doing it right. Maybe he should forget about being subtle and be more direct.

Teiko glanced at Hisui. She didn't even bother making a reply, just letting one arched eyebrow to talk for her. "Subaru-san," Teiko interjected, smiling at her silent friend. "Such a cause would attract Benten herself to bless you. Cold-hearted Crane maidens may be hard to woo, but given time you will succeed."

Hisui still didn't react, but inside she wanted to strangle Teiko. "Maybe supposedly cold-hearted maidens are just being sensible, and would not let romance cloud their thinking."

"A waste of time, as you would say, Hisui-san?" Subaru asked. Hisui smiled at him, but she realized what she was doing and looked away. She didn't want to be friendly with this Scorpion, though it was difficult. She liked Subaru, he was easy to talk to, but she knew she should be careful. She should draw away from this Scorpion before she forgets her duty.

"There are more duties to attend to these days, I am certainly very busy-too busy, to think of romance."

Subaru moved away before she could force the others to leave him. It was insane. One moment the Scorpion would be lurking around her then he'd move away. Hisui was irritated. She wished Subaru would decide what he wanted to do around her. Konishiko laughed. "Why, this reminds me of Yukieri-san! Wasn't Subaru-san always at her side?"

Hisui breathed in sharply. "Subaru-san was here?"

"Oh, yes. He was an attentive admirer of Yukieri-san." Hisui bit down a curse. How could she have been so stupid to erase Subaru so quickly from her list? She looked at Subaru talking to a Unicorn emissary. He smiled at her and she turned away, cheeks flaming.

"I think Hisui-san doesn't like hearing of Subaru and Yukieri, Konishiko," Teiko said, noticing Hisui's anger. Hisui shook her head.

"No, Teiko-san. I am glad I've been informed. Pardon me, but I must talk to Kiyotsu-sensei." Hisui exited the garden in haste. People turned to look at her leaving but she did not care. She simply had too many things to think about.

---

The next day Subaru practiced with a bokken, but his eyes were on the other combatants. Hisui had not appeared at their appointed time. He'd been waiting for a half-hour, and finally he decided she wasn't coming. He finished his kata and put the bokken with the rest of the equipment before walking back to his quarters. There he penned a quick note addressed to Hisui, asking her why she was not in the dueling grounds. He ordered a page to bring it to Kakita Hisui and wait for a reply, and immediately after ordered his personal servant to find where Hisui was. The Scorpion nodded and disappeared.

After that he sighed deeply and went to the bath his personal servant had prepared. He forgot all about his troubles in the steaming hot water, but the moment he stepped out it came back full force. His servant had returned and found Hisui with Doji Kiyotsu, preparing a painting. When Hisui heard a page was looking for her she asked Kiyotsu to pretend she was not there. His servant hinted she wasn't very pleased. Subaru considered what he learned. He wasn't really surprised.

Quickly he changed to a court kimono in Scorpion colors. He braided his hair and tied its end with a strip of red ribbon. In the midst of his preparations his page came back bearing an unopened note. The page said Hisui was not to be found in the Crane quarters. But Subaru knew better.

His eyes were dull behind his silver mask. Seeing himself on a mirror he willed himself to look normal and cheerful. He couldn't function if he was gloomy. I can't let my mood affect my usefulness to the clan, he thought, remembering Hisui's comment about the waste of samurai. The memory gave him an idea and he grabbed a silver fan on his way out. He opened it to see if it was the right one. Red kempi flowers adorned its surface.

In court he managed to get Hisui to come with him to the garden. She agreed, contrary to her reluctance this afternoon. He fingered the fan and was about to start his platitudes when she said with no preliminaries, "I challenge you to a duel, Bayushi-san."

He was taken aback. "On what grounds, Hisui-san?" he asked. "I never insulted you, nor said anything against you."

"On the grounds you caused my sister to die, Bayushi-san." Hisui's voice was icy. She did not like his use of her name, obviously.

Subaru crossed his arms. "A suicide resolved everything Yukieri-san suffered, and no dishonor is assigned to her name. You know that. Your father made sure of it."

Hisui had sought her sensei's advice, and Kiyotsu didn't like what he confided in him. But she was right, he had said. It was proper for her to ask for a duel, if she feared her father would do the same when he learned her information. She had spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for this challenge. She didn't care to hear what Subaru had intended to tell her. "Funshi--suicide to reproach someone for forcing her to kill herself. She wrote a letter speaking of a man who caused her to kill herself. It was you, Subaru-san, who met with her at night and caused her to question her loyalties. You told her to forget her betrothal and go with you, forsaking honor and her clan. That's why my sister is now dead. That is why I challenge you to a duel."

"I do not accept your duel, Hisui-san." He saw her eyes narrow when he used her name again. "I am under no requirement to enter an unsanctioned duel. All of this is based on speculation, and would never be accepted by your daimyo, that's why you would never face him."

"There are times when such things must be done in silence." Hisui glared. "I am Kakita, and I must clear my sister's name. Even if the rest do not know, my family must know the matter is resolved. I will resolve this matter."

"And this is why you accepted my request to speak to you privately?"

She did not hesitate. "Yes."

Subaru's face hardened. Enough of believing she cared, he thought savagely. He gripped the silver fan tightly. "Fine, Kakita. If you want a duel, I will give you a duel. Tomorrow night at the fields to the west of the shrine to Bishamon you will find me waiting."

Hisui bowed and left. The Scorpion watched the Crane leaving, the silver fan remaining in his hand. Angry he threw it down the path and trampled it with his foot. The sticks bent, the white silk tore. It appeased him but a little. He hated being caught between desire and duty. He will end this now, before Hisui discovers who commanded him. Let her think it was one of his games. It would be better that way.

---

Hisui took the horse and led him a while till she reached the gates. Then she nodded to the guard, who let her out. How easy it was to bribe these guards, pretending to have a tryst with someone outside the city gates. Surprising Konishiko knew that. Cranes and their love affairs, she thought, completely ignoring her own supposed tryst.

Free from the city she cantered to the field where they would meet. Would he be there already? She spurred the horse on. Hoofbeats resounded on the moonlit road leading to open fields. Meters from the shrine she dismounted and led the chestnut to the field. The moment was at hand.

The grassy field formed the bottom of a bowl-like enclosure surrounded by maples. In a deep red kimono and with white hair loose on his shoulders the Scorpion courtier stood in the middle of the field. His enameled daisho gleamed dully in the moonlight as he contemplated the full moon. He saw her approach and bowed mockingly. The elaborate Noh mask only showed his blank eyes. "Good evening, Kakita-san," he murmured, voice cold.

She did not answer, merely ordered the horse to stay still. The tail twitched but he remained staring at them curiously. Hisui took a deep breath and finally turned to face him. She was in a dark blue kobakama and silver and blue gi, her daisho tucked securely into her obi. He had no idea what she was thinking; she stood with her back to the moon. "It is a lovely evening, Bayushi-san."

Hisui walked a distance away. Both of them stood limned in moonlight. A light breeze stirred the trees, dropping the last of brilliant red maple leaves down on them. A deep coldness settled in the night. Slowly untying the cords behind his head Subaru took off his mask. Hisui waited for him as he placed it against a stone and returned to his position. Finally she saw his face for the first time. For one moment sadness etched on his handsome features, and then it assumed a mien of complete serenity.

I never loved you, Subaru thought, and knew it was a lie.

Simultaneously they took their stances, hands on the hilts of their swords. The breeze picked speed. The maple leaves, shaken by the violence of the breeze, fell around them faster. One leaf hit Hisui's cheek, but her eyes remained on the Scorpion before her. Their breathing changed pace. Their sandal-shod feet dug deeper into the grass as they prepared for the rush. Two people lived in this world; time existed outside of the cold autumn night.

I never cared for you, Hisui thought, and knew it was a lie.

A burst of speed as they pulled out their swords. There was no sound of blades clanging against each other, just rushing wind and tearing silk. The maple leaves kept falling, leaving bare tree branches silvered in bright moonlight. Each stood where the other stood but a moment before. Blood dripped from their still upraised swords.

Subaru fell on his knees, grasping his sword in both hands. The moonlight shone on his white hair as he breathed in deeply, suppressing the pain blossoming from his chest. He managed to stand up, flicked the blood off his sword and sheathed it. With a wince of pain he put a hand to his blood-red kimono, feeling warm dampness. Blood covered his hand.

Behind him Hisui remained in her pose, staring at the mask that grimaced with black eyes. For one instant she thought she could see Yukieri's smiling face over it. Her vision skewed. Dreamlike, Hisui collapsed. Blood darkened dead grass. She lay unmoving, a hand reaching out to the mask that lay just within her grasp. He turned at the sound of her falling.

Gently Subaru led the horse bearing the unconscious Hisui. His blood darkened his scarlet kimono. A matching stain seeped through her silver blue kimono. He carried his mask in his bloodstained hand, and he was smiling.

--end--

Izayo... Izayuukan
Hark...It's time I journey
Kowashite, watashi no kokoro wo
Akai kanashimi ga Afurete nagarete kuru kara
Break apart my heart
For crimson sadness pours out from it
Imawa tada, aa Hitomi toji, aa
Kudakete shimaitaino
I can only, oh Close my eyes, oh
I pray, let this break apart
Imawa tada aa Hitomi toji, aa
Kudakete shimaitaino Sobani itene
I can only, oh Close my eyes, oh
I pray, let this break apart I beg you, be by my side
--Love Song, ending theme to Gasaraki