Day 21 - Mountain of the Seven Thunders

Blasted and torn apart by the Shadow, the temple stands in ruins. Even the monks that tend what is left of the once-magnificent gardens shudder at the cold rain, and pull their robes more tightly about them as she passes. The obsidian of her fist does not shine so brightly here, nor does her yellow eye glow as it once did.

This is not a place where pride is welcome, but a shrine to loss and grief.

Hizuka stands waiting at the shattered torii arch. He holds food and water in a carefully wrapped bundle, uncertain if she still needs such things. When she takes it, he bows happily.

"Will you need us to follow you?" Hitomi nods silently.

"There?is blood on our hands." Hizuka looks down. "We have lost our way."

"I know. That does not matter. I seek to cleanse the elements, and to bring a name to the Lost Ones. But I cannot stand alone, or my death will shame the Heavens."

He looks up, with sorrow in his troubled eyes. "You say you will clear the darkness from the sky, but I ask you this. Can you cleanse my soul?"

Hitomi says nothing, only places her hand in his and allows something to move within his burdened heart. Then the dark lady of the Dragon turns, walking back down the path and into the Lion lands.

Source: posted to www.wizards.com/l5r on 2/11/00