Day 4 - Shiro Aojiroi

Battered, the Phoenix gather in their palaces, far behind the lines of the Mantis. Shiba Tsukune stands on her balcony, looking down at the shugenja who carve glowing paths through air and water, claiming fragile victories over the legions of the Alliance.

"Here." A voice whispers behind her. "Here, in your lands, the battle will end and begin."

Tsukune spins, hand on her sword, but the words that escape her lips are not her own. "You come, at last, to complete your duty." Shiba's strength wells within her, and the Champion of the Phoenix once again feels dwarfed by the power of her soul.

The woman stands in the shadows, her obsidian hand sparkling with the light of a thousand stars. A golden eye gleams.

Tsukune speaks again, feeling Shiba's words. "Do you have the strength?"

"Behold the Kami, who must wonder at the power of mortal man." Hitomi's voice echoes faintly.

"The Age of Man ends in war and in death." Tsukune remembers Norikazu's parting words.

"A final death, but not mine," Hitomi says. "Mine will lift the heavens once more, and bring light where shadow falls. But I cannot take those steps alone. Let me see your eyes, and you will understand."

Tsukune moves forward in shadow and soon is lost in a golden stare.

Source: posted to www.wizards.com/l5r on 1/25/00