月光 (Gekkou; Moonlight)

Chapter 3: Echoes in the Mirror; Whispers in my Mind

"Where's the location?"

"Edo, in Toba," Konnosuke informs Mizu as she reads the government report.

Mizu falters. "T-Toba in the Edo–in the Edo period?"

Konnosuke leaps onto her shoulder, lightly smacking her face. Mizu grimaces, trying to push the kitsune from her shoulder.

"But that's where we encountered the kebiishi!"

"I know, but compromise your group of powerful sword warriors! What happened there was an accident and unpredictable; nothing more!"

"Okay, Konnosuke. I'll write out a team," she murmurs.

Ookurikara makes his way outside, glaring at the blinding afternoon sun. Why me? Damn it, Tsurumaru must have put Mikazuki up to that. The crane had insensitive surprises sometimes.

While it was calming to not be around all the other swords in the citadel, that didn't mean he didn't miss some of them. He missed Mitsutada's cooking, Taikogane's smile and laughter, not so much Tsurumaru's surprises, aruji-san's probing questions and artistic abilities, and aruji-sama's optimism, friendliness, and their music playing. Those were the things he held close to his heart, fearing that they'd be ripped from his clutches.

And one of them was. Aruji-sama's absence in the citadel left a ghost behind, taking most of the happiness with them, Ookurikara thinks bitterly. Mizu should've protected them with his life.

Mizu's façade crumbles shortly after Konnosuke leaves the room. She sniffles, wiping her nose.

"I'm sorry, aruji-sama."

Mizu narrows her eyes at the oncoming opponent, her sword and the kebiishi's head colliding. Gokotai cries out as another one stabs him in the chest, growling.

Aruji-sama screams, running to the tantou. Mizu forces the enemy back, giving the two enough time to retreat. Her cloak was shredded, blood painting her face. The kebiishi crowd around her, circling.

"Hey! Freaks!" The saniwa shouts, waving their hands.

"No! Saniwa-sama!" Mizu screams, as one attacks the defenseless sage.

She finishes composing the list of the sword warriors. Some of the ink was splotchy, but it didn't matter. She knew the list. Standing up, Mizu walks over to her closet to change. Sliding off her kimono, she puts on the under top hugging her torso. As she's pulling the tracksuit jacket, she examines her face, the one that isn't concealed by a mask.

Her eyes were captivating–silver crescents of her irises echoing into deep pools of dark blue, casting moonlight-like light into metaphorical water. It's a personification of her name, Mizu ni Gekkou, literally "moonlight on water." This is where she was found, and what her blade looked like. Her fair hair is tied back and she takes a deep breath, walking outside to the veranda before folding the tear-stained paper. She makes her way to the courtyard, raising a dainty hand to the myriad of bells. When the jingling rings throughout the citadel, the swords begin to materialize in the courtyard. All eyes were on her.