The Hard Truth (P)

Haru placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder solemnly as he lit the linen, and slowly, Youta’s body was consumed by the flames. She seemed so peaceful in death, even as the flames licked at her skin, charring it and slowly catching onto her clothes and burning bright. As Altar looked to the heavens and spoke, Haru’s eyes stayed down to the earth, watching Youta. He spoke, to nobody in particular. He didn’t know why he did, but he felt that there were words that needed to be said, even if nobody would hear them.

”We’ve lost one of our own. Youta Rentei, my student, our friend, is gone. Today, we celebrate a life that ended all too soon, and though no words can admonish the emptiness she has left, she will live on through the people who knew her.” Haru spoke gravely. ”I think it is only right that she be laid to rest with her master.” He said, unraveling the scroll clutched in his hand. In a puff of smoke, the body of Yozora Shinkou appeared next to her student, just as peaceful as the day she’d died. Soon, the flames jumped from student to master, and they lay in the fire, the flames consuming them. ”

”The problem with reality is that terrible things can happen to good people, and the best thing we can do is stand by our friends and hope they get better. Sometimes they don’t.” He said, now to Altar. ”Yozora Shinkou was my teacher, and Youta was both her and my student. She was also your clansmen.” He said, not sure why he kept talking.

”Today marks a new chapter. They’re in a better place, and they’d want us to move on.”

The boy would let the man speak, not having any will left to question who the second person he laid to rest here was. Someone who once shared his name, and his lineage, and that saddened him. One more of his clan to pass. Perhaps the curse lay with them, the Shinkou. All three cases he had seen were those which included his clan, or at least heavy interaction with them. Perhaps, in some roundabout way, he was the cause of this. But that was a thought, a question, for another time. Now, he grieved, and wished for some sort of solace and peace.

"I pray you're right, Haru. They both deserve to be in a place much better than where they found themselves." the boy would say, turning to look at the man before putting his own hand on the man's shoulder, Haru's exact action from earlier mirrored. He didn't know why he did it at the moment, but he felt it held some kind of significance, if not a feeling of mutual understanding and support.

Haru was mildly surprised by the actions of his student, though he said nothing. After a few moments of silence, he stooped down, picking up Shigure from where he had laid it at his feet.
”This blade was wielded first by Yozora, then by Youta. I feel it’s only fitting that it be passed on to you, Altar.” He said, solemnly, gripping the saya, and offering Altar the tsuka. ”If you carry it with you, you’ll carry them with you as well.” He said.

In his other hand, he held an old book, wrapped in a scarf. The bundle was also offered to Altar.
”This might teach you more about your fallen kinsman. I think you should know who she was, if you are to carry her blade.” He said, turning back to the two, starting forwards silently. He had no more words to say, for everything had been said already.

The boy would take the blade, delicately strapping it on his back before taking the silk-wrapped package. Unwrapping it, he would flip the book over, then back, and look at the item it had been bundled in. All three items he recognized well, and all three were of incredible importance to Youta, and from what Haru said, the same importance to his kin, the one named Yozora.

Wordlessly, the boy would slide the book into an inside pocket of his overcoat, keeping the scarf in hand. There really was no more need for additional words, but Altar felt the need to say something of importance before he left. Perhaps from whatever better place the two were in, they'd hear him, and be proud.

"Thank you, Haru. And...you're right. They'd want us to move on. So let us move on. But may we never forget." Altar would say, before turning on his heel and making his way out. As he did, the boy would cast one last look back to the vivid flames, then back down to the scarf still in his hand, before tying it loosely around his neck, the tail end of the scarf coming to rest just above his heart.

~Exit~
~Claiming Shigure and the Bladedancer book from the belongings of Youta Rentei~

”Never.” Agreed Haru, not looking back as his friend left. As the smoke rose into the misty sky, he sighed. He retrieved a few more scrolls, and soon, the body of Kozata Shinkou lay next to the body of Yozora, and the flames travelled to him. At Youta’s side, Matsu Hyuuga was laid to rest. He watched the faces of his friends, his teachers, his family, and one he knew little of, but felt guilt for none the less. In his arms was the last body, Haruna Shizen.

The priestess had been a good friend, and a rival, one that continued to push Haru in his youth. Now, he was about to finally let her go. About to let them all go. Haruna’s body was laid down next to Matsu, and as the flames licked her clothing, finally enveloping his final offering, Haru found that, though his heart was heavy, the weight on his shoulders was receding. Smiling at the faces of his friends, he held back tears, watching the flames grow higher and higher.


Though he failed to save them, this was the best he could do for them. A final pyre, to wash away his guilt. 

”Ashes to ashes.” He said to nobody. ”Dust to dust.”

(Exit, laying to rest the bodies of Yozora Shinkou, Youta Rentei, Kozata Shinkou, Matsu Hyuuga, and Haruna Shizen.)