[dragon] Fanfic:Kyuden Kitsuki

[Kyn1000 at aol.com]

Kitsuki Kyn here.  This is my first try at fanfic.  Comments are always 
welcome. Enjoy!


The Fall of Kyuden Kitsuki

	The castle is dark upon the rock.  A pale light comes from only one 
window.  In the distance, there are sounds of battle.
	"The snakes advance."
	The young man blinks and shakes his head, waking from his reverie.
	"Yes.  I can see their troops in the woods.  Have any reinforcements 
arrived?"
	"No.  We are fighting a losing battle, what are your plans?" Kesu 
asks.
	Kyn turns to the lieutenant and whispers two of the most dreaded 
words a samurai can hear from his commander: "Fall back."
	"No." His reply is flat.  Not defiant, but trying to control his rage.
	"Yes.  I am in command now.  Only the family daimyo or Hitomi herself 
can countermand my orders.  Since neither are here, I control Kyuden Kitsuki."
	"I would rather die for my family, my clan than retreat."
	"Spoken like a true samurai," Kyn mutters contemptuosly.  "What does 
honor matter if there is no one left to tell of your deeds?  The Naga 
slaughter any of our clan that they find.  They have no concept of honor.  
What  does it matter to them if we fall back?  To them it is a sensible 
battle plan.  To fall back is to survive.  Without our family, who would 
administer justice and uncover the secrets of the Empire?  We can't let the 
Scorpian have complete control of Rokugan's secrets."
	"Very well, we fall back, but where do we go?  We will be trapped 
within the walls of this castle."
	"There are abandoned mines and caverns below each castle.  You will 
go there."
	"Yes, but how will we survive?  The Naga will find us!"
	"You will be sealed in.  The Naga will not be able to get to you.  
You and your troops can survive for years.  There are underground springs and 
stores of food.  When the threat has passed, the shugenja will release you.  
Now go, tell your messengers.  You don't have much time."
	"You aren't coming?" Kesu asks.
	"No, I must find the Traitor."
	Kesu's hand reaches his saya.
	"Remove your hand.  I have no doubt that you could kill me without 
any trouble, but Hitomi would be displeased, not to mention dishonorable."
	Kesu's hand does not move, but he turns around.  "As you command."
***
	"You can come out now, he is gone.  You have been waiting.  You must 
want me alive and unharmed, or I'd be dead or kidnapped by now.  Come into 
the light, let me see your face."
	A shadow detaches itself from the wall.  Slowly, almost painfully it 
enters the light.
	"What do you want?"
	The shadow does not reply.
	"If you want me to come peacefully, you must take me to the traitor 
Daini."
	The shadow says only "Come." They both disappear into the shadows.
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