"Hold still, child," Cologne said. Kodachi attempted to sit up anyway, and opened her eyes to see a gently reproachful Cologne shaking her head. "I would like to ascertain that the burn is no more dangerous than it seems."
"It hurts, Elder," Kodachi said. "But the pain is not unbearable." She looked around then, somewhat frantically. "Where is Shampoo?"
"She is bringing me some damp towels," Cologne said. Kodachi caught sight of the snapped Kuno blade and Cologne recognized the concern. "It was a display replica, a fake." Kodachi laughed quietly and grimmly.
"Like the Kuno honor," Kodachi said. "I wonder how long the true blade has been missing from our keeping."
"Child," Cologne said gently. "Honor is not contained in a blade."
"You honor your ancestors as guardian spirits, do you not, elder?" Kodachi asked.
"Of course," she said.
"A family blade is more than just a weapon," Kodachi said. "It is a link to our ancestor spirits. The past weilders leave a piece of themselves behind so that we may call on them for help in times of need. The family blade, be it yari or katana, is a shrine in and of itself."
"That is slightly different," Cologne agreed. "You have my condolences for your loss."
Cologne made a further note to treat any katana she'd found with appropriate respect in the future. She'd known the Japanese concern for their weapons, but had passed it off as an obsession.
"It may yet be held in my father's keeping," Kodachi noted, hopefully. "If not...well, I shall have to continue regardless."
Cologne was pleased that the girl was not letting this occurence run her to the ground.
"My brother seems to have forgotten that meaning of samurai is one who serves...not one who commands," Kodachi said. "We are the caste of protectors...warriors. Though too often we have been conquerers. He is right about one thing, however."
"And that is?" Cologne asked.
"We have power," Kodachi said. "That puts us in a position to do our duty better. Until now I have taken this much as a game."
"Games do have their place in life," Cologne warned.
"But one should not play games at duty," Kodachi said. "I have a duty to match my power. It is time I began to act the samurai that my ancestors were."
She sat stiffly, proudly and for a moment it was as if, sword or no, Cologne could see the long line of Kuno warriors sitting in overlay with Kodachi. She'd seen such sights before in her three hundred years, and she nodded grimmly in response.
"That is a hard path you choose," Cologne said.
"I have my duty, Elder," Kodachi said. "I hope to find my life with Ranma, though I am no longer as certain as I was about my feelings for Ranma. There are many men in this world...but I have few...friends."
Cologne had worried for a moment when Kodachi mentioned Ranma, but when she continued, Cologne relaxed. It was also telling that Kodachi had made such a mature comment. Then the smile returned briefly to Kodachi's face.
"I am only glad that I have not shared my brother's fate," Kodachi said. She looked around and winced a little at the pain from her burns. "This world is too wonderful to have spend a lifetime seeing it through foggy lenses."
And then Shampoo walked in with the cold towels.
"I call police like you say," Shampoo said.
"I callED THE police like you TOLD ME TO," Kodachi said firmly.
"Aiya, Kodachi is feeling better?" Shampoo asked.
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(Posted Sun, 15 Dec 2002 06:43)
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