"I have not seen you in some time. State your reason for being here, Spirit." the man commanded, voice soft, but unyielding. He was standing at the entrance to his estate, Taishou-jō, looking just as he did 462 years ago. His golden eyes were hard and cold, body incredibly still as he stood in the doorway.

"I wanted to be certain that you were well. Some of your kind appear to be involved in a war." she said, bowing low and keeping her tone respectful.

"There are very few of…

The warm water lapped up onto the shore, sun caught in an eternal sunset, sandy beach which seemed to stretch on infinitely. She stood at the edge of that, water splashing against her thighs as she waded only a short way in the water looking out at the beautiful light as it hung there on the brink of finally fading, but never going down. Her expression was unreadable. Was it a good thing or bad... was it representative of the last light of hope that never died or a symbol for the final rest…