Flashback - The Cave
Shimiko found herself kneeling in prayer at the entrance of a mountain cave. It was the same mountain cave that Mora had cloistered her in. The same cave where she first spoke to her living God. Shimiko had returned hoping to once more commune with the Necrossiah. An attempt had been made on the lives of her beloved Twins and they had claimed that Mora Mikiri was responsible. Mora, a woman who had spiritually guided her since adolescence, was now accused of trying to kill those who mattered most to her. Perhaps even more than Jashin himself. It was a blasphemous thought but there was no hiding the truth from her Lord. The event had shaken her and now she sought his counsel.
Rain continued to pour from the sky and wet Shimiko's face as she stared at the Kumo city skyline. The rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance and occasionally a flash of lighting streaked across the sky. Shimiko stared at her hands and wondered what was to become of her life, her Church, her Family and her Country. There was no going back to the status quo after today's events. Ryuko had been crowned Queen of the nation, the Twins claimed that Mora was trying to rip out their Bijuu and now she was faced with a decision. Would she forsake her Lady Superior or would she do as Mora bid without question? She would need to see the Supreme Sacristan sooner or later and when she did, she would either do so as a servant or as a prosecutor. The internal contradiction was enough to crush her soul. There was no way out. A logical deduction of the truth was a nigh impossibility and an investigation would only prolong the inevitable. Mora was a careful woman. She'd spent decades refining her skills in manipulation and subterfuge. The true judge would not be the indecipherable facts but the will of Lord Jashin.
"Every action and decision has been preordained by the Dark Lord. You have never doubted me before Shimiko"
"Never!"
For so long Shimiko had followed Mora unquestioningly even if it had meant killing the innocent of the world. Ryuko and Seigi had forgiven her, but the guilt was still there. She had never been given a space to think critically or process what she was doing or why she was doing it. When Mora told her to sit, she sat; when Mora told her to bark, she barked; When Mora told her to bite; she bit.
To Mora you are her guard dog if you ever question her she likely will try to get rid of you, dogs are only good in loyal.
