When the shock began to wear down, Fuji and I spoke of many things. I told him about my stay with his family through Winter Court, and he called me brave. I think perhaps that the Crabs treated me much kinder than they normally would, due to my recent heartbreak. But at the same time, they were always certain that Fuji would come back. I admit I had my doubts from time to time... and each time such thoughts would enter my head, I would silently cry a thousand oceans for my guilt at my lack of faith, and for my loss. I am a greedy, self centered person for that, and it is a fact that will haunt me forever. But we are together now, and I will not let him leave me again. A horrifying, blood drenched, bone crunching death by an oni would hurt far less than losing him again.
I told him that his sword lay waiting for him at his mother's house. He frowned, and his shoulders dropped in dismay. He muttered about it being broken, and I couldn't wait to tell him the good news. I had forgotten that he didn't know what I did to it. I explained that I mended it, and strengthened it better than before. The Hida Ancestral Katana has been restored as an exceptional weapon. He looked at me with wide eyes for a moment, then kissed me passionately.
I did not tell him that I went into battle the day after he disappeared wielding his daisho. I do not think he would approve of my wanton abandonment for safety. I do not know if he could understand how I felt riding into that battle without him by my side.We were treated to a lavish breakfast, then we all sat together. My companions and I have come to the conclusion that we must leave the temple as soon as possible, despite it's peaceful atmosphere. The Emerald Empire needs us, so we must do what we can. Many lives are at stake.
Our new friends agreed, but before we were to leave, they gave each of us gifts. Haichi was given a kimono of finest silk, with magical emblems embroidered at the neck. Mizake received an extraordinary tessen, and Kaze was presented with a box with four small egg shaped items, marked with the four elements. The craftsmanship on both were remarkable. Fuji and I were given a small pagoda shaped box, in which sits a small statuette of a fertility god. I'm sure I turned bright red as I realized what it was. With my face burning in embarrassment, I tucked the box into my travel pack, telling Fuji I'd tell him later what it was, to get him to shut up about it.
Our hosts showed us to a shortcut. We were guided to the gardens, and stood before a Shintao gate on the edge of a cliff. I could see clouds floating below the cliff. Kaze began to get hysterical as the Head Priest told us we had to walk through the gate.
I shrugged and stepped toward the gate brazenly. The others may not see the mystical virtues of this place as I or Hamorei would. They have not held the power of the fortunes and the elements in their hands. Fuji shouted a warning, but dove through as I crossed the threshold.
I found myself standing near the village at the bottom of the mountain, where we had left the horses. Behind me stood a similar Shintao gate. I smiled at Fuji as he came through, with a look of panic and fury emblazoned on his rugged face.
I tried not to laugh at the astonished looks on everyone's faces as they stepped through the portal. Kaze and Haichi came through together, Haichi gripping the young Lion tightly by the arm. I glanced away, pretending not to see, to save her a small portion of embarrassment at being dragged through the gate. As I did, I saw a Scorpion Samurai-ko sitting nearby on her horse.
For some reason, this reminded me of the gathering armies all over Rokugan that I saw on the map in the library. Quickly I shared with the group, and pulled Fuji aside to tell him the reason of the Crabs inevitable attack on the Scorpions. The news of Hida Hisaki's death hit him hard. He began to draw his no dachi, and move toward the lovely samurai-ko. I had to stop him, and explain that the Scorpion clan must be somewhat divided... those with Shoju-Sama, and those with Kachiko.
He stopped mid stride, and boldly asked her who she was and why she was here. She explained that Shoju-Sama had told her we were here, and to come assist in any way she could. It seems that Kachiko kicked the Samurai-ko out of the Scorpion Courts recently. Whether it was for the Soshi's loyalty to Shoju-Sama, or out of jealousy for her beauty, only Kachiko will ever know. For even behind a mask, it is painfully obvious that Benten has blessed Soshi-San with a great gift of attractiveness.We allowed Soshi Goshuko to travel with us, but all with great reservation, for we know that even the prettiest scorpion still has a stinger. We rode hard out of the Dragon lands, but met with a great barrier when traveling into the Crane lands. It was our plan to return to Akodo Kaze's house in the Crane lands, to see how Shoju-Sama is doing. Every Crane border is heavily guarded. They are letting no one in, and very few out. Before us lay a large army of Mizake's troops, under Doji Kuwanan's orders.
Mizake growled and cursed those who would send her own legions of samurai against her. I suggested I make Soshi Goshuko look like Kachiko, but everyone else decided to ride down with no tricks. Mizake led us to the gates where we were detained by an insolent soldier who demanded to see our papers. He took Mizake's, and his eyes widened. He immediately ran to a nearby tent, where his superior emerged, with a fierce look in his eye.
He informed us that we were under arrest, and should give ourselves in to avoid bloodshed.
Mizake enlightened the ignorant man that we would not, in fact, give ourselves in to traitors of the Sun Throne, or usurpers of her Daimyoship. She then challenged him to a duel, that the loser would commit seppuku, and the winners would get what they want. If the man were to win, Mizake would kill herself, and we would be taken prisoner. If she won, the commander of this army would kill himself before his men, and we would take a number of prisoners equal to our number.
The two warriors faced off, with hands on their sheathed katanas. The air grew thick with tension as they stared at each other through narrowed eyes. Faster than my eyes could truly follow, the Samurai's blade was drawn, and a thin line of blood began to run down Mizake's cheek. The bastard had taken her right eye. Less than a second later, Mizake drew Kandaisa, Kakita Toshimoko's blade that I gave her, and had cut away what made this samurai a man. His face paled as she asked if he gave in, but he shook his head in denial. He swung his sword at her, cutting her in the arm just as she buried her katana into his chest.
A moment of complete stunned silence was followed by several Crane men yelling to attack. A few surrounding men gave themselves in as part of the bargain, but it mattered not, as our lives were in danger from the oncoming attack. Our deaths were ordered by someone, and I can guess quite easily who. We fled the area quickly, straight into the Crane lands. It was imperative to inform Bayushi Shoju of our knowledge. We were all wounded in our flight, and I am sad to say that many Cranes died as well. They are misguided, trapped in Kachiko's plots.
We rode through the night, and rendezvoused at Akodo Kaze's home in the middle of Crane territory. We arrived to find Bayushi Shoju still very ill. The young Scorpion who accompanied us from Spiral Mountain informed us that the poison was not necessarily lethal, but there was no cure known. It would have to work it's way through his system.
Our small group caught up on some sleep, then quickly prepared for our newest journey. We had each received letters from Lord Kitsu, to come stay with him in our time of trial. I felt odd about going, but couldn't justify my feelings, so we decided to go there. While preparing, we received notice of a Scorpion army heading straight for us. We found ourselves trapped between the pursuing Crane army, and the approaching Scorpion army. My mind went completely blank. I thought about Hamorei's Walking the Way spell, but knew there would never be sufficient time to pull it off. We had to know if the approaching Scorpions were on Shoju's side, or his treacherous wife's.
The beautiful young Scorpion Samurai-ko volunteered to find out. She rode out bravely, and was met by the commander, who demanded to know who she was, and what she was doing there. She told him she was there under Bayushi Kachiko's orders, to take care of Iuchi Datusko, Akodo Kaze, Kakita Mizake, Hamorei and Haichi. The man was confused, as those were his orders, but let the Scorpion go on her way. She doubled back and informed us that the army was out to kill us. We quickly sidestepped them, and retreated into Lion territory without being caught. We had Shoju with us, in case the army decided to check out Kaze's home. I was afraid Kachiko wanted Shoju dead, and with good reason. Why else would she frame him for treason and poison him?We were given a warm welcome at Shiro no Kitsu, by Kitsu Kuno's uncle. Kuno is still missing, and I might start to worry, if I didn't know that nothing short of Fu Leng will take that arrogant warrior to his grave. He would have nothing less. We were each given private rooms, and invited to dinner with Lord Kitsu. Kaze, however, decided not to stay with us. She rode onward to Kyuden Akodo, to visit her father, and request the assistance of Lord Akodo. The news of the Cranes trying to surround Otosan Uchi makes me worry for Empress Asami's life. Shoju was taken to the temples by the Kitsu shugenja.
We were not allowed to enter the dining room with our weapons. I thought this odd for a moment, but didn't ponder on it for long. The Kitsu are a shugenja family, like my own Iuchi family. Peace keeping people, I assumed. My delusions were quickly shattered.
As we sat to eat our lavishly prepared food, the door slid open, and several guards entered and surrounded us. They were followed by Bayushi Kachiko and Doji Hoturi. My gowl of disapproval was mimicked by Mizake as we both noticed that Hoturi was wearing Kandaisa, the Kakita blade I gave to Mizake. So he had stolen it from her room.
Despite the guards, a hopeless fight ensued. Fuji used a section of the table as a weapon, and I hit a few of the guards with lightening. Mizake lunged over Kachiko's head and held her with a chopstick at the seductress' throat. But Doji Hoturi quickly rescued his mistress. Our efforts were in vain, I sadly recognized as slowly one by one, my allies fell. Hamorei lie with a sword through him, Mizake felled as well. Fuji also had been run through. Elly was close to death, and Haichi had passed out. Surrounded by enemies, I never felt so alone. I ignored the mutterings of Kachiko and her henchmen, and went straight to Fujizaka's side. They didn't try to stop me from healing my fiancé. A wise decision.
It seems Kachiko convinced Lord Kitsu that Mizake and I were to blame for the loss of a portion of his lands... lands that Kitsu Kuno donated to Jekusu for her to settle her clan. I believe perhaps he was also drugged. He never seemed the greedy type before. I plead with him to understand what this evil woman has done. His heart remained cold as my comrades lie dying nearby.
Suddenly, Akodo Kaze and her twin brother burst through the door. Kaze stood startled at the gruesome sight before her. She informed us that Lord Akodo was on his way with an army to bring down those that would defy the Sun Throne. Kachiko laughed, and told Kaze that Akodo was the one who helped her decide which villages to destroy with Kyoso no Oni. Admission of guilt with her own lips. I would have killed her then and there if I didn't fear for my friends lives. My own life is nothing, but I cannot spend theirs so easily. Fuji looked at me, and I warned him not to die. I would not lose him again after so recently finding him.
Kachiko looked at me condescendingly, shaking her head, saying that she had tried to be friends with me. She asked me why I had gone against her after everything she had done for the sake of my true love. She glanced at Hoturi at that moment. I almost felt sorry for her in that instant. She truly loved that Crane, but never had the opportunity to act on it until now. That moment passed quickly though, when she revealed her true intent.
She and Hoturi intended to take the Sun Throne. By force if necessary. I began to argue about the Celestial Order, and the need for proper blood on the throne. Kachiko sneered and asked me if I really believed that silly old tripe. I was honestly taken aback by her attitude. When Hoturi's father failed to take the throne as intended, he and Kachiko had begun plotting to do the same thing. It seems as though Kachiko has plotted her way through every court in the Empire. She even claimed that the Unicorn agreed with her.
She offered to let me go, and that I could take my friends with me, alive and unharmed. But she would keep Kakita Mizake, Hamorei, and Elly. I glanced around, and realized that the young Scorpion Samurai-ko was gone. I wonder if she was part of the plot to get us here. After much deliberation, I agreed to her terms, provided she put into writing that we are free to go. She snarled at me and refused to put anything in paper. I calmly explained that for some reason, several clans happen to be hunting me and my comrades. I would hate to have to come back and haunt her because someone didn't recieve new orders from their puppet master.
She pulled her Scorpion Mon from her kimono, and said that it would be sufficient to keep us safe from her people. I gingerly took it from her, and departed Shiro no Kitsu with Fuji, Haichi, Kaze and Kaze's twin brother. We rode into the forest, arguing over what to do next. A return to the castle to rescue our three friends was obvious. How to do so was a bit more complicated. We decided to camp in the forest near the castle for the night, and start fresh in the morning. As we rode into the forest, looking for a suitable spot, an old man appeared before us on the path. His wispy white hair floated in the breeze. The blue silk scarf around his neck shimmered in the light of the moon. Megumi.Back to L5R | Back to Index