Seeing Megumi again nearly brought tears to my eyes. I dropped from my horse onto my knees before him, bowing deeply to the fortune of Heroic Guidance. Kaze and Haichi began chiding me for overdoing the "honoring my elders" routine. I hadn't realized they have yet to meet this noble old Fortune. Fuji, fortunately, followed my lead and bowed to Megumi while giving our companions a warning look. I proudly introduced my comrades to Megumi, with as much ceremony as was possible in my frame of mind.
I'd like to think my friends were impressed with my acquaintance with an actual fortune, but I was too startled by Megumi's words to pay much attention. "Return to the castle." He told me. I stared at him blankly for a moment, trying to put into words my concerns of doing such a suicidal thing. His gentle smile lit his eyes as he saw me hesitate. He told me to return to the castle, and tell them we were there to free the prisoners.
A bold move, to be sure. That's probably why Fuji liked the idea so much. I nodded in agreement, realizing that if I didn't trust Megumi now after all he has done for me in the past, then I didn't deserve to live another moment. I quickly mounted my horse and began riding back toward the castle. I heard Fuji come after me shortly after. I believe Haichi and Kaze were arguing about the possibility of their standing in the presence of a fortune, and stammering in disbelief as I rode away.
I nearly ran down the guards at the castle gates, screaming my demands. One brave man, the captain of the guards, stood his ground. I pulled back hard, causing Kiseki to rear onto his hind legs. I was impressed at the man's courage when facing a charging Unicorn Steed. I firmly told him we were here to free the prisoners, after boldly stating my full name. I doubt my small personage could ever intimidate everyone, but by the taint, I tried.
The captain nodded, and informed me that they had thirty men who would help us take the tower in which our friends were being held. He told us that he believes Lord Kitsu has been drugged by the scorpion geisha that were gifts to him from Kachiko. That would explain his inability to grasp the fullness of the situation. The captain was ready to assist us, and to assist Lord Kitsu in coming to his senses. Unfortunately, we quickly learned that Elly was being held captive elsewhere. I proposed that we split up into two groups. One which would rescue Elly, the other would rescue Mizake and Hamorei. Akodo Kaze quickly volunteered to go after Elly. The young lion has become quite good friends with her. Haichi quickly offered to accompany her. I sense a sort of protective attitude from that Ronin toward Kaze. A kind of fatherly loving that she surely has never known before.
As Fuji and I rushed toward the tower, I realized that Kaze's twin brother was nowhere. I didn't even remember him leaving our group. It was too late to worry about him, so we rode forth with thirty Kitsu samurai. The arrows pouring down on us from the tower walls were quickly stopped by my spell, Breath of Osano-wo, as I entreated the air spirits and the Fortune, Osano-wo for assistance. Unfortunately, the clever defenders knew how to hide behind their walls to avoid damage from their own arrows flying back at them. We moved closer, and I was struck by a sudden bolt of lightening. It coursed through my body but luckily grounded before doing serious damage. I angrily looked around, and could only conclude that the offending shugenja hid within the tower. I quickly blew a hole through the wall with a ball of fire, and our soldiers poured inside and engaged into close combat. I turned just in time to see Fuji get struck by lightening. It hit him harder than it had hit me, but still not as badly as it could have been. I urged Fuji to run with me closer to the burning tower. He looked at me as if I were insane, but followed. I figured that if I were closer, either the shugenja would have to look out the window to get a clear shot at me, thus giving me the same thing, or I would be able to assist within.
We entered the building to find a standoff. Our warriors were unable to continue up the stairs due to arrows. I growled and headed up the stairs myself. I was stopped suddenly by strong hands holding my still by my waist. I thrashed around to find Fuji scowling at me, asking me if I was stupid. I could have kicked him in the teeth for that. I snarled at him to put me down, and he refused until I promised to let him handle the situation. I finally agreed, and he quickly picked up a table from the burning room and used it to shield us from arrows as we hiked up the stairs. I chuckled to myself, remembering my grandmother telling me stories of such shields that the people across the Burning Sands used in battles, even when upon their horses.
We arrived at the top to find several trembling archers and a shugenja poring over a scroll. I narrowed my eyes and began calling upon the power of Osano-Wo, who's fury would be unleashed in a powerful bolt of lightening, to strike down the foolish man who would dare to use the same spell on me and my beloved. He crumbled to the ground in a smoldering heap after the bright flash of light. Fuji and the others had taken care of the archers, but Mizake and Hamorei were nowhere to be found.
Sheathing our weapons, we met Kaze and Haichi in the courtyard, with Elly in tow. I hung my head in shame and announced that Mizake and Hamorei were gone. Kaze keep jabbering about how Kachiko and Hoturi got away, and they took Shoju's body with them. Kaze had tried to stop her, but didn't have her bow with her. But Shoju's body? What? Kaze explained that she saw them put the body on a horse, and cover it with a blanket. I can't even begin to fathom why they would take a body with them... unless he wasn't really dead?Exhausted from our efforts, rest finally came with the dawn. We all slept near the courtyard on the ground. I nestled my head on Fujizaka's chest. The steady sound of his heartbeat lulled me to sleep. A few hours later, I awoke from the sound of Fuji speaking to Haichi. They heard someone coming, and a great commotion was stirring at the gates. I rose to see what was the matter, and could see the entire Matsu army being led by Matsu Shuriko, Kitsu Kuno's former Second in Command, and current Matsu Daimyo. Riding beside her was Kaze's twin brother. He had rode off to get help.
I yelled at the guards to let Shuriko through the gates. I quickly met Shuriko with a great warm embrace. It had been a long time since I had last seen the youth. She seems to have grown much in the last year. I suppose being forced into a position of leadership can do that to a person. Kaze merely stood and stared at the Matsu. She knew this woman to be the former Second to Kitsu Kuno, whom I'm afraid the strange Akodo has a fascination with. She continually asked Shuriko what Kuno was like, but neither she nor I wanted to let the girl's fantasies continue. The truth is far more disappointing than the stories lead people to believe, so needless to say, Akodo Kaze didn't believe one word we said.
We had a quick conference on how to proceed. I knew we must get to Otosan Uchi as soon as possible. Knowing the Empress to be in grave danger made my heart sink. Kaze informed us that she already asked her father, and Lord Akodo to send soldiers to assist, but her request was denied. Shuriko looked at the white haired Lion, and smiled.
Shuriko informed Kaze that her father was jealous of Kaze's position and title as Emerald Magistrate. In private, he would do anything to make the young samurai-ko feel inadequate to do the job, including refusing to do his duty. However, if approached in public with a formal request to do his job, the Akodo generals could do nothing but to comply. Loss of honor would be too much even for a jealous father. If the truth came out that he refused to perform his job in the first place, the repercussions would be great.
I quickly set to writing a letter to General Akodo, which I signed as an agent of the Empress. Kaze also signed it before we gave it to Shuriko to deliver to the stubborn Lions. Shuriko then suggested we get to a nearby port and take a ship up to Otosan Uchi. It would be a much faster mode of transportation, and she had a friend who owned a shipping business who would be willing to help our cause.
We bid farewell to Matsu Shuriko as we set off towards the nearest docks. I hope when I see her again, it will be in a peaceful Rokugan.We swiftly traveled across the land and boarded a ship bound North. It was difficult to keep my mind focused on the situation. I kept thinking about the Crab armies that surely have begun attacking the Scorpions from the South. I hold no sympathy for the Scorpions at this point, but there will inevitably be casualties from the Crab ranks as well. I pray to the fortunes for the well-being of Fuji's family, and that his sister Makana is safe.
When we arrived at the docks in Otosan Uchi, we were confronted with the challenge of how to get within the palace walls without being stopped by Kachiko's agents. Our plan was simple. We were smuggled into the palace stores disguised as barrels of rice. Once inside, we nonchalantly walked up the stairs and demanded audience with Empress Asami. The guard was taken aback and asked who we were. I told him my name, and to inform the Empress that I was here to see her. He looked baffled, but ran up the remaining flight of stairs to do my bidding.
A mere minute later, several guards entered the hallway, and looked at us in complete surprise. Their hands quickly fled to their swords as Asami's ringing voice echoed through the hallway. She paraded toward us, a stream of flowing golden silk from her robe billowed behind her. A few guards came with her, with grim faces. Those edgy Seppun in the hall with us stood down and bowed to the Empress. My companions and I quickly bowed with respect. She motioned us to follow her.
We entered a comfortable room filled with cushions and a steaming pot of tea filling the room with pleasant aromas. She bid us sit down with her. I couldn't help but notice that she was still dressed in a sleeping robe, despite the lateness of the hour. The rumors that she no longer came out of her quarters were true. She was genuinely glad to see us, especially to see Fuji safely by my side.
I carefully told her everything that had happened; Kachiko's involvement in the slaughter of the villages, the disappearance of Mizake and Hamorei, the wars waging all over Rokugan - Crab against Scorpion, Crane against Dragonfly... everything. We introduced her to Elly, and to Kaze's brother who I have noticed looking at Elly in a way he shouldn't... at least not in public. She was surprised to learn of Kaze's twin, but smiled warmly. There was a strange twinkle in her eye when her gaze fell on Kaze. I cannot fathom what it is about that Lion that enthralls the Empress so.
Empress Asami seemed very distant as we updated her on our journeys, as if something has been plaguing her mind. Not long after we had been there, a sharp rap at the door announced the required presence of her Noble Grace in the Throne Room. I looked up at Asami in surprise. She motioned some servants to assist her dress, which she did quickly and efficiently behind a great screen. When she emerged, she was just as I remembered. Always with impeccable and rich taste, Asami knew how to look impressive. I have often been envious of her talents and elegance.
Before she left, she turned to us, with a serene look which somehow calmed me. "The next Hantei has decided to enter this incarnation." She said calmly, with her palm pressing against her abdomen. With that, she swept down the corridor with us hot on her heels, with so many unanswered questions.We were all ushered into the great Throne Room, which was full of silent Rokugani. I turned, and to my horror, saw Hoturi sitting on the great Sun Throne, with Kachiko by his side.
Kachiko began a grand speech about returning the power where it belongs as Seppun Samurai moved silently to surround us. We were trapped in a room of traitorous cowards holding blades to our backs. Kachiko sneered as she urged us to give in and hand over our blades.
Asami sharply raised her hand to cut off Kachiko's words with a look of unsurpassed serenity on her face. I glanced over at her, and saw a figure move from behind her. Bayushi Shoju stepped from the shadows and motioned discreetly with his hand. Most of the Seppun altered their course in surrounding us. I noticed one holding a Jade Naginata. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the Unicorn ancestral weapon that I had placed into my cousin Jekusu's hands.
I had wondered what happened to my dear cousin after I sent her the letter asking her to assist Mizake. I swear I could see her impish grin behind the mempo she wore. Asami's voice filled the silent room, demanding immediate attention and emanating power.
As the guards led by Jekusu doubled back and moved to surround Kachiko and Hoturi, Asami announced that she had been doing some plotting herself. I tried to keep a look of solemnity on my face in Kachiko's hour of failure, but I fear I was unsuccessful. Recognizing his dire situation, Hoturi jumped to his feet and drew Kandaisa from its saya.
A man made into a fool for the charm of a woman will surely die a fool. As Hoturi leaped toward Asami, Akodo Kaze dove into his path. She drew her blade, but was not fast enough. Kandaisa cut through her with speed and precision. A clean cut across Kaze's neck left her sinking to the floor in a growing pool of blood. I rushed to her side as Haichi confronted the traitor. Pouring my soul into the water spell, I, the water spirits, and the fortunes worked together to heal the wound that would have surely killed the young Lion.
A small part of me kept aware of the surrounding events as I bent over the blood soaked Samurai-ko. Almost simultaneously, Haichi and Hoturi cut off each other's right arms. Haichi then thrust his wakizashi into Hoturi's chest. The Ronin made a good decision when he began studying with the Dragons. The two sword style of the Mirumoto saved us.
Kachiko shrieked in agony as she watched Hoturi crumble to the ground. She threw herself over the body, weeping for her lost love.
Now back on her feet, Kaze watched with wide eyed wonder. Kachiko looked up at us with primal fury. She pulled Kandaisa out of Hoturi's fist and lunged toward Asami. Kaze and I bolted toward the Scorpion, drawing our blades. Kaze tried to cut her hand off, but missed and sliced her across her unprotected chest. I pulled Fuji's wakizashi from it's saya and cleanly took Kachiko's eye, just as Mizake's eye had been taken. One clean vertical cut. I demanded to know where Mizake and Hamorei were, and she hissed at me. Dead. They are dead. Whatever grand schemes Kachiko had plotted, decomposed in that moment, as life ebbed from her wounds.
Kaze and I both turned and bowed to the Empress, begging her forgiveness from drawing steel in her presence. She serenely looked at us and nodded, knowing it had been inevitable. Bayushi Shoju remained silent by her side. She shook her head. She knew it was bound to happen.
Whispers erupted asking what would happen next. With a quick and graceful gesture of her hand, the crowd fell silent. She solemnly proclaimed the Eagle Clan to be the official protectors of the Empress, as equal in importance as the Lion Clan is in the protection of the Emperor. I'm almost sure I could feel Jekusu's ego inflate at the proclamation. As well she should - it is a greater honor than ever bestowed on a minor clan before.Days stretched out as Empress Asami personally planned my wedding. My family arrived and were amazed at the beauty of Otosan Uchi, having never been there before. I also noticed Empress Asami spent a lot of time with Akodo Kaze and her brother, when she was not busy with wedding plans. Kaze's brother also spent a significant amount of time with Elly. I suspect another wedding might be in order sometime in the future.
The wedding celebration lasted five days. Everyone was decked out in their finest robes. It rained flowers and joyous songs echoed through the streets. It was on the last day of the celebration that a great commotion was heard at the gates. Kitsu Kuno was there, leading an army of Crab Samurai, with news that Kyuden Bayushi had fallen to the Crabs under his capable direction. Almost a year later, and Kuno is still the same boasting warrior who fancies himself a poet. It was good to see him though. Fuji was far happier than I to see the blue haired Samurai. Especially since Kuno had fought with the Crabs in their cause of revenge for the death of Hida Hisaki.
I introduced Akodo Kaze to the famous Kitsu Kuno (how his fame grew quicker than his ego, I'll never know). Kaze became star struck and shy at the sight of her hero. She wouldn't believe a single word that contradicted the poems and stories that told of Kuno's courage and valor.
The last evening of our wedding celebration was the grandest of them all. Dancers, songs, fireworks and all my closest friends rejoiced at our union that was made for love, not politics.Thus ends this chapter in my life, where I started as a child named Iuchi Datsuko, and have ended it as a respected Shugenja in the Courts of Otosan Uchi. Hida Datsuko.
