As the group had journeyed into the Shadowlands, as they had fought for and retrieved the Tears of Morning, many things were happening in the Empire. Many great and dire things.
Soon after Akodo Toturi was killed Doji Satsume was felled by an assassin’s blade. The Crane accused the Lions, saying their wrongful belief that the Cranes had been responsible for the Lion Champion’s death they had had the Emerald Champion assassinated. They claimed that it was both an attack on the Crane, and the Emperor himself.
It was about this time that news was spreading through the Empire. The Great Bear, Hida Kisada was also dead. The Daimyo of the Crab had been killed by one of his trusted men, Hida Jakodo.
Others died at this time as well, killed by assassins, strange accidents, trusted friends, it was all throwing the Empire into confusion.
Bayushi Shoju, gone, and with everything that had happened, it was accepted he was also dead. Others as well, Family Daimyos trusted advisors, diplomats, friends of those in power. Too many to list here.
Still, for all the confusions and Chaos of the time, for everything that was happening, the Empire might have been held together. The Emperor, Hantei 38th demanded peace where their might have been war. He demanded that rumours be quashed so as to prevent the spread of disinformation. He demanded that the Clans work to find out what was happening. He pulled Rokugan together, reminded all of their oaths and loyalty, and almost brought order back. Almost.
Hantei 38th, son of heaven, Emperor of Rokugan, was assassinated. Poison. We all mourned when that happened, and in our hearts a fire burned to see our Emperor’s murderer destroyed.
Any chance the Empire had was lost when Prince Genji, the youngest son of the Emperor, accused his elder brother, Crown Prince Shuguto, of having killed their father.
The Lion clan immediately gave their support to Genji-sama, saying that he should be the new Emperor, that Shuguto-sama could not hold the throne, not after such an accusation.
The Cranes rejected that, saying that Shuguto-sama was the Emperor’s choice to succeed him and that no one would go against the command of the Emperor.
They split the Empire at that point. They put two suns into heaven, and now they would fight to see which was t he brightest.
The Lion’s allies were the Crab and the Scorpion.
The Crane’s allies were the Unicorn and Phoenix as well as most of the minor clans.
The Dragon, which should come as no surprise, and the Dragonfly Clan, remained out of it, closing their borders and refusing to have anything to do with it.
Perhaps the first battle to decide the Empire’s fate was fought in the Imperial City itself, Otousan Uchi. The Lions wished to control the city, the seat of the Emperor, and moved to secure it.
Within the Lion forces was a Samurai named Akodo Horiyuki. A handsome enough man, strong and sure of himself with a nobility suiting an Akodo. He fought there that day, the battle of the Gates and with the Lion’s vanquished the Cranes stationed there. It was in this battle that Kakita Tetsuka, the son of Kenshin, the man who had been kind to my cousin, was killed. I was saddened when I heard that.
It was also at this time that Bayushi Kachiko was killed. Rumours say that she was in favour of neither of the Emperors and with her husband gone, someone decided to get their revenge.
The Lions took Otousan Uchi, and the Cranes and Shuguto-sama left, going to the Emerald Champion’s castle where Shuguto-sama set up court as the Southern Emperor. Genji-sama, in Otousan Uchi was the Northern Emperor.
This was the situation the Empire was in, and all sides were getting ready for war.
Shinjo Hiro had returned to his lands just in time. The Lions were beginning to strike into Unicorn territory, and the Unicorns were ready to meet them.
As the Lion’s tried to break the Unicorns in their first moves, they were harried by Phoenix magic and by the Unicorn armies. They took great losses, but were steadily pushing the Unicorn back.
In one of these battles Hiro came to his power, or showed it to the greatest extent for the first time. It was a gruelling battle, hours passed as both sides fought, trying to break the others. Hiro rode out into this battle and began calling lightning from the sky, directing it into the Lion’s where it caused great confusion and casualties.
Where his sword struck, there was a crack like thunder and no Lion hit by his sword that day lived to talk of it. Without doubt he was responsible for the Unicorn’s victory, in that battle.
Soon after the Unicorn gathered Shugenja together to remove some of the taint from their great hero.
It was at this time that they started to call him the ‘Son of Osano-wo’.
As for Akodo Takashi, he must have spent a long time lost and wandering, for he was missing for some time. Where he went and what he might have done in that time is not known, but eventually his path brought him to the Shrine of the Seven Thunders, carrying the Tears of Morning.
He must have tried to gain entry, but the wards around the shrine would have burned at him. He must have pushed past them, into the shrine, all the time carrying the sword as the flames continued to burn away the taint in him, and at him.
Finally he dropped to his knees in front of the statue of the Lion Thunder, placing the sword in front of him.
Far below, in the city of Kyuden Ikoma was Takashi’s younger sister, Akodo Niya. A woman who had managed the nearly impossible, mastering both the arts of a Shugenja and Bushi. Few have ever done so, and perhaps none at such a young age. They say that her ancestors guided her with much more force than any other in the Lion clan. It is probably true.
She was a little below average height, though not small, with long black hair and a built that looked slight, though was strong. Attractive, wise beyond her years and very brave.
Niya-san was started from her meditation by a feeling she could not explain. She gathered her things and left in haste, in secret, leaving the city, then beginning the long climb to the Shrine.
When she arrived she saw her brother, kneeling in front of the statue of the Lion Thunder. She approached and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. At that moment his form fell apart, becoming a cloud of ash that settled onto the floor.
Niya fell to her knees in that ash and offered prayers for her brother’s soul. She cried as she recited the prayers, and her tears fell onto the sword there, washing away the ash that had settled on it. Eventually Niya would pick up that sword, somehow knowing it was meant for her, and somehow knowing that her destiny lay elsewhere.
Two others would come to the shrine that night, a Yasuki of little importance named Goro, and a Crab general, Uncle to Mitsurugi, Hida Akayama.
Hida Akayama, one of the greatest generals in the Crab army, was a man who had faced Oni, had fought on the wall many times, and yet a man who understood the nuances of court society. A man who had been greatly respected, until his student and friend, Hida Jakodo, killed the Crab Daimyo.
Akayama was huge man, with greying hair, and a rough countenance. There were fine scars on his face, and his hands, about the only part of his body you could see as he wore his armour most of the time. He often wore a straw rain cloak, covering his armour, with a straw hat covering his eyes.
I have heard many stories of Akayama, his bravery and strength. They say he was an orphan, adopted by a Crab Daimyo after saving the Daimyo’s son’s life and passing some sort of gruelling, and it has been whispered unfair, test. All this was even more impressive as Akayama was but eight at the time.
Disgraced by his students actions, Akayama-san had left Crab lands, swearing to find Jakodo and to kill him for what he had done.
Following Jakodo’s path had led him and his man Goro to the shrine of the Seven Thunders on the same night Niya found her brother and the sword he had brought from the Shadowlands.
They met, and I suspect felt a bond of sorts even then. Akayama told Niya of some news of her brother’s travels, how he had entered the Shadowlands with Akayama’s nephew, Mitsurugi and how no one knew of what had happened to them after that.
When he told her that he planned to travel on, in search of Jakodo, Niya asked to travel with him. Akayama agreed and they left the shrine, heading south, following Jakodo’s path.
To the east, Hiro continued to do battle with the Lion, slowing their advance. He was given command of a large unit of Unicorn, a fast, deadly unit that would, with him at its lead, spear deep into Lion formations, breaking their advance.
He grew in stature among the Unicorn, and the Lion who respected his power and what he could bring to a battle. And while Hiro was doing all this, a feeling was growing in him. A feeling that he was not supposed to be there, but somewhere else.
He went to his Daimyo and told him of these feelings. His Daimyo told him that the children of Shinjo were like the wind, and the wind had to blow free, to go where it would and make its luck. In this way Hiro was given his Clan’s blessing to leave and search out his place.
Of course he did not go alone. His unit would not hear of it. He wanted them to stay, for he did not know where his path would take him, but they refused. They would follow him where ever his path would lead.
So Hiro quit the battlefield, leading his unit off to a far greater battle.
The Lion, Akodo Horiyuki, had been rewarded for his actions at the battle of the Gates, given command of a small unit of men, and as he fought in other battles his command grew. He too felt that call in his blood, that something was wrong, that he was needed elsewhere. He felt that the battles they fought, to decide the Emperor, were wrong.
He knew that he could not go to his Daimyo with such news. All he could do was his duty. He did mention his feeling to a close friend though, and this friend agreed with him. He told Horiyuki of a possibility, of a hidden banner where others who wished to truly serve the Empire and not destroy it could be found.
Horiyuki eventually agreed to go this banner, and found men and women within his unit that agreed with this. They left the Lion army under the cover of night, moving quickly until they found the banner that was hidden by grey, the Shadow Banner.
Others had come to the Shadow Banner as well, from all Clans. It was growing, slowly at that time, but still growing. Horiyuki had delivered his people to it, so that they might fight to save the Empire, but he did not feel as if he belonged there. Something was calling him to the west, so he left the Shadow Banner to go and find this thing.
And what of myself, she who tells this tale?
Doji Natsumi, poet warrior. Taller than most men, outside of the Crab Clan, beautiful, long hair, never dyed, and blue grey eyes that could trap people with their stare. Or so I have been told. Most people remember me for the fact I am so tall, unfashionably so really. If I was looking for a husband I might be upset about this.
I had left the Imperial palace on hearing of the death of my cousin. When I left the old Emperor was still well, and the Empire was, as these things go, at peace. When I returned to the Imperial City later, things would have changed greatly, but that is not for now.
I found out what happened to Yui, and met the Ronnin Hashi who told me of what had happened. I slashed my hair short in mourning, and had a shrine built for my cousin. Then I left. The signs of the coming battle were obvious and my clan would need me.
We worked to strengthen our defences, preparing plans, moving men and material, ready for the Lion. The Lion responded, and many small skirmishes were fought, but most of their forces were concentrated against the Unicorn.
I took part in many of those skirmishes and buried the blade of my naginata into the chest of many Lions, and the last thing many Lions did was to challenge me to a duel.
This was not the real battle though, and we knew it.
I was preparing to march with a unit of Daidoji when I received a letter from Agasha Akira. Akira-san was a Dragon Diplomat who had been at Otousan Uchi at roughly the same time I had been there. He and I had become very close friends. Very close. Lovers in fact. Did I mention I never swore an oath of celibacy?
His letter asked me to come to the Southern Emperor’s court so that we might talk. I went to Doji Hoturi, my Daimyo, and told him of the letter, asking him if he thought I should go. He treated this like it was the best news he had heard in some time and told me to go. He also asked me to find out the Dragon’s ultimate position and who they would support.
I told him I would find out as soon as possible and set off to the Southern Emperor’s court.
The village of Shirukozuko really needs to be remembered, as it seemed to draw those that were to play a part in the Empire’s salvation. It was there Akodo Niya and Hida Akayama arrived, having followed Jakodo there. I was told that Akayama asked a peasant about Jakodo. When the man spoke highly of the Crab that had killed the Oni and saved their village Akayama struck him to the ground in anger.
Also arriving in this village were Agasha Akira, who was on his way to the Southern Emperor’s court to meet me, and his body guard, a Dragon Bushi named Mirumoto Murusashi.
Akira spoke to Niya and Akayama and soon decided that they were more interesting than the Southern Emperor’s court and that he would instead travel with them. For all I know of Akira, I know very little, he is a man of secrets and I am sure that he knows more than he ever lets on. Perhaps that was why he chose to follow after a young Lion who carried the sword of the Lion Thunder and an old Crab general who was on a mission of revenge.
Akira sent Murasashi to me, to deliver a message that he would not be able to make it to our meeting. Murasashi set off right away, moving very fast.
I had arrived at the Emerald Champion’s castle, now shared by Emperor Shuguto and the new Emerald Champion, Doji Kensekio. I had not been there long when Murasashi arrived with Akira’s message. I read it, then thought about what Hoturi had asked of me. I realised I could still find out what the Dragon position might be. I asked Murasashi if I might travel with him back to Akira and he said yes. I quickly packed up my things, wrote a quick letter to Hoturi about what was happening, then left with the Dragon.
Akira and the others began to talk. Akayama told them on increased attacks on the wall from the Shadowlands, of great beasts that had not been seen before. Niya told them a little of the Tears of Morning, of what she knew of the sword and what she had been told.
They soon realised that they knew very little about the weapon, or about how it might be used in the coming conflicts. Akira eventually suggested that they travel into Phoenix lands, to consult with the historians of that Clan. They had agreed to that about the time that Murasashi and I entered the village. I found it a strange thing to see, two Crabs, and a Lion, currently our enemies, standing in a village in Crane lands, with a Dragon ambassador. I did not know what to make of it.
Akira told me what was happening and what he planned. While it was all very interesting it had nothing to do with why I was there. Unfortunately Akira did not answer my questions. The Dragon, according to him, would not be joining this battle. It was not much of an answer, but at the time I did not think I would get any better. Still, I decided to stay close to him, in hopes of getting a more useful answer from him, or even convincing him to fight on the Crane’s side.
So we left together, leaving Shirukozuko behind us as we headed to the Lands of the Phoenix.
Akayama was an easy person to get along with. He often played Go with Akira and the two spoke of many things. He was not your usual Crab and I found myself liking him.
As for Niya, she was quiet, but there was something intense about her. I was not sure at the time what to make of her.
Murasashi was much the enigmatic Dragon.
What did they think of me? I’m not sure. We were not very friendly towards each other, nor were we unfriendly. Destiny had brought us together but we still did not know what for.
On the border of Crane land we were stopped by a Crane patrol. I vouched for the two Crab and the Lion, and explained who the Dragons were. I told the patrol that no one would do any harm to the Clan and they were not to be considered enemies, at least not at that time.
We were allowed to pass, but the leader of the patrol asked if I had heard of anything about a Shadow Banner. "No," I told him truthfully.
"You must keep this quiet," he told me. "We have had many of our soldiers disappear to go in search of this Shadow Banner. If you hear anything of it, send word at once."
"Of course," I told him, then produced a letter from my kimono. "Make sure this is delivered to Doji Hoturi-sama as soon as possible."
He took the letter, which contained news of all I had learned to that point, and then we went off, entering the lands of the Phoenix.
Soon after entering the lands of the Phoenix we came upon Akodo Horiyuki, following the pull that had led him from his Clan to the Shadow Banner, and then from them to us. He did not know why he had sought us out, nor did he knew who we were, he just knew that he had come looking for us.
Akayama welcomed him into the group, agreeing with Horiyuki that there was something that had brought us together. I think even then Akayama had begun to appreciate what we represented. I was not so sure of the Lion samurai. Niya I could accept, I suppose because she seemed so harmless—I once saw her knock herself unconscious with a boken in a practice duel—but not Horiyuki.
There was something between us all, even I could feel it. I asked Akira about it and he admitted that he felt nothing, but he could see that something joined us all. That was all he would say on the matter to me.
It was easy travelling, though it was still spring and we were climbing into the mountains so it was getting cool at nights.
A few days after Horiyuki joined us Hiro found us, with the rest of his Unicorns. He came riding up to us on that huge horse of his, a group of Battle Maidens following close behind him, ready for anything. They sneered openly at Horiyuki and Niya and I saw that Horiyuki was working hard to hold himself in check.
Niya recognised him and told us that Hiro had been part of the group the had brought the Tears of Morning from the Shadowlands. It was enough to put the Crabs and Horiyuki a little more at ease, though not completely. Hiro had about a hundred Unicorns with him.
We talked of what we were doing and where we were going. Hiro said he would come with us, that his part in all of it was not over yet.
So we travelled on, a Crane warrior, a Dragon ambassador and his
bodyguard, two Crabs, two Lions, and a hundred Unicorns. Could anyone else
in the Empire have seen such a sight? I did not mind too much. I found the
Otaku to be interesting, as always, and between the quiet we shared poetry.
The Otaku asked me why the Crane had not joined with the Unicorn in battle
yet. I told them that the Crane did not feel ready yet, they still had more
preparations to make. It was not much of an answer, and not one that I liked
giving.
Hiro welcomed him like an old friend and had refreshments brought for him.
"Hashi, what are you doing here?" Hiro asked in a familiar way.
"I am tracking the Oni Kurenshoku, I do this for Mitsurugi," he said.
"You can track this beast?" Akayama asked.
"I can feel him, though I don’t know why," the Ronin told us. "I know
he is close, but not exactly where he is. I have been trying to find him for
months."
Akayama nodded, as if he approved of this. Hiro also looked interested.
The rest of us were not sure what to make of the Ronin’s statements.
We decided that we would go up to the village, Hiro ordered his forces
to make camp about thirty minutes ride from the village and the rest of us
went on.
The place was called the Shrine of the Phoenix Heart, a collection of
shrines and small dwellings centred about a four level pagoda. We were met
by a small man, a priest there, he was named Shiba Rijo. He welcomed us to
the shrine and told us we could stay as long as we pleased. It was a very
beautiful place, peaceful and calm. The pagoda and several of the larger
shrines and buildings were surrounded by a wall, more decorative than
anything else.
We were invited into the shrine proper to talk with the head priest. We
entered the walled in area and walked towards the pagoda. The pagoda was
quite beautiful, constructed of beautiful wood. A group of monks were laying
out thin mats in front of the steps of the pagoda, placing a tea service on
it, as well as a small table.
There was more than enough room for us all and we removed our footwear,
well, Hiro almost did not, and Goro got a hard stare from Akayama as they
approached which probably reminded him, and stepped onto the mat. We knelt
around the table, and monks poured our tea.
A moment later the head priest, an old man whose name we were never
told, came out of the pagoda and came down the stairs to us. He smiled at us
as he knelt down, waving off a monk who came to pour him some tea.
"You have travelled far to come here," he said. "Will you tell me why?"
It was Niya, as the bearer of the sword who had to speak. We looked at
her and she began to speak, after a moment. "A weapon, the sword of the Lion
Thunder, has come to me. We have been told that it might be the key to deal
with the dangers the Empire is now in, though we do not know how. We came
here in hopes that we might find the answers."
He looked at her for a moment. "The sword of the Thunder, surely a
powerful object, but we know little of such things here."
We were disappointed. Somehow we hoped that we might find the answers
here, that we would know what to do. The head priest apologised to us, but
told us that there might be someone who could help and she would arrive soon.
We talked to the head priest and amongst ourselves about various things,
Akayama asked the head priest if he wanted to play a game of Go, and Hiro
made sure that the Phoenix did not mind that his forces were camped close
by. Hashi mentioned the Oni he was tracking and asked if there had been any
sign of it.
News of an Oni brought some concern to the priests, and Rijo left us to
arrange for the security of the Phoenix Heart to be increased.
A short time later the woman we were waiting for showed up. She was very
beautiful, well dressed in a kimono in the Phoenix colours. Her name was
Shiba Tamoko. With her was a tall man, wearing a kimono in the Isawa colours
and carrying the Daisho. His hair was tinged with red, a little like Hiro’s
hair. His name was Isawa Kojin.
Sitting down, the two introduced themselves, though they said little of
who they were. After we told her what we did there Tamoko asked if she could
see the Tears of Morning. Niya said nothing for a time, then she slowly
presented the weapon to Tamoko.
Tamoko removed a handkerchief from her kimono and used it to take the
lacquered saya. She carefully drew the blade, showing great care. She placed
the saya on her lap, then put the handkerchief between her teeth as she held
the blade up, examining the blade.
She obviously knew how to handle the sword, and I could see that Niya
relaxed slightly. Something had happened there at that time, but I did not
realise the significance of it at the time, nor did I realise that Shiba
Tamoko was most likely more than she seemed.
She returned the sword to its saya and returned it to Niya. She was
obviously impressed and agreed that it was the blade of the Lion Thunder,
but could offer little more than that. We were all a little disappointed
again and were at a lost at what to do next. We were offered the hospitality
of the Phoenix Heart as long as we wished to stay.
We decided to take them up on he offer while we decided what to do.
We were also worried about the Oni that might be near by and what it
might do.