Tag: Brotherhood of Shinsei

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 49

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Shanzi Matsu

NOT IN THE PUBLISHED WORKS

The High House of Light

Over the last five days the will of Doji Kyouji san had broken, completely it could be seen by everyone. Using one working arm, as the other was slung in a sling made from a kimono that cost more that most katana! This Crane courtier had pushed the wagon to a bridge as tall as most castles stretching above them. Despite the searching efforts of the four samurai investigating for a secret way up, none was found. The Kitsuki courtier came up to him and maybe he had a look of pity in his eyes for the first time in dealing with the disgraced Crane.

While Donoha sama was appearing to being kind this person was still responsible for murder, and attempting to usurp control over a town. When the Dragon mentioned he had figured out a way for him to climb up. The disgraced Crane courtier, his arm in the most luxurious sling ever fashioned, raised as though he was trying to understand how. Tetsuo san had mentioned they would get Taro up there and they waited for the others to figure out their methods.

Isawa Tamaki san had done mystical investigation upon the bridge and found all five elements of air, earth, fire, water, and void to be in perfect balance. Sharing this news with the group they prayed to the kami for the ability to simply walk up the wall and onto the bridge. It was granted and they were soon tossing a rope down for others to use.

Donoha sama was the next up as they strapped a harness around the Crane and tied it to themselves. As he would climb all Kyouji would need to do is either dangle or use their feet to help scale the wall. The Dragon asked the Unicorn to bring the chest of missives up as he began his ascent. Otaku Gunba sama offered his thanks to the Earth Kami and they replied by constructing a set of stair out of the ground! Everyone else then used those stairs after him.

Despite some rather impressive tricks by Tamaki san’s ability to walk on any surface as though it was down. The group made there way down the bridge and through a few gatehouses along the path before them. To those few who actually found their way to Kyuden Togashi or the High House of Light as it is known. It had been described in many different ways. This has led some to speculate that the High House of Light was in fact several smaller castles, and with so many different ways to approach the castles there would be many different accounts of what it looked like. When they exited the last gatehouse the came upon a valley and a veritable city! Every building looked to be make from gold and trimmed in jade!

Donoha sama remembered the haiku that escaped Tamaki san’s lips:
Jade peaks shine,
whispers ride the morning winds,
wisdom in the clouds.

The group was led by Tetsuo san to an inner chamber of the tallest structure. Within this chamber everything was clad in jade! Yet he said this was not the most astonishing room. Another gate opened at the far end and they went though it to waiting chamber where they were greeted by Togashi Hoshi sama!

Kitsuki Donoha sama found himself sitting on his knees as his spirit was moved by everything he had seen. Then to be meeting up again with the son of the Dragon Clan Champion. It was only when Doji Kyouji san knelt behind him had he realized Taro san was missing. Tetsuo san seemed unconcerned as always and the Dragon thought perhaps he had been left at one of the gatehouses or in the care of one of the ise zumi tattooed monks. Strange he thought to himself that he had not seen anyone else as they moved through rooms and halls.

Togashi Hoshi sama spoke, “Welcome to the High House of Light, it is good to see you all again. My father will see you shortly, please wait here.”

Some of his companions waited, some walked over to gaze out of the windows. The Dragon courtier said he found it hard to focus on the passage of time as his senses were assaulted by the grandeur of room, the smells in the air, the crisp feel of a light breeze through the air. When he felt Kitagawa neko sama sit next to him as he had the jade katana on his back it was jarring enough to pull him from his sensory reverie. Soon afterwards, Togashi Hoshi sama announced his father was ready and what looked like a golden shrine in front of them split in half as it swung open to reveal the throne room of the Dragon Clan Champion.

When the group made their way into the throne room, there was a diamond shaped area made of stone, jade, and gold. Beyond that, was a small set of steps leading up to the dais where an empty chair awaited everyone. When Donoha went to kneel everyone else followed suit. Gunba sama set the chest of missives next to himself upon the floor. It was Tetsuo san that walked past everyone and began to ascend the steps. With each step there appearance began to shift until at the top of the dais was not a monk, but the Dragon Clan Champion that had been traveling with them the entire time!

They thanked everyone for coming to see him and then turned their focus to each of the people in the room. Kitsuki Donoha sama made it clear the group is not allowed to share all of the items discussed with their group but he would try to cover the highlights. When it came to the Void Rock from the sky Donoha sama was asked what he wished to do with it and he said he wanted to make items from it in the fashion of his sword, Mittsu Tamashi 三つ魂 the Three Souls Katana. Togashi Yokuni sama asked him if his family would mind him borrowing some copper and the young Dragon said no he did not believe so.

The Dragon Clan Champion waved their hand and 31 orbs of metal appeared along with a large chunk of copper out of thin air! With another wave Donoha sama was freed of the rope connecting them to the disgraced Crane. Togashi Yokuni sama mentioned for him to make his items, and to one side of the throne a large alcove had become bathed in light. Within was a forge and all the supplies and tools appeared neatly arranged around it. As Donoha sama took steps to it and away from his companions he began to become see through to his companions! To the young Dragon everything outside the forge became see through!

The next person Dragon Clan Champion focused on according to Donoha sama was Otaku Gunba sama. He answered the questions about his vision regarding a Unicorn Battle Maiden. While the identity of the prisoner was revealed along with those holding her captive. They cannot reveal it yet and they must wait until the caravan arrives in Unicorn lands to pursue this further. Next, he addressed the missives in the chest. With a wave of his hand the chest came to rest on a sitting area opposite the alcove where Donoha sama was a see through blur crafting weapons. Obviously, Togashi sama had plenty of time to read the correspondence and given the powers they displayed. They mentioned anything regarding there attention had been dealt with, no more need to worry about it. Then the Dragon Clan Champion provided Otaku Gunba sama with a nemurani to aid in freeing the Unicorn Clan Battle Maiden.

The Scorpion courtier, Shosuro Hanzo san was the next person Dragon Clan Champion focused on according to Donoha sama. Using ancient magics and for reasons he would not reveal. Togashi Yokuni sama revealed he was responsible for switching the Shosuro Hanzo san of this world with the alternate Shosuro Hanzo san that was standing before him! This would leave anyone stunned. All he would elaborate on about his choice for such an intervention is that each Hanzo san would more closely benefit the world they had been swapped with! The notion of alternate worlds that live out different events just boggles the mind.

Donoha sama did mention he was not necessarily going in chronological order, but trying to be careful about what he could and could not discuss. While not last by any definition when the Dragon Clan Champion focused on Isawa Tamaki san, even more surprises were laid bare. Apparently the Phoenix shugenja has been betrothed to a Kuni witch hunter of the Crab Clan! But that was all he ever knew about it, until Kitagawa neko sama was revealed to have been a form applied to the very witch hunter by a maho-user! The jade katana that Akodo Asahi sama found had been hers! Which explained why the cat followed the person that carried it. Then Togashi Yokuni sama waved their hand once more and Kuni Shirai san was restored to their natural form!

The Dragon Clan Champion turned their head in the direction of Donoha sama and mentioned he was almost done. The Phoenix shugenja wrote a haiku in thanks to the Dragon Clan Champion. Togashi Yokuni sama was so moved by the gesture that he waved his hand once again and the paper burned away like an ofuda charm, but reappeared etched in gold upon the jade wall to the Champion’s right side. Togashi Yokuni sama declared it would stay there so he could appreciate the gesture of kindness.

Jade peaks gleam at dawn,
morning winds bear Dragon’s voice,
wisdom veiled in mist.

Turning back to the new couple he mention she would be waiting for him in short order but he had two more items to discuss with the group. Another wave and the Crab samurai vanished from the room as fast as saki would from Crab bottles! As Donoha sama was returning from the forge and becoming more solid to everyone in the room once more. He had a beard now and it was long! In his arms he bore a bundle of blades made in the same style as his sword. He set the bundle down where he was instructed and with a glance he told the young Dragon he could take the two smallest blades and do with them as he saw fit. Both had his signature black gleam and copper hamon line. Donoha sama mention one of them was for Hanzo san and the other would replace his wakizashi. Among the remaining blades was the following:

  • fifteen katana swords,
  • five of the two handed odachi great swords,
  • four naginata,
  • three yari spears,
  • one nagamaki polearm sword,
  • one ono axe head.

The Dragon Clan Champion made a flicking gesture with their hand and Doji Kyouji san floated off the ground and landed next to Togashi Yokuni sama! It was explained he would be taking him on as one of the tattooed monks of the Order of Togashi. Ending the issue for both the Crane Clan and Kyouji san. It was also explained that Taro san had been sent home from the bridge when no one was looking. The group was welcomed to visit him as they headed out of Dragon lands. Donoha sama was instructed to now visit his parents on the return trip and he wondered how much of this did they know about.

The last item Donoha talked about, was a warning from Togashi Yokuni sama. For when the Emperor’s Gift met an ancient race awakening from a great slumber called the Naga. Many would consider them monstrous and they were not. The mistake of the Kami Akodo and the Kitsu must not happen with the Naga. The four samurai were charged with making sure the Naga were integrated within the empire and not obliterated by it. All of them bowed their heads in acceptance of the quest given, and when they lifted them they were standing in their provided house in Tall Pine Village! Kuni Shirai san was also in the room with them and just as stunned about the sudden change in location. All the men decided to head to the tea house and leave Tamaki san and Shirai san to get to know each other.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 42

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Journey to the Mountain’s Anvil

On the morning of the 20th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}) the four samurai made their way back into the mine. They left the Bell of Air at its repaired station by the entrance. There were plans to add a small shrine into the wall next to it, but Tatsu san had not started on it yet. Continuing on to the chamber with the jade and obsidian they made their way deeper.

Otaku Gunba san recommended sealing the chamber back up until they could figure out how to handle the situation. Isawa Tamaki san agreed and they both thought the Stone Mask of Water and the Lantern of the Void should be sealed up inside. This would prevent someone else from finding this and exploiting it before steps could be taken to secure the safety of the jade and the kami.

Shosuro Hanzo san was moved once again upon seeing such a deliberate sign of the power of the kami. Turning to Donoha sama as they rested their hand upon the jade floor that had been changed into un-tainted obsidian during the pacification of the kami. Well known for their aversion to being dirty or unclean this was surprising behavior to say the least. Turning to the Dragon, “Donoha sama, have you ever seen something so beautiful that everything else you looked upon afterward faded a little, as though other things somehow lessened in clarity and importance?”

The Dragon nodded, “I understand exactly what you’re going through.” The Dragon made a note about things that made his newest friend tick. Setting the Stone Mask of Water and the Lantern of the Void within the jade cavern opening, they asked the Unicorn and Phoenix shugenja to seal the opening once more. It was done and Tamaki san added mons for the Fortune Osana-Wo, Fire, Earth, and the clan mons of the five samurai that helped this village in the stone.

Jiro san would be told to not touch the wall with the mons etched upon it until their return from Suigeki Toshi. The group returned to the village and by the 24th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), everything had been repaired and upgraded slightly. The buildings all had stone filters to collect snow and rainwater. It would filter into the small gardens and produce food to help feed the villagers. None of the buildings were drafty. The shrine was visited everyday now and Jiro san was leading everyone in exercises at the beginning of the workday. When they were off their work they wore and treasured the kimonos they had been gifted. The two spares that were left were kept as permanent offerings in the shrine. Should the kami ever wish to wear them and walk among the people.

During the 20th to the 24th Taro san had been exclusively helping as Donoha sama’s assistant. Fetching things for him while he was at the forge teaching Tatsu san his craft. Both with the Hammer of Earth and without so he could appreciate what a gift he was being tasked with wielding. This also served in allowing Donoha sama to the chance to experiment with what the nemurani hammer was capable of.

When it came time to depart the mining village of the Serpent’s Tail mine. Donoha sama requested Tetsuo san to let Jiro san know that he would be taking Taro san with him as his retainer. Of course no one complained but the Dragon was fond of having his intentions known by all so their could be little debate.

Thus the last member of the six people that had tried to kill Donoha sama became his retainer as the left towards Suigeki Toshi or Water Hammer City is low Rokugani. The name has been change fairly recently to Mountain’s Anvil Castle as it has grown into a full city with a castle and lord. Becoming one of the largest metal manufacturing centers in the Dragon lands. Not wishing to push themselves the group arrived on the 25th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). The Dragon knew they had arrived before ever seeing the towers of the buildings built on and into the mountains. The ringing of anvils gave away their location and it was one of the sound Donoha sama always equated with sheer joy.

Upon arriving to the center of the city which had a small castle for governing the day to day affairs of the city. The group was approached by a young male in a very fine but subtlety embroidered kimono of shades of green. They stopped a short distance as Donoha sama broke away from his companions leaving his horse with Taro san to hold the reins while Hanzo san waited next to it. The others had been leading their mounts as well. The entire city streets had been cleared of snow and it was obvious there were people dedicated to not just removing snow but keeping them clean of all debris!

The young male introduced themselves as Mirumoto Renjiro, acting governor of Mountain’s Anvil as his father has passed away. Donoha sama introduced themselves and expressed condolences for the passing of the young Mirumoto’s father. Sharing that their fathers likely knew of each other. Prompting Mirumoto sama to ask if Donoha sama’s family ran the copper mine he had heard about. The Dragon courtier confirmed as such.

Next, the Mirumoto introduce a member of the Crane and the Scorpion clans, which notedly surprised Donoha sama! This far into Dragon lands to have retainers from other clans seemed strange but would have been normal in Otosan Uchi. Doji Kyouji san from the Crane Clan and Bayushi Koruma from the Scorpion clan. The Crane looked as graceful and elegant as Doji Hoto had once appeared, but this obvious courtier carried no Kakita blade at their side. In fact, they carried no weapon of any kind. Inwardly, the Dragon courtier had to remind himself to not instantly dislike the man based on his interactions with the imposter Crane, Hoto.

The Scorpion on the other hand had a the appearance of a hunched back, carried a daisho. This was the kind of man you warned your children to be wary of when they went outside. It was a textbook description of how most people would describe a Scorpion to someone not of that clan. Even knowing this was likely a facade the man put on when in public. Donoha sama found himself liking him for such a well portrayed falsehood.

Donoha sama in turn introduced each of his traveling in the most unusual way, he started with Kitagawa-neko sama! Getting permission from the Mirumoto governor to display a small portion of the katana upon their back. He revealed the jade infused blade, which glinted green in the light of Amaterasu gaze. Then explaining the cat would follow whomever held the blade. Returning the blade to his back, he then introduced everyone in order of their arrival to the group.

It was discussed about how the young governor was stepping up to fill the role of their late father until the Mirumoto and Kitsuki families could decide upon whom the next governor would be. Donoha sama mentioned their group was with the Emperor’s Gift caravan and they were being led to the High House of Light by Tetsuo san. In order to meet with the Clan Champion on the Emperor’s behalf. He was deliberately leaving out the part about carrying messages to safeguard their cargo.

Then he explained their work on the mine and how it had been run down, attack by the snowmen or yeti of the mountains. Apparently, the Scorpion bushi had faced one while in the service of the young governor’s father and during this acting governor’s tenure. He continued about how the mine and its shrine had been wrecked, and the kami were angered causing the miners to become unable to continue their work. Next, he explained how the Phoenix and the Unicorn shugenja along with their Scorpion courtier were able to pacify the kami while he helped to rebuild the village.

The young governor nodded and explained that their last shipment had been late but these events would easily explain such a delay. Upon asking if the village needed more help Donoha sama said they absolutely would. He explained he had taken Taro san as his retainer in case things needed to be accomplished that samurai could not do. The young governor nodded but did not question the choice.

Donoha sama was studying the advisors during all of this. His trained eye and the *ichi-maru* of the Kitsuki investigators allowed him to see that both the Crane and the Scorpion were looking after this boy the way a parent would. It was also clear that each of them disliked the other. He imagined this is what an Imperial court looked like on a much smaller scale.

Donoha sama offered a gift of craftsmanship before he left. The young governor could provide some iron and he would make something from it before leaving. With being offered such a generous gift the young governor offered them an unused building and they would have lodgings setup while they dined and Donoha sama regaled everyone with tales of his exploits.

With that arrangement made everyone bowed and they parted ways. Tetsuo san had spotted another monk from the Brotherhood of Shinsei, and excused themselves to go and converse. Everyone began to head to their lodgings. The samurai found the house pointed out to them on the cliffside that had been referred to. It was very clean and empty but would have furnishings provided. They set their gear upon and surrounding the box with the missive at Gunba san’s suggestion so it would remain hidden. Afterwards, they tried to seek out if there was a bath-house available somewhere in the city.

They were directed to the waterfall and soon found Tetsuo san engaged with a monk that turned out to be one of the two founders, Haru san! Leaving him to their conversation they soon met the other founder, Agasha Tamori san! It would seem the young governor asked him to come and heat the waterfall for the guests to bath in. Donoha sama tried to gently find out why the Agasha family had defected to the Phoenix. Alas he did not find out that answer as Tamori san did not have it. He did learn that not all of the Agasha had left which was a relief to know the Dragon Clan was not without shugenja!

Explaining each item he left Mittsu Tamashi and the jade katana in the Dragon shugenja’s care. They were honored and Kitagawa-neko sama curled up for a nap upon Donoha sama’s items. He kept his smithing hammer in his hand just as he had done with in the last two hot springs in Phoenix lands. Because the area they were bathing in was secluded from public view they were able to relax. Hanzo san began to play a song for the Water Kami. As Gunba san made sure to commune with the kami and make sure they could hear and enjoy the gift.

During their commune though the Water Kami was sharing visions with Gunba san. During this a dark vision popped up that was very recent but the kami seemed to apologize. Pushing it aside because they did not want to convey something dark when the song was so beautiful to them. After that was over the Unicorn tried to talk with the Phoenix but he had a blissful look on his face. Turning to the Dragon he asked Donoha sama if they could chat for a minute.

The Dragon got out, dried off and collected their belongings. Joining the Unicorn after letting everyone know they shouldn’t keep their host waiting. They discussed in their building about the dark vision and the Dragon made plans to gently poke the bee hive during the upcoming meeting. With everyone soon back together they headed into the governor’s castle.

Upon entering the foyer of the castle they were greeted by a graying haired servant of the young governor. She bowed and stepped aside to welcome them in with a practiced wave of their arm. The Dragon looked for empty sword racks to leave is weapons in. The only sword stand or rack was next to very nice suit of armor that was likely worn by the young governor’s father. It had been positioned on its armor box to look as though it were sitting. Donoha sama knelt before the armor and bowed his head to the floor.

“Thank you for allowing us into your home and the home of your son.”

He removed Mittsu Tamashi and placed it in the lap of the armor, wrapping the gauntlets around the tsuka and saya. Noticing a bowl with incense burning in it he turned to see if he could get some more. The servant was clearly practiced in her craft as she was holding three sticks for him. Donoha sama thanked them and lit the incense before leading the group up the steps to the second floor indicated by the servant. Taro san waited just outside the castle’s door in case he would be called for service.

Everyone enjoyed a well-appointed meal. The Crane courtier and the group’s Scorpion courtier hit it off upon learning both had the same aversion to dirt and uncleanliness. Donoha sama managed to pique the interest of the Scorpion bushi by asking if they could spar in the morning since his cousin had been called away by the Fortunes. He tried to up the ante by baiting him into an actual duel. However, that idea was denied by the young governor. Then he launched into his tales!

The creation of Mittsu Tamashi, traveling Rokugan, the journey back, making history being the only other person to make an Eight-Man-Cut! Following it up with joining the Emperor’s Gift, saving Matsu Mayumi san in Shiro Akodo, the Battle of the Emerald Shades outside of Otosan Unchi. The travels and saving the Moshi shugenja on their gempukku. The numerous times facing the Oni of Remembrance. The liberation of Mori Kage Toshi, the murder investigation of Shiro Shiba. Clashing blades with a Kakita duelist and winning, plus the gifting of their kimono signifying their loss. Traversing Mori Kuroi and arriving in Kyuden Tonbo. Finally the tale of their travels in Meido and Gaki-do. Ending with saving of the miners and rebuilding Serpent’s Tail mine village.

For now, nothing was mentioned of the jade that had been found. That tale lasted well into the evening and everyone enjoyed the telling. Some of Donoha sama’s companions got to hear some events for the first time as they had not been present for everything. Upon returning to their building it was indeed furnished and none of their belongings had been touch, just as the young governor had promised. The Unicorn verified the missives were still there as Tetsuo san was let in by Taro san. He bore news there is suspicion about how the father of the acting governor passed away. Gunba san mentioned what he learned from the Water Kami and Donoha sama nodded, the game was afoot!