Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 30

The Return and the Rot.

It was three additional days when the four samurai and their rescued companion finally made it out of Mori Isawa. Given the girl’s amnesia and chance at a fresh start he gave her his mother’s given name of Hana. After further discussion it was decided to head on the road back to the Temple of Brilliant Rebirth (Striking this from any publications to protect the victimized woman). It would allow her the grace and anonymity to start a fresh life. The temple idea was proposed by Otaku Gunba san, or as they have stated in kawaii fashion, “I’m just that Unicorn guy.” Ladies that Unicorn has manners and is humble to boot. Just so we’re clear they’re also very easy on the eyes!

When they exited the forest by the fate of the kami they ran straight into the area of my encampment. I have had a friendly wager that the forest did not consume them despite how long they had been missing despite the curse being stopped. I informed them it was not the 16th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}), but in fact the 16th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September})! They were stunned by a time jump as I was to see them stunned. I joined up moved into the wagon and we headed south once more.

During the travel weather appeared to be perfect so it only took a day to make it to the temple. I went inside to escort the woman known as Hana and explain why the group was leaving her in the monks’ care. An important distinction is that in their presence no ritual of Jade Strike or any fingers of jade hurt Hana or changed colors to black. Remarkably, no taint has befallen her! Donoha sama keeps saying he did not save her, because Isawa Tamaki san healed her wounds. However, his actions of removing her from the ritual area is likely what saved her from taint seeping in!

Oh, one needs to also mention that Akodo Asahi sama has been blessed by the neko sama from the hidden village in Mori Kuroi. The kawaii neko they named Kitagawa and despite every attempt to proven them wrong it understands low Rokugani! Surely the kami of cats has blessed this adorable kawaii neko! While it seems to like everyone in the group it follows Asahi sama everywhere it can.

On the 17th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) the group departed to catch up to the Emperor’s Gft caravan which had set its sights on Kyuden Tonbo, Palace of the Dragonfly Clan! Also known as the gatekeepers of the path to the Dragon Clan. In order to try and catch up Donoha sama had an interesting plan when he asked Gunba san if they would like to visit the Shrine of the Ki-Rin! The Unicorn shugenja agreed and the Dragon courtier did some math and stated we could likely spend three days there if we left soon that morning.

I want to say the adventure was fraught with peril, but in a lovely change of pace this trek to catch up to the caravan may have been one of the nicest travels in my life. We saw a number of sight through the road through Mori Isawa on the way to Aojiroi Oku Shiro (Pale Oak Castle). Where Emperor Hantei the XVII is buried beneath the pale oak tree that is said to have bark which can be made into healing tea! It is also said to be the place where Donoha sama fell in love for the first time.

Once back in Mori Isawa, Otaku Gunba san noticed an old, weathered torii gate stands alone on a hilltop, its wood cracked and faded by time. One of the gate’s pillars had fallen, lying across the path it stood over leading away from the road. The remaining structure of the torii still stands tall. The area around the torii was barren of trees as though the clearing was the shrine, with only a few tufts of grass and scattered stones. The Unicorn crafted the following haiku:
Broken but unbowed
Immobile but a gateway
Sister, do you see?

At the western side of the forest another path, winding through the forest away from the road was spotted. Consisting of vibrant red maple trees. Within this autumnal season, the entire area was ablaze with the colors of the leaves, creating a tunnel of red, orange, and gold. The ground was carpeted with fallen leaves, and the crisp air carried the scent of earth and wood. The Phoenix crafted the following haiku:
Path of red and gold,
Whispers in the autumn breeze,
Peace found in each step.

Upon arriving at town surrounding Pale Oak castle Donoha visited briefly with Unmei san and acquired a single bokken for his cousin Asahi sama made of the same pale oak as his were. Biding Chiasa’s father a farewell they continued onward to the shrine. Upon leaving on the path that would be the final leg of the journey to the shrine he showed everyone a grove of cedar trees shown to him by Chiasa. Dense, the air within the grove was filled with the sound of rustling leaves, which he mentioned that some locals say are the whispers of ancient spirits. The trees were unusually tall and straight, with soft, moss-covered roots that seem to invite rest and reflection. A small stream ran through the grove, its clear water reflecting the sunlight in dappled patterns. The Dragon also mentioned local legend speaks of a group of shugenja who once meditated here, seeking wisdom from the kami. It was said that those who sit quietly within the grove may hear the advice of long-passed ancestors. He also crafted a haiku regarding this beautiful location:
Cedar giants stand,
Whispers of spirits in the air,
Moss invites to dream.

There are a total of three waterfalls that feed the waterway funneling into the lake south of the Shrine to the Ki-Rin. The shrine was located on a remote mountaintop in westernmost Phoenix lands, roughly a half-day’s travel from Shiro Gisu in the mountainous Asako provinces, with the Dragon Heart Plains unfurling due west. It boasted a massive torii arch, clearly visible above the surrounding lands. While there was no main road, the path was subtly marked at regular intervals by stone lanterns. Beyond the second peak was a plateau, where several housing living quarters and the shrine’s priest had a single room administrative office. The shrine consisted of a single statue, a marble Ki-Rin entwined with sculpted flames facing the Great Wall of the North Mountains. Its eyes are set with jade, and a thick shimenawa rope encircled its neck. Across the stone pedestal it was carved: “Look to the horizon, for the visions there are footsteps of the future.”

While it only took a day to reach it from Pale Oak Castle, along the path they took in the distance a solitary stone watchtower stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Though the tower was empty, and upon investigation by the group. Found the stairs within have crumbled, the view from its base is still magnificent. The surrounding area was a peaceful meadow dotted with wildflowers and tall grasses swaying in the wind. The Lion crafted the following haiku:
Ancient stone sentinel,
Silent in the wildflower breeze,
Time’s whispers linger.

Once they arrived Donoha sama sought out a Monk tending to the shrine and was given an introduction to a senior member. The senior monk confirm that in three days a would be arriving with a few supplies on its return from Shiro Gisu up north. This river barge is how he crossed from Nanashi Mura to Ukabu Mura during his gempukku. Since it was on its returning trip then they would be able to use it to load the wagon and traverse all the way back to Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho on the northern edge of Lion Clan territory!

While the city is hotly debated between the Lion and the Crane it is currently a Crane held location since Rokugan’s year 1120. In the days leading up to the barge’s return Otaku Gunba san began to seek martial training and even he was surprised at the courtier being the one he knew the most about hand to hand combat. The Dragon nodded when he was asked to be his sensei and began to instruct him with a focus on improvised weaponry. During the river trip he practiced a technique called slow form, where both the teacher and the student never went above a quarter speed. It allowed for instruction to be given during motion.

When he wasn’t training Gunba san in the evening he was building a new saya for the jade katana in Asahi’s possession. Using wood collected in Mori Isawa he constructed it in three segments. Leaving the small rings of bark to separate three sections. He carved the haiku Asahi sama had created into the publc facing side of the saya to commemorate the event: Ancient stone sentinel, Silent in the wildflower breeze, Time’s whispers linger. On the side that faces Asahi’s leg he carved: Jade fangs, claws of green, A king of beasts, a creature rare, Power in his eyes.

Our arrival in Toshi Ranbo was brief, we hit the docks on the eastern side of the city and I paid for the extra help getting the oxen and wagon back onto dry land. While I can’t be one hundred percent sure I believe some of the helpers were from the ronin group known as the Iron Fans. Well, basing that on the iron tessen stuck in their obi and a complete lack of swords. All of us were forced to leave any, and all blades inside the wagon once we had docked. We were told we could retrieve them once we left the city and having the wagon bearing the Seppun mon on a small plaque above the door. Along with papers proving we were a part of the Emperor’s Gift, allowed us to avoid a bureaucratic nightmare. Peace in that city felt like a gilded cage.

The group arrives at Kyuden Tonbo on the 26th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}). Donoha sama appeared very excited to be back in lands he was familiar with. We first visited with an attendant of the Emerald Ambassadors. We were instructed to get baths, eat, rest and we would have dinner in the evening. Both Otaku Gunba san and Donoha sama visited the stables. The Unicorn checked in on animals left behind by owners that had succumbed to the plague. The Dragon reconnected with his great potoo bird, Shirogane and his horse, Yukiabo.

When the baths were set up it was in a line at our wagons with small dividers. The food was good but everything seemed a bit demure and less than the onset of the caravan’s opulence. Afterwards Donoha sama wrote a thank you letter to his Grandmother, Seppun Sora, asking about his eldest aunt and Grandfather. Then another letter to let his parents know of his arrival at Kyuden Tonbo. Asahi sama spent the time either training or shadowing his cousin when he trained Gunba san. Tamaki san wrote to the master that had trained him as a shugenja.

When evening fell they were brought to a dinner with Mirumoto Tanetsu sama and Shinjo Akiba sama. The Dragon and Unicorn Emerald Ambassadors. Shiba Sono sama had sent word to Tamaki san to meet with him tomorrow morning at dawn. Kitsu Tsuguri sama had left Asahi sama a note to report if anything felt worthy to pass on, otherwise they were to stay the course they had chosen. The Dragon and Unicorn Ambassadors explained how morale had dropped with the group’s disappearance. They also explained the plague had ravaged the caravan’s supplies and everything was being managed and allocated in a more strict manner. They talked about the time distortion effect of the woods in Mori Isawa. Once that was done the current problems had been shared regarding, supplies, morale, and awaiting word from the Dragonfly clan to allow them passage to Shiro Kitsuki.

The group made plans after leaving the dinner with Donoha sama letting the craft trades people know he was back and ready to help. They kept him for a few rounds of sake before allowing him to find sleep. The others were excited about seeing a teahouse Donoha has visited a few times and enjoyed for either a midday or evening meal. The Dragon was also awaiting a reply from his parents asking him to come home so he could easily bypass Kyuden Tonbo and show his friends the Dragon lands.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 26

ACCUSATIONS 

Sharing their findings with the other two spurred the Lion into looking at the mon in case he recognized it from any battles he had studied. Its markings did not lend themselves to any of the Shiba mons or those of a martial bent. Asako, as a family had more to do in courtier circles than the bushi. He couldn’t discount a shugenja of the Asako also being the owner, but it seemed unlikely. Finding no additional information to be gleaned from the document they made the trek back during the Hour of the Serpent (10AM – Noon).

Unicorn attendants took the loaner horse and Yukiabo back to the tents where they’re being kept. During their return they stopped to hand the document with the stylized mon over to Shiba Sono sama’s care. One of his known attendants handled the matter for Donoha sama. Before they could leave for food a very recent missive was presented to the Dragon mentioning his horse feeling uneasy. The group indulged the Dragon to have Yukiabo checked out.

Making their way to the outskirts of the caravan, they came across the large, round, tents of the Unicorn Clan called a Ger. These were the makeshift stables the horselords have maintained and operated from since their departure from Otosan Uchi. According to the note the Dragon was looking for the Unicorn samurai known as Otaku Gunba.

With a bit of guidance he was led to the correct tent. Making introductions he found out that there was nothing acutely wrong with Yukiabo. It was a general sense of unease he could still feel among them. The Unicorn had hoped time from the last appearance of Dark Kami in the sky would stop leaving a lingering malaise, but it never really lifted. He went on to vague mention he’d been tasked with getting closer to the issue. So he asked to join the group on whatever mission they had undertaken.

As it would turn out they’re a shugenja of the Unicorn, and the Dragon was excited to another member of the Otaku family. Given how well he’d gotten along with Otaku Kai, he had high hopes this new addition would become a friend in time as well. Gunba san mentioned needing to clear a few items and leave instructions for the other horse attendants. Donoha sama said to meet him at the two wagons the group calls home and he would have a midday meal waiting.

This also gave the group a chance to get out of blood splattered clothing and armor. Everyone headed off to their respective destinations within camp. Attendants mending and cleaning kimonos and armor, while others prepared the meals for the samurai. Since the group had been decreased to three, Donoha sama had asked that the armor stand boxes be moved to the second wagon. It also gave the attendants a place to work, even with a fourth member once more it could still function as a utility wagon.

Once the midday meal was had, the group began to head into the higher end residential area of nobles’ houses. Querying a ashigaru spearmen outside one of the large houses. They found the directions to Lord Asako Takumi sama’s residence. Approaching the two ashigaru spearmen at the entrance to the home’s garden before the house proper.

“Do you have an appointment with our lord?”

Donoha replied, “No I do not but I would like to schedule a meeting with your lord if possible.”

One of the ashigaru nodded and headed off to the house to enquire about an appointment. The four samurai waited patiently for a significant amount of time. When they returned they informed the group, “Our master is ready to see you now it would appear. If you would follow me I will escort you to meet him.”

The group followed the ashigaru through gardens, courtyards, and one onsen! On a mostly enclosed part of the house with orange flowers floating upon its steam accented water. Finally they approached a room with a additional guard. The one slid a door open and inside was lord Asako Takumi.

The group was graciously welcomed. Donoha noted the same mon embroidered upon haori (samurai jacket) as on the document left with Shiba Sono sama. After they were seated and weapons placed on the right of the wielder to make them harder to draw. Takumi sama made it clear to thank Donoha for their service to the Phoenix clan. Clearing out problems that had plagued them for 150 years. He mentioned he considered himself honored to be visited by the Dragon and Lion spoken of among the populace. Afterwards he wondered what had brought him to his home.

“Do you know of Shiba Sono sama,” queried Donoha sama.

“Certainly,” replied Takumi sama.

“I have been tasked with the investigation of Asako Eiko’s murder. My assignment is to clear names off a suspect list by ascertaining where certain people were at the time of the murder.” Donoha realized to late that Lord Takumi sama was Roku-Dan or 6th rank, with quite a bit of status and glory to go with their rank. He had to keep calm, make sure he didn’t cause a scene that would force Shiba Sono sama’s hand, and prevent anyone with him from suffering social backlash. In fact this may be a bigger wave than Shiba Sono sama would like.

“Dreadful business that was, such a shame,” said the Phoenix lord with a sorrowful look draped across his face as though he was a Noh theatre performer.

“I’ll try my best to make my questions brief, I don’t want to waste your time,” Donoha sama bowed his said as he then dropped the proverbial hammer. “There was a document that had a stylized mon on it. Found in the lair of a group of thugs my team and I had finished eliminating. Perhaps you could help me to identify it?”

Takumi sama gestured for him to continue, and Donoha pulled out a small piece of washi paper with Lord Takumi sama’s mon upon it.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS! YOU COME INTO MY HOME AND ACCUSE ME OF MURDER!”

“Begging your pardon but until I came in here I had no idea this was a close match for your mon.”

“HOW DID YOU GET THIS THEN?”

“It was on the document directing the group of thugs to interrupt and thwart the investigation of Asako Eiko sama.”

“WHERE, where is this document now?”

“It is with Shiba Sono sama.”

Standing he began pacing back and forth, “Donoha san, it is very rude to suggest I had anything to do with this you understand.”

The Dragon nodded, “Again, as I have said this entire time. I am trying to get your name off this list and came hearing seeking your aid in doing so.” Donoha sama needed him to see a clandestine offer of help in order to get him to confess his involvement. The reason Donoha sama had a group here is to have witnesses of the events.

Pacing back and forth once more while the Dragon strained his hearing. Concerned there may be additional guards showing up due to the lord’s outbursts. The tension in the room could be cut with a tanto. Lord Takumi sama stopped and turned to the Dragon with a smile, “Donoha san, what is it that you desire most?”

He had taken the bait!

“I suppose it would be to know my family is doing well,” Donoha tried to reply with an answer that would leave crumbs for the rat to follow.

“Ah, I see, so if money could be directed to your family then. I’m sure that can be arranged,” then turning to face the Lion and golden, braided mane of black hair, “and you Akodo san, what is it that you desire?”

Asahi sama spoke succinctly, “My desires align with my cousin.” There was a brief tilt of the head toward Donoha sama.

“Uncommon bond but certainly not unheard of,” remarked Tamuki sama, “and what of you two in the back.”

Unsure if the two new commers had caught on to what Donoha had been working out on the fly. He spoke up, “They are my new retainers and I will see to their desires as their lord.” He quietly prayed they didn’t speak, and was delighted by their continued silence. He was going to have to get to know each of them better in order for them to work in harmony.

“Then you’ll take responsibility seeing to their needs?”

“Yes.”

“Then all that remains is to see how that “false” document can be dealt with.”

Donoha sama stood, leaving Mittsu Tamashi, and took the washi paper with Tamuki sama’s mon upon it. Heading over to a nearby lantern he dipped it into the flame. As it caught he held it and looked back at the thick bodied Phoenix lord, “I think I understand what you’re wishing for.”

Watching it evaporate the lord replied, “I believe you do.”

Donoha sama walked back over to his blade as the conversation came to an end. The group left and were escorted out by the ashigaru spearman that had been stationed at the door. Donoha sama half expected to have to fight his way out. Once they were at least at the next house he whispered to everyone that he’d explain everything at the caravan. He asked Tamaki san and Gunba san to make sure they are not followed.

Gunba san asked Donoha sama to take a circuitous route back through the city to the caravan. The group veered to take the long way back. Unicorn magics are strange even to other Rokugani. It seemed like a spell was cast but no one could tell. About midway back the group stopped at a shrine to the Fortune of Rice and Good harvest, Inari. Tamaki san succeeded in casting a difficult spell to spy on a room he’d only just been in. His eyes rolled up as his gaze was tossed back to the Phoenix Lord’s house. He saw him preparing letters warning his compatriots and crafting a defense for himself if he needed such an out.

Back at the caravan Donoha sama sent an attendant to seek an audience with Shiba Sono sama. The reply that came back was he would be available at the crack of dawn. In one of the wagons Donoha explained that he acted nefariously in order get Tamuki sama to admit his involvement and incriminate himself in front of witnesses.

When the attendants mentioned being done with the blood cleaning. The group had been talking about nemurani they had come across, and how much they missed Gombei sama’s tokkuri of endless sake. Donoha mentioned his smithing hammer, Chikai no kodzuchi 誓いの小槌 (Oath-hammer), his ancestor received from the Crab’s Kaiu family. Gunba san asked Donoha sama if he could see his armor. The Dragon was more than happy to oblige the Unicorn. While he did not understand what the Unicorn shugenja did, magic happened nonetheless. When it was done his armor was pristine clean and every repair that could have been made was finished!

As the 7th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) wound to a close the group began to change into sleeping attire. Akodo Asahi sama found a gift left upon his armor stand. A small, unremarkable, but well made tokkuri. No missive accompanied the gift, but the Lion knew it could only come from one person. Hiruma Gombei sama had left his prize possession with the Lion samurai! When he brought it over for everyone to see, the shugenja were fascinated with it! Upon checking it out with magic it was determined to be nearly as old as the Emerald Empire! What tales could it tell if it could speak about its travels, but night descends. The four decided sleeping together in one of the wagons was best. Attendants were told to rouse them an hour before dawn and have rice ready at that time.

8th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – Sunrise came in its allotted time during the Hour of the Tiger (Tenth Kami / 4am to 6am). While Gunba san and Tamaki san felt fine, both Donoha sama and Asahi sama felt off physically. There has been a light partaking of Gombei sama’s gift, but nothing that would cause the food they ate to taste like ashes of a fire. Test by the two shugenja cleared them of taint, but a warning was given to carry jade upon themselves. Donoha broke out the last of their jade fingers, giving three to his cousin and keeping the other three on his person.

They made haste to the area of the caravan that was the encircled wagons of the Emerald ambassadors. Informing an attendant, they were escorted to the Phoenix wagon. Internally Donoha sama felt an eagerness to get Shiba Sono sama’s take on things and how to proceed. When they entered, Lord Asako Takumi was sitting next to the Phoenix Emerald ambassador. The Dragon felt the churn in his stomach of anxiety while he kept his face calm. Donoha sama needed a plan IMMEDIATELY!

When the two made eye contact Takumi sama was nothing but smiles. This was a man that felt he had all of his pieces in order. Donoha sama knew he had one avenue left before his companions paid for his learning how to deal with opponents that out rank you. Full attack stance was what went through his head because the worse they could do to him was demand his death. As long as he could shield his friends then that would be fine for him.

The group was asked to be seated, and they were offered tea. Shiba Sono sama offered tea to everyone new to the gathering. Then it was couched as a question that Donoha was to make an accusation toward Takumi sama? The Dragon nodded in the affirmative and then asked permission to make his case. The Phoenix Emerald ambassador nodded and Donoha began.

It was exhaustive as Donoha described the battle becoming know as the Slaughter on the hill. The isolation of suspects, the interrogation of the one Donoha sama kept from dying. Then came the trek to the cove and finding the scroll bearing the custom mon of Asako Takumi sama. Unlike nearly every other member of his clan, Donoha sama is detailed, clear, and very courteous while slamming the facts they had learned. Then came the attempted bribery and Donoha sama had mentioned his witnesses. After everything was laid out the stoutly framed Phoenix was still smiling. It was at this point Mirumoto Tanetsu sama made his presence known.

They politely suggested that everything should be discussed now and everyone should leave and wait outside. The Dragon, Lion, Phoenix, and the Unicorn left first and were shown to a bench where they could wait. Asako Takumi sama left afterward and were shown to a different seating area a bit closer to the wagons. The time then was well into the waning portion of the Hour of the Hare (Sun / 6am to 8am). It was not until the waning portion of the Hour of the Dragon (Moon / 8am to 10 am) that the two Emerald ambassadors came out and discussed something with Takumi sama first and then Mirumoto Tanetsu peeled away from the group and began approaching Donoha sama.

“You seem to have seen the storm coming Donoha san and have stepped in it.” Tanetsu sama continued with the statement Takumi sama believes the Dragon courtier set this up to provoke a duel. Donoha sama admitted he tried to angle for it when he saw him at the meeting and panicked regarding options to move forward. It was decided a duel would be had tomorrow evening at sunset. Tanetsu sama asked if the young Dragon would represent himself. Given that he bore a katana which he made himself, Mittsu Tamashi.

Donoha sama affirmed he would represent himself, and the group was informed a distant cousin of Asako Tamaki would be representing him from the Crane clan. With that the parties were dismissed to see to their affairs. By the time the group of four made it back to Donoha sama’s two wagons it was the Hour of the Serpent (Hantei / 10am to Noon) . The Dragon made a request of the others to go into the city as a group and find out what they could about their opponent. Asahi sama and Gunba san agreed to go and look. Tamaki san decided they wished to pursue the mysterious ailment afflicting both the Lion and the Dragon. When they asked Donoha what he was going to do he mentioned calligraphy and iajutsu practice. As the wrist motion of the brush nearly mimics those of the sword.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 24

THE INVESTIGATION IS A FOOT FOR THE FIRE BREATHING DETECTIVE

5th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – The Dragon and Lion awoke and began morning sword practice with a mock duel using Donoha sama’s pale oak bokken. The Crab began their day alongside the Phoenix shugenja getting bowls of rice and a side of fish together. It should be noted that the cousins had drastically different styles of fighting. The Lion was trained to survive skirmishes where the numbers did not favor their side. The Dragon was trained to hunt criminals and make a decisive strike to finish their quarry.

Akodo Asahi sama asked to learn some of the finer points of dueling from his cousin as a way to support the skills of the courts he had been trained in. In the alternate world they visited he’d witnessed his cousin strike and use the blood of his opponent to draw the symbols for peace. All of that before his opponent could free their katana from their saya! Within 100 miles there were very few better teachers of the duel one could engage.

When the duel took place it was with the pale oak bokken he’d received from Pale Oak Castle in the Aoijiro Province of the Phoenix Lands. Made from branches of the tree above the burial of Emperor Hantei the XVII. First they assessed their opponents and then focused their ki or spirit before the strike. In a FLASH it was over! Kitsuki Donoha sama had disarmed Akodo Asahi sama and then spun the bokken back through the air and caught it with their left hand!

Next, before they had rice he spent the time to show his cousin what he had done and how to practice it. He asked his Lion cousin to show him his style once the investigation was over so he could learn to be better in a skirmish or mass combat. Thus was rice was served amongst the companions. During the meal Donoha sama mentioned his concern for having not seen Agasha Re san. Prompting Isawa Tamaki san to go over to the second of the wagons and check upon his charge. To everyone’s relief the shugenja had just been finishing putting themselves together for the day.

When they joined the circle of rice. They became embroiled in the discussion of the case surrounding the death of Asako Eiko, much to Tamaki san’s concern. Since they had two people to investigate it was decided to go after Shiba Ayame sama first. In order to find her it was determined by the Dragon to begin with tea houses where the more erudite members of society might go. Agasha Re san mentioned the Tranquil Lotus Teahouse as a place to begin. Not wanting to involve her more than she had become, it was decided Hiruma Gombei would stay as their bodyguard.

The Tranquil Lotus was located in a busy part of Shiro Shiba and Donoha sama decided to go unarmored to the teahouse. After consulting their lucky cricket, Kuri, Asahi sama wore his grandfather full suit of armor even the lion maned kabuto it was most known for. Tamaki san wore his usual attire and the three made their way to the teahouse. Upon arriving they asked a list of options the house provided and were shown to a private room. The group settled upon the half day retreat guided by the head mistress of the Tranquil Lotus, Shiba Miho sama.

Donoha sama mentioned that payment requests should be sent to Shiba Sono sama as he was the one that set them upon this investigation. Once was their guide made an entrance and began to discuss what the retreat would entail. It became very clear to the Dragon that this matronly Phoenix sees all in her bailiwick of a teahouse. This was her castle and she was the all knowing daimyo of it without question.

When Donoha sama let it slip in polite conversation his interest in finding a tea house he thought Shiba Ayame might frequent. Miho sama was quick to point out that while she has hosted many of Ayame sama’s fellow shugenja. The lady in question has not left the Temple of Eternal Wisdom since the eclipse upon the celebration. Nor has she personally visited the Tranquil Lotus herself. Not wanting to dash now that they had the information they sought, they took the half day retreat of the tea ceremony, small tour out to the hot springs where Donoha sama and Airi sama had shared a moment together not long before.

After the refreshing time spent in the care of Shiba Miho sama and the Tranquil Lotus teahouse. They made their way into the forest northeast of Shiro Shiba for the well ecologically integrated to the forest, Temple of Eternal Wisdom. It did not take long to be directed to the location of Shiba Ayame sama within the inner chambers of scrolls and books. From their dress and mons Donoha sama was able to recognize they were of the sixth dan amongst the samurai class.

In reverence he approached and sat across from Shiba Ayame sama. His Lion cousin took a seat at a nearby table and looked at a treatise on mass combat. Tamaki san sat next to the Dragon before he spoke to the scroll reading, engrossed, shugenja. Startled would be an appropriate descriptor for Ayame sama’s reaction to being interrupted. Tamaki san took the opportunity to glance over some of the scrolls and notated one about the “History of Eclipses” among them.

Donoha sama was able to explain that he had been tasked with the investigation of Asako Eiko’s death. He phrase his questions to Ayame sama is the guise of “Akkam sama’a Tanto.” By eliminating those that had nothing to do with the crime it made finding the criminal easier. Ayame sama went on to explain they had been plagued with dreams. Both leading up to the eclipse and after it passed. They had also been going over a dream connection to the spirits surrounding such and event. Some of the dreams had involved seeing a tortured soul in Jigoku, birds falling from the skies after the eclipse.

Worried about public embarrassment surrounding these events. She has locked herself away researching all of the meanings. Going over maps and trying to piece together a chain of events that could pre-date the Emerald Empire! Tamaki san offered to help if he could and they began talking about maps and locations did not appear to match up. With that information he tried a water element spell known as the Reflections of Pan Ku. When used upon the map it showed him a temple had been removed in the Mori Kuroi (Black Forest).

Tamaki san shared their findings with Ayame sama. Donoha sama made a mental note to scratch this shugenja off his suspects list. Everyone parted on good term but it was Asahi sama that left them speechless! As they exited the chamber, a pause was taken to quote a passage of the Tao of Shinsei to the elderly shugenja! While every Lion dojo is required to have a copy by the order of imperial mandate. It was common thought that none of the students in those dojo ever read it. The trio made their way out in order to head to the wagons. In the open air on the way back birds began to fall from the skies just as Ayame sama had researched about!

It ended up being a total of three birds but Tamaki san accompanied Donoha sama inside to let Ayame sama know one of their portent dreams had just come through. Tamaki san stayed behind as the Dragon brought the other shugenja to look upon their dream made real. Upon reaching front of the Temple of Eternal Wisdom, they found Asahi sama investigating the birds turned to ash and one had crumbled under the prodding with a stick. Ayame sama told them they would prepare for a plague and alert those necessary.

She retreated into the Temple and sent Tamaki san back out to us. After finding out he learned nothing further from his perusal of the scrolls with the another use of the Reflections of Pan Ku. Everyone present agreed Ayame sama was no longer a suspect. The group talked amongst themselves as they headed back to Shiro Shiba in the afternoon sun, discussing the next steps toward Asako Takumi sama.

It was decided to visit the docks and less savory teahouses in order to learn about a lord of the transportation of goods for the Phoenix. Donoha sama’s memory and his investigation skills regarding the celebration night had picked up all kinds of information. In this case he directed everyone to find Kaze ni sarasa reta rantan (The Wind-Swept Lantern). What made it easier to find was the very large lantern hanging from a post out front and swaying in the afternoon breeze.

They walked in and saw the proprietor cleaning a table. When Donoha sama ask if that table would be available now. The proprietor nearly fell backwards trying to bow while suffering from shock! Introducing themselves as Nasu Keiji, they offered a better table near the back. To the credit of the establishment the plates were made with presentation in mind as much as the content of the food presented. Donoha sama admired the effort and then was surprised to find out they made their own sake!

After everyone had tried sake, which was described as hot, potent, and quite flammable, Donoha sama had a thought and asked for a lit candle. Thus was one brought and the Dragon asked everyone if they wanted to see a party trick. When everyone nodded he took a larger sip and spit it out through the candle’s flame!

FWOOM!!! 

Everyone took quick note of the Dragon samurai BREATHING FIRE! Straight out over the table a five shaku long gout of fire erupted forth! The glow of it lingered the way a craven man gazes upon a geisha. No one had been hurt and everyone was whispering about it. Donoha sama thanked Keiji san and returned the candle to him. The group left after their meal having garnered no information from the patrons, although the Dragon did find it hard to hear over his cousin slurping the tast noodles down.

The nest stop was Sabita ankā (The Rusty Anchor) and this time, they were about to sit down at a table that had spare seating. However the heimin patrons got the wrong idea and vacated the whole table to the samurai. After whom could blame them.

  • Kitsuki Donoha sama was dressed in shades of mint green, forest green, and grey shashiko patterns. Bearing Mittsu Tamashi the three soul tachi katana. There was a black and copper accented wakizashi in the back of his obi. Lastly a smithing hammer, Chikai no kodzuchi 誓いの小槌 known as the Oath-hammer in the front of his obi.
  • Akodo Asahi sama was dressed in his grandfather’s fully functional armor but the amount of gold shakudo upon it was eye catching to say the least.
  • Isawa Tamaki san bore his straw hat with prepared ofuda talismans for spell casting. Adorned in their reddish-orange kimono bearing their clan and family mons.

The group waited patiently as Donoha sama began to comb over every detail, every conversation, every whisper. When the proprietor, Atsumaru Riku san, came out to serve a table their meals. Their reaction to seeing samurai sitting at one of their tables nearly mimicked the prior location. They were quick serve the one dish available, a fish stew. As with the last location he mentioned to send their bill to Shiba Sono sama of the Emperor’s Gift. It seemed correct in Donoha’s mind that the lord that requested services would cover the expenses incurred.

One table mentioned about their good fortune coming soon. Certain sea and river trade route would be getting better pay. The teahouse had just paid off as the food was brought back out. This establishment did not have their own brand of sake but did have a fermented fruit drink, which came with the meal. After tasting it Donoha sama made a pursed face and Tamaki san asked him if he wanted to do the fire trick again. The subtle grin was the Dragon’s reply.

The Dragon began to boast about how he could breathe fire to everyone and did they want to see him do it? Of course there was a positive consensus. So a candle was requested that was already lit, this would give Tamaki san the time to beseech the Kami of Fire to heed his request. When the candle arrived the Dragon and the Phoenix shared a look as Donoha sama inhaled once more…

…FWOOM!!!

The whole was stunned into silence and then from across the way in the group talking about the trade deal a cheer arose! Then quickly joined by everyone there, and Donoha sama introduced himself once more so the tales would spread about the fire breathing Dragon. With the swell of good cheer he invited the heimin tradesmen to drink and each side went through the customary three offers and two refusals to ensure both groups the offer was genuine. They caroused as a group till the late hours of the night and learned a few things.

  • The deal is not finalized yet but should be soon.
  • The organizer of the deal is far up the social ladder.
  • People whom have disagreed with the deal often disappear!

It would fit with “Akkam sama’a Tanto” that if Asako Eiko had reservations about the deals Asako Takumi sama was making she would be marked for removal! In thanks for the information Donoha sama had that group’s billed added to his. Then everyone began making their various ways to sleep.

Upon arriving at their wagons Donoha noticed Hiruma Gombei sama and Agasha Re were not visible. When they check the wagon Re san was using a Phoenix attendant stepped out. Re san could be seen sleeping soundly behind them. The attendant informed the three that Hiruma Gombei sama had been summoned away and they had been tasked in watching over the Phoenix shugenja. It was not lost on Tamaki that after grand adventures with Donoha. Two separate members of his group have disappeared under unknown circumstances. With that everyone turned in for the night.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 16

The Lion, The Scorpion, and some wardrobe

After hearing the recounting of the vision, the Ambassadors conferred amongst themselves. They returned to announce that the quarantine will continue until this evening, where their respective Ambassadors would meet with them, the scribe Matsu Shànzi to discuss the situation and give further direction. Either Donoha or Hoto’s wagon may be chosen. It would be moved outside of the caravan’s grouping for the duration.

It was then they announced that two samurai recently arrived that morning would be assigned to the group. Bayushi Airi of the Scorpion clan and Akodo Asahi of the Lion clan. I should point out earlier during his waiting for the Ambassadors small conference he had made eye contact with the Lion samurai in question and gave a small nod which was returned!

The Crane ambassador, Asahina Tadane sama, offers the aid of her attendants and care. The Crab Ambassador calls upon the Kuni witchhunter to accompany. The Lion ambassador calls upon a retinue to stand guard over the place of quarantine. Arrangements were made immediately as the two new samurai joined our group!

At wagon Donoha sama had loaned to Hoto sama because we were low on people in our group. The Crane attendant took all of our clothing and explained it would be mended and cleaned to be like it was new. We three were tended to and refreshed. All three of us were given simple white kimonos, with a simple rendition of any relevant mons above the heart, and encouraged to keep our weapons with us. The attendants fed all five of us and provided jade petal tea, as well as a jade sliver to be worn as a pendant. The jade’s color did not shift in the slightest.

Ladies you missed a wonderous sight of Donoha disrobing! Bayushi Airi san and Akodo Asahi san got a good peak. Akodo Asahi san kept finding reasons to be very interested in the floor of the grand wagon we were in. Airi san even got a show when Hoto sama changed into the white kimono’s as well! The crane is one handsome man even I have to admit where Donoha’s appearance gives off the “a warrior with a troubled past looking for love” vibe.

OH MY FORTUNES! The hits just keep coming!

Akodo Asahi sama and Kitsuki Donoha sama are cousins! Donoha sama’s father Kitsuki Orochi was arranged to the then Ikoma Hana at the wedding of his younger sister Kitsuki Hotaru to Akodo Isoroku. Making her then Akodo Hotaru. Sadly, I picked up on a problem when Donoha clearly only asked how his cousin’s mother was doing. I learned later from Airi san that Asahi sama’s father had died in battle.

They both have long dark hair and similar mannerisms as you see when they both try to avoid looking where they feel they should not. Strap up reader because – HERE WE GO! Extra helping of spicy! I know its frowned upon for a Lion to have a Scorpion friend, but I am starting to really like Bayushi Airi!

I thought Hoto sama was a good courtier but wow is Airi smooth and unassuming. The cousins shared some tales about their previous encounters. We started sharing stories about the arts and Asahi sama apparently quite the singer. Donoha sama seemed relieved remembering their last encounter at a Winter Court left him with hoarse voice. When Asahi sama spoke about the Tao of Shinsei his cousin’s reaction was so shocked it almost made it seem like he didn’t know Asahi sama could read! Laughter was had in this private wagon.

Hoto sama would rouse periodically and then fall asleep again. As the topic turned to crafts it did not take long for Airi to direct the flow of the conversation to learn what she wanted. And here it comes, drum rolls in our heads!

She got Donoha sama to talk about Mittsu Tamashi (Three Souls), the eight-man-cut katana! Everyone had grabbed space on the four beds to talk and get to know each other. Donoha removed his katana from his obi which still had his Oathhammer in the front and his Wakizashi in the back. While still in its saya (sheath) tip to the floor and removed it about half of its blade length.

He was explaining where each piece he made came from. When Bayushi Airi san leaned forward to get a good and close look at the sword. To say politely, Airi san is endowed enough to make a geisha blush and while her kimono was on snug and proper. I am sure some men would have murdered Donoha sama to get the view he had.

As calm and serene as he wanted to project, Seia san (Airi san’s handmaiden), myself, and well, Airi san could see Donoha sama’s neck muscles straining to lock eyes with her and not look below her nose. The struggle was indeed real!!! Now why Donoha had a tendency to look up and away his cousin immediately found the floor off in a corner of the wagon fascinating!

Meanwhile Airi san was able to study Donoha’s face up close, see that Asahi sama and he had a lot of similar features. Asahi favored a more pronounced, but groomed, beard. Both Donoha sama and Asahi sama take care to groom their long night black hair. Asahi sama weaves a number of golden colored silk cords through a warrior’s braid over the rest of his hair. A common trait among my clan when I dyed my hair completely the color of golden wheat.

She got to examine the black blade of Donoha sama’s katana, the dark waves of folded steel held forever apart from the harder steel edge by the copper hamon line. There was no other katana like it. She got to examine his scar on the left side of his face at the same time. She’d learn later that he’d acquired it, the silver and copper tooth, and the wound in his upper left shoulder by saving the first lady on his list. The daughter of the Ikoma Family’s Daimyo. However he did not know her identity at the time. As far as he knew she could have been a commoner or eta and yet he leap to their defense and safe return!

On the outward side of the tsuka, when worn off horseback, was blade edge up in saya. That side had the Phoenix an Lion menuki. On the other side was the Crab menuki. These were the three clans that contributed blades to Donoha’s gempukku. Donoha had not slighted the Crab with their menuki placement. He wanted to honor the Crab standing alone on the wall for centuries. Below the green silk wrapping was black rayskin he acquired on his prior visit to Toshi no Omoidoso.

What surprised everyone was not that Donoha had made the blade, but he crafted ALL of his katana! He made the Tsuka, Habaki, Tsuba, Seppa spacers above and below the tsuba. The fuchi collar and kashira pommel all of it based on copper and adorned in dragon motifs covered in shakudo gold. He wrapped his tsuka and the saego cords (he keeps two in case he’s riding and one snaps.

He’s also been practicing Hojojutsu with them as well. It is the art of binding an opponent without killing and minimal harm to them. He’s gotten better with rope knots from begining to learn the drums and tuning them with cord tension.

His saya was no different. The center strip was put together with dotsugi (copper joinery; using gold is kintsugi), and broken green marble. If you want to understand Donoha the saya is the best place to start. every piece was considered cast off parts from other artists, or broken items of green pottery and stone found along his gempukku. Nearly all of Rokugan is represented in the pieces of that dotsugi section of his saya. The koiguchi was horn given to him years ago by Otaku Kai, a friend of his in the Unicorn Clan. The design of his fittings came from katana he’d seen a Scorpion have on theirs. The Scorpion had taken the vow and became one of the Togashi’s Ise Zumi tattooed monks.

He believes his path of enlightenment will come from building objects of art to lift a person’s soul. He is a very spiritual person. However, this has also led to him finding broken things and nearly compelled to fix them. Such is how he saved his third damsel, Akodo Maki.

Airi san eventually had her answers and sat back down, and the conversation shifted to learning about each other’s clan. Donoha sama mentioned he had planned to wear his menpo mask the entire time he was in Scorpion lands in an attempt to honor them. Airi san had to correct some misconceptions he had about those masks. The way she describe their personal nature was akin to how a swordsmith describes making a sword. Then Donoha sama asked Airi san if he might have her permission to touch her chin!

It took everyone back a bit but she consented and Donoha sama walked over and took her chin in his thumb and index finger and leaned into her face and began to study her mask in detail pulling the same stunt back on her! His voice was low and softer, but all the words he was saying merely a few shaku away from Asahi sama and myself. Were about artistic lines, design choices, the shakudo ornamentation on her mask. Several times their noses were a katana’s thickness apart from each other!!!

Then she offered to show him the straps of the mask, and his cousin asked if he should leave to which the Dragon said, “No. No you should not.” He again asked for permission to touch her hair, and consent was granted. His hand grazed the back of her neck as his fingers encircled her hair to hold it to the side exposing the straps of the mask. He got close once more and from our vantage it looked as though he was whispering in her ear! However, the words were all about the pattern of the cording.

He finished his examination and released her hair and chin. When he sat back down saying, “Thank you for allowing me to examine such an exquisite piece of art.” I have to say it was lost on no one in this wagon that he did not clarify between the mask or Bayushi Airi san! She offered to teach him enough to not offend anyone by wearing a mask.

Never take Donoha sama’s compliments at face value. This man spent three years writing amazing haikus and even nested haiku’s in a larger poem. All to hide his love letters to Chiasa! Airi san mentioned he was welcomed to examine her mask at anytime in the future. I’m sure there are ladies that will read this wishing they had been born a Scorpion now.

Before the attendant came to gather us for dinner with the Daimyo. I could see Doji Hoto sama had been awake and quietly watching the interaction between Donoha sama and Airi san. It was also decided the wagons would back to male and female divisions. Seia san, Bayushi Airi san, Isawa Kyoko san, and myself in this wagon. Shiba Ogawa san, Doji Hoto sama, Akodo Asahi sama, and Donoha sama in the other.

As we were all walking to the dinner. Akodo Asahi sama asked his cousin about his scar. Donoha sama smiled and said, “Oh, that was from the first lady I saved. We can talk about it later.” Alas dinner awaits and the night has grown long.

24th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – Matsu Shànzi (yep, that’s me) checking in as we depart towards Shiro Shiba. Last’s night dinner was serene and yet so exciting! So this will be a small departure from Donoha san, yeah san is weird to me too. I was promoted last night to Nidan or second rank if this book ever gets traded beyond the borders of my country.

To further illustrate for those readers from other lands or gaijin. Before your gempukku, your progress is noted by kyu ranks. After your gempukku your rank in the “status” hierarchy of the samurai caste is determined by dan ranks or grades. Dan status ranks are harder because your in a mild competition with everyone of the samurai caste, as opposed to a single dojo (school).

24th of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – Matsu Shànzi (yep, that’s me) checking in as we depart towards Shiro Shiba. Last’s night dinner was serene and yet so exciting! So this will be a small departure from Donoha san, yeah san is weird to me too. I was promoted last night to Nidan or second rank if this book ever gets traded beyond the borders of my country.

To further illustrate for those readers from other lands or gaijin. Before your gempukku, your progress is noted by kyu ranks. After your gempukku your rank in the “status” hierarchy of the samurai caste is determined by dan ranks or grades. Dan status ranks are harder because your in a mild competition with everyone of the samurai caste, as opposed to a single dojo (school).

  • 1st dan or Shodan – 初段 – Normally one might think ichidan, 一段, or first grade and you’d be right but Shodan means beginner grade applied here.
  • 2nd dan or Nidan – 弐段 or 二段 – The older kanji for “2”–弐–is usually used.
  • 3rd dan or Sandan – 参段 or 三段 – The older kanji for “3”–参–is usually used.
  • 4th dan or Yondan – 四段 – The word for four is pronounced the same as the word for death, hence Yondan is generally used in place of Shidan.
  • 5th dan or Godan – 五段
  • 6th dan or Rokudan – 六段
  • 7th dan or Shichidan – 七段 – Sometimes also pronounced Nanadan.
  • 8th dan or Hachidan – 八段
  • 9th dan or Kudan – 九段

So the reason their is no tenth rank if because that would always be the emperor or empress. The voice of heaven’s will on our world. It would also be fair to say 9th dan is unlikely something someone reaches in their life time. As Kudan would be the consort of the ruling emperor or empress, the Shogun, Emerald Champion and Jade Champion. A Legendary Hero would be Hachidan. Great Clan Family daimyo’s would be Shicidan. Most samurai would likely cap out at Godan. Anyone over that is a legend or on their way to being one.

Donoha san was particularly gracious with their praise and everyone else was as well, even the new companions of Akodo Asahi san, Bayushi Airi san, and Isawa Kyoko san. Shiba Ogawa san will still barely say a word, even when I brought out the bottle of Cherry Plum wine I had acquired to celebrate. Embracing Donoha san’s advice to treat members of a clan as individuals and not whole of their clan has made me some connections among the Unicorn.

I knew how Donoha felt about my promotion to being a Scribe of the Emperor’s Gift when he caught my attention and said, “Those ronin were hontōni ōbakamono 本当に大馬鹿者 (a really big idiot / stupid).” In a month of meeting this man my life went from having lost everything effectively, nearly getting robbed and probably raped then killed on the road. Yeah, he quite literally saved my life. Now, I have been into the Forbidden City, joined the Emperor’s Gift caravan, and been promoted to being a scribe of the caravan. My works for them will be documented in the official histories of the country. I am so blessed and honored to know him. Trust me these tales will continue as I feel anyone around him will achieve great things. Doji Hoto san (ooh that feels weird to write much less say) and he defeated an Oni on their own!

Donoha San, Asahi san, and Airi san were with Shiba Sono sama and are part of a team to investigate Mori Kage Toshi. The others on the mission are Kyoko san and Ogawa san. I made sure to leave a stylus, ink, and paper for Donoha san to notes and have them sent to me if I cannot visit him directly.

Apologies for the forced transition but at the celebration’s end I left for the bath with Airi san and her servant Seia san. It was nice to get pointers on some things from a courtier that held themselves with an air of authority. Then she gave me some tips about how to get Ogawa san to open up. Not long after I left and went to move some small items and setup my area in the wagons belonging to the leadership of the Emperor’s Gift.

 

 

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 13

Kitsuki Donoha’s Day Off

22nd of Akoko in 1123 (Month of the Horse) – If my lord has a weakness it is knowing how to relax. It could be the fates have decreed such because even when he tries we end up on an adventure. He came back to the wagons and Doji Hoto san was off somewhere. Donoha was spending time grooming his horse, Yukiabo. The with his as the great potoo bird (from claw to head was just under two “shaku” or feet), Shirogane he was playing fetch games with dried fish and fruits. After each catch and praise the bird would land and bow their head, wings spread wide.

I had to eventually inform him he had a guest in Bayushi Akiyama san, from the Scorpion Clan. When he told me to bring him over he took a seat and asked if they would like tea. They were gracious in their acceptance of the tea and sat. Before he could utter anything to me I put down two cups of tea I had made and gotten ready before telling him about his guest. His smile and nod was genuinely appreciative.

Akiyama san asked if Donoha sama knew of the legend surrounding Morikage Toshi? My lord remarked that he knew about it vaguely since it involved an Agasha shugenja that went by Yuiko or Yuriko, he’d only heard the tale once when he was nine. He got the impression the Phoenix husband was mean and beat her to death. He apologized but the memory was a decade old. Akiyama san mentioned the version he heard was different.

In the version they were familiar with a young Dragon bride, Agasha Yuriko, was married to the lord of the castle, of Shiba Kojiro. Kojiro dono was unloving and callous in nature. Causing Yuriko san to take her own life in 782. What most weren’t aware of was that her mother was the Oracle of Air! They cast a powerful curse upon his castle, which caused vines and trees to reach out and reclaimed the castle! The Phoenix were forced to abandon the castle completely as they were unable to undo the Air oracle’s spellcraft. It was said that the castle laid vacant, home only to a restless dead and spirits. They also mentioned that their version said nothing about abuse directly against his wife, just callous apathy from Kojiro dono.

Donoha sama nodded and apologized once more that it was a decade old memory. It was interesting because I have watch Donoha memorize and perform a play hours later! I suspect he overheard a telling by someone that had embellished their telling for some reason. Akiyama san told Donoha their is a statue to the very Oracle of Air that cursed Morikage Toshi all those years ago in this very city. This made my lord’s eyebrows perk up in interest. The Scorpion asked the Dragon to help him find it.

My lord agreed and said to come back when the sun was at its zenith. For he had been up all night and needed rest. Then he queried if it would be alright to pose some questions of his own. Akiyama san consented and looked intrigued from the very slight twitch of an eyebrow. Donoha sama asked if he was familiar with the Shosuro family, to which they nodded since it was one of the great familes of the Scorpion Clan. He mention he was aware of a member of the Shosuro house that was attempting to kill him because one of his ancestors helped the Lion Clan during the battle of Kenson Gakka.

I asked Donoha if I might add to his statement, which he nodded was acceptable. I related the tale of how we met and subsequently the capture of Matsu Mayumi san. I was clear that this was an abridged re-telling, and handed him a copy of “In Defense of Honor; vol. 1” for him to have to get any details. The ronin had denied the offer of employment by my lord because the Shosuro lady had offered more koku. Akiyama san appeared genuinely offened that someone of his clan behaved in such a fashion.

Then my lord pointed to his face scar, the silver-copper amalgam fixed tooth which spawn his name at his gempukku completion ceremony. Held at the last winter court where Hantei the XXXVIII attended at Kyuden Ikoma in 1122-1123. And finally the scar on his left shoulder. He explained the attempt on his caravan taking him to Kyuden Ikoma at Kenson Gakka by bandits of which one had a Katana bearing a Bayushi mon engraved in the blade on one side and “何よりも忠誠心 (Naniyori mo chūsei kokoro) Loyalty above all else” on the other.

He nearly cut the assailant’s head off with his wakizashi and the bandit fled leaving the sword in his chest. Once he had escorted the maiden back to the caravan was he informed that she was the daughter of the Ikoma Daimyo! He was careful to say bandit armed with a katana, and not a Bayushi bandit with katana. I think Doji Hoto senpai would have been proud had he saw that. Donoha did mention if anyone among the Bayushi was missing a katana like that it is sitting on a stand in the grand hall of Kyuden Ikoma. They just have to show up and ask for it back.

Akiyama san asked to be involved if at all possible should Donoha sama find the person that had perpetrated such a disgrace of honor to abandon their soul over their life. To him this filth was ronin if they had been a samurai and not just a lucky bandit. Donoha nodded and bid him once more to return at the zenith. After the Scorpion had left he asked me to look into clues about the statue so we would be informed somewhat about the city since his last visit three years ago. I took my leave as he rested Shirogane keeping an eye out for his master.

As the Hour of the Hantei (Serpent / 10am-Noon or Zenith) drew to a close Bayushi Akiyama san appeared at a respectul distance and stood in the shade of a tree with his customary menpo that most Scorpions are want to wear. Some masks are more ornate than others. Women tend to wear veils that obscure as transparent colors of silk, but you need koku for those as that type of sheer fabric is expensive to make.

I provided Akiyama san with a cup of tea while I went to wake Donoha sama. He dressed lighter version of his heavy armor. This consisted of kogake (foot armor), his plate suneate (shin guards), kikko gane obi (armored belt), agiote kote (connected armored sleaves), kikko gane (armored kimono), and tate-eri (shoulder protection). To those of you reading this it seems like a lot but I guarantee you his full outfit is insane!

If he’s not careful someone will confuse his kabuto for a much higher ranking samurai. Well it may not be a problem much longer he’s been getting the beginning of instruction for the Kitsuki school’s second rank skill! It’s amazing that he’s developing so fast. His ability to learn and retain information is nothing short of a fortune’s blessing.

To not scare people with his armor he donned a knee length haori (samurai and ashigaru jacket) of raw green silk. His mon on the left lapel, the Kitsuki mon on the right and his Dragon clan mon very large on the back. He got it this morning from Tanetsu sama as a reward for his efforts so far. The golden silk, shasiko stitching makes it look like he has a formal sash draped over him like a magistrate may wear at a trial. A yellow silk outer style obi half dyed a dark green made him look like a lord. Good grief I want Doji Hoto to pick out my next obi as he is really making Donoha’s wardrobe explode.

Note to self: set aside some koku to see if Doji Hoto sama can acquire me a few finer items so I don’t dishonor Donoha sama.

His three customary items adorned him and he walked out to meet the Scorpion. At this point I explained my research and that I knew where to find the statue. Akiyama san seemed surprised but Donoha bowed and when he stood up, “Shànzi san we are in your care and shall follow your lead.” Off we headed into the city!

During the trek through the city Akiyama san noticed Donoha appeared distracted as though he was looking for something. When he queried him about it Donoha sama mentioned they we being watch and possibly followed. Either, Akiyama san is very new, or not all Scorpions are the great spymasters people think they are. The mask did a good job of hiding what appeared to be surprise, again just my opinion. After a few more streets Donoha blurted out, “Ah yes, this way.” While we exchanged looks the Lion and the Scorpion followed the Dragon.

About ten shaku down the alleyway he turned and stopped, looking past both of us. His head tilted slightly and as we turned in the direction of his gaze two Phoenix samurai rounded the corner and the four of us looked surprised. Donoha read the situation of the guard and his charge and just said, “Greetings Shiba san and Isawa san, how may we be of service today?”

The Isawa shugenja mentioned they were visiting the city of Phoenix governor, Isawa Fumihiko, because they two were trying the find the Statue of the Oracle of Air. The Shiba guard looked at his charged, “Why did you think following them would work?”
“It seemed like fun!”

Donoha told me later he had gotten lost in a memory just then as everyone talked and introduce themselves. Shiba Ogawa san’s and Isawa Kyoko’s personalities reminded him of time he spent playing with his sister, Kitsuki Hoshikiba. She would often act like Ogawa san and Kyoko san had a personality much closer to Donoha sama pre-gempukku.

Oddly enough, Donoha sama had not been trying to dismiss the bandit with the Mantis daisho when they said their sister was attending the Kakita blade academy of the Steel Gardens. It seems there was a bet between a Kakita and a Mirumoto pair of samurai. The Mirumoto in this case was aide to the Daimyo of Great Fall castle and the Kakita was an aide to the Daimyo of Kyuden Kakita.

They had agreed to swap children for each other’s schools. When the Mirumoto’s child was killed by bandits in the West Hub Village. Kitsuki Orochi offered one of his children to help fulfill the promise. Since Kistuki Hoshikiba was the acceptable age and had passed her gempukku, she set out the following morning with two Mirumoto guards whose mission it was to see her to her school, the Steel Garden, in Kyuden Kakita.

Donoha never met the Kakita samurai sent to study the Mirumoto’s Niten Style of swordsmanship. Truly, I’d love to meet the person sent from the Crane clan. Alas, that will have to be another tale for another time.

When he had snapped out of his reverie he overheard the Phoenix shugenja mentioning a nefarious set of nemurani known as the Bloodswords. One of them may have driven Shiba Kojiro mad? My lord asked if we should all just go see the statue together. They readily agreed mentioning a living descendant of Agasha Yuriko still resided in this city, but they had been unable to meet with her. So onward we went as a group.

We arrive in the stone courtyard to the beautiful statue that was suppose to be the Oracle of Air from roughly 350 years back. The crown, the hair, the statue was so life like. Donoha sama was nodding and mentioning he’d seen states like when he had visited Kyuden Doji during his gempukku. I don’t if he was aware he did this but a number of times when he remembers something from then. He runs his finger down the scar on his left cheek. I could see him having experiences that I was only just beginning to understand with the Emperor’s Gift. He mentioned that the sculpture was clearly the work of a shugenja that talked to the kami to get some areas like the hair and folds of the fabric.

When asked I provided the tools so he could paint the statue. Donoha sama looked up just three times yet he wielded that brush like a sword. He’d tied his sleeves back with a spare mint green raw silk sash. A warrior, investigator, and artist. I had a lovely time discussing stories with Shiba Ogawa san so he could keep his charge within eyesight. Kyoko san and Akiyama san were both discussing the myriad of tale variations surrounding Morikage Toshi.

After nearly one and a half hours of the day (META: 3 hours for us). He handed my tools and supplies back to me and return to the painting on the ground. “The three of you will want to keep these, because, after today if I am right the statue will never look the same. Before that I have questions for this living relative.” Then he tossed the painting in the air and drew his wakizashi and swung it twice severing the paper into three parts. The matching size smaller pieces he gave to Akiyama san and Kyoko san. The larger one he gave to me so we could remember the trip today.

When the day comes that I travel no more, I will always remember the faces of people that first hand experience the art my lord is capable of. Akodo Maki, Bayushi Akiyama, and Isawa Kyoko now share that wonder together. When Shiba Ogawa saw it he said, “How did he flatten the statue on to paper?”

Next, Donoha sama wanted to visit the descendant of Agasha Yuriko. When the two Phoenix said they had already tried he asked what happened. They said her monk attendant said she was unavailable. Donoha gestured for them to continue after an awkward silence.

Ogawa shrugged, “That’s it, we left.”

“You left,” asked Donoha?

Kyoko replied, “Yes.”

Donoha gestured with his arm, “I believe we should try again, please lead the way.”

Once we arrived at the home of Agasha Yuzuki sama, Donoha sama rang their welcome chime. It was suppose to alert people of guests and chase away spirits. My lord stepped back and waited for the door to slide open revealing the Brother of Shinsei attendant mentioned before.

Donoha bowed and dropped a verbal hammer on the monk, “We’re here to see the lady of the house about the Bloodsword.”

Perplexed and astonished the monk retorted, “Bloodsword?”

“The lady will know what it means, please take all the time you need. My companions and I will wait, right here, for as long as required.” Donoha sama then turned around and looked at everyone with a small grin. Hoto sama he’s really trying.

After a bit of time the door opened up and the monk bade us come inside. Those with katana were provided with stands and we removed our sandals for outside travel. Then we were led upstairs to a receiving room with nice, if hastily put together presentation. Soon Agasha Yuzuki joined us bringing a long case. Donoha sama had been sat closest to her with the Scoripion kept to the farthest distance. If Akiyama san was put off he did not show it.

Donoha sama had made sure to follow all the etiquettes required for such and impromptu gathering. We learned that Shiba Kojiro to was trying to break his wedding to Agasha Yuriko to marry into the Ikoma. It broke Agasha Yuriko’s heart and she died from it. Those children of that union had it rough but survived. When their mother began haunting Shiro Morikage the Phoenix called into the Kuni of the Crab but they were unsuccessful in dealing with the ghost.

Then came the curse of the Oracle of Air in the “tree that bleeds.” She removed a scroll from the long case and provided it to Donoha sama. On one side it bore the tree that bleeds with with a castle in the background. The reverse long set of Haiku written by the Oracel of Air – known as ‘The Song of Regret’ (後悔の歌 Kōkai no uta). The Song of Regret is a series of haiku, but my lord was also able to determine with one read that there were three larger sections. Each dedicated to Fear then Desire and lastly Regret. The form of haiku is represented in the whole song as well as its pieces, layered in expert form. It tells the story of her daughter’s life, death, and the curse of Morikage Toshi.

Kyoko was astonished she had not caught on when Donoha ask the matron about it. Yuzuki sama secure a promise that the scroll would be returned and they allowed us to take it so their ancestor may find peace. From there we headed to the Red tea house when Kyoko san and Ogawa san were staying. In the Phoenix Shugenja’s room with the group she provided two scrolls.

The first scroll was the story recounted here is but one version of how the Nothing – also known as the Shadow, the Living Darkness, or the Lying Darkness – was able to survive the naming of all things, and how it came to become allied with Lord Moon. Other tales of the Nothing’s origins circulate in hidden circles of Rokugani scholarship, or are whispered between crazed cultists of the Darkness, or can be gleaned from forgotten pages of Goju’s Celestial Agonies. In one version of the tale, the Nothing cloaked itself within something that had already been named: Shadow. Thus it escaped the attention of Onnotangu and Amaterasu, and thus was born its sinister affinity to darkness and shadows of all kinds.

In the second scroll another version was described. Onnotangu actually saw the Darkness hiding in the shadows. He spoke with it, and the Darkness whispered back that he should leave it unnamed…in case he ever felt the need to unmake what he had made. And Onnotangu, who even then noticed how much his wife loved the new world and felt the stirrings of jealousy in his heart, listened to the Darkness and allowed it to remain unnamed.

Donoha spotted a bound book, “If I help I want that Book of the Tao of Shinsei as a reward.”

Kyoko san asked, “You want my copy of the Tao of Shinsei?”

With a slight smile, “Yes, rewards should be handed out after quests.”

“What do I get in exchange?

“You may call upon me for a favor in the future.”

The Phoenix and the Dragon bowed to each other and I could tell the Scorpion felt like he now just here as a witness to events unfolding. Then he turn to the Scorpion and said he could call for an additional favor because this was entertaining. Mask or no mask Akiyama san was smiling.

Donoha mentioned we needed to hurry and get to the statue before the shadow of sunset hit. Off we headed and with maybe a half or quarter of the day left with sunlight on the statue Donoha sama climbed up to raised dais it was on. He was studying it and explaining everything about the statue and the shugenja artisans of the Crane from Kyuden Doji. Just before the rays left he said, “Yes, there you are!”

With two fingers one either side he LIFTED the stone crown off the statue! Once it was freed and lifted into the whole thing cracked and the golden crown was exposed as the stone veneer fell away! Everyone was stunned as he set it in the joint hands of Akiyama and Kyoko. We were about to leave them to figure out what they would do, but suggested they may want to join the caravan for a short time. The Phoenix agreed and will be staying in Donoha’s wagon short term. They said after Morikage Toshi they would return the scroll so Donoha’s word could be kept. What a day!