L5R - Unity - Chapter 1 - Winter Solstice

[Paidi tou Selini]

"It does, thank you." the beleagered princess stated with a bow of her head. "Maho is such a distant thing from our little island. The stories almost don't do its horrors justice."

Her hand still clenched and unclenched with the linger ghost pains, the memory still fresh, but she pushed them aside to properly address Chikuma, bowing her head again in acknowledgment. "I wish I could be of more assistance there. Its plan seemed little more than to damage the Crane's reputation by killing me. I can only guess it is an infiltrator for a greater power and likely cares little for its own survival. That or it learned nothing of the Kraken's prowess during its stay on our island, to underestimate me so. Hm... or perhaps it replaced the errant monk Shi upon our journey across the sea, and in fact spent no time on Megumi Tenpi at all."

After a few moments of internal pondering, she shook herself back to reality and stood, giving Chikuma a bow. "Perhaps it was not my affair at first, but now that I am involved and possibly being directly targeted I should like to know what your interrogations have yielded thus far, and request I be updated with any further information you come to find." she concluded sternly, the air of command fully about her now that she had both the remorse for the Crane's failure to protect her as well as the debt of apprehending their escaped prisoner for them on her hands. Thinking of reparations was going to be a tricky balancing act, but she knew she had this much leverage at least.  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Naohiko:

Being the only one who made the roll, you still didn't get high enough to know this Phoenix. Understandably, since you get the jist that she's from the Empire and not the Colonies.

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Chikuma would raise an eyebrow, thinking over what Kaichiyo had said first concerning motivations and such, before her eyes would widen slightly. "You... did not read the scroll I gave you, concerning Shi?!" she would say aloud, in a slightly raised volume that would indicate either she might be giving offense or has taken it instead.

Her teeth would clench slightly, and her hands would tense, but she seemed to quickly catch herself, and bowed her head deeply. "This is my fault for not indicating the importance that you should have read it. You were endangered by my carelessness, Himura-hime," she would explain. "I... strongly... very strongly... suggest that you and your retainers read it at your earliest opportunity. If nothing else, than for denouement concerning a matter in which you are unaware."

"As I stated before, we were trying to figure out an affiliations the maho-tsukai had, but... it strongly seems like they truly are an individual acting out on their own, without a larger agenda. If we finally get any information, I will indeed inform you of any devel-

Suddenly, the door to the chamber would be thrown open, and Doji Kioko would storm into the room. "I was just informed as to what went down this morning, Chikuma," she would immediately say, a look of displeasure on her face.

"Kioko-hime!" Chikuma said with a start, quickly turning and bowing to the princess. Her fellow guards would as well at their princess's sudden appearance. "When I sent my messenger to report to you, I told him to tell you I would be there shortly to brief you completely. I..."

Moving past Chikuma, Kioko would stoop down to examine Kaichiyo in what others might perceive as 'uncomfortably close proximity'. Quickly noticing the Kraken's bandaged hand, she would then look up to meet her eyes. "Kaichiyo-san, how badly are you hurt? I was devastated to hear you were attacked." Turning to Chikuma and the other Daidoji, she would then say to them, "Today's event is cancelled. Please ensure that our guests are made aware of this. It is inappropriate to go about like nothing happened. I'm sure many of our guests also have questions about what occurred, and I'd like the opportunity to minimize damages."

"Kioko-hime, isn't that a bit extreme? That might cause greater concern..."

Shaking her silver-haired head, Kioko would respond, "No, I've made up my mind. You know my will; please make it so." Turning to face Naohiko and Gendo, she would bow her head. "My sincerest apologies for what happened to Kaichiyo. I'll personally see to it that she is cared for until she recovers completely."

-----

I'm cutting it here so players can have a chance to respond/interject.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko had followed the Crane clansmen's lead and bowed to their liege. When he straightened, the Kraken found that the Crane princess had moved awfully close to the half dressed Kaichiyo. There was little he could say against Doji-hime's dismissal. "I'm sure Himura-hime will do well under your care, Doji-hime." Naohiko would wait for Kaichiyo to formally dismiss him though.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Gendo bowed when he recognized the Crane princess entering, still holding Setsuna. Upon her dismissal, he just looked at Kaichiyo, eye filled with concern. He'd then look down at Setsuna, eyebrow raised before moving over to the two, bowing again. "As you wish it. Should either of you require myself or Setsuna for anything, we are at your disposal."

Unless stopped by either, he'd move towards Chikuma and bow to the woman. "Thank you for your handling of this case, Chikuma-san. If I may, though, how was it that Shoichi was near our quarters, going on about 'needing to save his beloved Kaichiyo-san'? He'd have to have known there was a problem to begin with."  

[Paidi tou Selini]

The little princess winced at the accusation, guilt and contrition on her face rather than fear. She opened her mouth to explain how exhausting the last few days had been, how there was no way to know this would come up again so soon, but quickly closed her mouth again as she thought better of it. Not in present company anyway. All she could do was nod to the suggestion, making a note to do just that as soon as she was back at her room. So much for holding the advantage.

Thankfully the moment of tension was fleeting when the door sprung open and her fellow princess appeared on the other side, though it was shortly replaced by another kind of tension that brought a light blush to her cheeks from the sudden proximity and intense scrutiny.

"I-" she began, but had to stop to let the excited girl finish her instructions and declarations. She gave a nod of dismissal to Gendo and Naohiko, though her attention snapped right back as she heard Gendo's question, rather curious about that topic herself, even if a part of her wanted to rush that alone time. First things first, however, she made sure to answer their host before all else. "It's not as bad as it looks. It takes more than a lowly assassin to harm a Kraken. It's profane magic was more pain than actual injury, and Isawa-san has assured me the maho does not linger."  

[Rain Yupa]

Shoichi would scoff at Gendo's inquiry to Chikuma. "I heard him. Back when the Crane was holding me. He was swearing revenge against the lot of you," he would explain. "Well... rather descriptive boasts of vengeful torture, anyways. Not the kind of words I'd repeat with present company."

"That... would be accurate," Chikuma would say, to Gendo. "They weren't held in close proximity, but the Maho Tsukai was rather vocal during his interrogations. There were no obvious interaction between the two of them, and there were guards present at all times. Daigotsu-san was released yesterday evening. Evidence indicates the maho-tsukai escaped under its own power, so maybe it was intuition on his part, or perhaps just coincidence."

"Or maybe it was love!" Shoichi barked angrily, to which, no one responded, but Chikuma visibly rolled her eyes.

"Now, if that's enough boring nonsense..." Kioko would bow her head gratefully towards Isawa Kasuga. "Thank you for your assistance, Isawa-san. Your talents with the kami are greatly appreciated by the Crane." The shugenja would laugh awkwardly and gently wave a dismissive hand, but say nothing.

"Kaichiyo-san, just to be safe, I'd like to tend to you personally, to ensure that nothing was overlooked. Just in case. Us princesses have to look out for one another, do we not?" She would smile to Kioko, gesturing with one hand for her to come hither and follow.  

[Plainsfox]

If Isawa-san could find no trace of lingering taint, than Naohiko doubted Kioko would be able to do anything different. In fact, Naohiko thought that it may be a line that he would use if the situations warranted. The Kraken yojimbo was here to worry about her honor though....and he did. There was just very little he could do in this matter. He took a look over at Setsuna, more cognizant of the puppy's ability with spirits now. Setsuna seemed quite happy in his position in Gendo's arms and Kioko seemed only to have eyes for Kaichiyo at this moment so...

Naohiko would take a deep breath to keep all of his reservations about the situation at bay and then started backing away. He would do a head gesture towards Gendo that would mean "Head for our chambers." whether or not Gendo did so, Naohiko would back off as a good little yojimbo should when totally outranked.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Gendo would head for their quarters anyways. He needed to figure out how to spend the day, after all.  

[Paidi tou Selini]

Contemplation was the best she could muster under the circumstances as she looked between Shoichi and Chikuma. A twinge of regret that she didn't claim the dark creature's head to ensure this didn't come back to bite her harder than it already had. Her confidence in the Crane ever wavering, but that little spark of lust towards their leader clouding any immediate judgments. She might have been further dismissive of Kioko, but something about her tone and soft insistence left a curiosity she couldn't resist. She knew her fellow Princess was sharp. If she needed a barely injured hand as a pretense the little Kraken couldn't help but wonder what the actual motivation was, and her imagination jumped to conclusions she dared not ever admit in public.

"My, well I can hardly argue that. As you wish." is what she would admit aloud, nodding and getting up to follow, fixing her kimono a bit as she went. She'd had enough time to properly get her obi in place by now, but she was still a bit post-first-aid disheveled.  

[Rain Yupa]

"Don't worry, I'll make sure not a single thing gets overlooked," Kioko would say, smiling to Kaichiyo. "Chikuma-san, make sure things are cleaned up before I return. Make sure the rumors don't get out of hand," she would say sternly to the Daidoji.

"... Hai, hime," Chikuma would respond after a brief hesitation, bowing lowly.

Smiling once more, Kioko would leave, Kaichiyo in tow.

"W-wait," Shoichi would start, though the door would be closed quickly behind the two princesses, ending his outburst.

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@ Gendo, Naohiko:

Chikuma went about giving some orders to other Daidoji and various attendants, who quickly went about relaying instructions throughout the castle. Shoichi was escorted back to the Spider section of the castle; Kyouya somehow slipped out during all the hub-bub without a word.

You two have no difficulty getting back to your quarters. What do you want to do?  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would first go into Kaichiyo's room and fetch the scroll that was given to her by the Crane. "We should read this. Something tells me that whatever happened is not over." Unless Gendo stopped him, Naohiko would unfurl the scroll and read it. After that was done, Naohiko would comment to Gendo, "Setsuna-chan impressed Moshi Ruri. It seems like he is well attuned to the spirit world. Even more so than other dogs. I guess we should pay attention to his warnings."  

[Raganui Minamoto]

He just waits for Naohiko to read the scroll, before holding out a hand for it. "That's something to note. After this, it could be very useful knowledge... if he's not upset at us at the time." Gendo shuddered, remembering the last time he upset the small dog. He needed a new yukata and sandals after that.  

[Rain Yupa]

The scroll was actually two documents. The foremost described a blood sorcerer by the name of Jin-ken, and an imperial order for his capture. Strange, there's no picture of him, or really, any sort of physical description. Unusual for a wanted poster.

The second document was...

Gendo, as you saw Naohiko turn to this second page and started to read, this strange, glazed over look came over his eyes. Not the usual kind. Setsuna would let out a sharp bork.

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Quote:

"Nao-kun!" Hanae called, adjusting the awkward positioning a squirming baby had managed, so more of his weight was transferred to her hip. "Nao-kun, it's time to come in and practice your calligraphy. Let your father be!"

"Bahahaha! Stinks to be you, Naohiko!" Katsuyori teased, sticking his tongue out at his older brother, and stuck the stick he was using as a mock-bokken into the sandy beach. A dejected Naohiko would sigh, dropping his child-sized-crudely-carved bokken where he stood. He would look further along the coastline towards his father, who was practicing his basic forms with several other bushi. They were too far away to tell who was who, for the most part, but Naohiko could easily pick his father out from the bunch every time without fail.

Katsuyori would stay outside, of course, continuing to play, while Naohiko dragged his feet as he went into the house, carrying on like he was going like he was going to his own execution. This never seemed fair, that he had to study when his brother got to play. "Oh! And Nao-kun!" his mother called out at him as he reached the door to the inner study. He hesitated, his hand on the doorframe, and he slowly looked over his shoulder. "Please, remember: The parchments are for writing on. Not for folding. Paper is expensive, and we can't afford to have you wasting it."

Nodding slowly in acknowledgement, he turned back to hide his disappointing frown, and opened the door. Moving in toward the table at the center of the room, he sat down across from the adult who was his instructor. A tall, very thin man with a receding hairline but very gentle eyes. "Hello, Naohiko. Are you ready for today's lesson? Now, which kanji should we practice today? Oh! Days of the week, perhaps? Or colors? Or..." The man would lean slightly to the right, watching as Hanae walked off and out of view. "... or I can show you how to make a tiger, if you want."

Naohiko's eyes would light up. Shi was the best.

Quote:

"I'm sorry for your loss, friend," Miroku would say solumnly, an uncomfortable awkwardness in his voice that Naohiko wasn't accustomed to hearing. Years had passed; Sanjuro was now at the point where he would start learning under Shi's guidance, like himself and Katsuyori had at his age.

"What are you going to do?" Hanae would ask, walking over with the kettle and pouring the water for the tea for both men. Shi was older, just like everyone else; however, his hair had all but left his head, and his face had grown gaunt, but the kindness in his eyes and smile hadn't faded at all, despite all the years the monk had been staying at Megumi Tenpi. He seemed happy - sincerely happy - to be there, even though he wasn't a samurai. Naohiko wasn't privy to the full story, but he at least knew it was some sort of favor between him and Haruka, their champion.

"There's only one thing I can do," Shi would explain, sighing. "I'm the only family he had left. Even though I joined the Brotherhood, he is still my brother, and his children are gone from this world. I have to go back, and take care of the arrangements for his estate."

"When are you leaving, Shi-san?" Miroku would ask suddenly, meeting Naohiko's eyes for a split second.

"... tomorrow," Shi would answer after an inhale. Katsuyori would gasp.

"But... but... Nao's gempukku ceremony is three days away! You were going to be there!" Katsuyori would yell out when Naohiko said nothing.

"Katsuyori!" his father chided angrily at the boy, but quickly stopped when Shi lifted a hand to stop him.

"Look, Naohiko... I know I promised to be there. I've helped guide you, and teach you, since you were first born. But circumstances are complicated. You'll understand one day, although I pray that you'll never have to. The next passenger ship heading back to the Empire won't leave for nearly another month, at the earliest, and this is a matter that can't wait any longer than necessary. I..." Some of the kindness in his eyes faded, to be replaced with sadness. "I probably won't be back for a long time. I-

Naohiko turned and ran. His father stood up, calling out his name. "Naohiko! NAOHIKO!"

While it wasn't the last time Naohiko saw Shi, it was the last time he saw him like this.

Quote:

"Another round!" Shi would bellow, laughing. A servant would nervously refill the monk's cup with sake, which he gave no hesitation throwing back. "This Megumi Tempi place... it ain't half bad!" he would say. The heimen would look to one another and laugh awkwardly, and one girl would gasp as the monk suddenly pulled her close, pawing at her in a less-than-honorable fashion.

Haruka would throw open the door to the shack that these people were gathered at. Looking at Naohiko, who stood by her side, she would nod. "Thank you, Naohiko-san." She has asked the young bushi to track down the wayward monk, which he found after moderate searching. "Shi-san, a word, please?" she would say, gesturing for him to follow and not waiting for a response.

Groaning, the monk would stand up and let out a rather audible, disgruntled sigh. "Fine, fine..." he responded, muttering something under his breath that Naohiko couldn't quite make out. The heimin would seem a touch relieved after the monk began exiting, though Naohiko's attention would be drawn to Shi himself. The monk's behavior was definitely different since he returned from the Empire earlier in the year. He was less friendly, less warm... dare he suggest, less honorable-acting... and it was definitely noticed. But whenever people would try to broach the subject, someone would always comment 'But he just lost the only family that he had left' and then everyone would agree, smile, and carry on, as if it was totally okay. At the time, Naohiko didn't think anything of it, but now, while thinking about it all these months later...

Shi walked past Naohiko to exit the shack, turning to look at the young samurai ever-so-slightly. There was a... malice... in that sideways gaze, something dangerous, something angry. It made Naohiko remain where he was, frozen, as Shi simply walked by. "How can I help you, Haruka-san?" he would call out to the Kraken daimyo, as he approached where she stood a little way away, barely within earshot from where Naohiko remained.

"It's about this upcoming winter..." Haruka would say to him, as the conversation quieted. Naohiko would remain where he was, but he would look on. This was definitely his memory, he remembered experiencing these very specific events, but something was off. His gaze focused on the monk. Was... was he always as short as he was? And wasn't he much, much thinner than this? His voice too, was harsher, deeper. The face was the same, but... wait, was it?

His gaze would focus more on Shi's face. It seemed... hazy... like he couldn't focus on it completely, despite his attempts to do so. As Shi and Haruka chatted, there was...

...

A mask? No... that wasn't quite right. It was...

Naohiko's stomach would turn. It was a face, worn as a mask. It looked... no. it was real. Was that Shi's face? Why didn't anyone notice that this stranger was wearing a human face on his own? Why was Haruka simply talking to him instead of drawing her blade and cutting him down? Why wasn't he? Why did Naohiko never notice this before? In hindsight, it was so clear now. Was was this person who claimed to be the monk who used to teach him, who showed him how to fold his first crane?

Haruka would bow respectfully to this person, before turning and heading off somewhere. In the darkness of dusk that had settled in around Megumi Tempi, the stranger looked back at Naohiko, an eerie light permeating through the shadows as the two locked eyes. Then the man's gaze turned seaward, and Naohiko's gaze followed.

A ship coming in to dock, and the princess Kaichiyo standing upon its bow, holding up a lantern as she smiled, gazing upon the shore...

The second document in Naohiko's grasp was something that was likely created by the Doji Magistrates. It was a poster requesting any leads or assistance in solving a crime; the murder of a monk from the Colonies, by the name of Shi. A drawing of the monk, accurate to the last detail - at least, from the previous year, before he had department to the Empire - was centered on the paper.

Who was the person, this "Jin-ken", that the three of them traveled here with, and how did they not see him for what he was? Naohiko, your head would be spinning. Give me a Willpower roll vs TN 15 to maintain composure as false images were suddenly pulled from your memory, like a bandage pulled mercilessly from a fresh wound by an uncaring doctor.

Gendo, let me know when you take these documents yourself.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko heard the bork and returned to the present. Although his head was swimming with with competing thoughts and desires, he was able enough to hand the scrolls to Gendo if he wanted them. "I recommend you read them in your room." The Kraken said as he entered his own room to puzzle out his thoughts for a short while.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

He'd take the documents, frowning. That was very, very odd. "Relax, but keep yourself aware. We do not know what else could threaten our clan." With that, he'd return to his own quarters and read the first document. The second, he was more wary of. After all, just reading it had Naohiko almost out of it til Setsuna borked at him and snapped him out of whatever had gripped the man. Gendo would wrap the documents carefully, storing them among his other papers.