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Post by The Storyteller on Mar 11, 2014 11:33:42 GMT
Sixth Day of the Hare Month
The wedding day started with a fine rain that took part of the event's flair, but the ceremony indeed happened without incidents. Several Clan Champions, family daimyo and persons of note attended Kaneka's wedding, and the Emerald Champion (who was the Yasuki daimyo as well) represented the Empress. Toturi II's absence caused some discreet gossips, after all Kaneka was her brother. Wouldn't she attend her other brothers' weddings? Or was it because the Wind of War wasn't but a half brother of her? Once the ceremony ended without incident, the couple and their retinue returned to Yasuki Yashiki in procession, but truth be told, the heimin along the way weren't as numerous as expected. It mattered little for the samurai caste, apparently. Kaneka and his bride Nozomi were entertaining the guests with the grace expected from a noble couple. The party followed its natural course, along the day, with a more "Crabbish tone" as the day advanced. Soon, a drinking contest was taken place, as well some other tradition Crab competitions in the pavilions prepared for them. In the background of the "most civilized" pavillions, news about a riot in a merchant village in the delta of the River of Gold, apparently a consequence of what was being called the massacre of peasants and ronin in the gates of Yasuki Yashiki, gained space among a dozen other rumors. Nevertheless, the day advanced in a mood of celebration, with little or none incidents of note. By the sunset, the newlywed couple took their leave and retreated to their nuptial chambers. The party continued, of course, with peaks of euphoria as the winners of one competition or other were cheered by their companions. For the more political ones, there were several subjects to be discussed informally. That was a reason for, maybe, a casual incident of a servant stumbling and falling in the feet of Hida Reiha got little attention of common observers. She was quicker than her yojimbo, and her sword was in the neck of the servant before their blades touched his chest. The heimin mumbled something in apology, obviously terrified. Reiha's reaction was a bit unexpected for sure. She just silently walked away from the man, never turning back, and retreating to her chambers, after dismissing her retinue. The guards removed the man from the views of the guests as quickly as it happened.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 11, 2014 11:36:50 GMT
3 HOURS BEFORE THE SUNSET
Satomi couldn't attend the event. She was detained for interrogation, by Reiha's orders, in her own chambers, guarded by Crab soldiers. She wasn't permitted to leave, as she soon discovered, for the Hida daimyo would like to have a private talk to her, but first things first. For Satomi, it was a petty and stupid vengeance, because the daimyo didn't really accuse her formally of anything. She was sure Reiha would simply let her go the day after the wedding, without the questioning, just to make the Kaiu woman know she was aware of everything she was doing. Aware of every move Satomi take.
Nevertheless, she had prepared her version of facts because… the truth was really dangerous, not only for her, but for some other persons as well.
Of course, it was very frustrating. Knowing the kolat prepared something for the day of Kaneka's wedding and being forced to sit idly in a room by her Champion's demand; when this champion was the main suspect of the crime-to-be… it was enerving for sure. Though, she managed to get a message done. It was their last hope. Not knowing where Kousei was, but knowing for sure where Chisato would be, she chose to send a message for the latter. After all, the Yasuki lands were her lands and she knew all the ways and means to get things done.
Chisato-san.
I am all alone in my room. Reading a book you may be interested in. Come to read it with me, please.
S.
This was so silly that in a normal day she would be laughing at it. Nevertheless, if the message was intercepted they would think two things: she was really in love for the Asako daimyo or she was trying to take him as hostage to try to escape. And Chisato… knowing him a little, she was expecting he would think Satomi was trying to make him remember the night they had together, or she was really asking help with a book. But his curiosity would make him go either way. The most important was to make it evident he wasn't involved in her investigation about Reiha; not in a conscious way, at least.
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Post by Asako Chisato on Mar 11, 2014 20:28:08 GMT
Asako Chisato's voice would be heard just outside her chambers an hour later. "Oh! Uh, guards? You must be her honor guard for the ceremony! Quick we have little time to waste, there is to be a wedding soon!"
There was the sounds of protesting and more talking eventually Chisato replied, "Let me get this straight... one of the most significant events in the history of the crab clan is happening on the other side of the city... and you guys are being held here, to guard a general of your clan?"
More grumblings, followed by Chisato's voice again, "You. Hiruma, cleft chin. Son of a Kakeguchi mother yes? How is your father? Oh thats right, hes a ronin on a boat smuggling jade from the city, would be a real shame if Reiha sama found out wouldn't it? And you? Hida? Too young... I don't know you, but that can only mean you don't matter. Now listen to me, both of you. I am Asako Chisato, daimyo of the Asako family, and I demand that you let me in that room at once!" His voice squeeked at the final syllable.
And astonishingly, moments later the door slid open, "Asako Chisato sama, to see you, Kaiu sama."
He steps in and as soon as the door closes he pulls out his fan and breathes, as if he had been holding it this whole time. "By the fortunes, I never thought that was actually going to work! Why did I say those things!?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 11, 2014 21:58:41 GMT
Do you question yourself why you wish to see me that much? Satomi smirked and came closer, not sure of how many time she had to talk to the Asako daimyo.
A bit louder, she added:
Asako-san, my intentions were misinterpreted, and I need to discover who is the person who gave false testimony against me. But, before it, I'd like to make sure I have a proper duelist to defend my honor. This is, my friend, the reason I asked you to come, and prior hand I apologize for involving you in this singular and unpleasant matter. Can you talk to Daidoji Kousei about my situation, please?
Saying so, she leaned forward, yet more closer, and whispered: Last night, two Yasuki guards assigned to defend the nuptial chamber were found assassinated in the bay. I'm sure the murder attempt will be against Kaneka-sama. Tonight.
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Post by Asako Chisato on Mar 12, 2014 0:09:41 GMT
It may seem odd, a phoenix daimyo taking orders from a kaiu general. But Chisato hated being important, he hated being relied upon. He was terrible to count on for anything other then families.
And to his astonishment he nodded to her, "Find Daidoji Kousei san, and bring him to you."
He looks her up and down, noticing that he had her -far- outdressed this time. "You are going to the wedding aren't you, you need to get changed!" Seems Chisato will forever be the ignorant fool.
He shakes his head snapping out of his thoughts, "You need Kousei san as a duelist yes? You want me to bring him here or to the wedding?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 12, 2014 10:15:40 GMT
Eh?
She looked down at herself. She was detained in the beginning of the morning of the wedding day, so she was wearing a hakama and the top part, a shitagi, while the rest of her armor was carefully assembled in its rack. Her daisho was also in the room, keeping her honor. Not sure what was wrong with her attire for someone who was detained, she sat down.
Chisato-san, sit down, please. I'm asking you a favor. My honor was attacked. I still don't even know what I'm being accused of, but I'm detained. Hida-Reiha-dono wish to talk to me. Tomorrow. Today, we have a beautiful wedding I can't go to. I wouldn't dare disobey my Lady.
By the time we talk, I believe the couple is already leaving the party and preparing for the night. I'm really unsure about the safety of the nuptial chamber. Because some of the guards were found assassinated by the morning, and were probably replaced. I'm sure there's someone out there, ready to say the word in the ears of The Agent. It can't happen. Not sure what to do about that, but I'm really sure I can't do much at distance.
Now, other topic. I'll need a good kensei. I am not befriended of many duelists, but a kensei can manage to defend my honor in the case it is required. So, I BEG YOU, tell Kousei-san what is happening. EVERYTHING. Tomorrow I'll know how damaged my honor is, and who are my accusers. But if I will propose a duel, I need someone to represent me.
Thats all I ask, my friend.
Obviously, Satomi couldn't disobey a direct order of her champion without dire consequences. But she was sure she had some rights, like... trying to provide means to have a her honor defended.
Once you have found him, I ask you to send me a message. So I can know you were able to find him.
And I'll try to escape and prevent it to happen. she thought. She couldn't really ask Chisato or Kousei to try to stop Reiha, if the trigger was already activated. All she could do was try to do it herself or expect that Kousei could manage to capture the kolat agent trying to activate Reiha.
The consequences of Kaneka's murder by Reiha's hands would be devastating, but if the Hida champion and Shogun spouse was killed by Kaneka, it wouldn' be less worse.
Can you do it for me?
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Post by Asako Chisato on Mar 12, 2014 16:22:29 GMT
Chisato sat and listen, but he frowned. He knew how these tales always went. There was a detail Satomi was missing, "Satomi san, there is something you are not taking into account... you are a bushi-ko. You have a katana... you will be expected to defend your own honor, unless something is physically impairing you."
He stands up, "Now unless you are thinking about breaking your own arm, I think you should be practicing your strike." He frowns in thought for a moment. "You know... I won a duel once, against a crane. I, uh, don't remember exactly what happened, it was another of those nights. But I can say this... my foe was not allowed their duelist in the match. I may be able to sway things so that you get a fair challenge, but the likelihood of you being allowed to call upon a champion is slim, Satomi san. Its just how these court things work."
He stands up and prepares to depart, "I'll do all that you have requested of me, and enlist as much help as I can trust."
With that Chisato departs. He makes his way to the wedding, his retinue of helpers and yojimbo in tow. All dress for a wedding, and yet Chisato moves with purpose, and breathing heavily. The courtiers and bushi walking with him look exhausted and confused, but Chisato doesn't let their perceived image stop them. He had many lives to save.
He comes upon a crane contingent, "Kousei san? Kousei san! Excuse me, have you seen a tall brooding Daidoji, bald fellow?"
Chisato's courtiers look at one another confused, but decide its important enough they start looking around as well. One of them points him out in the crowd. "Oh thank you, Asako san! Now listen and do as I say all of you. Each one of you take one yojimbo, the rest of the bushi stay with me. If this is a typical wedding... things will happen in stages. Lives are in danger, and we risk ruining our relations with the crab clan, am I understood? I need you all to find a monk, named Te. Tell him 'Little Sister is in danger. And to stay with her as best as he is able to.'"
He bites his lip, worried about calling on this particular friend, "And Shosuro Himitsu san, the governess of Shiro no Shosuro. She is on the guest list so I know she is about... tell her that it would be in her best interests, and the shogun's bests interests if he were protected at all times."
He nods once, and all of the phoenix retinue disperses quickly, trying to find the guests Chisato named in the crowd, and quickly. Chisato and a pair of yojimbo head over to Kousei. "Kousei san! I need your help." He bows to him, "Satomi san has been imprisoned, the attack is going to take place tonight. Kaneka sama is the target. Also... she might need the services of a duelist, you are a crane and I thought I should come to you. I just sent out word for the monk Te, and Shosuro Himitsu sama's aid, she is the governess of Shiro no Shosuro. I am hoping both will be able to keep an eye on the married couple when they move to nuptuals... we however get the bad luck of trying to stop the kolat and Reiha sama."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 12, 2014 16:38:07 GMT
If my death will serve my clan, I'm dying willingly, Chisato-san. Not otherwise. Satomi raised her eyes to him, when he spoke about the technical detail of her plans. If needed be, she'd lie. Shamelessly she'd lie about being pregnant of an innocent child from her late husband. His only descendant. It would build her time and the opportunity of having a champion. That's one of the collateral effects of being raised by a Scorpion father and a criminal Kaiu, her sense of honesty was not by the book. Of course Reiha could simply deny the permission for a duel, or find several ways to put obstacles to Satomi's plans, but honestly, Reuha wasn't as creative... or would like to risk her own honor denying her a chance to defend herself about a simple accusation of a suspicious research. Satomi wouldn't, though, reveal her dishonored plans to Chisato. She had a purpose. She had a son to care for. Satomi believed she should survive for it and wasn't willing to die to fulfill Reiha's hurt pride.
When he departed, she started to plan her escape.
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Post by Shosuro Himitsu on Mar 12, 2014 19:16:19 GMT
The governess was enjoying herself, though few around her could ever realize that at this stage. Surrounded by her usual sort of courtier armor she said very little as she savored a variety of exotic teas and treats. But then something along and had to just ruin her little evening, a courtier of the Phoenix denomination was determined to get to her in spite of all the interceptions and sleights that it might cause. With such a determination to speak with her, Himitsu deemed it worthy enough to at least grace with her attention for now, most things having to do with courtiers were trivial at best so it would be easy to determine within a few words if she should reward its persistence with something to truly fear.
"Shosuro-sama." The man started to sing to her with his practiced tone, already whether he knew it or not he had her attention. Although how savory that attention would be would be questionable at best.. He would draw closer as his fan opened up to give them the briefest of privacy. Her own fan fluttering quizzically as an unspoken gesture for her courtiers to shelter them as they spoke. "My lord would request something of you..."
The details of this mission to ensure vigil over the newly wedded Kaneka were filtered to her, and after a moment of scrutiny and thought she would give her reply. "Tell you're oh so audacious master that he shouldn't consider me so simple as a common ruffian." A smile twisted behind her mask even though her eyes remained intense upon the messenger. Her tone seemed to convey the message that she wanted to pass along. Just out of sight she offered a tiny netsuke of a carved scorpion, no bigger than a fingernail and quite the delicate little thing. As soon as it was passed along she stood straight and dismissed the man with a slight sigh and flutter of her fan to air herself. The Asako could understand this as an acceptance from their interactions up in the mountains. Some things just were better left as secrets.
You would think that running a city would let you take a night off every once and a while. But the entire empire seems to need me in every way... She would excuse herself from the festivities to assume her proper mission attire. The mythos behind ninja behavior was not entirely lost it would seem. But the Shosuro would find herself wondering as she moved well out of sight. Why exactly am I doing this. A begrudging sigh in her mind as she went along regardless, it would remain to be seen if there would be anything of true interest to threaten this Wind's life.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 12, 2014 23:54:36 GMT
Kousei had been on tenterhooks all day, waiting for something to happen, and was almost relieved when Chisato came to him.
"Good thinking about enlisting more allies. The monk has an affection for Nozomi and given his size will likely be quite a formidble opponent, and if anyone is likely to be good at fighting in the shadows it is the Scorpion. But to return to your earlier statement, why has Satomi-sama been imprisoned? And you say she may be in need of a duellist? But she is a samurai! Surely she will fight her own duels?"
His mind turned to the thought of stopping Reiha. "But we get all the fun jobs... We must watch Reiha-dono carefully throughout the day. At some point something will likely happen that will cause her to be 'activated', at which point I am guessing she will likely leave the wedding - there would be too much risk if she simply went berserk in the middle of everything. Who has the rooms to either side of hers? Do you think you could find out, and maybe the one above as well?"
He waited for Chisato's response and then continued. "I am going to pay a quick visit to Satomi-sama and see if I can get into see her, and then I shall return here to confer with you. I shall see you in a few moments Chisato-sama."
Kousei quickly slipped away upstairs to where Satomi was under house arrest. He didn't have the same rank as the Asako daimyo, so he decided to try a slightly different approach.
"You there - guards! Reiha-dono has proposed I form an alliance with this woman, and yet here I find her in disgrace. Either she has some remarkable qualities which I have not yet seen evidence of, or else she offering insult to me and through me my Lord Kurohito. I hold Reiha-dono in the highest esteem, and therefore I am sure the former is true. As such, I wish to inspect this offering to weigh this qualities against her misdemeanors before making my decision!"
The guards conferred briefly, but as one of them started offering a protest Kousei over rode it. "You are personally standing in the way of a potential alliance between our Clans formed at the highest level. Is that what you want? Do I have to ask Reiha-dono to tell you to move personally?"
Three seconds later, the Daidoji stepped through the door of Satomi's chambers. He moved to her side and began to speak quickly and quietly. "Satomi-sama, I am sorry for everything I said outside your door. What is going on? And do you have any strategies on how to stop Reiha?" He explained his own thoughts and the steps that Chisato had taken so far.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 13, 2014 1:55:00 GMT
By Lord Bishamon, Kousei-san, you brought me to tears with your opinion about me! She sneered. I would question if is it true Reiha-dono proposed such thing, but you broke my heart already!
Satomi was dressed with a light outfit, but her daisho and cape was with her. Responding his last question, she spoke: Our main focus, dear Kousei-san, is to capture the agent who will try to get to Reiha-dono and activate her. In the case… she was activated, she will try to obey the command by herself, will not rely in her power as daimyo. She probably will even ignore who she is. In this case, we will have to act very carefully. We must try to avoid causing her harm. And we need to avoid her causing harm to herself.
Using the low table as an imaginary drawboard, she started to outline a floor plan of the castle. I'm sure she'll have facilitators opening doors to her, but she won't use the main doors. They interdicted the entire storey where the nuptial chamber is, denying access to everyone but for the couple and the guards, and the personal servants of the couple, of course. The guests of honor as the Shogun and his spouse, Reiha-dono, have their chambers one storey lower, and it's restricted to a number of persons as well. Satomi started to explain the distribution of rooms and levels of the castle, its main accesses, and how the guard would likely be placed for the event.
Satomi looked by the window for a moment, before saying:
The only way to prevent her to reach her target and dishonor herself forever, but saving our honor… Is letting her go very close of her objective and only act in the last minute. The safest way to save both Kaneka-sama's life and Reiha-sama's honor is preventing her to even reach that floor.
But… in the latter case, you will be committing too much, my friend. It can backfire. It can be the cause of an inglorious death. it can even cause a new issue between our clans.
She looked him in the eyes.
I can't ask you to do that much.
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Post by Asako Chisato on Mar 13, 2014 2:37:00 GMT
In response to Kousei's suggestion Chisato just nodded, then watched him leave.
"Wait a minute, you're leaving me here alone to keep an eye on Reiha sama?!" He looked to the Shiba with him, "You guys think you can handle her?" One coughed uncomfortably and the other was clearly sweating.
"You two make me look brave. Come on then you two, go find out who is staying in those rooms... I will." He sneezes, and tries to clean himself up quickly, "I will keep my eye on the crab clan champion. And- and... and stop her from causing anyone any harm... somehow."
The two Shiba bowed and departed quickly. Chisato took a deep breath and started on his way toward the central area of the event, he was a family damiyo after all, he should be closer, no? Before he got too much closer though he was stopped a man he recognized as one of his courtiers from his family.
"Asako sama, we found the governess... she said that... you shouldn't consider her a common ruffian and gave me this." He hands Chisato a small netsuke.
"Damn it all," Chisato sighed, "that doesn't sound good."
"Asako sama, I think the netsuke indicates that she accepted your suggestion, else why would she have given it?"
"Oh! That does make sense... crafty lot those scorpion, alright, I'll assume you are correct. Now, come with me."
"Where are we heading?"
"To be ready to stop Reiha sama from committing murder."
"Wait, what?"
"Now where is that monk..."
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Mar 13, 2014 3:16:23 GMT
Te watched idly as the small group of retainers made their way over to him. He hunched down to listen as the Crab explained what was happening. Frowning grimly he nods to the speaker and with a small flicker of flame from the corner of his mouth he intones "No harm shall befall the Little Sister. Tell your master I am on my way". Not waiting to see them stumble over themselves in their haste to get away from Te turns and pushes his way out of the crowd.
He quickly returns to the Yasuki family temple where he has been staying. There he takes an aspergillum filled with holy water from its rod and attaches it to Tsuito, his tall black staff. Lastly he puts his ceremonial robes on over his gi, if he is going to pull this off he needs to look the part.
Once back into the palace he made his way back to where the bridal party was. Working his way to the front Te bows to the bride and groom. Dropping to one knee in front of them, he bows his head "Honored Shogun, Nozomi-sama, I ask a boon. It would bring myself, and my clan great honor if you would allow me to perform a traditional Dragon wedding ritual, that you may have a long and prosperous marriage"?
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Post by Asako Chisato on Mar 13, 2014 4:04:55 GMT
As he gets closer he can see that Te has already arrived with the bridal party. "Ah, good, there he is." Chisato closes in on them all as well.
He tries, unsuccessfully to sidle up unnoticed. When eyes fall upon him he bows graciously to the group, but says nothing, having nothing to say that would be good. So he just decides to watch the monk and see what happens next. I hope this works.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Mar 13, 2014 10:23:03 GMT
"That was just a ruse to get in" Kousei stammered. "I mean, yes, Reiha-dono did give some pretty strong hints at the party last night, but I mean... well... why would anyone want to marry me?! And anyway, I thought you and Chisato-sama would be more of a suitable match... Not that I mean... Urgh." He trailed off, blushing, completely unsure whether she had been joking or not.
"But anyway, concentrating on stopping Reiha-dono from doing something that her conscious mind wouldn't want... Stopping her before she reaches that floor seems like the best course of action, if we can't stop her being activated in the first place." He looked at the table, trying to memorise the diagrams she had sketched out on it. As he glanced up, he caught her gaze and smiled.
"We do what we must, Satomi-sama. Hopefully tomorrow we can celebrate but whatever happens, I am honoured to have called you a friend."
With that he stood and left, heading back downstairs to find Chisato. He picked the daimyo and his retinue out and slowly made his way over to them. "Any joy on finding out who has those rooms? Apparently the floor is restricted, so we need to think of a way to gain access. If we can either keep Reiha-dono contained or prevent her from being activated in the first place, then I think that would be our best plan. We should keep an eye on the heimen."
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