Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 17, 2014 23:32:34 GMT
Izo sat as far as he could away from the Chief Magistrate holding this gathering of magistrates, partially as a courtesy to those with softer dispositions so they literally wouldn't have to see his face and partially because he had entirely too much Sake the night before. Inwardly he felt nothing, but hate for the man that had called them together so early, his eyes threatening to flit close and doze off as the man droned about he events in the empire, accomplishments performed, crimes to solve, particular focus. His head was listed somewhat to the side and only Duty and self control kept his eyes open. The man couldn't have much more to say could he? It was truly impossible to have this much to say so early in the morning.
It had been a rough adjustment period for him. In contrast to the constant threats on the wall he had only the occasional bandit to sate his thirst for battle and carnage. It was not as though many Hida enjoyed the placement of a magistrate. He often thought of it as a place where they sent soldiers stilla ble and willing to fight, but whose experience could not be wasted on the wall or good enough at teaching to become sensei's. There was of course those that had a far more inclination to such things like Satomi. For him it was cruel and unusual punishment and if it weren't for his dedication to reading at the dojo he didn't want to think what far flung outpost they would have sent him too.
Heavy weights tugged at his eyelids and his thoughts started to drift and ponder if seppeku wouldn't be a far less cruel fate. The only thing keeping him going was encouragement from Satomi to give it an actual try instead of coasting and the vague faint possibility of returning to the wall they dangled at him. His eyes shifted accusingly to Satomi who seemed far less worse for wear. His look implying 'Why the ancestors did you let me drink so much?'
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 18, 2014 0:35:37 GMT
Because you look cute when you pass out, and even cutier when you try to put all the blame on me. Would be Satomi's sarcastic response for the silent question her long term friend, Hida Izo, "eyed" to her, but she just smiled sheepishy, and returned her attention to the Chief magistrate.
She, as her Hida friend, was not so excited to become a Clan Magistrate. She really thought her abilities should be used elsewhere, but she knew… since she mysteriously lost an eye within the very walls of the Watchtower of the East, in a perfectly calm night and nothing out of common was reported about, and later she left for a while along a Unicorn caravan, the rumors started to sprout… They never told us the Clan magistracy is the place where they put the misfits with some talent and brains…
But she knew why Izo was forced into the group, and not along berserkers in the Wall. It's because he'd love that. And duty is not about doing something you love.
Everyone knows that.
When she returned from her travel, she dared to look after someone higher in station than her own mother, a taisa in the Watchtower of the East. It took days, but she was determined to get assigned to another fortress. She couldn't live under the same roof as her. It took one month, she being assigned to all sorts of chores a Kaiu can do. She did her best to be one of the assistants of one of the Siege Masters. She was now reasonably adapted to her vision impairment, and she knew she was great at planning.
She was truly taken by surprise when she received her new assignment. A bit more when she found out that Hida Izo, the last person on Earth she thought to see as Magistrate, showed up cursing his destiny and saying he was enlisted as Clan Magistrate.
And, returning from her personal recollection of facts, she winced at him, condemning. He was a mess and smelling sake from a reasonable distance. Normally Crab in the Wall wouldn't give a damn for it… but they're not in a forgotten section of the wall, they're in Kaiu Shiro, the Intelligence of this damn Clan.
Fix-you-face-you-damn-stupid-Hida. she mouthed to him.
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 18, 2014 0:58:37 GMT
Perhaps in a past life he was a Beserker he would even go so far as to say he probably was one people at least knew about cause that was how he imagined himself. Now.. now he was listening to an overweight Chief Magistrate handing out orders. Thus far he had done well to keep his talent and brains hidden, if he had any at all. Some were starting to question exactly why there was a Hida present. Hiruma and Kaiu were aplenty, but Hida generally made for poor magistrates and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why.. crushing boredom, oh yeah..
Grumbling slightly he sat up a bit more in his seat as she mouthed to him. Truly she made this existence bearable in more ways then one he recalled with a smirk. of course it was right that moment the Chief Magistrate decided to look at him as he was talking.
"Something amusing Hida-san?" a questioning look on the mans face and everyone turned to look at him.
Remarkably the brief pause allowed him to recall whatever the man said that he had drowned out in his silent revery.
"Apologies Magistrate-sama, I was simply reflecting on the wisdom of your words and how adeptly the latest group of bandits was dealt with."
Even the Chief magistrate was wondering how he the young Hida could spout such convincing Suihi off the cuff like that without pausing to think.
"Indeed, Hida-san, please refrain from your reflections until after this briefing." offering izo a polite bow before continuing.
Izo though the man had spent entirely too much time abroad for all his niceties, still.. he smirked to Satomi and mouthed back
Not-so-stupid-afterall-hmm?
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 18, 2014 1:46:08 GMT
That's when she discovered what they're going to investigate; the activity of juzimai within the Yasuki ports and lands, any signs of smuggling and extortion through the Kaiu Road… Gathering proof on the activity of samurai involved in illegal commerce of any sort, and supporting the more in-depth investigation the Emerald Magistrate have been performing through the Empire… some whispered of a secret society with roots in the Burning Sands… she heard a bit about that when travelling along the Unicorn Caravan.
She felt a shiver in the spine. She knew what it meant, and she knew that her parents were more than involved in smuggling, corruption, extortion and whatnot.
Her expression became absent and it was her turn to be scolded by the Chief Magistrate. When the gathering was finally over, she was silent and it was not common. A 18 years old Satomi that was taught about Loyalty at home and Duty by her sensei was not even thinking right at that moment. Her head ached, and it was not because she had drunk too much last night.
Excellent. You use all your wit to give that spirituous reply to your superior, but aren't able to do a proper knot in your obi. She remarked. Now, let's eat something, I'm hungry.
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 18, 2014 2:24:57 GMT
It was hard no to perk up a bit where juzimai were involved.. ronin were ok they usually tended to just fight first and ask question later for the most part giving him an excuse for a fight. As for the rest he passed it off as simply the whispering of the usual conspiracies. Togashi is still alive, the Phoenix harbor more black scrolls. It was always some insane rumor about something that seemed to keep people going. Izo's fancies were far more visceral and easily understood.
He was all but extinguished when it was to be a fact finding mission. it took all of his considerable willpower to not groan aloud, both for his headache an the utter lack of interest in his task. Duty was hard sometimes and he would do it.. no one said one had to like it.
"You have never noticed my obi before. How nice of you to comment, perhaps your gaze was directed else ware and you were forced to cover for it?" he retorted in what he thought was a fantastic fashion
He had noticed his friends discomfort, he was not blind. Far from it, he had a knack at noticing things even if at the time he did not recognize what they were. Time was the cure all of things.
"I know just the place for a cure for both our ills." as they exited together "What troubles you?"
He doubted anyone didn't know how he felt about his posting as a Magistrate, but the reasons for such he left obscured. They entered one of the nicer establishments that catered to the practical variety of crab food.
"The Chief Magistrate seemed very enthusiastic about our newest assignment, the others had tasks that all seem related in however small a way."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 18, 2014 3:05:42 GMT
Elsewhere like what, smartass? She dared him to go further in this line of thought. He probably would go vulgar in the presence of others, but never when they're alone… and the fact theat they've been alone often in the past had been source of comments already.
With a Champion like O-Ushi and her example of not taking chastity votes, it had become a sort of fashion among the Crab maidens of her generation, and she being from an unconventional family, was never seriously asked about that. Izo was from a traditional family and his mother simply hated Satomi, of course. But well, now part of her beauty had been taken away, and her father's early plans to marry her to a Scorpion seemed forgotten after the incident… People gave for granted they had something more than friendship, as she never rebuffed at his whole new and particularly disgusting scars on his once handsome features and they used to be seen together most of the time when in Daishiki's Anvil.
Well, it seems far more complicated than solving all sorts of minor theft crimes, passional murders, and so on.
He wasn't interested anyway, but they should produce some result. Although she was under impression that the Chief magistrate knew exactly what he wished from them... or from her, at least. Don't worry, Izo. We know it happens, we know where to go everytime we wish a bottle of expensive sake for half the price; we know that some ladies boosting the morale of the units at the Wall sometimes spend their time a bit numb on "poppy medicine" or else, and we know that some samurai are lot wealthier than they should considering their official incomes...
Is just a matter of trace a route, connect the points... And hope that the rumors about secret societies trying to subvert the Empire are just that... rumors.
Are you even paying attention?
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 18, 2014 11:28:41 GMT
Chuckled at her remark and gave her a lewd grin before shrugging, obviously giving the response some thought before deciding better of it. He looked for the server and ordered for them both, he was starving and some riceballs with fish would at least do him some good and silently wondered if she was in one of her barely eating moods or ravenous hungers. She had a few tells to her emotional state and was never afraid to use them to his full advantage.
"Passionate murders at least have the opportunity to slay someone." twisting people around and inside out to get a confession or break them into trying to kill you, it was just about the only thing he liked doing so far.
"Even if I wasn't paying attention I wouldn't tell you Satomi." he chuckled again and decided he was feeling better already "So we get to ride all around the province beating the bushes for birds and chasing their breadcrumbs till we get something of use. Sounds like fantastic time." his voice dripping with sarcasm and bitterness as he set about eating the food that was served. In his mind he was chopping up a little goblin. She had given him food for thought though and he was slowly trying to connect the dots "Sounds like we should start at the docks and work our way from there."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 18, 2014 13:36:58 GMT
Doing this investigation the wrong way would be easy… But it could also have a cost, if their superiors knew what to expect. It could bring shame upon Izo… And he surely didn't deserve to be dragged down by her biased investigation.
It didn't go unnoticed that Izo was eyeing how much she was eating. Yes, everytime she was sad or truly concerned, she couldn't eat with her usual appetite.
What? Raising and eyebrow, she defiantly picked a riceball and put it in the mouth all the way with a feigned eagerness, just to feel it roll over her tongue like a dung beetle oeuvre of art. The first bite made it worse, and at every new movement of her jaw, the sensation was just like a gummy sticky ball filling her mouth. Her eyes, even the one under the eyepatch, watered instantly.
Are you happy now? Satomi thought, while breathing slow and heavily and reaching for the cup of water, swallowing the riceball with some effort Recovered from the incident, she gave up the food entirely
You're right. However there are rumors of corruption through the outposts on the Kaiu Road, from the River of Gold to our borders with the Crane, and the Emerald Magistrates are already crowding Clearwater Bay nowadays. Which one you prefer? Being treated like a junior by an Emerald Magistrate, and be said to get out of the way, or… be out of the way by your own terms?
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 18, 2014 17:29:18 GMT
The look on Izo's face indicated he was about as convinced as if a boy had run into the place suddenly claiming a horde of virgin maidens had descended from the heavens and wanted to procreate with crab men. Izo knew is was bullcrap, but that wouldn't stop him from going to check anyway. One could never be too sure.
In a rare moment of tenderness perhaps he offered her a napkin and gestures to her eyes.. on the return trip from her side of the table his hands grabbed her food and ate it joyously.
At her words he looked thoughtful then laughed.
"Of course they are." he laughed again in triumph "Think of it from a political perspective. Crab Emerald magistrates would be tasked with helping but not necessarily running the investigation for obvious reasons. He would send them to the most obvious place to look first while asking for help from the Chief clan magistrate for help so we can claim the credit and prove we have the situation in hand" the revelation caused him to rub his temples in slight annoyance mumbling again about too much sake
"We need to find out where they could port with the main harbor crawling with Emeralds. My geography learning was focused on the wall. You know of anywhere?" obviously giving her lead choice on what they were going to do first something was bugging her and if he let her do it her way he figured it would be all the faster to get it over with that way.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 18, 2014 19:23:57 GMT
Awn… Izo has a handkerchief! Or napkin, however. Thing is, this place doesn't have napkins and will never have. He's growing! So cute!
Her Kaiu grandmother said that a man is truly a man when he is not only courageous and strong and honorable all the time, but also compassionate and courteous in the right moments. For a moment the thought was so funny and unexpected and in a sense, amazing, that made her forget her current concerns and dilemmas. Then, while cleaning herself, she realized she didn't know where that cloth was before being given to her…
Oh Fukurokujin. Have mercy of me.
She handed it back to him, listening to his words and noticing a light condescending tone well disguised by a too serious tone. He was suddenly all interested.
Maybe he was seeing in this case an opportunity to not be eternally herded from a side to other, from minor chores to minor chores and places where they could control him.
Nevermind.
She would do her best and solve this case. She was decided to not be the underdog nor spend her life complaining for not being given the best opportunities. She decided to grab what she wished… and maybe it meant to admit she didn't owe anything to that woman, afterwall. My loyalty will not be given lightly, from now on.
Satomi spent some time analyzing her companion's now ruined face, deciding what to do about him.
In fact, I've heard rumors... She started to talk.
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 19, 2014 13:20:32 GMT
Would have been pretend insulted if she had voiced her thoughts about the handkerchief aloud. He washed it often.. ah well. The she stared at him for a long moment and that caused him to worry more then the previous incidents of her silence. Something indeed was bothering her and he had a slight inkling it wasn't entirely him.
He was interested, but no doubt for different reason then she suspected, it was the opportunity for action however sparse, when secrets came into play people were willing to die to protect them. As she spoke he remained enraptured trying to piece it all together.
The months of investigating were starting to drive him mad. Sure the occasional bought with 'bandits' had entertained him and kept him following along. Each little piece of the puzzle was starting to bug him, it was as if they were reading the pages of a pillow book without knowing the order and some of the words missing. It was almost as if they got information they needed, but something obvious eluded them.
Izo's mood was quickly degenerating as he drank down a cup of sake. Satomi had excused herself a few minutes earlier and he was shuffling through his notes again. Something was here he knew it he just had to wrap his mind around it. He sighed and closed his eyes. Something was just wrong about the whole thing, each new clue had brought elation to himself, but Satomi seemed unsure if she should be happy or concerned not that anyone, but himself could probably tell the difference. Was everything apart of a bigger picture then he had imagined?
His eyebrow arched and he growled at himself, that was the missing link. Satomi, he shuffled through his notes again realizing something was missing and his hands squeezed the cup till it cracked. With haste he gathered up his notes and ran to his pony hopping on and spurring the beast into action. Maybe there was still time..
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 19, 2014 14:37:18 GMT
Kaiu Keitaro listened to Satomi words in silence, his mind racing with his scarce options, deciding what to do next.
I understand you are not planning to share this information to Reiko. That's what both started to call the woman Satomi once called mother, since she had beaten her "daughter" almost to death when confronted about illicit activities. Keitaro still needed Reiko alive, as she was his cover into the Crab. When his clan was banished from Rokugan, he had been gifted with the opportunity to serve the Scorpion in a sui generis way, and he remained faithful to it, year after year... Doing what was necessary to fulfill the task demanded from him. Satomi didn't know it, but actually she was his niece and not daughter… though he raised and loved her as his own child. Plans were made for her destiny, but her last and rebellious move was unexpected… Now he was forced to flee.
Her response was just a shrug, and a pouting, meaning no.
I have to return, father. I must deliver this report. You have some time, but DON'T TELL HER. She owes me that.
He sneered.
Are you not judging me?
Yes I do. You are a criminal by Rokugan's ritsuryo; I can't do anything about this. Will you stay and clean your honor?
Don't you really understand my reasons, Sato? That's the price I've paid to remain in Rokugan. For you. For duty and loyalty. This you understand, right?
She frowned. One of the many talents of Kaiu Keitaro, former Bayushi, was to be a smooth talker and a clear thinking mind; and she wasn't sure to be willing to listen to his apologies.
Nevermind. Do what you think is right. I did. She returned to the door, ready to leave.
You should come with me. There are many things you must learn about yourself.
I had hopes you should stay and try to show some respect for the family which embraced you.
It was his turn to frown, clearly chafed.
Ok. Go, Satomi. Return to the Crab, to this stupid magistracy, to your petty and childish vengeance towards Reiko. Just please, don't disappoint me becoming another annoying grotesque Crab woman. Those things are way under your talent, way under your heritage...
She was about to protest, when he smiled, and shushed her.
But remember, my little Scorpion, you can count on me when things are dire… You must leave now.
Satomi obeyed, going for her mount ready to return and deliver the missing notes… The ones debunking an entire corruption scheme commanded by some high ranked samurai, including Kaiu Reiko and her husband Kaiu Keitaro, Satomi's parents.
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 19, 2014 15:10:26 GMT
Izo had returned home, someone was going to face the consequences of being mislead, the question was was only who. Silent fury narrowing his vision as he finished strapping on his armor and moving back onto his pony. It was a quick furious journey and he dismounted some distance away so that he could finish the way more silently on foot. Then he spotted her.
"You should not have taken what did not belong to you." his voice completely devoid of emotion On held in place with the fury of a Matsu. "And you should not have come here."
His katana was ripped free of its sheathe and he advanced on her "Or shall i be apprehending three criminals today? I sent a messenger to the magistrates, I will not be alone for long."
Everything fell into place with terrible clarity. The whos he why.. the how. He could not entirely now convince himself that her parents had just covered their tracks well. Everything he understood or that he did could all be a lie and that was the most horrible part of it all.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jul 19, 2014 16:00:02 GMT
When he shadowed her, unsheathed sword, she surely analyzed how to bury a tanto deep in his horrendous scars, blinding him off and buying time to escape alive. Every Crab was taught to be in disadvantage either in numbers, size or force, and still find a way to win a fight, and she was not an exception. She feared him, but he should fear her as well.
She raised her glance to Izo, saying simply:
I'm not criminal.
And:
I knew it all along. When I discovered the corruption scheme my parents are part of, when I dared to question… that’s what I've got. She raised her chin, obviously mentioning her missing eye under the eyepatch.
With a hand she threw a inro at his feet. The other was ready to grab a blade, if needed.
I don't care if you understand it or not. I needed time… But now I'm done. Tonight Reiko is going to meet the juzimai supporting the scheme… The perfect moment to get them all. That was true, of course, but only part of the truth. They don't trust me and I don't have access to their plans or activities, but I managed to intercept this message between the juzimai leader and my parents. It can be compromising enough to get them formally accused.
Depending on his disposition to believe her, it would end well… or not.
|
|
Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
|
Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 19, 2014 16:41:38 GMT
His eyes narrowed at her face drawn tight against what he was feeling.
"Then what are you if not a criminal? leading us around on this farce for so many months when you already knew the culprits and their compatriots?"
Time.. she certainly had earned her parents and herself enough of that. He wasn't sure what to think of her anymore.. her parents had been the one to mutilate her face. He sheathed his katana daring her to attack him with the look in his eyes she may strike him but they both knew he would fight barehanded to the death if he had to. Picking up the inro and took a deep breath.
"Why should anyone trust you when you could not even trust your closest friend? We could have figured out how to solve this together, but now my hand was forced instead. Is this what you wanted?"
A small part of him wondered if perhaps it wouldn't be easier to just attack her and let her kill him. This betrayal of their friendship had cut him to the core of his being.
|
|