Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Oct 28, 2014 23:08:21 GMT
OOC: Direct continuation off Den of Scorpion thread _______________________________________________
Chapter 1: Never Trust a Geisha
Izo for the most part had been quiet once the hit unfamiliar territory. It always came as a bit of a shock to his system and his analytical mind to get the lay of the land. The particular nature of things.. how it felt. Committing their path to memory in case the worse happened and since the Scorpion had provided the papers and Sotaro as expert he had went out of his way to appropriate a pair of fine horses for them to journey. He felt the older man certainly wouldn't mind and he didn't particularly enjoy traveling huge swathes of lands on foot when he could get away with it.
He thought on the Scorpion Champion and her intriguing offer to meet. Had he discovered something so dangerous that the Champion herself felt the need to ensure its secrecy or was she like Sotaro and simply curious of the man who was so dedicated to Rokugan he cast aside the foolish preconceptions of his own clan and risked his own life in the search for answers. Answers that were right in front of him he felt. If only he could discern their pattern. How long he spent with his eyes to his surroundings and thoughts filling his head only the travel of the sun could tell before he realized he hadn't spoken much to Sotaro and shot the older man a glance.
Sotaro was seemingly lost in his own thoughts, but noticed when his travel companion glanced at him; He then questioned: "Izo-san, if you could change anything in the past, what it would be?"
Izo could not help but blink at the sudden and odd question. "Personally or otherwise Sotaro-san?"
He just shrugged, showing either options were fine.
Izo counter with an annoyed glance over at Sotaro before settling in to think. Finally settling on an answer with a shrug.
"I would stop the change in dynasties or at the very least attempt to ease the transition somehow." it was the former of the two that had given him pause
"Personally is far more difficult there are many points in my life where I felt conflicted and would not mind the opportunity to see how things would have went."
"A curious response, Izo-san. I personally think there was no other way… As you know, my clan paid the price for its actions, but the Empire survived, and Toturi dynasty rules... In a way or other. As you reminded me, Otomo Banu possessed a strong claim of Hantei Blood and his plead was perfectly legit… However Toturi I returned and slaughtered him and his supporters… Ain't that funny? On personal matters, I too would like to change things... I once met a woman, and fell in love for her. However I was married... "
"There are still descendants of Hantei alive to this day.. But I digress it would simply be preferable to have a divine mandate from Tengoku to legitimize to the Totori reign if only to stop all the childish squabbling and plots for power." pausing long enough to denote a clear separation of thoughts "Love is not often an enjoyable topic. I did not love my wife, but I cared for her all the same. Those that I have loved have either died or seem unreachable. Did you let your marriage stop you Sotaro-san?"
"Few things are unreachable; it only needs the right combination of motivation and effort. Of course, in the process one can be victim of one of the three sins…"
Taking a detour in the main road, Sotaro kept silent for some minutes.
"Regret… If I could change the past, I'd take away Regret from Shoju's heart, Kisada's heart, Toturi's heart, Kaede's heart…" Only dead people.
"So, no, it didn't stopped me, Izo-san. In a minor scale of things, it was the reward for my loyalty. And I had other things to regret about. I loved her and she loved me, and I'd regret to not make her know… to not make a son on her.."
As in rokugani etiquette, one could talk about forbidden affairs as long no name were divulged. Sotaro was thinking on his beloved and their son; on how he promised her to not make him any harm and now he needed to kill him. So, he was often thinking about Eisho, love and duty.
"You should marry again, Izo-san. Having a family is important."
Izo did not often let himself fall prey to the sins, but loving someone seemed to fall on all three. Such complicated rules for something that should be so simple.. At the mention of the heart of all those dead in the recent century his mood sobered considerably. Quiet a long moment at Sotaro's words.
"Hai, we... and they did what they thought was their Duty at the time. If they had any regrets I imagine it was that they could see no other alternative.."
His situation was considerably more complicated he felt, but perhaps not. He gave the man the benefit of the doubt.
"Some would consider me a cold man Sotaro-san. I remember my first wife how she was before the matchmaker brought us together. It was entirely political and to my benefit, but I cared for her as best I could and did my duty to try and bring more members of the Clan to life. She died in the process and she told me she only regretted not leaving anything behind for me or our families."
Old memories invaded his senses and he drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I am guessing your paternal problems were not with Satomi? She is quite the person these days, but on my marrying someone..." what was he to say on that?
"I do not oppose the idea of being married again..." he was finding it entirely too difficult to voice why he hadn't remarried or even given it a thought. He just laughed and smiled behind his mempo.
"You are far too easy to talk to Sotaro-san."
"Ahhh!" Sotaro laughed. "So you put 'marrying' and 'Satomi' in the same sentence?!!! What an interesting thing!" Sotaro dismissed Izo's question in a humorous manner, and added. "We are reaching Summer Kiss Road by the evening, so I think we can stay in a geisha house I particularly like to stay. All this talking on love made me inspired to hear the giggle and the sway of beautiful young women. You will find easy to dismiss your dour thoughts as soon as you enter those doors!"
By the ancestors.. Izo walked himself into that one inadvertently at that. He would have to be more careful about what he said around Sotaro, but the man seemed to be telling the truth and rather open with him for whatever reason compelled the man to do so. He could not help but to laugh as he mentioned young women and a good geisha house.
"Enjoy the evening because tomorrow we are going to a small shrine to Tengen… I have a message to deliver."What he left unrevealed to Izo was that they were also to meet Bayushi Yojiro, but Izo didn't really need to know. As Sunetra gave him explicit orders to take Izo to be "seen" by Yojiro, that's what he was going to do.
By the evening, as promised, they reached the famous road, but instead of going for the most luxurious inns in its neighborhood, Sotaro choose a discreet one, with the singular name of Deer's Rest. A place for connoisseurs only, judging by the somewhat simplistic and traditional decór, contrary to the current Scorpion tendencies, heavily influenced by their stay in the Burning Sands. And, apparently they were the only visitors of the night, judging by the total absence of other male voices.
After they were cleaned, fed and pampered by those Scorpion geisha of high quality, there were songs and light talking. Sotaro, however, kept loyal to his word of being content on their voices and music and nothing more.
After some time, he retired to sleep, not bothering to say to his young travel companion to relax for the place was safe. It would be useless, probably.
Though maybe, Sotaro could be wrong.
Izo figured a man could get used to such treatment. True to his word Sotaro was a man of fine taste in geisha houses and it was relaxing to no end to just sit and enjoy the music and light conversation. To be pampered to such a degree, he found it both enjoyable and odd. As Sotaro retired he spent some more time in the company of the women before excusing himself as well. He spent some time on his katas despite his rather middling ability with the sword as it kept him honed before drifting off into a fitful sleep. So much Scorpion in such a small time. First Satomi is claimed by them and now he was traveling in their lands like an honored guest. It left an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach and his instincts were running wild as did some of Sotaro's questions. What was he searching for and why was he being so friendly?
Finally he sat up covered in sweat and let out a long sigh. His eyes glanced to the nearby window and it told him it was still dark. He hefted himself to the small basin of water and washed his face before his gut sank and his head screamed in alarm.
Something was decidedly out of place.
He washed his face again and made his way slowly back over to the bed.. a presence.. hiding in the darkness. He almost hadn't caught it and if it weren't for his training and general paranoia about such things he would have laid back down to his final sleep. Instead he slowly lowered himself to crawl back into bed and at the last moment pulled his katana free of its scabbard and charged the darkness. He felt his arm sting in pain as his own blade sank into something soft and forgiving until it crunched with a light thok into the would behind the unknown man. The light thud informing him his strike was true and there was now a headless body in his room.
He did not have time to think about that as he quickly and silently made his way over to his pack. Retrieving a salve he rubbed into his wound at the very least it would stall any poison until he could get it treated. Izo's eyes flared with anger and he crept unforgivably silently to his door, listening against it silently for what felt like an eternity until he was satisfied. The door opened silently and slowly and his eyes sensed out the dimly lit hallway and just as silently as he had exited his room he entered Sotaro's far more cautiously.
It was perhaps a begrudging amount of pride when he made it next to Sotaro's sleeping place and moved his katana away from the man. Keeping just the edge of reach with his sword. It would not be the first time he had killed a man in his sleep, but Sotaro deserved the benefit of the doubt at the least.
"Sotaro. Wake up and move slowly or die." it was a odd feeling to notice he held his blade in his left hand.. but there was nothing to be said for that now. "Were you ordered to have me killed? Think very carefully on your answer."
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Oct 29, 2014 1:18:16 GMT
Chapter 2: Temple Triage
"Don't be such a whimpering bitch." Was Sotaro's calm response, eyes still closed. He was an experienced and old Scorpion Sensei, Izo's movements were like trolls dancing over a bridge to his ears. "I'm an old man with light sleep."
Then he sighed and opened his eyes, annoyed.
"My Champion orders me to take you to her and suddenly, you think I'm trying to kill you? You are delusional. Killing you in our own home? It's an insult to our clan's fame. And... weren't you right-handed?"
Izo smirked with the good half of his face and lowered his sword.
"No, but provoking an honest annoyed response is quicker and easier then politely asking what the heavens is going on. Someone wanted it to look like you did this Sotaro."
He wiped the sweat from his face.
"Sotaro there is a dead assassin in my room and if your clan is as good with poisons as they say they are I hope that goes for curing them as well. And I was right-handed.. am.. dammit Sotaro now is not the time for stupid questions."
"Bullshit. I don't have living enemies." That was quite the bragging, however he sat and asked:
"You don't sound like you are hurt, so well, let's see your room."
Not mortally, thought Izo. Though he dearly hoped the scratch on his arm wasn't poisoned otherwise this was going to be a real shitty trip.
"Enemies have a tendency to rise from the dead." that he could attest to.
Izo's story was incredible but as a good Scorpion, Sotaro wasn't going to dismiss any possibility. Such as possibility of someone trying to drug him, though not kill the Crab. Damn amateur, if it was the case he reflected.
Izo lead the way. If Sotaro was going to finish the job then he just would at the moment and at least he would have truth before died. He stepped aside when he got int and motioned to the body. Izo wouldn't admit he had probably overreacted slightly, but his dreams and the general feeling of the trip had him on edge.
"Uhn… So were you visited by a nine-tailed fox, Izo-san?" It was just a joke, but Sotaro was surprised to not see a thing. He was used to darkness and whatever Izo had seen, wasn't there. The Scorpion sensei even reached a lantern from the porch and started a search in Izo room, trying to find any signal of a fight in the mess Izo made, but it was useless.
Nevertheless, it wasn't impossible that Izo was telling the truth and wasn't being victim of tricks of his own mind. The Scorpion clan possessed means to make it happen as so.
"Izo-san, it seems you've fallen asleep on your feet and your mind produced such things. It was indeed a tiresome day and you are a wary man… In an exciting environment…" Sotaro sighed. "We can see better with daylight, but it doesn't seem you've ever killed anyone in this room."
Izo's eyes barely restrained his rage. More so at himself then anything Sotaro humor did nothing to ease the situation.
"I have faced down maho-tsukai and unspeakable horrors on the wall and you say here in a place I am completely safe that I am losing my mind? That is not reassuring.. if that is the case Sotaro.. i do not wish to be a danger to your clan..."
Sotaro curled his lips.
"I was really expecting I could resume my sleep…"
'Let's check taint. Check poison. Check your sanity. Check for maho around the house. Check your memory for enemies capable of flying. Disappearing in the air. Check for spirits. What else? No way.'
"Izo, be reasonable. You have nothing on your shoulder but an odd-smelling salve and a mosquito bite. Not that he was able to see that well in the dark."
Finally Izo looked around, a bit.. pensive. He did not like what was going on a single bit. Thoughtful he finally moved for his pack and pulled out his jade sphere and piece of crystal holding them both tightly in his hands before nodding. Satisfied he did not have to worry about being possessed at the very least.
"Very well Sotaro. I have no explanation, but I will not keep you awake for my delusions. Noone was harmed save perhaps my pride." he sheathed his sword quickly. "Let us leave early so we can get where we need to be the Scorpion lands do not appear to be treating me well."
Only the fact Sotaro was twice Izo's age made him forgive the Crab for this scene. And maybe because he had listened to some of his favorite songs and was on an excellent mood. Giving Izo a "Hmmp!" as good night, Sotaro left for his own room.
Izo bowed to Sotaro and took a deep breath in annoyance at the whole thing. Returning his things to his pack and attempting to settle back into sleep. Fitful as it was he drited off to awaken with the rise of the sun and packed up his things in a quick and efficient manner. Moving downstairs to eat some breakfast so they could set off and be that much closer to Kyuden Bayushi. he paid little heed to his surroundings and was the perfect image of an annoyed armored Hida the day before he had to return to the wall from leave.
Sotaro woke up even earlier; to shave his face, practice some kata and keep fit. The incident of the last night was still without an explanation in his mind, but the travel must go on, so he requested a talk to Okasan (not really okasan but a veteran Shosuro spy) and asked her what was going on. She laughed and said her girls behaved last night, although a bit disappointed for the lack of interest of two promising men, each one on his own way. Sotaro said that either the Crab was fearful of Scorpion women, or he was in love for one of them in particular. As for him, he was old and the travel was tiresome; nothing wrong with her girls. She laughed and agreed; adding that she had received explicit orders to not bother Sotaro or the Crab.
Sotaro would prefer if Izo's version was true. A man like him losing his mind was a dangerous traveling companion.
He greeted Izo when the man showed up, but didn't tease him with jokes.
Izo returned the greeting with one of his own, but was silent other then that. The events of the previous night turned over in his mind yet again. At the time it had felt so real and he had never dreamed so vividly like that before. Either something serious happened to him or after the end of the journey he would be forced to seek out the Kuni for help provided he didn't accidentally kill someone by the end of the trip. Now, to the worst part of this travel… mused Sotaro
Sotaro and Yojiro had a serious disagreement just after the retirement of the latter. The saboteur went to this very shrine of Tenjen and asked Sojiro about what to do with Satomi. Sojiro's reply made the usually cold blood of Sotaro to boil. He wasn't a Champion anymore and Sotaro, who never really respected the man, argued harshly with the former Champion. Since them, he never returned, and of course, his reports stopped. Sotaro, instead, turned to the new Champion…
However, Yojiro knew much about the Lying Darkness, and the Ashlan… Where they were and possibly, what they were doing. But the sensei knew it wasn't the only reason of this visit.
During the visit they passed by several fields were the hinin were working, or small forests where lumber was being extracted. Sotaro knew that many of them were in reality spies, observing who was coming to the shrine.
By the noon they arrived in a secluded place surrounded by a beautiful landscape, a valley and a lake adorned by a torii and a small and elegant Shrine to the Fortune of Writing. The monks lodges (it wasn't exactly a monastery in the strict term) were houses near the lake.
Monks and peasants were fishing or doing other chores. Someone showed as soon as they were seen; an old nun (much older than Sotaro) and a youthful and bare-chested big heimin who was apparently transporting some logs (Sotaro doubted the logs didn't hide some sort of weapon).
He greeted the nun, and all courtesies being said from both parts; then he politely asked to see Yojiro-sama, or at least deliver him a letter. She instructed them to wait under a tree and took the letter. Sotaro identified his former champion and brother-in-law in the lake, the only monk with non-shaved hair. But sat down in the shadow the tree provided, accepted the water a hinin boy offered them, perfectly ok on waiting.
"How is your arm and shoulder, Izo?"
As they rode his eyes went to the hinin that worked letting his mind drift to a passable impersonation of contentment as he finally gave up trying to think on what happened. Some of the glances he received from those working caused him to raise an eyebrow, but he doubted many Crab traveled in the company of a man such as Sotaro to a shrine with no intent to kill old rivals..
The last time he had seen such old people were amongst the dragon monastaries. Lives filled with peaceful pursuits had an odd ability to extend ones life and it was no small wonder Crab philosophy was as colored as it was when the only old people about were veterans of decades of fighting.
"It is fully functional Sotaro. Thank you for your concern.. What sort of people retire here or choose to live like this?" everyone had their own reasons for joining a particular monk sect and he was having a small difficulty understanding the correlation which he figured as with all things Scorpion was the point.
"Differently from Crab's philosophy_ which serves very well to your clan_ we think that a Scorpion who lived enough to retire, deserves respect from the clan. Particularly in this monastery… Former high ranked samurai and even our former champion. I know little about this Fortune, to be sincere. Something to do with writing. They often wander through the Empire collecting playwrights and other sort of books."
He smirked sardonically.
"Don't worry, I brought enough incense for both of us, in the case they force us to pray. However there's little I can do if it involves some calligraphy"
Izo could not help but hmph in amusement at Sotaro the brief joke helping ease the electric tension he felt in the air. Like the day before he received his disfiguring scar, it was an odd sensation in his gut he could never get used too.
"I was counting on you for the fancy writing. My own guilty pleasure has been known to be acting." something that was for the most part thankfully silent so his issue with vocal changes was easily glossed over. Not that he ever told anyone that before. Being disarmed did not leave him feeling as naked as some would. Just more of the same as far as he was concerned.
Someone returned to admit them in, taking them to a communal dwelling where they were served tea. Of course tradition demanded all weapons were left behind, in the porch. Sotaro didn't hide some contempt when Yojiro entered the room, alone. It was on purpose. Yojiro however didn't move a muscle of the face, in response.
Anyone who knew Satomi and could see both Yojiro and Sotaro in the same room would understand their familiar relation, as she was just a mix of their features in a female shape. So the mystery about Sotaro's role in Satomi's life was likely to be solved for Izo.
Out of feigned respect Sotaro bowed low to the former-champion-turned-monk, which reciprocated the gesture with grace. His totally white and long hair was an oddity among monks, but fit him well, as his "natural power" presence.
"Yojiro-sojo, I'm glad you can receive us. This is…" and Sotaro made an odd pause here, "Hida Izo, Chief Emerald Magistrate and guest of Sunetra-dono among the Scorpion."
Izo's intense eyes shifted between the two men as they saw one another and hmmed softly at the revelation of Satomi's parentage and what she would say if she knew exactly what he was doing right this moment would have probably earned an amused smirk from both parties. At his introduction he bowed low our out of respect for his old friend. Old?
Yojiro's eyes (so resembled from the ones Izo knew very well) were fixed in the figure of the large Hida. A glimpse of emotion passed briefly by them, analyzing his stance and mannerisms more than his features. Of which he was decided it was an eerie mix of the Hida's own stance and a far more familiar one. A chimera of sorts in this moment.
"Sotaro-san you should do well to respect this.. 'junshin'. Though I do not understand why you have sequestered the guardian of Itsuwari in.. this place?" as he finished the sentence in a uncontrolled sneer as if the very thought of the man being stuck here was absolutely unspeakable. Izo blinked from his intense stare of Yojiro, how had he known that? His left hand went to feel for a sword that was not there and muttered a single word under his breath though Sotaro might hear it "Ambition.."
So, that's it. Sotaro just confirmed his guess, but still, it was shocking.
Yojiro barely refrained a smile, his lips corners twitching slightly before speaking, "I'm an old man, Izo-san, and Emma-O still doesn't want me in his Realm. One must retreat and let the younger to do their job when the time is come."
Sotaro decided not to answer the rhetoric question Izo directed to him. Yojiro sat and signaled so they would do the same.
"It's been a long time, Sotaro-san. And you bring me a new friend!"
'That's not the intention', Sotaro thought. "Sunetra-dono asked me to deliver her letter. Once you have a reply for her, Izo-san and I will be joining her in Kyuden Bayushi."
"Oh, I see. I must have a reply in the next morning. If you don't mind waiting..."
"Not at all."
Yojiro turned to Izo, a disconcerting smile in his aged face. "You mentioned a singular knowledge, young man. It would sate my curiosity learning some about its source..."
Izo blinked a bit as he heard his name and his attention redirected fully to yojiro. Old? The man could say what he wanted about being old, but they must have radically different opinion of what constituted old the man could not have even been past 30 to his eyes. quickly he forced himself to think back on all that was said in his drift.
"I see." was his singular reply to his statement as he took a seat with the others. New friend? He glanced to Sotaro as he mentioned they would wait. A delay.. in a shrine of monks. fantastic..
Yojiro's curiosity earned him a raised eyebrow "Of what do you wish to know yojiro..-san?" he could not explain what was going on. That food at the geisha house must have been bad or something. Everything felt wrong and out of place.
With that, Sotaro and Yojiro exchanged glances for the first time. It was somewhat concerning. Using Izo's distraction to his odd memories and confusion, Sotaro spiked his tea. Knocking him out would give them time to decide what to do. Nobody wanted this man to go crazy thinking he was the old and legendary Shoju (for most Scorpions, a hero in his own merit) thinking he was living the days of the Coup. Hopefully, after some induced sleep he would be on his gruff Crabish self again.
Izo sipped his tea and made a bit of a face. "So that is how it is going to be Sotaro? Thank you for taking it out of my hands." already concerned with whatever in Jigoku was going on he knocked back the rest of the tea perhaps hoping it was poison or the like. To lose his sanity now was an insult. His form slumped back to the floor with a loud thud.
His dreams were filled with odd disjointed dreams. A throne, a shattered blade, the scent of blood and the wash of death. When he finally came to he blinked awake and looked around. He was in a spacious bedroom, his pack in a corner and his armor in a dummy, his weapons in a rack at reach of his sight but a few steps from the futon where he was laid on. Observing that there was a new sort of salve in his shoulder, which throbbed painfully.
Sotaro was sat on the opposite corner of the room, observing the Crab. 'Now, to deal with this mess…'
"Ohayou, Izo-san. Sorry for the last night."
He said cautiously. "You were acting quite strangely. You may notice we tried to purge any poison from your body_ in the case there was some. Yojiro-sojo suggested that you can be seen by one of our shugenja back in the palace, but I'm not sure how you will react to it."
Izo sat up and looked to his shoulder again and shot a questioning look at Sotaro. Stretcheing a bit before finally nodding.
"I appreciate your delicacy in the matter. One hopes that were I not wearing a helmet you would not have resorted to a swift bludgeon to the head." he got out of bed slowly to test and assure there was no side effects before donning his preferred manner of clothing.
"Are you trying to inform me of something Sotaro-san? What do you mean you are unsure how I will react to a shugenja?"
"I'm glad you started trusting us once for all." Was Sotaro's response.
Izo could not help but grunt like a Hida at the response.
"Understood Sotaro. Is it too late in the day to begin travel? I would not wish to displease your Champion."
After hearing Yojiro's musings, all night long, Sotaro was, too, eager to leave the place, but kept his thoughts for himself and chuckled at Izo's hurry.
"He wants to speak to you before we leave."
Izo could not help but ponder that for a second.. he looked to Sotaro as he redressed in his armor.
"Sotaro I would appreciate your council.. putting aside your obvious distaste for the man would you suggest I do so? Or shall we discover if this place has a back door?" grinning with the half of his face that was able before sliding his grim mempo into place.
Sotaro pondered then spoke truthfully, "He still has great influence over our current champion… Both trust each other's judgment. He knows more than anyone else about what we wish to investigate. If I were you, I'd try to 'make friends' as it seems he's inclined to think of you, as he'll not forget your actions next time you may be in need of him."
Then, Sotaro put his best paternal-sensei tone to his next words, "Now… I saw you growing, Izo. What's going on? You are not yourself since you put your feet in the less known paths of the Scorpion lands."
Izo gave a stern nod to the man "Very well. It would not do to displease such a man and I am not one to make enemies without good reason." he put his Daisho back on and grabbed his pack before answering Sotaro's question.
"I do not have an answer for you Sotaro. It as if my instincts are trying to tell me something or remind me of something I have forgotten. I have.. felt this before on rare occasion, but never anything this strong." he shrugged unable to give Sotaro any definitive answer.
"Perhaps I am simply cursed.. regardless let us speak to your friend and be on our way. I would not cause annoyance to the Champion for our tardiness." Without further conversation they departed.
As soon as they showed in the communal house, they were fed and then taken to Yojiro's house. He was carefully doing some calligraphy, the fude dancing on the washi sheet, and the words flowing like fluid kata.
He didn't greet them or even glanced at them, but spoke all the same "Crab-san, check those scrolls and name the swords."
Over a table, ten scrolls laid in perfect order, sharing some similarities while closed, but not exactly identical. Once opened they revealed very detailed drawings of swords.
"Hai Yojiro-sama." not moving over to the table immediately and instead watching the careful calligraphy and reading the words. he said nothing about it then moved to the table with the scrolls with a slight glance to Sotaro as he wondered what this was about.
"This one is Churetsu." he recognized at least from his readings or so he thought. The next few he could not identify they looked like any other katana to him. "Itsuwari before it was returned to the heavens." a few more unknowns to him "Yashin (Ambition) before it was shattered.." his left hand itched slightly and he looked to the distance as if the mention of the swords name let its remains call out to him before he turned and looked to Yojiro.
"My apologies at my lack of Scorpion swords -sama. It is not an area of interest of mine."
"Do you wonder why do you recognize swords that weren't described in books or seen by anyone in your generation?" He asked, straightening from his bending position after carefully putting a cloth over the finished calligraphy.
"Any explanations that I could come up with are not of any comfort, but I would hear your musings if you have any you would like to share." he was careful to take as respectful tone as he could given his voice.
"In the case you are quickly degenerating into insanity, or are possessed by some strange force which induces you to act and think like other person, what would you do?" He questioned, now a cold stare directed at Izo. "Or if it was the rarest case of someone living his kharma choosing blind duty instead of questioning, but not completely free of the old habit of being the 'Underhand"?
"If i am degenerating into insanity Bayushi-sama then I would complete my duty by visiting your Champion then return home to the shadow lands to fight the creatures of darkness until i succumb to its effects or die."
"If I am possessed i would see a shugenja to see if it could be cured or turned against the one who was responsible, if I pose a danger to others seppeku.."
The final intriguing question made him return the man's stare.
"The final answer would entirely depend on more clarity of the subject.."
"I believe you wouldn't mind, better, you'd like to be sure you are neither insane nor being enslaved by someone else's will, before deciding to 'look for Hida's son' in the Shadowlands."
He sighed somewhat heavily. "I propose you endure some tests, Hida-san, that may help to identify which case is yours. We can make you examined by one of the best Scorpion shugenja available. Or you can leave and look for a shugenja from your clan and expose your doubts…" He didn't add 'because until the real nature of your odd behavior is not entirely clarified, I doubt the Champion will tell you anything, so it's useless to see her ...' but it was implied.
Sotaro, which remained silent until this moment, spoke "Whatever is your choice, you are a Scorpion guest and while you decide to behave as so, we will honor the invitation we made you."
Yojiro nodded.
Izo nodded and was silent for a long moment as he considered his options.
"I trust that what happens in Scorpion lands stays in Scorpion lands. As always when dealing with the Scorpion I, to the best of my ability, will behave and enjoy the hospitality the Scorpion have to offer." the Crab were not known for their discretion and the Scorpion already had knowledge of what was going on and were being quiet about it. In an entirely logical standpoint they would be able to discover and rectify the situation quickly even if it meant owing the Scorpion a favor.
"Yojiro-sama, i appreciate the hospitality and wisdom you have shared with us. if there is nothing further however we should be on our way to Kyuden Bayushi or this shugenja that was mentioned if the destination is not one in the same. It is my hope that the next time we see one another we can get to know one another better." he had the utmost respect for the two old Scorpions even if they were not offering him much to go on aside from the hint at some kharmic retribution.
Yojiro returned the compliment, "I have hopes you are just eager to come home after a long absence… In my letters I'm requesting help of the right persons, so just try to enjoy the experience of being in the Scorpion lands. We will take care of everything." Saying so Yojiro pushed an armful of letters on Sotaro.
'Conceited bastard…' the Bayushi sensei thought, but knowing that the less words he talked, the sooner they left, he complied with the task at hand.
"Ready?" He asked to the Crab.
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Oct 30, 2014 22:34:14 GMT
Chapter 3: Death of Ignorance
Izo's eyebrow twitched slightly at the phrasing of the mans words and bowed deep to yojiro then gave a nod to the sensei. Once out of view and on their way he swiped a bag for the letters and handed it to the Bayushi. finally back on the road he looked over to Sotaro.
"I await your critique sensei. Just because I am a Crab does not excuse me from learning unless you are afraid to make an even more dangerous crab." the last of his sentence tinged with humor.
"Tell me more of the Scorpion lands Sotaro-san.. it will keep us both occupied and unthinking on our exciting little visit."
"Ha. You started calling me sensei. This is a progress!" The Scorpion veteran exclaimed, sorting the letters before putting them in the bag. Oh one for me! A surprise he kept to himself. He wasn't though, content on the events unfolding.
"You tell me about the Scorpion lands, Izo-san. Let's do a little test to see how much YOU remember from your hypothetical past life as Scorpion, while we travel…" If it wasn't clear for Izo what they thought about him, Sotaro, who knew to "speak Crab dialect", make it obvious.
"I'm going to randomly mention a city or place and you tell me where it is. Heavens Crossroads, where it is? Abira? Where's the Thunder's Dagger Dojo?"
Izo chuckled a bit
"A sensei is a sensei no matter the colors besides you only revealed to me yesterday you were such." he sighed a bit at Sotaro.
"Sotaro I respect you deeply, but please do not pretend I am stupid. Give me some credit at least."
"Very well.. Spine of the World mountains near the lion lands. Abira.. not the faintest clue they make moshi or something don't they? Thunder's Dagger Dojo?" he grumbled a bit the dojo was annoying.. like it was just out of reach. "What is the point of this if we are going to see a shugenja?"
"From sensei to Sotaro in few seconds and you pretends to have received an education... How strange.... I remember of seeing you attending Daishiki's Anvil along my child." Sotaro harrumphed.
"I admit my knowledge of Shungeja's capabilities is very limited, but I understand we are trying to determine whether you are being unconsciously being used by, let's say, "someone", or not. That's I believe they can do. However, we are not going to see a Kitsu. So I believe there are other few ways to determine WHO you were..."
Izo could not help but chuckle at Sotaro.
"Then shall I call you Sensei Sotaro so that I may remind myself you are old and finicky in your ways yet still my friend?" it was an obvious teasing gesture.
Kitsu? He was not entirely sure if he was talking about the family or the actual creatures.. either way he'd prefer to not have it that way anyway.
"Hmm. I trust your judgement then. Is it true there are tunnels running beneath the Scorpion lands?"
"Finicky as a Crane virgin..." he nodded.
Izo chuckled again at the crane virgin. "Such a thing is a mythical creature.."
"Tunnels? There are tunnels everywhere! Crane, Lion, Crab... Scorpion of course. Though Now you mention it I've never heard of tunnels in Dragon or Unicorn... But well, who needs tunnels in such places?" He winked.
Izo returned by Shooting Sotaro a glance then shook his head at the wink.
The rest of the travel went so smoothly that Izo barely noticed. Soon the hills surrounding Kyuden Bayushi (the rebuilt castle) could be seen, and the city around it buzzing in activity. Sotaro made a strategic stop in a inn so they wouldn't arrive like 'two dusty ronin', but be properly presentable. They ate, bathed and rested a little much to Izo's relief and Sotaro sent ahead a messenger announcing their arrival by the end of the day.
Later, when they arrived at the inner gates of Kyuden Bayushi, Sotaro turned to his travel companion and said: "You must enter alone. Make your way through the Bayushi's labyrinth. All traps are set up for you, my friend."
He bowed to Izo, respectfully. If this man was really the reincarnation of who they thought he was, it wouldn't be a hard task. In the case he wasn't, maybe he didn't even survive.
Izo could say he was truly surprised at being tested by Bayushi's labyrinth. He retrieved a sealed letter from his pocket and handed it to Sotaro.
"In the event of my death old friend." he bowed then turned to face Bayushi's maze. He made it a few feet in and turned to catch something out of the corner of his eye and jumped, narrowly avoiding becoming half the man he was. Well Sunetra certainly wasn't pulling any punches..
...
How long had it been since he entered the maze? He had to admit the maze was quite formidable and varied in its approach to try and kill. It was no small wonder there were few successful attacks on the Kyuden. Still.. explosive wards, pitfall, arrow traps, and spear traps made him appreciate the Kaiu that helped build and design it still he seemed to have an odd inclining for such things and he had several scares that attested that he wasn't immune to the charms of hidden death.
Now what would possess the Scorpion to put a chasm in their maze? Even as he thought it the maze felt familiar somehow. Stairs.. he had to find stairs. His eyes almost missed even as he knew where to look and descended to the hidden room. His eyes taking in the sight of so many scrolls and artifacts of a previous era. He reached up and rubbed his temple as it ached terribly and with a blink it was all gone.
"Uikku, that certainly explains alot.."
"Welcome, warrior." A sultry voice was heard. From the shadows, Sunetra appeared, touching his chest as a caress (though however it would be more a symbolic gesture if Izo was wearing armor).
...
Somewhere up in the garden of the palace, Sotaro examined the letter, wondering... He wouldn't be a Scorpion if he didn't read it.
Sotaro i hope you gave it a respectable amount of time before you pried as any good Scorpion should. Deliver my Daisho to a woman named Kitsuki Maru and give her my regards, you can find her at the Open Eye Dojo. Send my armor back home to my parents. Satomi is still my voice of the dead and should her duties not keep her from it I would like her to state to all gathered.
"Following Duty is a way of life. Those who adhere to its tenets most are often the least understood. Men of ambition are never to be trusted. The enemy is only the shadowlands and those that would destroy Rokugan from without and within. For now get drunk and live another day."
Sotaro scratched his chin. Interesting... 'Is it possible that he followed Kisada's example and found a mistress in the Kitsuki? A son, perhaps?'
Scorpions and their little games.. "Hello, Sunetra-dono. I was not expecting to meet with you so soon."
"You took very little to come, dear Izo. She said, her blue eyes seeking his. As you came so deep in the Scorpion secrets, and they reveal themselves to you as old lovers do... Yet, for practical purposes you are still a guest. But I propose you..." She evolved the caress to the tips of his hair. "Stay."
His deep browns looked back into hers. His stance clearly showing he was on guard, as if it was just another test to be endured.
"I am a perceptive man Sunetra, perhaps I am just good at asking the right questions and reading the answers off my opponents reactions." the offer to stay made him curious more then cautious however.
"Stay to what end?"
"Stay at my side and defend the Empire the way I do. The way we do. The way you used to." was her response. Her eyes were indeed inquisitive, mischievous by nature and perhaps a bit cold, but showed some awe, if one would be wise enough to recognize it in that intense gaze.
"At your side? To defend the Empire.. playing to my patriotism is a wise move.." he looked down at her unflinching from the subtle touches "Did you ever expect to be saying such words to a crab?"
"I'm not talking to 'a Crab'! Are you really a Crab? The true Crab expelled you from the Wall, because, my dear, you aren't one of them. Even if you threw your 'mask' as did Shosuro Itode, you wouldn't adapt to their lifestyle, to their beliefs."
Izo laughed softly without breaking his gaze. "They expelled me from the wall because they feared me Sunetra, because killing the servants of darkness is sweet in of itself. But you are right I wouldn't. They look only one direction for foes." his head tilted ever so slightly out of curiosity of the woman.
"I know you want… so badly to forget the touch of ambition in your soul… I know you use Duty as armor. Your wit is not offensive here as it was in the Wall. In fact, it's exciting and necessary. Your methods can be again refined and appreciated; anything wasted, anything forgotten, just added new knowledge no other clan in the Empire can gather in a thousands years."
"You will never need to fear come back home or the family you were born in, because you will feel at home here."
"And your scars are not offensive," and saying so she removed his kabuto and then, his mempo (in the case he permitted so), "because we all use masks… but you don't need to use it for me…"
He listened to the rest of her words without comment. Watching her as she lifted his kabuto free from him. A smirk firmly planted on the good half of his face.
"And why is that Sunetra? Do you think you know me so well a mask would be useless? Because I am a reincarnated Scorpion legend?"
"I'd be stupid if I thought so, Izo. I like to think I'm above stupidity."
"So you want me to return home to the Scorpion. Tell me your thoughts Sunetra leave the games for our enemies and speak your mind."
"That's the feeling, my dear. We aren't enemies. In fact, you know it's the only place where you have true allies, the only possible allies... You said it yourself, when you came to me…"
She came forward, and whispered hotly in his ear "And I said it already: stay by my side. Consorting me, perhaps. Unveiling the truth when others live lies."
"All truths.."
He looked at Sunetra a bit differently. Wondering if perhaps the woman was simply afraid of what could happen to the Scorpion clan if Shoju reincarnation was not on friendly terms with the current Champion. A quiet internal civil war and that would not do the Empire any good at all.
"Kachiko did not love Shoju for his deformities, but eventually learned to care for him. You would see me become your wife to hold the clan together?"
"You, for all means, are not Lady Kachiko. But eventually, can learn to care for me in spite of my 'deformities."
She carressed his face, both scarred and good side.
"Another would take your words as a threat, imaginary or real... But Izo... It's a new era... and I am the chosen by Churetsu."
Izo smirked at the words and the gesture.
"I do not threaten Sunetra goad a bit perhaps, but never threaten." he gave her a nod and brought up his own hand to her face.
"We all have weaknesses and strengths Sunetra, ours shall compliment one another well."
"No threaten, straight to action, then. Gooood…" Sunetra rolled the word on her tongue as a treat.
"How not to love you?"
Offering her lips to seal the deal with a kiss.
There were certainly worse ways to die then kissing a woman like Sunetra on the lips. His arms wrapped around her tightly.
"Trust and loyalty preferably." he could not be serious all the time finally sealing the deal with a kiss and half expecting to feel his knees buckle under him and have to toss her into the chasm as his last defiant act.
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Nov 4, 2014 0:41:30 GMT
Chapter 4: Duty is Never Easy
In what seemed to Izo like a breakneck pace he had been married with a small assemblage of witnesses and that was that. What followed was almost as much of a blur as sensei's of all types and flavors attempted to cram as much about Rokugani politics, high society, and what felt like an endless number of other topics. The announcement of the Amethyst Championship doing him little favors in that regard. Just when it looked like he might be able to enjoy his own pursuits Sunetra gave him an entirely different task. One he accepted grimly and with no amount of joy,
He sat sipping sake considering the task before him wondering if it was perhaps just another one of Sunetra's test. It would not be easy in any regard both on a personal level and a larger scale. Such were not his usual purview as he much rather enjoyed manipulating opponents he could kill afterwords as a victory lap, but such would not be the case. No doubt he would have to use everything he had learned from the multitude of teachers he had gone through in the past months to pull it off. He sighed inwardly and set to writing his letter picking out a fine piece of parchment and ink to go with it.
To Yasuki Hachi,
Old friend and colleague, I come to the end of my business in the Scorpion lands and hope this letter finds you in good health. It has been quite the busy summer and I find myself wanting in the company of familiar faces. It was was my hope that you might find it in your busy schedule to receive me and enjoy some time to drink and relax.
Fortunes smile upon you, Hida Izo
Scratching his chin at the letter before shrugging. It got the point across and he had taken more then his usual fair due to be polite and respectful. It may make some others cringe but if he wrote some sort of baffling courtly letter Hachi would wonder if he had gone mad. Play to the audience..
The Emerald Champion and Yasuki Daimyo was facing severe political backlashes in the moment Izo's letter arrived to his hands. His position as Yasuki daimyo was threatened by Kaneka's evident ambition and the sui generis position of the family, living in borrowed lands owned by the older brother of the Empress. As Emerald Champion, his activities recently suffered a limitation, when the Shogun took charge of the most part of the Imperial Legions. His court ally and mentor, Otomo Hotekuhime, suffered serious loss of influence when the Empress decided her advices were not good enough and put her on shame in the Imperial Court. Now, Kaneka was seriously working in defaming his ability to govern the Yasuki family when he exposed that one of Hachi's most useful hatamoto was in fact a Kolat. Not only a Kolat: Jinn-Kuen was the master coin. Demoralized, Hachi could foresee Kaneka's next step…
Now, a Hida (even if it was his Chief Magistrate and well known colleague) sent him a letter suggesting a casual meeting. IN the current conjuncture, all hachi expected is that the meeting was in fact a stratagem of Hida Kuon, Crab champion and Shogun, to communicate without publicly showing he was taking any party...
The Emerald Champion received Izo in Shiro Yogasha, and was training his kyujitsu skills in some dummy targets when the large Crab arrived.
Regardless of the circumstances of the meeting, casual or otherwise, Izo found it best to prepare himself accordingly if only to throw off Hachi expecting the gruff dour Hida that he was. He had purchased a resplendent new kimono which he found himself wishing for colors of red instead of dark blue and had cleaned his armor, but decided on leaving his kabuto and mempo elseware. In his hand was a gift meant for the Hachi which of a particularly enjoyable vintage of Sake from some small town whose name he couldn't recall. He had already mentally prepared himself for the annoying denial ritual everyone had to do.
Spotting his intended target he watched the man practice a bit before announcing himself. "They say the arrow knows the way, but does the man behind the arrow know his way? It is good to see you again Hachi-sama. It has been along time."
"Sometimes is just not easy to find you, even when you are necessary..." Hachi joked, lowering the bow. "It's hard to admit, but the arrow is wiser than me. I just try to train my hand to obey its command."
It was not common to see Izo without that horrific mempo, but Hachi understood the reason the guy resorted to a carefully picked scary appearance instead of an inevitable one.
Servants rushed to attend Izo in his needs for refreshment or even sake.
"Sometimes obfuscation can be necessary evil my friend. To the chagrin of my allies and enemies alike." not that he had much of the latter that he knew of, but it never hurt one to be cautious. He graciously accepted a glass of water from the servants before returning the cup.
"If you would do me the honor of accepting this gift of fine sake, it does not make up for the absence of a friend, but perhaps in the future you will remember me more fondly." working hard to keep emotion off his face as he wanted to smile again. Offering the bottle of fine sake to Hachi with a gracious bow. Wanting to offer the gift first before he had to talk of less tasteful things. He could hear Sunetra's chagrin at not using the sake as a weapon to sway, but he wanted the offer to be genuine and he felt Hachi would take that as far better then being outright manipulated.
With the evident and sincere demonstration of friendship, Hachi, a man used to be "beslavered" all the time, got a bit alarmed on what it could mean coming from a man as Izo. After the two traditional refusals, the Yasuki said: "Izo-san, it's very kind of you, but is it an attempt to replace yourself as my chief magistrate for a case of excellent sake, isn't it? I'd be tempted because the sake would give me less headache in the day after, but a Chief Emerald magistrate surely have his advantages over good sake" He went for the humorous approach.
Izo could say he genuinely felt a small twang in chest at what he was about to do, having to leave the man. No doubt he would look upon his time in the Emerald Magistrates as being a far easier time then what laid ahead.
"Ah! Indeed and when you go to look for it you know where to find it at the very least!" he was pleased he had put the man in a good mood. "Is there somewhere we could speak and relax, perhaps enjoying a few sips of your replacement Magistrate?" sure it sounded horrible but that was the idea.
"Well, sure sure." Although his guts said his feeling about the gift was right, Hachi wasn't pleased to lose his own "Underhand". Surely Hachi suspected not always Izo resorted on honest means to grab the truth and bring it to light, but he made sure to never ask as well. After washing briefly in a basin, Hachi invited Izo to a more comfortable place. Leaving for a hall with wide round windows to a magnificent garden, they could sit and relax, and drink the sake Izo gifted him. "There are few better positions than Chief magistrate in the Empire a man like you can desire, Izo-san."
Izo was in no hurry, in fact it came as a bit of a relief that Hachi was as keen as he had always known about such things. He poured them both a cup of the sake, Hachi first of course before himself and gesture to the cup to have Hachi take his before grabbing his own then taking a light sip. The view could not have been better.
"As Magistrates we often come to understand it is not often of our own desires we must do certain tasks, but what must be done instead. You are however right Hachi-san. I felt you should be the first to know that I have married and have been offered a respectable position in my new clan." even his own parents didn't know exactly who.. but he knew his mother was happy until she found out the exact whom at least. Perhaps the Scorpion in him wanting to know just how much Hachi knew if the man was inclined to give anything.
Things started to make sense. "There are a few reasons to have a so discreet marriage, my friend". Hachi didn't drink the sake on his cup, but was still flashing his widely known smile defiantly. For the detractors he was a 5 years old foolish child; for his allies he was charismatic and open.
Izo chuckled and gave a nod "That is indeed true. In this case several reasons my wife is a busy woman and my favored reason was lack of turning it into an act of political mayhem as so many people are inclined to do nowadays." shooting Hachi a glance as the man surely knew the general group of which he spoke. "Soon I will be Bayushi Izo." leaving it at that to let his friend absorb what he was saying.
"Congratulations, Izo-san!" Hachi nodded while trying to quickly figure on what political mayhem was outlining in Rokugan's scenery. That was so crazy! Truth is, while very well intentioned, Hachi wasn't a witted politician. "Do I know your betrothed?"
"Thank you very much Hachi-san. I apologize that you weren't invited to the ceremony, but when there is more time available a quiet reception will be announced." much to the Scorpions benefit he figured. This time it was his turn to smile "If you did not Hachi-san i would be quite surprised. I have the pleasure of being married to Lady Sunetra herself." watching carefully the man's response to that. Half expecting Hachi to wonder who he had blackmailed for that privilege.
Hachi struggled to keep his grin in place. He was of course shocked.
"It must have been a lot of negotiations between Lady Sunetra and Lord Kuon, I imagine. And you were the lucky one!" He felt slightly prejudiced to not have been consulted as one of the family daimyo of the Crab. Getting a Crab married to Lady Sunetra wasn't a little thing. Was it a sign of his loss in importance?
Izo smirked and gave a nod "Truth be told I think Kuon was glad to be rid of me. We both know I am not the most Crablike of crab which serves me just as well. I DO have more charm then my face would relay my friend." he gave a nod all the same lucky indeed. "Do not be to harsh on Kuon. He no doubt wanted to be sure you had your full attention on your duties. Or would you have advised against it?" grinning now his staple half grin at the man.
"Maybe", the Emerald Champion fully laughed, vulgarly maybe. He was at his home and having one of the strangest conversations of the last months, damn if he couldn't indulge himself a bit. "But I'm glad my friend Izo is so well married." Maybe this connection could be of advantage.
Izo chuckled as the Champion laughed. "In rank and beauty I would have to say." he took a moment to sip some of the sake he had brought "Of course I must ask your humble permission to relieve me as Chief Emerald magistrate so that I may serve my new clan as hatamoto." he saw little need to beat around the bush as he figured Hachi had surmised something in that regard even if he hadn't guessed his new position was to be that high.
For a strange reasons he never thought Sunetra was that beautiful. He knew a lot of other Scorpion ladies a lot more interesting in this aspect. "In fact I wish you a happy marriage, Izo-san! Kampai!" he raised his cup in a toast. "And hatamoto... Well, Lady Sunetra is taking a bold move, not because you are undeserving_you aren't_ but because, maybe, people will be a bit shocked on having a former Crab speaking as the Scorpion Clan's voice."
Raising his glass as well "Kampai!" and taking another drink of his sake. It certainly couldn't go worse then his other marriages. "Indeed she is, but her Clan trusts her judgement. Those outside of it will learn to adjust." unable to help another half-grin. "So, old friend do I have your begrudging permission to no longer be your trusted underling?"
"Send the proper papers to my personal assistant" was his response. "I'm not going to spoil the plans of Lady Sunetra and Lord Kuon." he surely needed someone with a more pragmatic view of the Chief magistrate position, as Izo possessed. It would be difficult to replace him without resorting on a Scorpion.
"Thank you Hachi, it means a lot in more ways then one I assure you." he smirked and took a sip of his sake "Now that I speak only as your friend would you mind a bit of advice in dealing with Kaneka?" sure it was bold, but playing subtle with Hachi would have demeaned the man.
"I couldn't give you advices in how to deal with General Kaneka if I don't know what you have in mind, Izo-san." Hachi didn't flinch.
"It is to my understanding he is busy undermining your support as Yasuki Daimyo. It is my humble suggestion that you provide an annoying obstacle by marrying and providing a heir. The sooner the better." he was not about to speak further if Hachi would did not even entertain the idea quite yet.
"Producing a heir demands a bit of time..." Hachi pushed away whatever excuses and denials about the problem at hand. Izo came forward and was offering help, and while he could induce what it could mean, he'd like to hear the options...
From his gempukku onward, there was always someone trying to marry him to someone, even more after he won the Emerald Championship. It wasn't a novelty and he surely knew how to "dodge" those maneuvers. But listening wasn't the same as compromising...
"True enough, but marriages can be arranged in quite an expedient fashion. A grand one in particular to announce to others you are taking your duties as Daimyo seriously even as others murmur their doubt." he finished off his sake and looked to Hachi "It would be even better if such a move strengthened the Crab clan as a whole by regaining a skilled and powerful member to their clan in the form of your wife. Or do you think the Crab clan enjoys losing a renowned general to the Scorpion?"
What?!! "Aren't you talking about Bayushi Satomi, are you?" Hachi suppressed a gasp just in time.
He smirked at at the Yasuki Daimyo "Of course. Now you can stop pretending to not be interested. You would practically be a hero Hachi."
"By marrying her? Of course I would."
Then he realizes Izo is not a neutral listener anymore*. "I of course don't intend to offend your new clan, but she is... Old. And not exactly beautiful. And the Crab has plenty of good generals."
Lady Hotekuhime would despise him if he get married to Satomi. His friends would mock at him. His lovers, every of them, would feel offended for he had dismissed them to finish marrying that woman.
"I mean... After all she passed... Is she willing to return to Crab? I can arrange to get her married into my family, yes."
Izo raised a slow eyebrow at Hachi and for a brief moment contemplated gutting the man. "This is not an issue of clan. This is an issue of keeping a bastard from destabilizing Rokugan." he then let out a soft hmph "Or are you content to be Yasuki Daimyo for a mere handful of months and then lose your station as Emerald champion. How many 'beautiful' maidens would be willing to sleep with you once you are returned to the low station you were born?"
he let that sink in a moment before continuing, he was going to try and take it easy with Hachi but now.. now the saya had been rattled. "Some of us are more concerned with keeping a peaceable empire then our own personal feelings. Of that I can assure you as I have considerable experience in the matter."
Now that the joking time was over, Hachi found he was tired to let Izo treat him as an equal. Izo reacted poorly to his comment, not in the usual sardonic Scorpion way, and while it wasn't a desired effect, Hachi however couldn't guess the true reasons.
"Positions come and go and yours still haven't come, so you have as many chances as me- or even more- to come back to where you came from, Izo. That's why Sunetra is going into a risky business putting you as her hatamoto. You are a Crab."
Izo sighed and shook his head "I am a Crab, but you are a Crab with wings. Does your shell weigh you down so much you cannot fly? You truly wish to let Kaneka have his way with the lands and its people? I may not be able to see the good in most people Hachi, but you are the underdog. No one expected anything of you and yet you have proven them wrong. You have proven yourself to both Crab and Crane worthy of being a daimyo. I have a hard time believing you have finally given up, but I also know your losing ground and options."
"You are right. I am a Crab with wings. And I thought the Scorpion couldn't marry twice."
"Sometimes we must break the mold to be truly great regardless of how history remembers us."
Owing a favor to Scorpion wouldn't be easy. But if he couldn't resort to Crane's support and make it a third Crane-Crab War, who else?
"You seem a bit different of the Old Izo I remember... But nevermind, I'm sure you have a witty response somewhere in your armor. If it's just about marrying me to a Scorpion, we should choose another. Or if it's about marrying a general, what about Toku's daughter? Miyako? Can Scorpion manage to get it?"
"It is to be Satomi.. it would be a symbolic gesture as well as letting others know that Hachi-sama has grown up as it were. Marriage is a political weapon Hachi and it is to be expected. It is not to say you still can't have your flavor of the week.." unable to help the feeling of bile in his throat as he uttered the words.. a real test this was turning out to be.
It doesn't sound like a helping hand, but as the Scorpion trying to use me as a token of its might... But she truly knew the Yasuki province as the palm of her hand… And if he denied, Scorpion could offer her to Kaneka…
"Does she have children from her first marriage?" It would be impossible to bear.
"It is to my understanding that she has no children currently alive." making sure the phrasing of the answer was clear. She was capable of making children, but none had lived for one reason or another through no fault of her own.
"Do keep in mind a heir will be expected."
She couldn't be beautiful for his high parameters, but she wasn't exactly ugly either, so it wouldn't be a problem… As long she didn't act that bossy in bed…
"It's not a problem." She couldn't speak ill of his masculinity. That's my luck. Doji Yasuo, beautiful maiden and fierce duelist, is offered to Kaneka. I am offered the general Bayushi Satomi, a widow…
"Are you the official nakodo in this matter, or do you send a professional to talk with the Imperial nakodo?" Hachi knew that, due his double loyalty to both Crane and Crab, only the Imperial Nakodo could broker this matter in the name of the Emerald Champion. And of course, this marriage would need the Empress approval... Was he really compromising to marry the woman and have a half Scorpion heir to make sure he was ready to play Kaneka's game, a sort of game he wasn't a good player at?
"We will of course be sending someone to talk with an Imperial nakodo, but we trust you will do everything in your power to make this little deal come to fruition." he paused a moment to take in the view "It may not seem it at first glance Hachi, but I am doing what I can to look out for you." Because helping you helps Rokugan you pompous ass.
"And while many others would think the Scorpion have a hidden agenda in this marriage, I can see the real extension of your generous offering. In the current conjuncture, another civil war would weaken our unity. Maybe Kaneka think twice in starting his coup when he realizes his daimyo is not as bad assisted as he thinks… That's for the Yasuki, and for Rokugan!" Hachi gulped another sip of sake.
"Rokugan does not need another civil war in any part of it that is for sure. As for Kaneka i am sure he will get is deserved in due time." he refilled the man cup and added some more to his own so he could sip at it "It is strange to think i will not be returning here even though I did not visit often."
"Never say never, Izo." Hachi smirked. "For a man like you, able to surprise even the ones who thought they knew you, "never' shouldn't be a option." And Hachi decided to never again judge someone for his -bad- cover.
Izo smirked and shook his head "You know what I meant you sentimental fool. Trying to flatter me won't get you favors any easier you know." shooting the man a smirk as he said it in a good natured manner what passed for Izo's attempt at one. "One would think however you would be preparing for the Amethyst Championships. A lot of duelling to be done and you cannot afford to be in bad form."
"I'm not in bad form, Izo, and I'll beat you as expected". If he someday had any sense of camaraderie to this man, it was totally over now.
Izo chuckled and stood "I am under no illusion as to the outcome of the match, Hachi. I however seem to have a mountain of paperwork to attend to and people to inform. If it is all the same to you Champion-sama I would like to get to it and leave the rest of your day in a peaceable fashion."
Hachi nodded, seemingly distracted, thinking in how to get rid from Scorpion claws once it was over.
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