IC: L5R: Blood and Jade - Blood for Blood (pt 1)

[Shosuro Toshi]

"I suppose," Toshi assented after a moment. "Before you go," he suddenly added, "did you remember last night?" Zoyu and Rin looked perplexed, but Toshi smoothly went on. "The late Lord Fumiya and his son. They raised their voices that one moment, I would think everyone could not have helped but heard. Lord Fumiya was quite clear that he wanted Nobikazu to end his relationship with Chiyoko. Such I fear as befitted him. No compromise or middle ground whatsoever."

The point, that Hito's observations were unfortunately incorrect. Chiyoko and the new lord of the Hideji did have motives for murder.

[Mirumoto Rin]

"Hmmph" 

Rin snorts smiling  then inhales deeply before exhaling rather loudly.

""Shosuro-san, find the others and interview Lord Nobikazou. We will collect the geisha and I think maybe bring her to the castle."

She nods at Zoyu and then toward the street.

"Shall we?"

 

[Noir]

The a new course of action agreed upon, the pairs of magistrates go their separate ways with Toshi and Taka heading back to the castle while Zoyu and Rin proceed to the House of the Pines.

(1 of 3: The House of the Pines)

Following the merchant road, Rin and Zoyu walk across the length of Jinpachi once again, crossing the arched bridge to the southern side of town. They already knew where the House of the Cherry Blossom was, and sure enough, the House of the Pines was two doors down from it, just as they were told. From the outside both buildings looked virtually identical, aside from the a lantern hanging in front of each, bearing the respective establishment's name. It was clear that near one was open for business yet since it was not long past midday, but there were most likely people awake inside, preparing for the opening n a few hours.

With a delicate hand Zoyu gave the door of the House of Pines a swift knock, which drew no response within a couple of minutes, causing her brow to furrow slightly. She knocked again, and again there was no response. Rin stepped up to the door, giving it a much more forceful knock, which drew no response as well. Rin gave a small, disgruntled snort and pounded on the door repeatedly for what seemed like some time, but was really more around 10 seconds. Finally the sound of the door unlocking could be heard and it opened about half way, revealing a mountain of a man who looked rather irritated, and gave each of the magistrates a glance.

"I do not know you," he growled, "so she does not know you. Go away." he said flatly and began to the slide the door closed once more.

"Does 'she' know Lord Daidoji Uji?" Rin asked, displaying her jade orb in one hand and the writ in the other, signed with the daimyo's chop while Zoyu did the same.

"Because we were here on his behalf." Zoyu added with a small smile that carried just a hint of smugness.

The door stopped and the man stood there looking at both magistrates displaying their badges of imperial office and writs. His face displayed both a bit of confusion and fear at the same time, though he managed to compose himself and put back on firm demeanor.

"Uhh.. What do you want?" he asked.

"We wish to speak with one of the geisha. Her name came up in our investigation. Now step aside, or do you wish to impede Jade Magistrates, appointed by the Emperor himself, in the course of their duties?" Zoyu said and glanced down at the orb and writ in her hands.

"Uhh... Okay. No disrespect intended, Magistrate-samas." the man said, opening the door and moving his bulk to the side, allowing them to enter.

"They call me 'Big Roji'." he said, introducing himself as he leaned the tetsubo he was concealing behind the door, back in the corner.

"Who are you here to see?" he asked.

"What do you think you are doing, Roji?!" an older woman scolded as she came walking down the hall with that voice that would seem to make even an ogre cower.

Her anger aside, it was clear that the lady had been a geisha for many years with the grace and poise with which she walked and carried herself. She was dressed in the latest fashions, though it was clear that she was far from being fully 'made up' for the evening.

"What is the meaning of this?! We are not yet open. You will have to come back after dark." she demanded, clearly infuriated.

"You are the okasan Kumiko, I take it?" Zoyu asked with a smile.

"Of course I am. And who are you?" she said with contempt.

"This is Mirumoto Rin and I am Kakita Zoyu, the Topaz Champion. We are both Jade Magistrates and have been tasked, along with our fellow magistrates, to investigate the murder of Lord Hideji Fumiya." Zoyu explained with a bit of forced etiquette despite the angry and demanding, old geisha.

"Lord Hideji was murdered?" she asked.

"Indeed." Rin piped in.

"So? What are you doing here?" she asked in insolently, clearly unimpressed by the titles and position, though her anger was slowly diminishing.

"The name of one of your geisha came up in the course of our investigation and we would like to speak with her." Zoyu replied, still maintaining proper, polite etiquette regardless.

"One of mine? Who?" she asked.

"Chiyoko." Rin said flatly.

"Would you please get her ,so that we may speak with her?" Zoyu asked behind what was a mask of forced etiquette.

"The sooner we speak with her, the sooner we can be out of your hair." Rin added.

"Fine." Kumiko relented.

"Roji, go fetch Chiyoko." she ordered and the big man nodded, proceeding down the hall.

"NOW Roji. I do not have all day." she said over her shoulder, which caused the man to noticeably speed up his pace.

"When did you acquire Chiyoko? And was it from Fumiko, by chance?" Rin asked while they waited.

"I bought her contract years ago Fumiko, not long after I first came to Jinpachi and I had not quite yet opened. Fumiko was in town and the Hideji sold some orphan girls to her instead Akiko and I, for some reason. To get them out of town, I guess. Well, we were furious with her, so to mend fences Fumiko offered them to us at a reduced cost." Kumiko recalled.

"I got to first pick, of course," she said smugly, "and Chiyoko was the obvious choice. Even at five or so, it was clear she had some poise and culture. I brought her back here and trained her myself. She was an excellent student and quite dutiful. Now she is one of my finest geisha and in very high demand." the woman explained with obvious pride.

"By Hideji Nobikazu, we hear." Rin said.

"Of course." she said with a prideful smile. "My geisha are the best in the region."

"They met at a party held here by a friend of his who is a patron, and hit it off. The next day he began sending gifts and asked to be formally introduced. I encouraged the relationship, and of course it flourished. He could purchase her contract and provide for Chiyoko," she explained, showing at least some degree of actual caring for Chiyoko future well being.

"...unlike that ronin Hito who is always hanging around her." she added with clear disdain.

"And she visits Nobikazu in the castle? At night?" Zoyu asked.

"I am not one to speak about clients..." Kumiko said, but it was obvious her boastful pride had taken over by now, "but since you are investigating..."

"He would send for her quite often. He did just last night, in fact." she boasted.

"And yes, I heard that Lord Hideji had forbade geisha in the castle, but who am I to stand in the way of love?" she said with a smile.

"Either he bribed the guards, or they were getting on the good side of the next daimyo, or I suppose they could have just liked the young man, but they would quietly let her in and out late at night and did not feel the need to inform Lord Hideji about the nocturnal visits." Kumiko explained.

Roji turned the corner and came into view... alone.

"Well? Where's Chiyoko?" Kumiko asked him with the irritation returning to her voice.

"She... She is nowhere to be found. It does not look like she returned after leaving last night." the massive man said sheepishly, almost cowering from the old geisha.

"WHAT?!" she exclaimed.

"She's always been good a-and never disobeyed. I was tired and I just assumed she was back, like always. I... I apologize." Roji said, dropping to his knees and bowing deeply, pressing his head to the floor.

 "You IDIOT! You are supposed to check on her to make sure she returns, you big buffoon " she scolds furiously, glaring down at the man kneeling before her.

Kumiko then took a moment to compose herself and turned her attention back to the magistrates.

"Please find Chiyoko and return her to me, if possible." she asked, managing some degree of actually politeness.

"She is worth quite a bit to me. And of course it goes without being said that doing such a favor would mean you and your comrades would always be welcomed at the House of the Pines, the best and most exclusive geisha house in the region. And my gratitude would be boundless." she offered.

[Noir]

(2 of 3: The Unconscious Servant)

With trained eyes and insight Akari and Kageko began scanning the area, examining first the unconscious servant and then the bedroom.

"I do not detect the presence of magic on either the servant nor the room." Akari said.

"Nor do I, Isawa-san." Kageko concurred, slightly confused.

Kageko and Akari returned to their only source of any information and kneeled by the servant again. Akari leaned over him, pressing her ear to his chest to listen to his heartbeat.

"His heart. it beats steadily, but slowly." Akari relayed.

Kageko put her hear by his mouth, checking his breathing, but her nose wrinkled.

"Do you smell that, Isawa-san?" She asked and raised her head, allowing Akari to lean down by his mouth.

"I do. It smells like sake... on his breath." Akari said.

Kageko looked over the at the tray and sake set scattered on the ground. She picked up the half-spilled jar and sniffed at it before splashing a small bit on the tip of her finger, which she then tasted.

"I think the servant was sampling the fine sake Nobikazu enjoyed." Kageko said with a small smile.

"There are two cups though..." Akari said astutely.

"That would seem to indicate he had a guessss..." Kageko was saying as she began blinking and shook her head sharply with heavy eyelids.

"The sake... it's... sleepy." Kageko babbled.

Akari moved to Kageko, propping her up and lightly patting her cheeks as Kageko fought to recover, finally opening her eyes wide again and blinked.

"There's something in the sake. We have not eaten yet today and I am of slighter build that most, so whatever it was would surely affect me rapidly." Kageko explained.

"But an adult male, well-fed from a long banquet.." Kageko thought aloud...

"...might simply begin to find it hard to stay awake, especially after more than one cup." Akari added.

"It is looking more and more likely that our cloaked figure entered the castle last night with some ill intent. Whoever it was, be it this geisha Chiyoko, or somebody else, would likely have been face to face with Nobikazu." the Phoenix contemplated.

"And a lady always pours the drinks." Kageko reminded.

"It would appear that the cloaked figure met with Nobikazu, dosed the sake and then waited for him to fall unconscious before entering the crawlspace, making their way to Fumiya's room, killed him, and then returned to Nobikazu's room the same way and then left. The bead must have fallen while entering or exiting the crawlspace." Kageko considered.

"If that is what happened, then it is curious that they did not kill Nobikazu too. They could have ended the Hideji line last night, if that was their goal. Hmm.. Maybe a simple assassin then, be they uba or mundane, after Fumiya alone?" Akari wondered.

"The alternative is that Nobikazu did it, which is unlikely, as there would have been no reason to send for a geisha just to drug her and hide she was even here... unless it was to frame her. But that is a great deal of effort to put forth." Kageko pointed out.

"I am afraid that this is a puzzle to which we still lack pieces. Hopefully the investigations of the others has turned up more pieces which would fill in the gaps." Kageko said with a sigh as she put the cork back into the jar of sake, setting it aside for later examination.

"Maybe we should proceed to town and share what we have found?" Akari suggested to which Kageko nodded.

They pair stopped at the bottom of the stairs to address the huddled, frightened servants.

"There is no magic there, least of all dark magic, so be at ease. Take him to his bed and watch over him. Notify us when he awakens. Bring that tray, sake set and jar to our quarters. Do not drink any of it. What was spilled is perfectly safe to mop up." Kageo commands the servants, who bow and cautiously walk up the steps.

[Noir]

(3 of 3: Lord Hideji Nobikazu)

Toshi and Taka walked out of town along the Merchant road until they reached the path that lead up to Hideo Castle and proceeded up the path only to find Akari and Kageko were headed down the path themselves.

"Ah, Isawa-san, Kitsu-san. We were just on our way to find you." Toshi said, greeting the women.

"We were on our way to town to find the rest of you. We have some findings to share." Kagrko said from under her hood.

"As do we. Perhaps a small walk? Some fresh air while we speak." Toshi suggested, exercising some caution to ensure they could speak in private and away from 'accidental' eavesdropping that could occur in the castle.

The women nodded and the small group began a leisurely stroll as they spoke, sharing their finding about Hito andChiyoko, the stable boy and hooded figure, the unconscious servant and sake, and Nobikazu's possible romance with Chiyoko.

"Zoyu and Rin are collecting Chiyoko from the House of the Pines and bringing her here. While they do that we should speak with Lord Hideji and see if he can shed any light on the geisha." Toshi said as they began to walk the path to the castle once again.

Once inside the castle the magistrates proceeded to request an audience with Lord Hideji, which is granted with little delay. A servant guided the magistrates to a small wooded area just outside the castle overlooking the river from up on a hill. Nobikazu sat at small table, practicing his calligraphy in the shade with several guards nearby. The servant knelt and bowed, to tell him that the magistrates had arrived, and swiftly set out several tatami mats for sitting before he departed. The magistrates took their seats, kneeling and bowing to the new daimyo.

"Lord Hideji, we are sorry to bother you at such a time. Know that you have our condolences." Kageko said sincerely.

"Unfortunately, we must speak to you of last night. Know that we would not do so, unless it was necessary to our investigation." Toshi added.

"Of course. We all have our duties." Nobikazu replied and then let out a small sigh.

"Leave us." he commanded the guards.

"But Lord, it is our duty to.." a guard spoke up and was cut off by Nobikazu.

"These are Jade Magistrates appointed by the Son of Heaven Himself and I am your Lord." Nobikazu said firmly to which the guards bowed deeply in apologies and departed.

"Lord Hideji, I am afraid that we must ask of your whereabouts after the banquet and until morning, as well as if you were with anybody." Toshi asked.

"Of course. As the servants can attest to, after the banquet I was in my room alo.." Nobikazu began to answer as he was cut off by Toshi.

"My sincerest apologizes, Lord. I forgot to mention that in the course of out investigation we have learned many things." Toshi said with a polite bow of apology.

"We know that your relationship with your late father was.. strained. We know about your relationship with the geisha, Chiyoko, and our fellow magistrates are going to collect her from the House of the Pines as we speak. We also know that your father wanted you to end said relationship, saying as much last night." Toshi said as he began to lay out the fruits of their investigation. 

"We also met a geisha named Chiyoko on the path to the castle last night as we left to search for the uba." Taka added.

"We know that, despite what the guards say, they allowed a cloaked visitor deep into the castle last night." Akari chimed in as well.

Nobokazu listened with a calm face, looking from one magistrate to another as they spoke. Once finished he closed his eyes and sighed.

"Yes, I have had a relationship with Chiyoko. And yes, my father did not approve. He wanted me to end it and to send me to Otosan Uchi and marry a Doji bride, but I refused." he said, relenting.

"And yes," he sighed, "Chiyoko was in my room last night. I sent for her after the disagreement with my father toward the end of the banquet. I was frustrated and irritated. I needed to relax." he explained.

"Do not let the gate guards concern you though. They had been aiding me in sneaking Chiyoko into the castle for some time. They meant no disrespect. They simply sought to keep my private matters private," Nobikazu added.

He looked at his brush and sat it down with practiced grace.

"I assume she was an assassin sent to murder my father, but she had never given any hint of such. My father did have many enemies though, many of whom could have sent her, I am sure. She must have put a potion or something in the sake, for I fell asleep quickly and did not awaken until morning, by then she had left and my father was dead." the young, handsome Crane said with a frown.

"I loved her though. I fell in love with her from the moment we met. Maybe I love her still and that it why I did not seek you out to volunteer what I have told you. In my heart, I do not wish harm to come to her. But now, as a daimyo, I know justice must be served and that the punishment for murder is death." the young daimyo said sadly, closing his eyes as a tear found a path down each cheek.

Nobikazu took a few deep breaths and composed himself before opening his eyes and continuing.

"I know that she and a ronin named Hito were very close. They may have been working together. He has a horse and a small shack in the woods, near the eta village. If they are working together, then they may be waiting to make an escape under the protection of night. And with his knowledge of the area they will be very difficult to track once they depart." he offered.

He looked up and out over the hill, taking in the scenic, verdant valley with the river winding its way through it, thinking for a moment and further composing himself as he summoned up the strength and courage to say his next words....

"I know you are all honorable samurai and have a duty to fulfill. Do what you must." Lord Hideji said as his gaze remained on the valley below.

[Mirumoto Rin]

Rins eyes narrow and her frown turns to a scowl.

"Has she ever done this before?" Without waiting for the okasan's reply she points at Big Roji.

"Take me to her room!"

[Noir]

"Hai." Roji said as he rose from the floor.

"It should have never happened before, but who call tell with his incompetence." Kumiko replied.

"Have you ever not bothered to check that she returned before, you oaf?" she she angrily asked the Roji, hitting him with her closed fan as he turned.

"Ma... Maybe once or twice..." Roji admitted sheepishly with his head sinking down between his shoulders, "b-but she always returned before. She's so nice and always does as she is told."

"Come with me. If outsiders are to enter the okiya, then I must escort them, even magistrates." Kumiko said.

The the okasan was obvious irritated, though not so much with the magistatres. Her anger seemed directed at Roji and the shirking of his duties and at Chiyoko for not returning. Kumiko led the magistrates, followed by Roji, outside across the fenced garden to the small house at the back of the property, the okiya where the geisha stayed. The house had many more bedrooms than normal so it could house many geisha, though the individual rooms were quite small, as a geisha spent little time in them.

"Make sure you are presentable!" Kumiko's voice boomed and the sounds of hurried motion could be heard as she led the magistrates down and hall and opened a door to one of the bedrooms.

"This is Chiyoko's room." Kumiko said, stepping aside as heads of geisha without the hair and makeup done peeked out from the bedrooms.

The room was small and neat. Inside was a folded futon for sleeping, a small table with a ornate box and several chests. The box was full of koku, apparently her portion of her earnings, saved up over what must have been years, and then some. The chests contained many beautiful, neatly folded kimono and the rest of a successful geisha's lavish wardrobe, including an inro box with the cord snapped and the bead missing. At the bottom of one chest, beneath the many clothes, was a concealed scroll tube.

Rin withdrew the tub from the chest and opened it, dumping the contents onto the table.

The first was a well worn copy of "Leadership", the seminal text on bushido and battle, written by the Kami Akodo himself. The text was not unfamiliar to Rin and Zoyu, as their fellow magistrate, minor daimyo and Akodo Tactician, Akodo Yokatsu, had present a copy to any of his fellow magistrates who he tutored on battle and bushido.

The second was a note which read,

Dear Kumiko,

I can never fully express my gratitude for taking in a little orphan girl and mentoring me these past years. You were more than an okasan. You, Roji, and the other girls of the okiya were like a family to me when my parents and brothers were so brutally taken from me.

I apologize for any inconvenience my actions may cause you. Please accept the koku on the table as payment for my contract as well as any expenses incurred by my abrupt departure. I would ask that you make sure Nobikazu is well taken care of after I am gone. He is a kind man, despite the father he had. I have no desire to break his heart, but honor demands I settle a blood feud.

May the Fortunes favor you,

Okimoto Chiyoko

Okiya: A structure where geisha are kept. The personal rooms and effects of the geisha are within the okiya and outsiders are strictly forbidden.

Blood Feud: A blood feud is a deadly and often legal vendetta against another person. Almost any kind of offense can, in theory, start a blood feud, but it is usually declared when a samurai died needlessly at the hands of another. The victim (if he was dishonored or wronged rather than killed) and his immediate family were the only ones who might participate in the feud. One is technically supposed to ask their lord for permission to engage in a blood feud, but that does not always happen which leaves the blood feud in a hazy, gray area of legality as they are generally more a matter of personal honor than law.

[Mirumoto Rin]

After reading the note, Rin hands it to Zoyu. She shows the copy of Leadership to Zoyu then tucks it into her Obi.

She sighs.

"We should return to the castle I wish to bring Hito with us. We will need him I think."

Zoyu again reads thru the note, her lips uncharacteristically drawn thin. Then she nods with understanding. Turning to the okasan Zoyu indicates the contents of the room.

"Chiyoko will not be returning to you Kumiko-san, I am sorry. You have been very cooperative it shall be noted."

The two warriors leave the house to look for the ronin.

"

[Noir]

With some urgency Zoyu and Rin depart the House of the Pines to return to the Golden Peony Inn all the way across town. It was the last place they had seen Hito, and therefore the best place to start, though they kept a vigilant eye out, searching for the ronin along the way. The lunch crowd had largely filtered out of the inn, along with Hito, by the time the two magistrates arrived, and the staff was inside cleaning and attending to the last few lunch diners.

"Where is Hito?" Rin asked the staff, presenting her jade orb.

The proprietor, a middle aged woman, stepped over and bowed.

"I am sorry, magistrate-samas, but he is no longer here. After you departed he finished his lunch and then swiftly finished splitting the wood. I paid him and he departed." the woman said.

"Do you know where he went?" Zoyu asked.

"Not for certain. But he headed up the merchant road, out of town. He probably went home, to his has a shack. It is near the eta village, I believe." the woman replied.

"Thank you. You have been most helpful." Zoyu said with a small, polite bow before the pair exited and made their way up the road and out of town a bit. To the west of the road was the hill with Hideo Castle and to the east was the ramshackle huts of the eta village, with a graveyard to the south and a wooded area to the north which, according to the monks, contained Hito's shack. Indeed a small line of smoke, like that from a small cooking fire could be seen rising out of the woods.

[Shosuro Toshi]

Toshi heard Nobikazu's confession with flat, patient eyes. He could be tossing all the blame on Chiyoko, but the teardrop showed the dangerous crack in the new daimyo's face. No, Nobikazu did not have the cold heart for such an action - he really did love her. But such was the way of the world. There was no more room for feelings here, which the young Crane had finally acknowledged.

There wasn't much time then. Toshi bowed his head. "Yes, Lord Hideiji. Please excuse us." It was time to go and rejoin Zoyu and Rin - time was not in their favor if they wished to capture Chiyoko and Hito - whether he had conspired in the murder or chose to shelter her.

[Noir]

With time potentially being of the essence, the decision was made to head directly to the shack as opposed to entering the castle to gather any additional weapons from their quarters. As it was, they were three shugenja and a courtier, so more arms and armor was not much of an issue regardless.

With haste the small group made their way back around the castle and to the path, following it to the merchant road just as Rin and Zoyu came walking down the road briskly. Once gathered together again the group shared what they had each learned including the note left for Kumiko, which Toshi took particular interest in, and the heartfelt admission about Chiyoko from Nobikazu.

If Chiyoko was still near town, Hito's shack was the most likely place to find her...

With equal parts caution and haste the magistrates found the path through the woods and followed it to a secluded hut. Simply constructed out of grass and wood with a crude wooden door, it is quite the picture of rustic tranquility. Two horses stood off to the side, loosely secured to a tree and munching on some grass while a small line of smoke rises from an opening in the roof of the shack.

"I shall check on them." a feminine voice said from behind the door as it opened. A woman of maybe sixteen stood in the doorway, caught off-guard by the presence of a half dozen magistrates outside the door. She was unarmed and wore a simple tan kimono, but was quite striking. She stood in silence for a moment, looking at each of the magistrates before she bowed.

"Welcome." she said with a smile and a soothing, melodic voice.

"Please, come in." she invited and withdrew into the shack.

The interior of the shack was just as plain and simple as the exterior A tiny fire crackled in the central fire pit under a hole in the roof while small fish cooked on skewers next to an iron teapot. Off to the side was a neatly folded futon and next to it is a small traveling bundle. Along the back wall stood a small shrine with wooden funereal tablets, burning incense and a bowl of oranges. A quick look at the tablets revealed that there is one each for Lord and Lady Okimoto and their two boys, Ichiro and Kenji. Hito sat down another traveling bundle and stood by the futon to watch as the magistrates entered with a look of disappointment on his stubble-strewn face, though he bowed to each as they entered and began to casually unwrap his hands, revealing tan marks from wearing the bandages at length.

The woman walked over to the fire with the practiced poise of a geisha and and knelt gracefully, looking both modest and beautiful.

"May I offer you some tea? Fish?" she said demurely, offering fish and pouring teacups for those who wish it with almost dance-like grace and precision.

Once the magistrates were inside and those that wished fish or tea it, she looked up at them with a shaft of sunlight washing over her face.

"Are you here to kill me?" she asked calmly, yet politely with her soothing voice.

[Shosuro Toshi]

Toshi spent some time looking at the letter as they traveled to the shack. Rin it seemed, was right after all - but that did not help. This web became more and more tangled and problematic than ever. One thing was for certain. Lord Hideji Fumiya had never paid attention to the warning in Bayushi Tangen's Truths.

A living enemy is dangerous. A dead enemy is dead. Better to have a graveyard of dead enemies than a single angry one.

All the late lord had done was kill just enough enemies to make one particularly angry and close to home.

Finally, inside, Chiyoko asked her question. "Not yet, Chiyoko.... san?" The odd, drawn out pause and questioning tone at the end of Toshi's question was made for effect rather than actually asking anything. Toshi placed the letter down on the table. "You place us in a difficult position. As it stands, you are a geisha, yet an Okimoto orphan. Are you hinin, or ronin samurai? And even should you be deemed the latter, there are still issues with the claim of blood feud. On what grounds do you make such a claim?"

[Noir]

Chiyoko took a sip of her tea as she listened to Toshi and nodded to him.

"I am samurai, Shosuro-san. Though I am not ronin and never was." she says calmly, pausing a moment as confusion washes over some of the magistrate's faces.

"Hito?" she said to him, calling him over.

Hito stepped closer to the fire, having fully removed the wrappings on his hand, revealing a tattoo of what seemed to be a mon on the back of his right hand... twin lion paws tearing at a black field across one another. The backs of his hands where very pale compared to his tanned arms.

"You see..." he said as he motioned over to the small shrine. "Upon the death of Chiyoko-sama's parents and older brothers, she became Lord Okimoto." he said, knowing full well that his word could shock and confuse.

"I am Okimoto Hito, yojimbo to the Okimoto daimyo and family." Hito said proudly.

"Not long before the battle I was permitted to attend my sister's wedding near Shiro no Yojin (Castle of Vigilance). On my way back to Shiro Hideo I came across Fumiko. She told me of how some bandits would often rob her on her way into the valley and asked if I would escort her, guessing the bandits would not risk engaging a Lion. I figured that to be true, but I did not want to just protect her on trip. If there were bandits, then they needed to be dealt with. So, taking a lesson from Akodo, I bought a simple brown kimono of a ronin, hoping to draw them out." he explained.

"My plan worked. The bandits were brazen and attacked very near Jinpachi, but I dispatched them. They were untrained bandits and I was a Lion bushi, after all. We reached Jinpachi shortly thereafter and it was clear a battle had taken place. Fumiko asked what happened and that was when I heard about the defeat and execution of the Daimyo and his family." Hito said with an obvious sadness on his face.

"I was distraught as I thought myself a ronin. Fumiko offered me a job as her yojimbo, when the orphan Okimoto girls were brought to sell to her. It was then that I recognized Chiyoko among the faces and I knew my duty was not yet done. Lord Fumiya executed her parents and brothers, but apparently thought little of a small girl. As one final indignity the Okimoto, he had her sold, thinking she would end up far from Jinpachi and die a hinin." he recounted.

"I was going to travel with Fumiko to keep and eye on Chiyoko, and I would have stayed wherever she ended up, but as luck would have it, the local okasan were furious that the girls were wold to Fumiko. They did not know that Lord Fumiya wanted them so far away. To make peace, Fumiko offered the girls to the okasan at a discount, and Kumiko purchased Chiyoko with me standing but feet away. So I thanked Fumiko for her offer, but remained in Jinpachi to watch over Chiyoko as best I could. While here, I could see how Lord Fumiya did little for the town or people. Jinpachi had been the ward of the Okimoto since Shiro Hideo was built, and so I took it upon myself to do what I could while I waited. " Hito said, rubbing the tattoo on the back of his hand.

"I did my duty to my Lord and my home faithfully, and endured living as a ronin for years to protect them both." he proclaimed proudly.

"Eventually Chiyoko grew old enough to take clients, and it was then that we finally got meet again. We struck a friendship and I began to tell her of her heritage." Hito explained as he looked to Chiyoko.

"I did not remember him at first, or much of my past. I believe the kami helped me survive the trauma by concealing those memories until I was better able to cope with them. In time I remembered my family, playing in the castle and my heritage." Chiyoko said as she arose and walked over to the futon, reaching into the folds.

"I recalled my mother taking the ancestral swords and hiding them in the ceiling, by moving a tile too." she said as she withdrew an exquisite daisho, still in their saya, from the folds of the futon. She calmly walked back to the fire and knelt once more, resting the swords on her lap.

"By that time I had already met Nobikazu, and we had fallen in love. As Lord Okimoto though, I knew it was my duty to carry out a blood feud and make sure Fumiya paid in blood." she stated, hiding all but a hint of anger and disgust.

"Every time I visited Nobikazu after that, I bought with me a small vial. 'Sleeping Aid' Kumiko called it, and taught us to use it when a client was particularly obnoxious or physical. I had used it on the merchant client of mine the night Hito and I 'met' at the House of the Pines. I brought it with me though, and a tanto, ready to exact the revenge that honor demanded, but I could never bring myself to do it. Though he had problems with his father, Nobikazu still loved him, and I did not wish to be the one to make him an orphan like myself..." she said sadly.

"But honor demanded I take action. Last night, when he sent for me after the banquet and I heard of the other daimyo in the castle and the thoughts of war and such, I finally took action. I could not let that brutal man make a new generation of orphans." Chiyoko explained to the magistrates..

"So I gave Nobikazu the 'sleeping aid' in his sake, and when he was asleep I made my way into the crawlspace to bypass the guards and entered Fumiya's room. I kicked him in his bed and he awoke, confused. I leaned down and told him who I truly was and drew my tanto. He reached for his sword and I stabbed him in the heart with every bit if strength my ancestors could lend me. He grasped at my inro, tearing it off my obi and then fell back, dead. I collected my inro, entered the crawlspace, gathered my family swords, and went back to Nobikazu's room where he was still sleeping. I gave him one last kiss, concealed the swords as best I could under my cloak in the darkness, left the castle and came here." she recounted, laying it all out for the magistrates.

"I was in town last night and fell asleep outside the Golden Peony. I returned home in the morning and found her here and she told me what she had done. So I went to town to do any quick, odd jobs I could for some travel money while she stayed here and prepared for us to leave." Hito told the magistrates.

"I do sincerely apologize for any deception. I did my best to answer all of your questions as truthfully as possible, but I had my Lord still to protect. If Lord Fumiya had ever discovered she was alive and in town, he would have had her killed. Nobikazu may have done the same in anger. Rest assured that nobody else, outside of this room, knows of her heritage. None of the other townspeople were lying to you when it came to her or myself." the yojimbo said sincerely apologetic.

"So you see, I am Lady Okimoto Chiyoko, and the blood feud was given to me the day my parents and brothers were murdered." Chiyoko stated firmly.

"We planned to make our escape tonight, while there was still some commotion with a new daimyo taking charge, but your investigation proceeded quickly. Unfortunately, aside from our word and these swords, I have little to prove my heritage. So with the blood feud completed, we thought the best we could hope for was a quiet life somewhere far from here." Chiyoko said in her calm, polite voice.

"If you wish to kill us now, to have a neat and tidy investigation, then that is your prerogative. I have been ready to die since I first read and began to under The Ten Orders (OOC: a refrence to 'Leadership' The last of The Ten Orders is 'Be ready to die' ). I do sincerely hope it is not, but if that is the course of action you wish to take though, then remember that we ARE Okimoto no Matsu, of the Lion Clan, and we will not go quietly nor easily." she said in an oddly polite and courteous threat.

 

The Ten Orders: They are from Leadership and something that your fellow magistrate, minor daimyo, and Akodo Tactician, Akodo Yokatsu, would have went over in his battle and/or bushido classes back in Tsuma.

The Ten Orders:

1. Always carry a text with you. When you have nothing else to do, read. The mind must be exercised as well as the body.

2. When your lord calls to you, run to him, fall at his feet and speak his name loudly and proudly. Proclaim your loyalty to him with a shout that is painful to the throat. Be convinced in your loyalty, for if you are not, then your lord will not be convinced either.

3. Keep your sword close and ready and clean. Failing your sword is failing your lord.

4. Keep servants if you must, but only if you must. If there are repairs to be done on the house, make them. If there are rooms to be cleaned, clean them. Idleness is an enemy, and it is always best for a samurai to understand a thing before he requires another to do it for him.

5. Lady Sun and Lord Moon made us with a left hand and a right hand. In the left hand goes the text, and in the right hand goes the sword. Remember this.

6. When you come before a superior, drop your hands at your sides and bow lower than they. Dropping your hands away from your sword shows your trust. Bowing your head does this as well. These two actions say, "My life is yours to take if you wish"

7. Rise in the morning before your servants do and have half their duties done before they have even bathed. Men follow the example of those they admire.

8. Assassins creep in the late hours, so go to bed early. Then, when they creep in at midnight, you will be fresh and rested and ready.

9. Wash. A dirty man must itch and scratch. An itching and scratching man is slow.

10. Be ready to die.

[Mirumoto Rin]

Rin listens her scowl softens and when the discourse ends she barks a sharp laugh.

Smiling at the former geisha she pulls the book from her obi and hands it to her with a bow.

"Lord Okimoto, I believe this is yours, and that it belongs in your left hand. If you and your yojimbo, would excuse us a moment we will step outside to confer about legal matters."

She steps back to the door opening it and waiting for her companions to exit, a smile still playing upon her lips.

 

[Shosuro Toshi]

The matter was contentious, to say the least. There was some immediate consensus. Namely that Chiyoko was indeed Lord Okimoto, and that she had a legitimate blood feud against Lord Hideji Fumiya, one concluded with the latter's death. What became the object of some difficulties was over how much of the identity of the 'surviving Okimoto' to speak of. But eventually, a decision was reached.

When the magistrates reentered the shack, Chiyoko and Hito were asked to come with them, if she wished to reclaim her birthright.

At last, the band returned to Shiro Hideo and requested an audience with Lord Daodoiji. When they were allowed to meet him, Toshi, leading the way, bowed deeply before speaking.

"Greetings, Daidoiji-sama. We have concluded our investigation. We found a surviving member of the Okimoto daimyo's family. The Lord Okimoto, as the sole heir remaining." Toshi made a wave of his hand in the direction of Chiyoko. "Whom killed Lord Fumiya to carry out a blood feud against him for what was done to their family. As such, we find that there was no crime committed and the feud is at an end."

[Noir]

The matter was contentious, to say the least. There was some immediate consensus. Namely that Chiyoko was indeed Lord Okimoto, and that she had a legitimate blood feud against Lord Hideji Fumiya, one concluded with the latter's death. What became the object of some difficulties was over how much of the identity of the 'surviving Okimoto' to speak of. But eventually, a decision was reached.

When the magistrates reentered the shack, Chiyoko and Hito were asked to come with them, if she wished to reclaim her birthright.

Chiyoko was still sitting by the small fire with Hito standing by her side and the daisho in her lap when the magistrates returned. She watched them enter with her calm, polite demeanor and listened to their request to accompany them to the castle. She thought for a brief moment and then inclined her head in a graceful nod.

"My Lord. A moment please." Hito asked to which Chiyoko nodded with a bit of curiosity.

"If you are to meet another daimyo, then please take this." he said as he untied a bundle and removed a Fine kimono and obi of browns, tans and 'Okimoto orange'.

"I have kept this hidden for over a decade. A gift from my sister at her wedding. It is not much, but it is the best I have." Hito explained to her, with a hint of shame in his voice.

"It is more than enough." she said, giving a small, polite  bow of her head.

"It is not these trapping that we wear that matters, Hito-san, but the person who wears them. You are a shining example of that." she soothed.

"Please allow me a moment to change. I do apologize for any inconvenience." she politely asked the magistrates.

Hito bowed and stepped back and the escorted the magistrates, aside from Zoyu, Akari and Kageko, outside and waited with them while Chiyoko changed. Hito took the time to try and make himself as presentable as he could by adjusting his kimono, retying his hair and washing his face and hands with water. Toshi watched and stepped over to him, giving Hito a small bow.

"Please, allow me to assist you, Hito-san." he asked.

Hito thought for a moment and nodded, allowing Toshi to brush the small splinters of wood from his hair and brush off his kimono. The Scorpion courtier did his best to help him, tugging at his kimono here or there. It was not much, but it was an improvement over his previous appearance at least.

"Thank you, Shosuro-san." he said and gave a low, deep bow to the Scorpion, silently expressing that his gratitude was for much more than simply cleaning him off...

 

Inside the shack...

Inside Chiyoko rose and unfolded the kimono. She stood there, looking at the kimono in the colors of her family, lost deep in thought.

"May I assist you, Okimoto-sama?" Kageko asked softly, causing Chiyoko to snap back to the present, doing her best to blink away tears a she nodded.

Kageko helped her remove the simple brown kimono and slipped the new kimono on her, aiding her in fitting the garment and tying her obi, which Chiyoko capped off by sliding her family's ancestral blades into the obi.

"I am ready." she said, taking in a deep breath and slowly exhaling.

 

At last, the band returned to Shiro Hideo and requested an audience with Lord Daodoiji.

"We are reporting our findings to Lord Daidoji, and they are with us. Now step aside." Rin grunted to the questioning gate guard who moved aside as the group entered.

The guards watched everybody walk by, obviously recognizing Hito, with one of the guards noting the tattoo on the back of his hand silently. They did not seem to recognize Chiyoko though, even in the broad daylight. Without the makeup, elaborate hair and dress of a geisha (who they usually saw in the darkness of night, no less), she was a mystery to them..

The request for an audience with Lord Daidoji was swiftly granted with them being led to the same room where Lord Daidoji has charged them to investigate just hours before. Lord Daidoji sat in the room alone, watching as they filtered in, giving a curious look to the magistrate's 'guests'. Within moments all had been seated and Lord Daidoji turned his steely gaze back to Toshi.

 

"Greetings, Daidoiji-sama. We have concluded our investigation. We found a surviving member of the Okimoto daimyo's family. The Lord Okimoto, as the sole heir remaining." Toshi made a wave of his hand in the direction of Chiyoko. "Whom killed Lord Fumiya to carry out a blood feud against him for what was done to their family. As such, we find that there was no crime committed and the feud is at an end."

"A question... How was entry gained into the castle and how were the guards and nightingale floors bypassed?" Lord Daidoji asked, ever mindful of his roll as the protector of the Crane.

Without hesitation Chiyoko introduced herself, now Lady Okimoto Chiyoko, and told Lord Daidoji of her story... of her family's execution and her being sold to Fumiko... of her time as a geisha, meeting Hito and of Hito's story... of her relationship with Nobikazu and her childhood memory of the crawlspace and the blades... and of her confronting Fumiya, making sure he knew who it was that had returned to exact vengeance.

Lord Daidoji listened to the Chiyoko and then sat in silence for what seemed like several minutes with his gaze shifting from the magistrates to Chiyoko and Hito and back again. Small bits of concern and even worry began to creep into the minds of the magistrates at Lord Daidoji's silence.

Then finally he spoke, addressing the magistrates first...

"If that is what your investigation has concluded, then it must be so." he said in his soft, yet authoritative voice.

"Then death of Hideji Fumiya was a matter of honor, and not entirely unexpected." Lord Daidoji stated and then turned his attention to Chiyoko.

"Fumiya's issues with the Okimoto no Matsu, and the treatment of your family at his hands were his own, not the will of Lord Doji. As such, Fumiya suffered the repercussions of his own distasteful actions." Lord Daidoji relayed to Chiyoko.

"I commend you, Lady Okimoto, and your yojimbo as well, on your resourcefulness and dedication to your family and honor. You have endured much more than many would ever fathom to satisfy the demands honor made of you by the means at your disposal. You truly are a Lion. Lord Doji found Fumiya's unsanctioned termination of the noble Okimoto line, and in such a manner... regrettable. He will no doubt be pleased to hear that the Okimoto live on." he expressed.

"With Fumiya's death, the matter is settled and a regrettable chapter between our clans ends." he stated firmly with a nod, which Lady Okimoto returned.

"To that end, I see no reason why the unsavory details leading to the fulfillment of the blood feud need ever leave this room. You have already lost so much, Lady Okimoto, that the Crane see no need to impede you further in the formidable task that is now set before you as Okimoto Daimyo." Lord Doji told Lady Okimoto, finishing with a polite bow. 

"It is as the Jade Magistrates' skillful investigation concluded... " he reminded, "A previously unknown survivor of the Okimoto line fulfilled a blood feud against Hideji Fumiya, resulting in his death. The Crane fully acknowledge the validity of the blood feud, which is now settled. And the Okimoto line, previously thought dead, lives on."

Lord Daidoji then returned his attention to the magistrates, his steely gaze passing over them.

"The Crane Clan thanks you for your assistance and the swiftness of your skillful investigation. Your continued discretion in this matter is appreciated. Rest assured that the Jade Champion will receive word commending you skill and dedication." Lord Daidoji said to the magistrates.

[Nina]

Rin bows in acknowledgment to Lord Daidoji and again to Lady Okimoto. The retires from the room with her fellow magistrates. Once out side she heaves a sigh of relief.

"I am glad this is almost over. It has been a trying two days. I am going to our rooms, remove this armor and bathe, then eat. Does anyone wish to join me?"

She looks pointedly at Zoyu who seems unhappy.

"It will give us a moment of peace to reflect and make plans to resume our journey. I do not think we should overstay our welcome here, but i do still have business in Jinpachi. Anyway I am off to the bath, come if you wish."

She claps Zoyu and Kegako with either hand on their shoulders as she walks past them toward their rooms.

[Sunstar]

Akari, both shocked and impressed at the level of planning Lady Okimoto's resolution of her line's blood feud, bowed to her and Lord Daidoji before following the others back to their room.

Akari nods to Rin.

"I'll join you, Rin-San.  After this, I feel a need to relax in a bath.  Perhaps  play some Go or Shogi to calm the nerves afterwards."

Akari shrugs.

"How about it, Rin-san?  Kitsu-san?" 

[Kakita Zoyu]

Since finding Chiyoko's note - Lady Okimoto now - in her room at the House of the Pines, Zoyu had been growing more silent and displeased with the situation. Despite her doubts, she believed Chiyoko was who she and Hito claimed her to be, the last of the Okimoto fulfilling a blood feud. Zoyu did not dispute this.

Lord Fuyima Hediji had been a foul man, his death did nothing but make the Emerald Empire brighter place. It was the manner of his death, or rather, the way Lady Okimoto had gone about it. To Zoyu, being other than what she was, a samurai, was unfathomable. Yet Chiyoko had been a hinin Geisha - not merely posed as one, regardless of her claims and even after recalling who she really was - then dropped the charade when it suited her.

Yes, Chiyoko had been pursuing a matter of honour, Zoyu would readily admit to that, using what most saw as her only means to do so. Zoyu believed otherwise. It was not her only means, but rather her best and least difficult path to vengeance. Seeking one honourable end did not excuse all other dishonorable acts taken to achieve it to Zoyu's mind.

Few it seemed agreed with her, she certainly had not thought Shosura-san would have, but some of the others... It galled, and so, Zoyu had been uncharacteristically silent during the last revelatory moments of their investigation, barely using two words when she could use one, her manners stiff and just barely reaching the edge of propriety.

Perhaps the greatest affront was Lord Daidoji's command that they keep the details of their investigation secret. Not only would Lady Okimoto have gotten to use what means she wanted to seek her vengeance, she would not have to own up to them. If what she did, what she posed at was as necessary as she claimed, then Zoyu felt those actions should not be forgotten or left unsaid.

The actions taken to fulfill honour shouldn't be hidden just because they were inconvenient to one's reputation. If one accepted the glory of an action, then they should have to endure the infamy of any disputable actions they took to achieve they goal. The influence of the ancestor watching over her, Doji Taehime, urged to keep necessary secrets, yet this situation still infuriated her.

Zoyu bowed to Lord Daidoji, her face schooled to smoothness with effort, her lips a straight line. "I am glad we could resolve the investigation swiftly," Zoyu said without expanding on her thoughts about its conclusion. Her bow to Lady Chiyoko was tight and just barely low enough to sate propriety. "Lady Okimoto."

Their first duty taken as Jade Magistrates had finished in lauded accomplishment and Zoyu could not bring herself to revel in it. She sighed in disgruntlement, the nodded at Rin. "I shall bathe and eat with you, but alas Akari-san, I am in no frame of mind to engage in a match of Go."

Zoyu wanted a quiet place, a private place, where she could dance with the calm surety of a blade in her hands to ward away the emotional turmoil in her heart.

 

[Mirumoto Rin]

The four women samurai return to their rooms and order a hot bath be prepared. Soon the four are washing and soaking in a relaxing hot bath, the two days stress slowly ebbing away.

They avoid discussing what has occurred instead talking among themselves of whether they should resume their journey right away or wait. They determin that it would be best to leave sooner than later but that leaving today without a full nights rest might not be a good idea so they decide to discuss it with their male companions after the bath. The conversation turns to relaxation and how to spend their last night  in the castle, if it is to be the last night. While the talk goes on Rin notices that Zoyu is unusually quiet, even turning down, oligopoly of course, an invitation for a game of Go with Akari.

After the Bath and they head for a meal with the men, Rin, now dressed in her common clothing in forms them of her plans.

"Regardless of our decision on leaving, I made promises and have business in the town so after our meal if we have no further duties I will be heading there and will most likely stay the night in town."

She looks at Zoyu, a soft look.

"Zoyu-san if you have no commitment, would you accompany me? We can take time to practice and I would like your input with Taro."

[Shosuro Toshi]

"The Crane Clan thanks you for your assistance and the swiftness of your skillful investigation. Your continued discretion in this matter is appreciated. Rest assured that the Jade Champion will receive word commending you skill and dedication." Lord Daidoji said to the magistrates.

"You are most kind." Toshi politely demurred on behalf of the group. He made his bows to the Lord and the newly recognized Lady as the group worked through their departures. "Lord Daidoiji, Lord Okimoto, Hito-san." His mouth as could be seen was in a fixed, polite smile, but triumph ringed in Toshi's mind as the magistrates stepped out. Most excellently resolved. The details would be appropriately covered for the good of Lady Chiyoko, the Crane had their mystery solved and could finally work past the black mark of the Okimoto on the past, the Phoenix and Lion local lords would be very pleased, and the Jade Magistrates received the thanks and approval of many.

"I would be pleased to accept a match of Go, Akari-san." Toshi agreed, even as he gauged the reactions of the others. Most seemed relieved at the end of this affair in just six hours. Zoyu, less so. Her initial reservations over the matter of hiding Chiyoko's course of actions. She wouldn't reveal it though, not after Lord Daidoiji had sensibly agreed to cover it.

Such naivety out of the Crane. Was there really any other option? Of the wiser things to be listed in Akodo's Leadership, it was that one should not throw away their lives (or followers) pointlessly - that your duty was to get the job done. In that, Chiyoko had adhered admirably. No point in piling problems upon the peacemaking involved by bringing up the past.

But alas, Zoyu it seems, adhered to the false illusions that many held. Wile away your time with the sword if you insist, Zoyu-san. Kakita may say the Sword never dissembles or lies to you - but that is only because a sword says very little if anything.

[Kakita Zoyu]

The shapely Crane let the heat of the baths ease her disappointment and tension. Then she took her time fixing her long white hair in an elegant foxtail, leaving her lock of ebony hair to flow free down the left side of her face, and dressed in the cerulean kimono patterned with sakura blossoms that emphasized her curves and the grace of her movements.

When Rin asked her if she wished to accompany her, Zoyu tied her obi over her hips before answering, positioning her daisho just so. Zoyu bowed her head in assent, ignoring the sympathetic expression on the Dragon's face.

"As you wish, Rin-san," Zoyu murmured. "I have no pending engagements. Though if we stay another night in Jinpachi, we should acquire rooms at the Golden Peony."

[Noir]

"This being his first day as Daimyo, Lord Hideji is a busy man. I have already seen him shaking things up a bit with his men, most certainly to ensure they know that he is not his father and that this is a new day for the Hideji. I think we can all be more than reasonably hopeful that this will bode well for Jinpachi as well. Regardless though, he has a great deal to do does not need the added stress of attending to guests at this busy time." Kageko said, with a nod to Zoyu, as she dressed as well.

"We have made good time though, and this is our first full day here. I believe Shosuro-san wrote a letter to inform Seppun-san where and why we were delayed, so if we wish to stay an day or two longer to conduct some business or fulfill an obligation, then I doubt there is any issue." the little Lion added as she began to tide the bands in her fiery hair.

"The marketplace looked rather extensive. This may be a good chance to do some shopping  If you do not mind, Rin-san, Zoyu-san, I will accompany you to town as well. I need to send off some personal correspondence." Kageko said as she sat down at a writing table and began to write.

She wrote three letters quickly, though her handwriting was quite clean and beautiful, demonstrating the well-practiced hand at calligraphy commonly possessed by shugenja and bards. She collected two of the letters and went to the door, calling over a servant who she handed them two with some instruction. The servant bowed and departed and she returned to the table where she collected the other letter and placed it in her satchel.

 

[Mirumoto Rin]

Bathed, dressed, and fed, the three women departed the castle with the intention of moving to Jinpachi for the remainder of their stay.

The walk was peaceful with no worries burdening them, although it seemed that Zoyu had become Rin in her mood. As they passed over the bridge Rin spied a large tree which offered much shade beside the water.

"Come that is a good place for You, Zoyu-san, and I to spar. Kageko-san, you were interrupted this morning as well, you can watch and meditate if you wish."

Rin finds a low hanging branch and breaks it off and using her short sword cuts it to long sword length. Then she unwraps her own bokken and takes the Long sword and offers it to Zoyu.

"Here, I will use the one I have made."

Zoyu accepts the wooden sword with a slight bow and a deepening frown. Rin tucks the short wooden sword into her obi and the two women begin to spar.

The two warriors poke at each other Rin is defensive trying to draw Zoyu out, while Zoyu remains wary of the Dragons tricks and not knowing what the other is up to with this sparring. Rin has never before offered to practice with her.

They spar for about and hour before continuing into town where Rin leads them to the Tattooist shop.

Taro bow when the three magistrate enter, two he know and now another. Rin introduces Kageko, who looks over the work on the wall.

"Taro, I know i said I would give you  another day but our investigation is over and I promised you that I would have you do a tattoo for me. Our time is short, I do not know if you will be able to do the design I made this morning. But i still wish you to honor me with your work. With that in mind If you cannot do my design I wish you to choose one of your own and proceed. I can stay as long as needed and you are capable of working."

 

 

[Kakita Zoyu]

Zoyu had accepted the bokken without making an issue of it - she had her own packed among her things of course, but was originally intending to dance through her forms alone and with live steel. Sparring with Rin, she noted the slight difference in balance of the bokken compared to the blades she preferred - she favoured dueling blades of course - and so was more cautious in her martial dance with the Dragon, that and wary of any Dragon tricks.

Several times, one or the other of the young women opened their mouths to speak, but the only sound heard while they sparred was the clack of wooden blades. Resting her back against the tree, Kageko watched them as she looked over her letters once more and softly spoke about the difficulties that Lady Okimoto would among the Lion in trying to reestablish herself, but ceased when she noticed the tightness of Zoyu's full-lipped mouth.

At the Tattoist shop, Zoyu glanced at Rin's drawing of the template for her tattoo, noting the artistry and Taro's suggestions, while inferring what it might mean for the Dragon. Perusing the old Tattoist's drawings and having seen Rin's tattoos several times now, the idea of getting one herself was no longer unfathomable... She just didn't have the slightest insight in what she would possibly wish to adorn her flesh for the remainder of her life.

Tisuri, the wise Crow or Kenku, had shared its wisdom with Rin, but all Zoyu had received in Jinpachi was success in her first case as a Jade Magistrate, and yet, felt a sense of disappointment, or betrayal, or perhaps disgust or some other emotion she had name for. Worst, she seemed to be the only one who didn't see the outcome with Lady Okimoto as an unqualified success.

She was the Topaz Champion, but that lasted but a year, and Toshimoko had honoured her with becoming her Sensei, but both were known and didn't need to be marked on her skin. A Crane, the namesake of her Clane seemed too... trite, simple. She shook her head as Rin bared her back, a faint curve of a grin tugging at her lips. She was sure Tsukiko would have all manner of ideas, but the Feathered Scorpion was wickedly clever.

"Rin-san, what makes you decide to get a tattoo?" Zoyu asked, her voice somehow both intent and wistful at the same time. "And how do you decide what form it takes?"

 

[Mirumoto Rin]

"Hmmph" Rin pondered Zoyu's question as she lowered her kimono and positioned herself at Taro's direction.

"I have been fascinated with them since I was a child and my father would visit us. They were frightening but at the same time mesmerizing, so it is easy for me to say that i have always wanted them."

Having spoken more in one sentence about herself than ever before, she found it easy to continue as Taro began the process of preparing her lower back for the tattoo.

"Later once I began learning, and taro can attest to this, to practice you have to do the work on yourself mostly on the legs and thighs, and some times the feet. I chose art and images which would test my skill and were small and that could eventually be covered up with better images and color, but were still pleasing to the eye."

She paused conscious of Zoyu's glances at her back and the curve of her exposed breasts and found he self pleased at the feelings the glances gave her. A smile curved her lips.

"The wasp on my back was chosen for me, a gift for finishing my training."

She turned her head to look at Zoyu, her look also encompassing Kegako who also stood watching the artist work, as the first stings of the needles touched her skin.

"But that does not answer your question. Every tattoo has meaning even those we use to practice on ourselves, even when we did not choose them for their meaning."

Taro working silently striking rapidly with the needles and wiping the blood away nods his head at Rin's words. Rin breathes steady so as not to move and after consideration once again continues.

"When I heard that Taro practiced here in Jinpachi, I wanted to come see his work. at the time i did not believe that i would get a tattoo, not here. But after talking to Taro i was convinced that I wished to wear his art. I already had in mind what I wanted my next tattoo to represent, but i did not know how to express what i wanted. Then i spied the Humming bird there." Taro instinctivly pauses as Rin points to the drawing on the wall.

"It spoke to me of all the things in turmoil in my mind it is an image of many meanings and it is pretty and subtle. I wanted that one because it could mean so many different things and would would not have to choose one meaning. this was a mistake. It was a selfish choice as was pointed out to me just this morning although it seems like so long ago. This tattoo has meaning It will always remind me of the wisdom of others and that i am not a child that I am who i am."

Rin smiles again at Zoyu and Kageko, a soft smile.

"Tattoo's are gotten for many reasons Zoyu-san. As a Duty, to mark an occasion, to fulfill an obligation, to carry a reminder, to honor an artist, the reasons are endless but they are always personal, even if the reason is just because the image is pretty."

[Noir]

"For some, tattoos are also a bond, Kakita-sama. Sometimes friends or elite units will get tattoos, as something special shared only among themselves. Something that will always be there to remind.The Clans, Great and Minor, all have varying views on tattoos." Taro explained as he worked with the large, tattooing needles.

"Ronin sometimes get tattooed, either for personal reasons or to simply look tough, as the tattooing process is a long and painful one. Some ronin are tattooed when they join an otokodate ("manly fellows" / brotherhood). Since the fall of the Okimoto, this shop has seen little business, usually ronin or occasionally one of the okasan will bring a young maiko (apprentice geisha) to me so that I may cover up some blemish of their skin with a piece of art." he continued.

"Tattoos are very common along the Mantis and Tortoise, but much less common the rest of the Minor Clans. I think the sea has something to do with the desire for tattoos, but I do not understand it." he thought aloud.

"The Phoenix avoid tattoos almost entirely, though I hear that sometimes the Elemental Masters and other specialists will occasionally get tattoos reflecting their chosen element of study." he recounted as he dipped the tip of the needle into the ink.

"The Lion are rarely tattooed as well, especially the Akodo, though I have heard that the Matsu use branding. The Okimoto were unusual among the Lion, in that they all got tattooed. I think in large part that had to do with my ancestor assisting the first Okimoto in designing their mon. It is an honor that my family has cherished for generations." Taro said with a bit of pride and gratitude.

"The Crab get tattooed, but as I understand, it is more often as a way to cherish a fallen friend, or as I said before, a ritual among friends or units to build camaraderie. They say that many of the Kuni Witch Hunters wear face paint in a kabuki style, so I would not be surprised, with their dedication, if some simply had it tattooed right on their face." the old man supposed.

"The Scorpion get tattooed with some frequency, though usually it is the women from what I understand. I have heard stories though about an occasional scorpion having their 'mask' be a tattoo on their face, so that it may never be removed. Or maybe worn under their mask, ensure they are always masked. Hmm. I do not remember which one. Maybe it was both?" Taro tried to recall and then shrugged, continuing his work.

"The Unicorn are not adverse to tattooing, or so I hear. In their travels, I am sure they encountered a great many peoples and customs which broadened their acceptance of a great many things. I heard they have other, gainjin styles of tattooing as well. I would dearly enjoy seeing these other styles, but the lands of the Unicorn are far off from here. Just the dreams of a foolish old man." he mused.

"The Crane are not entirely adverse to tattooing, as they can appreciate it for the art it is, but it is usually only the Daidoji or Crane women that might get tattooed. I hear the Daidoji get their mon tattooed on the inside of their wtist, a very painful place, but so that it will always be seen when they stand at guard with their yari in hand. Occasionally even a Kakita Artisan will devote their time to the art of tattooing. It is not a common occurrence, but when they do, they are masterful." he recalled.

"The Dragon are, of course, the most comfortable with tattoos. Members of the Agasha family often get tattooed, and all the Empire knows of the tattooed monks of the Ise Zumi and their magic tattoos. The work of the Ise Zumi tattoo masters is simply unbelievable. I have seen an Ise Zumi in passing, when they might visit the temple, but to be this close to some of their work is a gift in and of itself. I mean, just look at it. The depth, color and shading... I would swear it was alive. Even the stringer looks.. Oow!" he startled, jerking his finger away and clutching it.

"The wasp stung me!" he exclaimed and then reveled his finger.

"Or maybe that was my own needle." he added with a grin and deep laugh.

"But honestly, Rin-san, it is an honor just to have my work in proximity of such a masterpiece of the Ise Zumi. An honor that I cannot imagine ever being bestowed upon a simple tattooist like me. I will do my best to make sure my work is as worthy of such an honor as I possibly can possibly make it." Taro said sincerely.

[Noir]

"If I may offer some suggestions, Kakita-sama?" Taro asked confidently with just a hint of caution.

"First a bit of warning as to location. The ribs, flesh of the stomach, and the lower back/waist area are some of the most painful places to be tattooed. I would not recommend them for your first tattoo. The upper back, upper arm and outer thigh may be more tolerable for a first tattoo." he explained.

"As far as subject, there are several options that may appeal to you, such as a depiction of a great ancestor or figure/hero from history or legend who has traits you admire or wish for yourself. Creatures of myth, like the ki-rin, kitsu or kitsune are also an option, while some get tattoos of oni, ogres and other dark, evil things, as they feel having the tattoo of such a thing is a way of asserting some control over it and gaining some protection from it."

"Animals and insects are also quite beautiful, such as the like the hummingbird Rin-san was initially considering or the butterfly, the personification of the soul, being it living, dying or dead."

"You also might consider sakura blossoms (cherry blossoms). As you well know, the flowering cherry doesn’t last very long and only blooms for a short while. So sakura blossoms symbolize the transient and evanescent nature of life. Something so beautiful that can be so fleeting.  In that way the sakura blossom is similar to a samurai, especially a bushi, in that they might die at any point. For the sakura blossom, all things are ephemeral."

"And, of course, things can be combined, but they should make sense. Snakes and sakura blossoms should not be done together, for example, as snakes are still hibernating when the sakura is in bloom, so you would never see the two together. People, plants, animals, landscapes like mountains, rivers, forests or waves.

"Butterflies among the branches of sakura blossoms could e quite beautiful, for instance."

"Calligraphy characters are often incorporated into tattoos as well, with meanings and expressions that are quite specific to the individual.. a poem, sentiment, or motto."

"There are also tattoo subjects with a more private meaning, such as the maple leaf, which connotes undying love, eternal fidelity, (in some ways similar to the western symbolism of the red rose) and perhaps the ability to rise above a more mundane life. In this way, some use a tattoo to express something private, or that they might not be able to openly express."

"A tattoo is not simply a picture, even if that is all it was at the time you received it. A tattoo received in such a way will inevitably come to mean something more. It is much more than the sum of its separate parts. And though a tattoo is personal and need not ever be seen by another, aside from a spouse perhaps, but in case it is viewed, the design should be bold and clearly visible from a distance of some yards as too much detail muddles the image and undermines the graphic appeal, but nobody need understand the tattoo's meaning but yourself. To others, it may simple be a piece of art." the old man finished.

[Sunstar]

"You are most kind." Toshi politely demurred on behalf of the group. He made his bows to the Lord and the newly recognized Lady as the group worked through their departures. "Lord Daidoiji, Lord Okimoto, Hito-san." His mouth as could be seen was in a fixed, polite smile, but triumph ringed in Toshi's mind as the magistrates stepped out. Most excellently resolved. The details would be appropriately covered for the good of Lady Chiyoko, the Crane had their mystery solved and could finally work past the black mark of the Okimoto on the past, the Phoenix and Lion local lords would be very pleased, and the Jade Magistrates received the thanks and approval of many.

"I would be pleased to accept a match of Go, Akari-san." Toshi agreed, even as he gauged the reactions of the others. Most seemed relieved at the end of this affair in just six hours. Zoyu, less so. Her initial reservations over the matter of hiding Chiyoko's course of actions. She wouldn't reveal it though, not after Lord Daidoiji had sensibly agreed to cover it.

Such naivety out of the Crane. Was there really any other option? Of the wiser things to be listed in Akodo's Leadership, it was that one should not throw away their lives (or followers) pointlessly - that your duty was to get the job done. In that, Chiyoko had adhered admirably. No point in piling problems upon the peacemaking involved by bringing up the past.

But alas, Zoyu it seems, adhered to the false illusions that many held. Wile away your time with the sword if you insist, Zoyu-san. Kakita may say the Sword never dissembles or lies to you - but that is only because a sword says very little if anything.

Akari smiles.  " Alright, Shosuro-San.   Let's go grab us a board and we shall play."

Akari sets up a board for the two of them.

"Since I challenged, you get to go at Go first, Shosuro-san"

Akari laughed abit at her joke.

[Shosuro Toshi]

Toshi politely smiled and placed a white bead down in the center of the board. "If you wish to invite my sting, so be it."

[Kakita Zoyu]

"Hmm..." Zoyu mused, her eyes still on the drawings adorning the walls as she listened with an attentive ear to what Rin and Taro had to say about the art and meanings of tattoos. The idea of receiving one was growing more appealing. She was leaving Jinpachi with the outcome of their duties not to her full liking, but a tattoo... it would be all to her choice. "I have always been fond of sakura blossoms..."

She had first confessed her feelings for Tsukiko beneath the boughs of a sakura tree, and it was with sakura blossoms in their hair that they had consummated their relationship. As a child, when autumn came, she had played and danced under the falling blossoms of the sakura trees that her mother tended at the Kakita Artisan Academy. They held a great deal of meaning to her the more she pondered it and the deep black of the tree and rich pink of the blossoms would contrast becomingly on her pale skin, Zoyu believed.

Zoyu turned gracefully and bowed her head towards Rin and Taro. "I am grateful for your on the matter of tattoos," she said demurely, "and thank you both."

Her gaze lingered unabashed on the bare back of the Dragon, regarding the tattoo of the wasp with new appreciation, the depth of colour and the exquisiteness of detail. If she was going to get her flesh adorned with a tattoo, Zoyu of course would only allow the greatest of artists to do so, but she rather believed receiving such a boon from the Ise Zumi would be a tremendous trial - She was sure she had heard a story of a Crane woman doing so long ago who nearly died in the journey. Perhaps for my second tattoo...

Zoyu was well acquainted with the ineffable skill of the Kakita artisans and knew some of them pursued the art of Irezumi though she hadn't made any effort to witness their handiwork. If Rin had heard of Taro while at Tsuma for the Topaz Championship, then Taro would be a Horishi of no little skill. He would do for her first.

"I believe," Zoyu began slowly as she turned back to Taro's drawings with renewed interest and intensity, her decision as sudden and sublime as a blade drawn from the saya, "when you are done with Rin-san, I shall avail myself of your services. As this will be my first, I will heed your advice - on the shoulder, left."

Zoyu was quiet for some time, perusing the drawings. When Taro paused for a moment from working on Rin, she caught his attentioned with a tilt of her head. "Something in the vein of this or this, I think," Zoyu said, pointing at two of Taro's drawings of sakura trees and blossoms. "The branches deep black and the blossoms a rich pink-red, some falling from the branches." She nodded at a different drawing. "Over a full moon, if that is possible. And..."

Zoyu pursed her lips, then curved them in a sly grin as she glanced at Rin coyly. "... some crows. In flight. The crow was a companion to Shinsei and among the Crane, there are many stories of the Kenku. Perhaps over or under the bough of sakura blossoms or seen across the face of the moon. I will listen to any suggestions you have to arrange it most elegantly, Taro."

She turned her smile on Taro, and to him it seemed both challenging and encouraging. "I have often been to the Kakita Artisan Academy - my father and mother attend it and have the honour to teach some students - and I expect your work to be worthy of comment there. And you will be well compensated for such." Her smile turned down into a faint frown. "If you have the time to work on both Rin-san and myself before we have to leave to continue our duties as Jade Magistrates."

Zoyu's tattoo I'm thinking is on her left shoulder/upper back, and looks mostly like this:

Behind it or partially below it, there is a full moon similar to this:

And somewhere on or around the main part of the tattoo are several crows in flight, similar to this, either a little more detailed or pure silhouettes:

or this:

 

[Sunstar]

Akari scratches her chin, thinking of a good spot to place her first piece

"Well you'd have to reach the skies to sting me."

Akari placed piece down north west of Toshi's piece.

"I was impressed with how everyone did with investigation.  Especially you and Kageko-San."

[Shosuro Toshi]

Akari scratches her chin, thinking of a good spot to place her first piece

"Well you'd have to reach the skies to sting me."

"I can fly." Toshi countered, playing on the modification of his clan's most classic motto.

Akari placed piece down north west of Toshi's piece.

"I was impressed with how everyone did with investigation.  Especially you and Kageko-San."

"Thank you." Toshi placed another white piece to the south of his first. "But I think we were fortunate to discover the crawlspace so early. Otherwise:"

"We magistrates
drowning in a sea
of many suspects."

His impromptu haiku finished, Toshi did cast a moment to give thought confirming the decision he had already halfway made. The evidence had been crucial, and would be so in future investigations. It would be valuable to spend some time with his clan's old nemeses, the Kitsuki, and understand their famous Method.

[Noir]

"A wonderful choice, Kakita-sama." Taro praised with a smile.

"This line work for Rin-san's design will take a few hours, after which it must heal for days before the rest can be done. If you are available when I finish with Rin-san for today, then I can begin with your tattoo, Kakita-sama. It is likely that the design you seek can be completed in one sitting." the old man explained.

"And you need not be concerned with my stamina. On the days the next generation of Okimoto would complete their gempukku, my son and I would work all day and into the night as the new Okimoto were rather excited to get their tattoos. They would get their mon over their heart to keep their family close, and the bushi would get it on the back of their sword hand, so their enemy would know it was an Okimoto they were facing. Some would get other designs as well. This shop would hardly close for a week or two after the gempukku." he reminisced as he worked on Rin's tattoo.

[Mirumoto Rin]

Savoring the the stinging pain of the needles Rin closed her eyes and listened as Zoyu chose to be tattooed this day. Rin smiled and Taro answered her without a pause of his steady hands as he explained about the Okimoto getting their tattoos.

"And so it may be again Taro, although not here in Jinpachi, most likley. The Okimoto are not all dead after all."

There is the briefest of pauses in the needle work, only Rin's own skill lets her know of his hesitation.

"This is good news, Mirumoto-sama." Taro speaks quietly almost a whisper as this sinks in.

"Yes it is Taro, it is."

She looks over at Zoyu and smiles warmly at her friend.

 

[Sunstar]

"I can fly." Toshi countered, playing on the modification of his clan's most classic motto.

"Thank you." Toshi placed another white piece to the south of his first. "But I think we were fortunate to discover the crawlspace so early. Otherwise:"

"We magistrates
drowning in a sea
of many suspects."

His impromptu haiku finished, Toshi did cast a moment to give thought confirming the decision he had already halfway made. The evidence had been crucial, and would be so in future investigations. It would be valuable to spend some time with his clan's old nemeses, the Kitsuki, and understand their famous Method.

Akari nods in agreement.   They were very lucky to find that space or they'd probably STILL be looking through suspects.

"That was a pretty good Haiku.  And yes, once we knew the possibilities of who could have came through the crawl space, it became much simpler."

Akari ponders for a moment.  And then she places her go piece east of Toshi's Second piece.

[Kakita Zoyu]

"That can be arranged, Taro," Zoyu affirmed sweetly, confirming she'd available to receive her tattoo after Taro was done with the line-work for Rin. "And I never doubted you'd be up to the task."

Zoyu returned Rin's smile smoothly. If she wasn't leaving Jinpachi with the precise result she desired, she was leaving with something of her own choice. "Thank you for asking me to accompany you here, Rin-san. I don't think I would have considered such a thing without your invitation."

Zoyu watched Rin for a time as Taro worked over her, pondering more minute details for the tattoo she desire, debating if she wanted to include a hidden quote or message that would only be discerned by the artistic eye of the Crane. The Dragon seemed to savour the sweet sting of the needles. Zoyu wasn't one to embrace pain, but with her training and study with Toshimoko-sensei, she believed she'd be able to remain perfectly still so Taro would have a flawless surface to work his art upon.

"I'm going to find something for a mid-day meal, so as not to interrupt Taro later when he begins my tattoo. Do you wish me to acquire something for you as well, Rin-san? Kageko-san? I may peruse the Artisans' Market as well."

[Mirumoto Rin]

Rin opens her eyes and looks back at Zoyu and their eyes linger for several seconds.

"Yes please, Zoyu-san that is most thoughtful of you."

She bows her head toward the white haired beauty before sliding her gaze to the sultry Lion in her heavy robe.

"Forgive me Kageko-san, I did not mean to exclude you in our conversation. What do you think of the tattoos?"

[Noir]

Kageko looked over the drawings thoughtfully as she listened to the conversations. Much like Zoyu, Kageko had never considered getting a tattoo as she had never given it any thought at all. All of this talk though, and the beautiful drawings and the obvious skill of Taro was giving her something to contemplate.

"They are quite nice and something I had never considered for myself. Something I had never even consider at all really, but an idea has crossed my mind. I susspect it would be quite large and take many visits to complete though." she considered aloud.

"Oh? And what would that be, Kitsu-sama?" Taro asked, never even looking up from his work on Rin's back.

"Perhaps... Akodo facing a kitsu in the mountains and across my back." Kageko explained, almost shyly.

"A kitsu? Do you mean one of your family or one of the mythic kitsu?" Taro asked, slightly confused.

"Yes." Kageko replied with a playful smile on her delicate lips.

"The Kitsu... the mythic, fiery lions.. are my family." she said.

"Let me explain." she offered.

"At the birth of the Empire, when the land was still wild and very dangerous, Akodo thought the kitsu were dangerous beasts and began to exterminate them to protect his clan and the Empire. The purge ended when a couple of adult kitsu with three children were threatened by Akodo, the sentient cry of the kitsu halted the swing of Akodo's katana. It was only then, when those mere five kitsu remained, that Akodo finally realized his folly. Although communication was difficult, the kitsu soon learned to speak Rokugani and for years thereafter Akodo traveled to that valley and atoned for the innocent creatures he had massacred. No new children were born though... the kitsu had dwindled to just those five. Those last five Kitsu finally returned with the Akodo from the mountains one day. Akodo said that they were the last of the kitsu, transformed by Amaterasu herself into human form. The five swore their fealty to Akodo, and took his daughters as their wives. My family, the Kitsu family, descends from those five kitsu in human form and the daughters of the kami Akodo himself." Kageko recounted skillfully

"My hair.." Kageko said, pulling back her hood to reveal her mane of fiery colored hair, "..is not dyed. This is natural, a side effect of having strong blood of those five kitsu within me." she explained, which could make sense of her hair and sensually exotic, even feline-esque features.

Taro actually paused and looked up wide-eyed at Kageko.

"I had no idea. My apologizes Kitsu-sama." he offered apologetically.

"It is nothing to worry about, Taro-san. It is just a lesson from history, one which I would like remembered. I think it would make a beautiful designed with one of your skill, and it has a deeper meaning to myself as well. Please continue. Do not let me distract you." Kageko replied with a soothing smile to which Taro nodded and set back to work on Rin's tattoo.