The communal tent was alive with jovial voices and firelight as Katsumi passed the open flap of the doorway of the Spider’s largest tent. It had been a good day despite not taking first, it would seem. Inside she caught glimpses of youths clad in other clan’s colors, students who were bending an ear towards what the Spider could offer. She considered joining them, just for a moment, to make an appearance as the Spider that shook the Topaz Championship up, but reconsidered knowing exactly where that would lead, to too much drinking and probably a late morning the next day. Unfortunately her morning was already reserved for something of more importance than sleeping in.
She had spent two days living in Yume-do, only to be returned to Ningen-do to replay those days on the other side. She wasn’t complaining, knowing what was to come was largely a blessing, and one Katsumi didn’t take lightly. It’s just that tomorrow would be the day the little girl became lost, and after this morning she knew it was more than a dream, it was an accurate foretelling of things to come. Today was the third day of the tournament, the final day, the day she had woken in Yume-do. In the Realm of Dreams the people she found herself with had battled dark creatures coined the Noise and saved a Dragon girl from a Scorpion plot.
This morning, being the same day as where she began in Yume-do, she wanted to bare witness to the Scorpion plot and see if things were to repeat in the same manner. She had waited until the iaijutsu tournament was about to begin and stood watch across from the tent they had found the girl in in the dream world. It wasn’t long before her suspicions were confirmed, the Jade Magistrate stormed the tent and rescued the young woman, killing one Scorpion and binding another for judgment. Things had happened precisely the way they had when playing Jashuwa’s game, leaving Katsumi wondering if she could have changed the outcome by interfering instead of watching from the shadows.
Jashuwa’s voice echoed in her head, “Now that you know, what do you plan to do?” There had to be something to it all, she just couldn’t grasp it yet. Even her bones this morning were trying to give her the answer, spelling out a reminder of that place and that strange man. Telling her, “Sometimes dreams are more important than reality.” But that was the riddle, wasn’t it? A dream of the future and the choice to act before something happens, anticipate the problem and change destiny, was it even possible?
Katsumi pushed open her tent, her head swimming with the memories of the vision they had all lived in. Those four she had never met before, and then suddenly they were starting to fall into her life. Kitsuki was now her ward. Asahina was her rival… and now what? Her friend? He had invited her to a tea ceremony earlier this evening. Unless he was unsuccessfully trying to poison her that ritual was reserved for people you trusted, respected, or were trying to impress.
“You received a letter, Katsu-kun.” Yanagi said as Katsumi entered their tent. He was laying on his bedroll, staring up at the ceiling, a single candle illuminating the blackness inside the room.
“From who?” Katsumi couldn’t imagine anyone who would write her.
“Otomo Nagi.” Yanagi rolled to a seated position. “It seems you are invited to a dinner tomorrow night.”
“What is it for?” Katsumi set her katana and wakizashi on the stool in the room and began removing the many layers of her outfit.
Yanagi shrugged, “He’s from the Imperial family.”
“Oh,” Katsumi paused, her heart began pounding. What did the Imperial family want with her? If it was something grave she wouldn‘t still be here, Yanagi would have found her and secreted her away; though on the other hand the Spider may have no choice but to hand her over to keep up appearances. But… it was a dinner, people didn‘t invite someone to dinner to interrogate them. “This is good, right?”
“It could have been, but tomorrow is the full moon, Katsu-kun. You won’t be going.” Katsumi nodded, hearing Yanagi shuffling, probably laying back down.
“We will be staying the next three nights,” He continued, “There are some prospects we’re trying to bring in, and we also want to make sure your new ward can handle your nuances. You will have him take care of you tomorrow, it would be better if he learned sooner rather than later when we’re not around to stop you.”
“I understand, Big Brother.” Katsumi unfurled her tatami mat and bedroll next to Yanagi’s and crawled into bed. Falling asleep to thoughts of the full moon tomorrow, the lost little girl, and the dinner she wouldn’t be attending.
The next morning was a different type of noise to wake to. There’s something always dreary about taking down things that you’ve built, you can see it in the way people slug about, it’s in their voices when they talk, as if dismantling your creation somehow eats away at a person's soul. Katsumi rose and dressed, choosing to leave her bisento behind but taking her wakizashi and newly gifted katana. Most of the clan seemed to have drunk to excess last night, and those that didn’t weren’t within sight, leaving Katsumi to the mercy of the town’s food vendors. At least they were open, serving those that had gotten an early start on the morning, whether traveling or part of the working party.
Katsumi ate quickly and headed towards the area the Scorpion had made camp in. All the clans pretty much stuck together, setting their tents up next to others they knew. She already knew where the Scorpion camp was, having been there twice now, once in Yume-do, the other yesterday, so it wasn’t long before she had wandered in and begun looking for the same little girl she had seen by the cave. Not many people brought children to this event. Most first year students weren’t married yet, and families that came to observe usually consisted of grown children since at least one of them had to have reached adulthood to participate.
That being the case, Katsumi found the child rather quickly, tagging along behind what seemed to be her parents as they packed up their belongings to make the trip back home. Katsumi waited. Tucking herself against a wall within line of sight of the family, she simply watched, making sure the child wasn’t separated from her parents. After two hours of attempting to be inconspicuous, as much as a Spider can be inconspicuous standing in a Scorpion area with no real motive to be there, Katsumi heard the soft whisper of a man’s voice pose a question in her ear.
“Is there something we can help you with?”
Katsumi jumped, caught unaware by the stranger now standing by her side. It was if he wasn’t there a moment ago and suddenly he had appeared close enough to Katsumi she could now feel his presence. He was taller than her, middle-aged, and staring at her casually behind a mask that covered the bottom half of his face. She had heard stories about the Scorpion and how deadly they were because you never saw them coming, striking from the darkness, but this was way more skilled than that. It was morning, there was sunlight, and he had somehow managed to materialize out of nowhere.
She knew she shouldn’t have been so surprised, but she couldn’t help her sudden shock at just how unbearably close he was. Yesterday she had seen something similar before the Jade Magistrate stormed the tent where the Dragon girl was held captive. Two men had ran from the entrance, but not out of the tent. At the time she had thought it may have been a trick of her eyes, the streets were crowded and she couldn’t be certain they weren’t running by at the same moment when she noticed them. Now she believed they may have been there the whole time, just hiding, really well.
“Just… observing,” She said cautiously.
“Observing what?”
“Take down and pack up.” Katsumi wasn’t suited for deceit. Over the years she had learned that telling parts of a truth could get her a whole lot farther than outright lying. In this case the whole truth wouldn’t help here either. The Scorpion were highly superstitious, probably more so than anyone else in the Empire. Telling one of them, especially one who caught her off guard, that she was watching a child because a spirit named Jashuwa had forced her to play a game in Yume-do and this child was about to unleash dark monsters no one can see unless in Joshuwa’s Yume-do to wreck havoc on the living… it didn’t sound like the best of options. Take down and pack up it was!
“Hm,” The man said and slowly looked towards the little girl. “You’re showing some pretty intense interest in that child over there.”
Kuso… It was times like this Katsumi was thankful her standard outfit covered her face. “Maybe it just reminds me of when I was younger.” Katsumi tried to keep her voice steady. She should have said it more definitive and not left it open as if she were suggesting it, but she didn’t want to be caught in a lie and the girl definitely didn‘t remind her of her childhood. As long as she didn’t admit to anything and kept calm they couldn’t touch her without severe repercussions from not only her clan, but the Imperial law as well.
“We’re aware of some of what the Spider are capable of and that they like to adopt children. So, we would very much appreciate it if you would leave.” He was staring at her again, his dark eyes boring into Katsumi.
She didn‘t need to be asked twice. “Very well.” She nodded and started towards the dueling grounds noting the two other Scorpions that moved out her way that she hadn’t previously been aware of either. They were good, very good. Katsumi wasn’t easy to get the jump on, and three had managed to corner her without alerting any of her senses, it made her feel uneasy. She took a seat on the nearest bench and faced towards the Scorpion camp. She didn’t need to be in the camp in order to prevent things from happening, she just needed to be in the path the child would end up taking.
Katsumi drew up her legs to sit cross-legged on the bench and stretched her arms above her head, craning her neck. She paused when a familiar Lion passed through her line of sight, chestnut hair, appealing features and Hikaru trailing behind her.
“Matsu-san!” Katsumi waved her over, “You’re looking a little light to be leaving today.”
Matsu neared, “I’m not leaving. I was just looking for the little girl.”
“How fortuitous, so am I. Come join me.” Katsumi patted the wood next to her and Matsu took a seat. As if their fates were all knotted together, Katsumi thought. Here Matsu was, sitting next to her, they could have easily missed each other but at the precise moment they were in the same place leading to another destined meeting.
“Tell me, Matsu-san, what does the future hold for you?” Katsumi casually questioned. She already knew Matsu was forthcoming with personal information, having just offered up her desire to bed Katsumi in front of Shiba and Asahina without any provocation. Katsumi was interested to see what other sorts of unmentionable information Matsu might share when it was just the two of them.
“Well…” Matsu seemed to be thinking, “In the immediate future I hope to visit my family and discuss my betrothal that my parents set up.”
“That’s a good thing, right? An offer so early in life.”
“No, it isn’t as grand as you may think. No one wants to be betrothed to a Unicorn.”
“I see. You’re unhappy with this. And speaking to your parents will change that?”
“It depends on what they say. If I can get out of it I would be very happy, if not… not so much.”
“It can’t be all that bad, Matsu-san.” Katsumi feigned forced optimism. It appeared to Katsumi that if she disagreed with Matsu’s feelings on a matter she would be corrected by the Lion, making it much easier to steer the conversation the way she wanted.
“It is! They like to shake hands.” Matsu made a face of disgust. “And this one insulted my lion and school which I am very proud to have attended.”
“Oh that’s just terrible.” Katsumi wondered if she was being believable enough, she wasn’t usually the one that handled personal matters, finding it hard to show sincerity. “You are very talented, and Hikaru as well. Who wouldn’t love him?”
“Someone that thinks they should be hunted down.” Matsu scowled.
Katsumi gently patted Matsu’s leg. “Don’t worry, Matsu-san. I am here to help solve your problem.”
Matsu didn’t say anything, just stared at Katsumi. Perhaps she was coming across too concerned. She removed her hand from Matsu’s leg and peeked over at the Scorpion camp. She had set out to change the course of events today, but this was information that she knew she had to hand off to someone better suited to the task. Katsumi wrestled with herself before turning back to Matsu. “Could you keep an eye out for the little girl? There’s something I have to attend to.”
“I can do that.” As soon as Matsu answered, Katsumi was off.
Katsumi jogged back to the Spider camp, eager to tell someone of Matsu’s situation. She wasn’t one to actually talk to people and delve into their problems for which her clan always had a solution for. Usually she was a scout, her strengths lying in observing the physical capabilities or shortcomings of an individual and bringing names back to the group so someone more experienced could chat them up and bring them into the web. This time, however, she had tried her hand at developing a rapport and managed to secure a sliver of worthy information. Throwing open the communal tent in her excitement, she was greeted by a few surprised stares. She scanned the room, Yanagi wasn’t there, nor were any of the older Spiders.
“Where’s Yanagi-sama?” Katsumi quickly asked. It was Ryoko that pointed in the direction of the tent Katsumi’s family shared. “Arigato.”
Katsumi calmly backed out of the communal tent and collected herself before entering her tent. She was excited, and although she didn’t have to worry about appearances when talking alone in their tent, this was still business and required a certain decorum. She ducked into her tent, pushing the flap out of the way, and discovered Negisa lounging on Yanagi’s bedroll in her sleeping gown. Yanagi was sitting on the stool appearing to be redressing, tying his chest piece into place.
“Speak of the demon.” Negisa smirked and rolled on her side, draping a hand over her hip. She was a curvaceous and sultry woman. Her long hair was lighter than most, taking on a mahogany color and her eyes were large and complex, hazel, rarely seen in Rokugan. Negisa was not much taller than Katsumi, being only 5’6”, but unlike Katsumi she had long since stopped growing. She was senior to Katsumi by eleven years and Yanagi by four, putting her well beyond the usual age of marrying. The clan had other uses for Negisa’s talents besides wedding her. “I hear we’re staying in this pit a few more nights because the moon is on the rise.”
“It’s as much for our safety as it is hers,” Yanagi sternly reminded Negisa. He waved a hand towards Katsumi’s belongings. “Katsu-kun, another letter was delivered today; it seems you’re becoming popular.”
Katsumi glanced at the letter, curious on who it could be from but didn‘t take any steps closer. “I have something to report.”
“Oh?” Yanagi responded.
“Yeah, I- uh, met a Matsu. Mikoto. She’s a Beastmaster. She has a problem and I think we can help her.” Katsumi watched Yanagi for a reaction; he leaned forward resting his chin on his hand as he often did when considering something. It was something their father did too, or used to do, when he was alive.
“Go on.”
“She’s betrothed to a Unicorn and wishes to be out of it. It might be our chance to get into the Lion clan.”
“That can be arranged. But a suitor is more difficult to set up.” Yanagi leaned back again.
“It doesn’t really matter who it is as long as he’s respectful of her pet, the lion. Otherwise Mikoto doesn’t seem to have a taste for men.”
Negisa giggled. “Oh Little Sister, are you telling me someone is pursuing you?”
“Not… exactly.” Katsumi cast her eyes to the ground nervously. Negisa had a way of making her feel nervous and afraid nearly any time she was around her. “She made her intentions clear, but nothing has come of it since.”
“Yanagi, I have stupendous idea, if I may?” Negisa rose with a nod from Yanagi. She strutted across the tent, circling behind Katsumi and wrapped an arm lovingly around Katsumi’s waist, the other stroking Katsumi’s wrapped face. Katsumi’s heart began to race; partly from fear and partly because she could feel the heat from Negisa’s body radiating through her clothes and the pressure of her body against her back.
“Katsumi has a pretty face, and the Matsu enjoys something else about her. Why don’t we let Little Sister handle this in a more carnal fashion?” Katsumi felt Negisa pull away from her back, no longer caressing her face. With a sudden jerk she was pulled backwards by her obi, her rear ramming into Negisa’s pelvis. “Catch the cat by the tail, so to speak.”
Katsumi was relieved when Negisa swept herself across the room and gracefully laid back on the bed. She straightened her obi and waited on Yanagi to give the final word. Even though Negisa was older, Yanagi ran the family now. He was also in charge of the group here at the tournament, which meant his word went doubly so.
“It has merit,” Yanagi finally said standing to leave. “Katsumi, you are to tempt Matsu and bring her into the fold. It would be easier than sending one of us into the lion’s den.”
Katsumi nodded and turned to go.
“Katsu-kun,” Yanagi called, stopping her. “Your letter.” He brushed his hand along the small of her back as he moved past her and out the tent.
Katsumi had forgotten about it with Matsu on her mind. She retrieved the paper noting the green seal of the Dragon on it and opened it. It was from Kitsuki. “Humbly request”…“banquet at noon.”…“Messenger will…direct.” From the way it sounded, she would have to show up in a proper kimono. It was already getting on to late morning and she still hadn’t finished with the lost child. If she were going to make it she would have to basically run back to the dueling grounds, intervene, and then come straight back here. She tucked the letter away and headed towards the door.
“Where’s my kiss farewell?” Negisa called from behind her. Katsumi froze in her tracks staring at the tent flap only a step in front of her. To see it so close tempted Katsumi to run without saying a word, but she would surely face Negisa’s wrath if that came to pass.
“I have to go. It’s-um, it’s urgent. I-uh… I’ll be back within an hour.”
“Don’t keep me waiting, Little Sister.”
She had spent two days living in Yume-do, only to be returned to Ningen-do to replay those days on the other side. She wasn’t complaining, knowing what was to come was largely a blessing, and one Katsumi didn’t take lightly. It’s just that tomorrow would be the day the little girl became lost, and after this morning she knew it was more than a dream, it was an accurate foretelling of things to come. Today was the third day of the tournament, the final day, the day she had woken in Yume-do. In the Realm of Dreams the people she found herself with had battled dark creatures coined the Noise and saved a Dragon girl from a Scorpion plot.
This morning, being the same day as where she began in Yume-do, she wanted to bare witness to the Scorpion plot and see if things were to repeat in the same manner. She had waited until the iaijutsu tournament was about to begin and stood watch across from the tent they had found the girl in in the dream world. It wasn’t long before her suspicions were confirmed, the Jade Magistrate stormed the tent and rescued the young woman, killing one Scorpion and binding another for judgment. Things had happened precisely the way they had when playing Jashuwa’s game, leaving Katsumi wondering if she could have changed the outcome by interfering instead of watching from the shadows.
Jashuwa’s voice echoed in her head, “Now that you know, what do you plan to do?” There had to be something to it all, she just couldn’t grasp it yet. Even her bones this morning were trying to give her the answer, spelling out a reminder of that place and that strange man. Telling her, “Sometimes dreams are more important than reality.” But that was the riddle, wasn’t it? A dream of the future and the choice to act before something happens, anticipate the problem and change destiny, was it even possible?
Katsumi pushed open her tent, her head swimming with the memories of the vision they had all lived in. Those four she had never met before, and then suddenly they were starting to fall into her life. Kitsuki was now her ward. Asahina was her rival… and now what? Her friend? He had invited her to a tea ceremony earlier this evening. Unless he was unsuccessfully trying to poison her that ritual was reserved for people you trusted, respected, or were trying to impress.
“You received a letter, Katsu-kun.” Yanagi said as Katsumi entered their tent. He was laying on his bedroll, staring up at the ceiling, a single candle illuminating the blackness inside the room.
“From who?” Katsumi couldn’t imagine anyone who would write her.
“Otomo Nagi.” Yanagi rolled to a seated position. “It seems you are invited to a dinner tomorrow night.”
“What is it for?” Katsumi set her katana and wakizashi on the stool in the room and began removing the many layers of her outfit.
Yanagi shrugged, “He’s from the Imperial family.”
“Oh,” Katsumi paused, her heart began pounding. What did the Imperial family want with her? If it was something grave she wouldn‘t still be here, Yanagi would have found her and secreted her away; though on the other hand the Spider may have no choice but to hand her over to keep up appearances. But… it was a dinner, people didn‘t invite someone to dinner to interrogate them. “This is good, right?”
“It could have been, but tomorrow is the full moon, Katsu-kun. You won’t be going.” Katsumi nodded, hearing Yanagi shuffling, probably laying back down.
“We will be staying the next three nights,” He continued, “There are some prospects we’re trying to bring in, and we also want to make sure your new ward can handle your nuances. You will have him take care of you tomorrow, it would be better if he learned sooner rather than later when we’re not around to stop you.”
“I understand, Big Brother.” Katsumi unfurled her tatami mat and bedroll next to Yanagi’s and crawled into bed. Falling asleep to thoughts of the full moon tomorrow, the lost little girl, and the dinner she wouldn’t be attending.
The next morning was a different type of noise to wake to. There’s something always dreary about taking down things that you’ve built, you can see it in the way people slug about, it’s in their voices when they talk, as if dismantling your creation somehow eats away at a person's soul. Katsumi rose and dressed, choosing to leave her bisento behind but taking her wakizashi and newly gifted katana. Most of the clan seemed to have drunk to excess last night, and those that didn’t weren’t within sight, leaving Katsumi to the mercy of the town’s food vendors. At least they were open, serving those that had gotten an early start on the morning, whether traveling or part of the working party.
Katsumi ate quickly and headed towards the area the Scorpion had made camp in. All the clans pretty much stuck together, setting their tents up next to others they knew. She already knew where the Scorpion camp was, having been there twice now, once in Yume-do, the other yesterday, so it wasn’t long before she had wandered in and begun looking for the same little girl she had seen by the cave. Not many people brought children to this event. Most first year students weren’t married yet, and families that came to observe usually consisted of grown children since at least one of them had to have reached adulthood to participate.
That being the case, Katsumi found the child rather quickly, tagging along behind what seemed to be her parents as they packed up their belongings to make the trip back home. Katsumi waited. Tucking herself against a wall within line of sight of the family, she simply watched, making sure the child wasn’t separated from her parents. After two hours of attempting to be inconspicuous, as much as a Spider can be inconspicuous standing in a Scorpion area with no real motive to be there, Katsumi heard the soft whisper of a man’s voice pose a question in her ear.
“Is there something we can help you with?”
Katsumi jumped, caught unaware by the stranger now standing by her side. It was if he wasn’t there a moment ago and suddenly he had appeared close enough to Katsumi she could now feel his presence. He was taller than her, middle-aged, and staring at her casually behind a mask that covered the bottom half of his face. She had heard stories about the Scorpion and how deadly they were because you never saw them coming, striking from the darkness, but this was way more skilled than that. It was morning, there was sunlight, and he had somehow managed to materialize out of nowhere.
She knew she shouldn’t have been so surprised, but she couldn’t help her sudden shock at just how unbearably close he was. Yesterday she had seen something similar before the Jade Magistrate stormed the tent where the Dragon girl was held captive. Two men had ran from the entrance, but not out of the tent. At the time she had thought it may have been a trick of her eyes, the streets were crowded and she couldn’t be certain they weren’t running by at the same moment when she noticed them. Now she believed they may have been there the whole time, just hiding, really well.
“Just… observing,” She said cautiously.
“Observing what?”
“Take down and pack up.” Katsumi wasn’t suited for deceit. Over the years she had learned that telling parts of a truth could get her a whole lot farther than outright lying. In this case the whole truth wouldn’t help here either. The Scorpion were highly superstitious, probably more so than anyone else in the Empire. Telling one of them, especially one who caught her off guard, that she was watching a child because a spirit named Jashuwa had forced her to play a game in Yume-do and this child was about to unleash dark monsters no one can see unless in Joshuwa’s Yume-do to wreck havoc on the living… it didn’t sound like the best of options. Take down and pack up it was!
“Hm,” The man said and slowly looked towards the little girl. “You’re showing some pretty intense interest in that child over there.”
Kuso… It was times like this Katsumi was thankful her standard outfit covered her face. “Maybe it just reminds me of when I was younger.” Katsumi tried to keep her voice steady. She should have said it more definitive and not left it open as if she were suggesting it, but she didn’t want to be caught in a lie and the girl definitely didn‘t remind her of her childhood. As long as she didn’t admit to anything and kept calm they couldn’t touch her without severe repercussions from not only her clan, but the Imperial law as well.
“We’re aware of some of what the Spider are capable of and that they like to adopt children. So, we would very much appreciate it if you would leave.” He was staring at her again, his dark eyes boring into Katsumi.
She didn‘t need to be asked twice. “Very well.” She nodded and started towards the dueling grounds noting the two other Scorpions that moved out her way that she hadn’t previously been aware of either. They were good, very good. Katsumi wasn’t easy to get the jump on, and three had managed to corner her without alerting any of her senses, it made her feel uneasy. She took a seat on the nearest bench and faced towards the Scorpion camp. She didn’t need to be in the camp in order to prevent things from happening, she just needed to be in the path the child would end up taking.
Katsumi drew up her legs to sit cross-legged on the bench and stretched her arms above her head, craning her neck. She paused when a familiar Lion passed through her line of sight, chestnut hair, appealing features and Hikaru trailing behind her.
“Matsu-san!” Katsumi waved her over, “You’re looking a little light to be leaving today.”
Matsu neared, “I’m not leaving. I was just looking for the little girl.”
“How fortuitous, so am I. Come join me.” Katsumi patted the wood next to her and Matsu took a seat. As if their fates were all knotted together, Katsumi thought. Here Matsu was, sitting next to her, they could have easily missed each other but at the precise moment they were in the same place leading to another destined meeting.
“Tell me, Matsu-san, what does the future hold for you?” Katsumi casually questioned. She already knew Matsu was forthcoming with personal information, having just offered up her desire to bed Katsumi in front of Shiba and Asahina without any provocation. Katsumi was interested to see what other sorts of unmentionable information Matsu might share when it was just the two of them.
“Well…” Matsu seemed to be thinking, “In the immediate future I hope to visit my family and discuss my betrothal that my parents set up.”
“That’s a good thing, right? An offer so early in life.”
“No, it isn’t as grand as you may think. No one wants to be betrothed to a Unicorn.”
“I see. You’re unhappy with this. And speaking to your parents will change that?”
“It depends on what they say. If I can get out of it I would be very happy, if not… not so much.”
“It can’t be all that bad, Matsu-san.” Katsumi feigned forced optimism. It appeared to Katsumi that if she disagreed with Matsu’s feelings on a matter she would be corrected by the Lion, making it much easier to steer the conversation the way she wanted.
“It is! They like to shake hands.” Matsu made a face of disgust. “And this one insulted my lion and school which I am very proud to have attended.”
“Oh that’s just terrible.” Katsumi wondered if she was being believable enough, she wasn’t usually the one that handled personal matters, finding it hard to show sincerity. “You are very talented, and Hikaru as well. Who wouldn’t love him?”
“Someone that thinks they should be hunted down.” Matsu scowled.
Katsumi gently patted Matsu’s leg. “Don’t worry, Matsu-san. I am here to help solve your problem.”
Matsu didn’t say anything, just stared at Katsumi. Perhaps she was coming across too concerned. She removed her hand from Matsu’s leg and peeked over at the Scorpion camp. She had set out to change the course of events today, but this was information that she knew she had to hand off to someone better suited to the task. Katsumi wrestled with herself before turning back to Matsu. “Could you keep an eye out for the little girl? There’s something I have to attend to.”
“I can do that.” As soon as Matsu answered, Katsumi was off.
Katsumi jogged back to the Spider camp, eager to tell someone of Matsu’s situation. She wasn’t one to actually talk to people and delve into their problems for which her clan always had a solution for. Usually she was a scout, her strengths lying in observing the physical capabilities or shortcomings of an individual and bringing names back to the group so someone more experienced could chat them up and bring them into the web. This time, however, she had tried her hand at developing a rapport and managed to secure a sliver of worthy information. Throwing open the communal tent in her excitement, she was greeted by a few surprised stares. She scanned the room, Yanagi wasn’t there, nor were any of the older Spiders.
“Where’s Yanagi-sama?” Katsumi quickly asked. It was Ryoko that pointed in the direction of the tent Katsumi’s family shared. “Arigato.”
Katsumi calmly backed out of the communal tent and collected herself before entering her tent. She was excited, and although she didn’t have to worry about appearances when talking alone in their tent, this was still business and required a certain decorum. She ducked into her tent, pushing the flap out of the way, and discovered Negisa lounging on Yanagi’s bedroll in her sleeping gown. Yanagi was sitting on the stool appearing to be redressing, tying his chest piece into place.
“Speak of the demon.” Negisa smirked and rolled on her side, draping a hand over her hip. She was a curvaceous and sultry woman. Her long hair was lighter than most, taking on a mahogany color and her eyes were large and complex, hazel, rarely seen in Rokugan. Negisa was not much taller than Katsumi, being only 5’6”, but unlike Katsumi she had long since stopped growing. She was senior to Katsumi by eleven years and Yanagi by four, putting her well beyond the usual age of marrying. The clan had other uses for Negisa’s talents besides wedding her. “I hear we’re staying in this pit a few more nights because the moon is on the rise.”
“It’s as much for our safety as it is hers,” Yanagi sternly reminded Negisa. He waved a hand towards Katsumi’s belongings. “Katsu-kun, another letter was delivered today; it seems you’re becoming popular.”
Katsumi glanced at the letter, curious on who it could be from but didn‘t take any steps closer. “I have something to report.”
“Oh?” Yanagi responded.
“Yeah, I- uh, met a Matsu. Mikoto. She’s a Beastmaster. She has a problem and I think we can help her.” Katsumi watched Yanagi for a reaction; he leaned forward resting his chin on his hand as he often did when considering something. It was something their father did too, or used to do, when he was alive.
“Go on.”
“She’s betrothed to a Unicorn and wishes to be out of it. It might be our chance to get into the Lion clan.”
“That can be arranged. But a suitor is more difficult to set up.” Yanagi leaned back again.
“It doesn’t really matter who it is as long as he’s respectful of her pet, the lion. Otherwise Mikoto doesn’t seem to have a taste for men.”
Negisa giggled. “Oh Little Sister, are you telling me someone is pursuing you?”
“Not… exactly.” Katsumi cast her eyes to the ground nervously. Negisa had a way of making her feel nervous and afraid nearly any time she was around her. “She made her intentions clear, but nothing has come of it since.”
“Yanagi, I have stupendous idea, if I may?” Negisa rose with a nod from Yanagi. She strutted across the tent, circling behind Katsumi and wrapped an arm lovingly around Katsumi’s waist, the other stroking Katsumi’s wrapped face. Katsumi’s heart began to race; partly from fear and partly because she could feel the heat from Negisa’s body radiating through her clothes and the pressure of her body against her back.
“Katsumi has a pretty face, and the Matsu enjoys something else about her. Why don’t we let Little Sister handle this in a more carnal fashion?” Katsumi felt Negisa pull away from her back, no longer caressing her face. With a sudden jerk she was pulled backwards by her obi, her rear ramming into Negisa’s pelvis. “Catch the cat by the tail, so to speak.”
Katsumi was relieved when Negisa swept herself across the room and gracefully laid back on the bed. She straightened her obi and waited on Yanagi to give the final word. Even though Negisa was older, Yanagi ran the family now. He was also in charge of the group here at the tournament, which meant his word went doubly so.
“It has merit,” Yanagi finally said standing to leave. “Katsumi, you are to tempt Matsu and bring her into the fold. It would be easier than sending one of us into the lion’s den.”
Katsumi nodded and turned to go.
“Katsu-kun,” Yanagi called, stopping her. “Your letter.” He brushed his hand along the small of her back as he moved past her and out the tent.
Katsumi had forgotten about it with Matsu on her mind. She retrieved the paper noting the green seal of the Dragon on it and opened it. It was from Kitsuki. “Humbly request”…“banquet at noon.”…“Messenger will…direct.” From the way it sounded, she would have to show up in a proper kimono. It was already getting on to late morning and she still hadn’t finished with the lost child. If she were going to make it she would have to basically run back to the dueling grounds, intervene, and then come straight back here. She tucked the letter away and headed towards the door.
“Where’s my kiss farewell?” Negisa called from behind her. Katsumi froze in her tracks staring at the tent flap only a step in front of her. To see it so close tempted Katsumi to run without saying a word, but she would surely face Negisa’s wrath if that came to pass.
“I have to go. It’s-um, it’s urgent. I-uh… I’ll be back within an hour.”
“Don’t keep me waiting, Little Sister.”
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