Today had been the most trying day in Kyuzo’s life. He couldn’t remember another day when his word weighed so heavily, and with it his conscience. He hadn’t wanted to let Tsuruchi go to the Spider, he hadn’t wanted Tsuruchi dead at all, but when it came down to it, it was the only option. Everything pointed in the direction that Tsuruchi was guilty of the crimes he was charged with, even Kitsuki had informed Kyuzo that Tsuruchi was lying with his last words uttered. And when he had opted to lock Tsuruchi up, to keep him alive because he hadn’t actually succeeded in burning down the distillery, he was forced to overturn that ruling. Daigotsu Negisa, though not the head of the Spider clan in the area she definitely pulled some weight with those in attendance, had made a request, something so simple and yet laden with so many consequences if he refused. After weighing what he believed to be the result of each decision, it came down to pleasing the Spider. After all it was to be their town in the not so distant future and if he started by insulting their way of life by refusing to let them deal with a criminal, they might see fit to start problems of their own before Kyuzo had finished his duty in the area.
It frustrated him to be backed in a corner. It frustrated him that as the lord of the town his word was not final this time. It frustrated him that Tsuruchi had done this unreasonable act. And it frustrated him that he just sentenced a friend to death. He may not have known Tsuruchi for very long, but it was long enough to have made a positive impression on Kyuzo. He thought about it for a moment, really, it frustrated him that he had to make the decision at all. Things like this shouldn’t happen, especially from a samurai, especially from someone sent to protect this town. Now that it was over, he knew business had to continue on as usual, and frustrated or not his sensei would be waiting for him to continue his training.
It frustrated him to be backed in a corner. It frustrated him that as the lord of the town his word was not final this time. It frustrated him that Tsuruchi had done this unreasonable act. And it frustrated him that he just sentenced a friend to death. He may not have known Tsuruchi for very long, but it was long enough to have made a positive impression on Kyuzo. He thought about it for a moment, really, it frustrated him that he had to make the decision at all. Things like this shouldn’t happen, especially from a samurai, especially from someone sent to protect this town. Now that it was over, he knew business had to continue on as usual, and frustrated or not his sensei would be waiting for him to continue his training.
He arrived at the same place he had trained yesterday to find Kakita-sensei seated by a small table that wasn’t there before. It was already set for a tea ceremony and Kakita-sensei seemed to be waiting for him. Kyuzo took a seat and Kakita began the ceremony right away without a word. Silently he watched as Kakita went through the motions, attempting to push this morning’s events from his mind. It was an impossible task even with the serenity of the ceremony.
“How do you feel about your decision?” Kakita-sensei finally spoke after the tea ceremony was completed.
Kyuzo rubbed his neck and sighed, “I don’t know. I had to do it, but the situation doesn’t make sense to me.”
“Good,” Kakita leaned back and nodded, “Do you know what that means?”
Kyuzo really didn’t. It meant he was sane and apparently Tsuruchi wasn’t. It meant that he valued life more than Negisa, or the other Spider. It meant he had no choice, and did what he had to do.
“It means that you performed your duties. Not everything you do is something you’re going to like doing, and sometimes it’s not even going to be something you agree with. You have great potential to be a leader, but don’t let that go to your head.”
Kyuzo nodded. It was probably the biggest compliment he had ever received. Well, at least ones said with sincerity. His teacher had just said he was going to become a great leader, or at least had the potential to be one. And in Kyuzo’s book, that meant he was bound to tap into that potential and harness it. He would lead this town to where it needed to go.
“Now,” Kakita-sensei said, “Show me the new dueling stance we were practicing yesterday.”
***
Negisa’s underwear sat neatly folded by Katsumi’s door. Katsumi sighed staring at it. She couldn’t leave it there, someone might mistake it for hers, which is how this whole situation got started in the first place. Matsu had gathered up the clothes from Asahina’s room two nights ago, a night Katsumi didn’t remember, and given what she had thought was Katsumi’s to her. It didn’t take Katsumi more than a moment to realize Matsu had made a mistake, but it was one that most probably would make. Katsumi didn’t wear a susoyoke, the slip-like undergarment women traditionally wore. Katsumi didn’t wear much of anything that women wore. Her long hair was never tied as a woman would have it, her clothes were all male in style, and she even referred to herself in the masculine form. She was well aware she was female in sex, it was just the way she was brought up. Now, that little bit of information left her with Negisa’s susoyoke and a task to rid herself of it that she didn’t want to complete.
She sighed again and scooped up the folded cloth. Yesterday she had learned the slip was meant for Asahina to have, a memento from Negisa of that night. Now it was up to Katsumi, who currently had the susoyoke, to return it to Asahina. As if Katsumi didn’t already have to worry about how uncomfortable it would be to return the mon she practically stole from that same night, now she had to give him Negisa’s underwear. Somewhere in the back of her mind she was certain it was just a way for Negisa to get under her skin, but the reasoning didn’t matter so much as the task at hand and it was time for Katsumi to hand it over. She left her room and quickly crept to Asahina’s door, hoping no one saw her handling the underwear.
“Asahina-san,” Katsumi called out with a soft tapping at his door.
There was an audible sigh before she heard Asahina respond despairingly, “Come in.”
Katsumi slid his door open and made sure to stay in the hallway, she didn’t want to make this any more awkward than it was already going to be. She placed the folded cloth on the floor just inside the door. “This was meant for you. It’s Negisa’s. Matsu gave it to me.”
“Oh,” was all Asahina said.
“That’s it.” Katsumi closed the door. It was over with. There didn’t need to be any more of an explanation.
“Alright,” Asahina said through the door, “Thanks. You don’t want to stay for a drink or something?”
Katsumi had turned to go back to her room when she heard Asahina. It didn’t take her but a second to open the door again, with a smile Asahina couldn’t see because she was still dressed from the day, and say, “I would love to.”
It wasn’t so much having a drink with Asahina, she really had nothing in common with him. She just was a social drinker which meant the only time she enjoyed a bottle of sake was when it was in the company of someone else, in other words, she rarely turned down an offer for a drink. Before she could even enter Asahina’s room, the Scorpion woman, Soshi, came around the corner with a tray holding a bottle of sake and two saucers.
“Asahina-sama,” Soshi said, “If I may?”
“Please,” Asahina allowed Soshi to speak. Soshi pushed past Katsumi and knelt near Asahina. Katsumi edged her way into the room, taking a seat next to the tray Soshi had just placed and poured herself a cup.
“I would like to apologize for any deception we may have done in your presence, and by that I mean keeping my twin sister a secret from you. Sometimes we find that until we know the worth of a lord it’s best to hide some of our capabilities. The fact that we’re being so candid with you now indicates a lot more than you’re probably aware.”
Katsumi unwrapped her shozuko and neatly folded it in her lap. She sipped her sake and watched the two talk. For some reason every time she was drinking in this house Soshi was there talking to her drinking partner. Asahina didn’t seem to be surprised by anything Soshi was saying. Soshi pulled out a package and handed it to Asahina.
“Asahina-dono,” Soshi said, “We are yours to serve.”
Before Asahina could go through the normal refusing a gift twice before accepting it, Soshi stepped out of the room. Katsumi tilted her head as she watched Soshi nearly glide away. The boards under her feet didn’t squeak once. That was pretty impressive since the whole hallway was lined with mockingbird floorboards. The Scorpion were proving to be everything her clan had said they were so far.
Asahina unwrapped the package as Katsumi poured another cup for herself. He turned an ornate mask over in his hands and brought it up to his face to test the fit. It was blue and white, like the Crane colors. A strange present, as the Scorpion and Spider were really the only clans to wear masks. The Scorpion because they were the deceivers of the Empire, and the Spider… well, that was for different reasons. He stood and collected Negisa’s garment, then hung his new mask with his Topaz armor, the set he won from the championship. Katsumi smirked to herself when Asahina tucked Negisa’s panties into the armor, hiding it from sight. He wasn’t very good at hiding his actions, then again, he wasn’t very good at hiding his feelings either. That was something she would unfortunately have to speak to Negisa about. He had told her something yesterday and Katsumi wasn’t certain what he had actually meant by it.
Asahina sat back down and poured himself a drink. He didn’t say anything to Katsumi, she kind of preferred it that way. She wasn’t interested in conversation, she listened more than talked herself. And after Tsuruchi yesterday, she didn’t want to hear more asinine babbling. Speaking of Tsuruchi, he had been as noisy in death as he was in life. Earlier in the day, when Katsumi was training, Tsuruchi could be heard screaming in agony from somewhere nearby, no doubt enjoying the Spider side of justice. Perhaps that was why Asahina seemed so forlorn and withdrawn. Maybe he heard the screams too. Everyone probably did, they were loud enough. Katsumi shrugged, it didn’t matter now. Tsuruchi was taken care of, Asahina had given them the okay to do it, now it was over.
Asahina drank and brooded, and Katsumi enjoyed the voiceless evening until the bottle was empty and the night had long since come. Once there was nothing more to consume, she simply set her saucer down and stalked off to her room to call it a day. Even though nothing was said the entire time, Katsumi felt that was probably the best company she had since arriving here precisely because nothing was said. She didn’t have to feign interest, or be jostled about by sloshed up, enthusiastic braggarts. It was kind of like that tea ceremony Asahina had done several days ago for her, except better, because this was something she knew and didn’t have to worry about tapping into etiquette she was still learning. You just sat and drank until the pitcher ran dry.
She sighed again and scooped up the folded cloth. Yesterday she had learned the slip was meant for Asahina to have, a memento from Negisa of that night. Now it was up to Katsumi, who currently had the susoyoke, to return it to Asahina. As if Katsumi didn’t already have to worry about how uncomfortable it would be to return the mon she practically stole from that same night, now she had to give him Negisa’s underwear. Somewhere in the back of her mind she was certain it was just a way for Negisa to get under her skin, but the reasoning didn’t matter so much as the task at hand and it was time for Katsumi to hand it over. She left her room and quickly crept to Asahina’s door, hoping no one saw her handling the underwear.
“Asahina-san,” Katsumi called out with a soft tapping at his door.
There was an audible sigh before she heard Asahina respond despairingly, “Come in.”
Katsumi slid his door open and made sure to stay in the hallway, she didn’t want to make this any more awkward than it was already going to be. She placed the folded cloth on the floor just inside the door. “This was meant for you. It’s Negisa’s. Matsu gave it to me.”
“Oh,” was all Asahina said.
“That’s it.” Katsumi closed the door. It was over with. There didn’t need to be any more of an explanation.
“Alright,” Asahina said through the door, “Thanks. You don’t want to stay for a drink or something?”
Katsumi had turned to go back to her room when she heard Asahina. It didn’t take her but a second to open the door again, with a smile Asahina couldn’t see because she was still dressed from the day, and say, “I would love to.”
It wasn’t so much having a drink with Asahina, she really had nothing in common with him. She just was a social drinker which meant the only time she enjoyed a bottle of sake was when it was in the company of someone else, in other words, she rarely turned down an offer for a drink. Before she could even enter Asahina’s room, the Scorpion woman, Soshi, came around the corner with a tray holding a bottle of sake and two saucers.
“Asahina-sama,” Soshi said, “If I may?”
“Please,” Asahina allowed Soshi to speak. Soshi pushed past Katsumi and knelt near Asahina. Katsumi edged her way into the room, taking a seat next to the tray Soshi had just placed and poured herself a cup.
“I would like to apologize for any deception we may have done in your presence, and by that I mean keeping my twin sister a secret from you. Sometimes we find that until we know the worth of a lord it’s best to hide some of our capabilities. The fact that we’re being so candid with you now indicates a lot more than you’re probably aware.”
Katsumi unwrapped her shozuko and neatly folded it in her lap. She sipped her sake and watched the two talk. For some reason every time she was drinking in this house Soshi was there talking to her drinking partner. Asahina didn’t seem to be surprised by anything Soshi was saying. Soshi pulled out a package and handed it to Asahina.
“Asahina-dono,” Soshi said, “We are yours to serve.”
Before Asahina could go through the normal refusing a gift twice before accepting it, Soshi stepped out of the room. Katsumi tilted her head as she watched Soshi nearly glide away. The boards under her feet didn’t squeak once. That was pretty impressive since the whole hallway was lined with mockingbird floorboards. The Scorpion were proving to be everything her clan had said they were so far.
Asahina unwrapped the package as Katsumi poured another cup for herself. He turned an ornate mask over in his hands and brought it up to his face to test the fit. It was blue and white, like the Crane colors. A strange present, as the Scorpion and Spider were really the only clans to wear masks. The Scorpion because they were the deceivers of the Empire, and the Spider… well, that was for different reasons. He stood and collected Negisa’s garment, then hung his new mask with his Topaz armor, the set he won from the championship. Katsumi smirked to herself when Asahina tucked Negisa’s panties into the armor, hiding it from sight. He wasn’t very good at hiding his actions, then again, he wasn’t very good at hiding his feelings either. That was something she would unfortunately have to speak to Negisa about. He had told her something yesterday and Katsumi wasn’t certain what he had actually meant by it.
Asahina sat back down and poured himself a drink. He didn’t say anything to Katsumi, she kind of preferred it that way. She wasn’t interested in conversation, she listened more than talked herself. And after Tsuruchi yesterday, she didn’t want to hear more asinine babbling. Speaking of Tsuruchi, he had been as noisy in death as he was in life. Earlier in the day, when Katsumi was training, Tsuruchi could be heard screaming in agony from somewhere nearby, no doubt enjoying the Spider side of justice. Perhaps that was why Asahina seemed so forlorn and withdrawn. Maybe he heard the screams too. Everyone probably did, they were loud enough. Katsumi shrugged, it didn’t matter now. Tsuruchi was taken care of, Asahina had given them the okay to do it, now it was over.
Asahina drank and brooded, and Katsumi enjoyed the voiceless evening until the bottle was empty and the night had long since come. Once there was nothing more to consume, she simply set her saucer down and stalked off to her room to call it a day. Even though nothing was said the entire time, Katsumi felt that was probably the best company she had since arriving here precisely because nothing was said. She didn’t have to feign interest, or be jostled about by sloshed up, enthusiastic braggarts. It was kind of like that tea ceremony Asahina had done several days ago for her, except better, because this was something she knew and didn’t have to worry about tapping into etiquette she was still learning. You just sat and drank until the pitcher ran dry.
***
Morasahi looked around the table while she ate her rice and fried fish. Today was starting out unusual, which didn’t bode well for her since breakfast was the only peaceful time Morasahi had to herself. At least it had been for the last week, but not today. Today the table was filled with food from end to end, small helpings made for the size of a family since today the other four delegates whom she shared a roof with had shown for breakfast. Quickly she took back the thought, Morasahi didn’t want to consider these people part of her family. In actuality she didn’t even want to consider her family. But the point was still strange that today the table held five people when usually she had maybe shared breakfast with one any other day this week.
It worked out for the best, really. Yesterday she had been informed that the Shiba yojimbos she had sent for to protect these housemates of hers had finally arrived. Even though it had only been ten days since she had sent word, finally was the proper term to use for the relief Morasahi felt when they came to town. Ten days of worrying about every one of those in the house, well, most of them at least. And seven days since Tsuruchi had committed his crimes against the town, which had done little to lessen the stress of being charged to watch over those under this roof. Morasahi shuddered at the thought, she had heard the screams from that day, she knew whose they were, everyone did. She didn’t want to consider what Spider justice implied, or why Tsuruchi had cried out as he did. No one was supposed to cry out in pain, and he did, more than once.
She shook the horrifying thought from her head. That was over now and it was time to look ahead, or at least plan ahead. Now she was certain nothing like that would ever happen again. She had five Shiba, tried and true to keep harm from the group, and the group from harming, hopefully.
“Um,” Morasahi began, no one looking at her. “The yojimbo I had requested are… here, so you will all have personal protection so I don’t have to try and… follow each of you around individually.”
Daigotsu was staring at her, Morasahi didn’t miss that over the last week. She had had enough staring from the Soshi twins, since she had been learning the art of bonsai from one of them, well, it was originally one of them. Now that there were two, she was lucky enough to have both of them on hand to instruct her the last seven days. It had been trying, to say the least, but if she ignored that they were two people it wasn’t so bad, and she did learn much from them, so it couldn’t be all that bad. Matsu didn’t acknowledge that she even heard Morasahi, and Kitsuki nodded and continued eating.
Asahina paused long enough to reward Morasahi with a “good job” before he filled his mouth with more rice. She had done a good job, who else could find five Shiba yojimbo in under two weeks? Probably no one.
“And… where are these yojimbo?” Matsu looked around.
“They’ll be showing up shortly,” Morasahi diligently tried to prevent the eye roll that came with such a question.
As if she was going to present them at the very moment, like some sort of gift at breakfast. She pitied Shiba Kimiko, who would be charged with Matsu. Matsu had a temper and seemed to be a little slow on the uptake with most things. She would be a challenge to protect. She remembered the smug smile Kimiko had when Morasahi had told Shiba Midori she was to watch Daigotsu. Daigotsu might be a Spider, but Matsu would probably prove to me more difficult than Daigotsu. Kimiko had no idea what she was assigned to.
Breakfast finished and the party separated, each wandering off wherever it was that they went during the day. Morasahi, on the other hand, had training to take care of. The last week while Asahina had practiced with his sensei, Morasahi had learned bonsai from the Soshis, not wanting to venture far from the house in case she was needed by someone. Now though, since the yojimbo had arrived, she was free to come and go as she pleased. And Morasahi was interested in furthering her training. Then she would get around to the finer points of being a samurai. She hadn’t forgotten about learning the courtier ways, she just hadn’t had the time to dedicate to such things yet.
It worked out for the best, really. Yesterday she had been informed that the Shiba yojimbos she had sent for to protect these housemates of hers had finally arrived. Even though it had only been ten days since she had sent word, finally was the proper term to use for the relief Morasahi felt when they came to town. Ten days of worrying about every one of those in the house, well, most of them at least. And seven days since Tsuruchi had committed his crimes against the town, which had done little to lessen the stress of being charged to watch over those under this roof. Morasahi shuddered at the thought, she had heard the screams from that day, she knew whose they were, everyone did. She didn’t want to consider what Spider justice implied, or why Tsuruchi had cried out as he did. No one was supposed to cry out in pain, and he did, more than once.
She shook the horrifying thought from her head. That was over now and it was time to look ahead, or at least plan ahead. Now she was certain nothing like that would ever happen again. She had five Shiba, tried and true to keep harm from the group, and the group from harming, hopefully.
“Um,” Morasahi began, no one looking at her. “The yojimbo I had requested are… here, so you will all have personal protection so I don’t have to try and… follow each of you around individually.”
Daigotsu was staring at her, Morasahi didn’t miss that over the last week. She had had enough staring from the Soshi twins, since she had been learning the art of bonsai from one of them, well, it was originally one of them. Now that there were two, she was lucky enough to have both of them on hand to instruct her the last seven days. It had been trying, to say the least, but if she ignored that they were two people it wasn’t so bad, and she did learn much from them, so it couldn’t be all that bad. Matsu didn’t acknowledge that she even heard Morasahi, and Kitsuki nodded and continued eating.
Asahina paused long enough to reward Morasahi with a “good job” before he filled his mouth with more rice. She had done a good job, who else could find five Shiba yojimbo in under two weeks? Probably no one.
“And… where are these yojimbo?” Matsu looked around.
“They’ll be showing up shortly,” Morasahi diligently tried to prevent the eye roll that came with such a question.
As if she was going to present them at the very moment, like some sort of gift at breakfast. She pitied Shiba Kimiko, who would be charged with Matsu. Matsu had a temper and seemed to be a little slow on the uptake with most things. She would be a challenge to protect. She remembered the smug smile Kimiko had when Morasahi had told Shiba Midori she was to watch Daigotsu. Daigotsu might be a Spider, but Matsu would probably prove to me more difficult than Daigotsu. Kimiko had no idea what she was assigned to.
Breakfast finished and the party separated, each wandering off wherever it was that they went during the day. Morasahi, on the other hand, had training to take care of. The last week while Asahina had practiced with his sensei, Morasahi had learned bonsai from the Soshis, not wanting to venture far from the house in case she was needed by someone. Now though, since the yojimbo had arrived, she was free to come and go as she pleased. And Morasahi was interested in furthering her training. Then she would get around to the finer points of being a samurai. She hadn’t forgotten about learning the courtier ways, she just hadn’t had the time to dedicate to such things yet.
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