Session Five; Trial and Consequences

Airo quietly slid his shoji wall open and crept out the backdoor of their shared home. It was sometime in the early morning, just past the witching hour, a time when everyone was in bed and he was the only person to walk the streets. Even with that being the case, Airo was careful to stick to the shadows and not rouse any of the houses he passed. He didn’t want anyone to wake and ruin his fun. It was a silent and uneventful walk to the distillery. He peeked inside the distillery and listened, the waterwheel churning through the steady stream was the only noise in the night besides the natural sounds of bugs and nocturnal things.

Airo cracked the door of the building and slipped inside. He allowed his eyes to grow accustomed to the lightless barn, the windows only allowing pale moonlight to fall in sparse silhouettes away from corners exposing the center walkway and nothing more. He had a good look around earlier today when he toured the facility this morning and once he could make out shapes he headed towards where he remembered the pile of dry burlap sacks was stacked. They were still there. Airo ran his hand over them to make sure they hadn’t been used since he last saw them. Perfect, dry as tinder, which is what they were about to become. He pulled out the flint and steel from his pocket and sparked the coarse material to life, a small flame like the light at the end of a wick, which quickly grew as it spread across the airy, dry bags.

Spinning to make his silent, speedy retreat, Airo turned to meet three Scorpions. One, a woman very familiar, Soshi, and two in what could only be described as the fabled ninja gear that only existed in stories since ninja weren’t real. At the moment ninja appeared to be real enough as one forced a dart out of a blowgun that struck Airo in the chest. Airo didn’t have but a second before Soshi lunged to tackle him. Airo twisted to move out of her way, but wasn’t quick enough and as Soshi wrapped her arms around him, pinning his arms to his torso. Airo flexed, lifting and spreading his arms to toss Soshi off him, he broke her hold and ducked low shooting for the door. He had only taken a step when he felt the sting of another dart tag his bicep. This one smothered out the light of the moon, bringing Airo into the blackness of coerced sleep.

***

Kyuzo put on his last layer of his kimono, rolling his right shoulder and flexing his fingers. His arm was a little stiff after yesterdays’ training, where his sensei had him repeat drawing his sword over and over again long after sunset. Apparently, he was not quick enough for Kakita-sensei’s taste. Today he would be, though. Today he was ready to learn and wasn’t going to allow his newfound position to get the better of him. After yesterday, he remembered he was still a student and still had a lot to learn before he was ready to lead this town into its glory days. Before Kyuzo could sit down for his light breakfast, there was a rapping at the front door. It was only the first minutes of morning with the sun just starting its rise above the horizon, and although his sensei would certainly be waiting for him already, he didn‘t expect someone to fetch him before light touched the town.

Kyuzo opened the door expecting to see a peasant and instead found a rather precarious scene. A disheveled Tsuruchi Airo was kneeling by the door, his hands bound behind him and a Scorpion clutching at Tsuruchi’s hair, holding him in place. Tsuruchi said nothing; it was the Scorpion of indistinguishable features that spoke, his face hidden behind a mask.

“We regret to inform you, Lord Asahina, that we found Tsuruchi attempting to set fire to the distillery.”

“This must be a mistake.” Kyuzo couldn’t believe the friendly and outgoing Tsuruchi would maliciously attempt to burn down anything.

“Absolutely not,” the Scorpion said. “There are other witnesses in town if you would like to hold a formal trial.”

“Yeah,” Kyuzo rubbed his neck, “He is an official here in town, so we should take all reasonable steps to determine the facts of the story.”

“Absolutely,” The Scorpion agreed and yanked on Tsuruchi’s hair, bringing him to his feet. Kyuzo watched them walk to the center of town where Tsuruchi was again placed on his knees at the whims of the one holding him.

Kyuzo closed the door and sat for breakfast. He wasn’t ready to officiate a trial, especially of such magnitude and against a delegate of a great clan. There was no easy way to find a resolution for this, whether the charges were true or not. Now it was in his hands to decide punishment and Kyuzo didn’t think that was a decision he should be making. He only glanced at Kitsuki and Daigotsu as they passed through the dining area without stopping for breakfast; he had an idea where they were headed since Kitsukis tended to be some of the top justicars in the Empire. Shiba joined Kyuzo for breakfast, and Matsu wasn’t long after, Kyuzo too pensive to offer either a greeting.

“I need you to join me this morning, Matsu,” Kyuzo finally said.

“I have plans,” Matsu retorted. Kyuzo didn’t care about her plans. She was Captain of the Guard and with that came responsibilities, like being present when someone was on trial.

“Tsuruchi is going to be standing trial this morning, I need you there as Captain of the Guard. I believe this is a little more important than whatever it was you were going to do.”

Matsu stopped mid-bite and gaped at him. Shiba was also staring.

“What do you mean?” Matsu asked confusedly.

“I don’t know the whole story yet, but we’re handling it this morning, right after breakfast. Shiba, you’re obviously with me as well.”

Shiba nodded and began eating again. Kyuzo waited, hoping that if he sat there long enough Tsuruchi would be freed. He knew it was a ridiculous notion and didn’t honestly believe it would come to fruition. He just didn’t want to go out those doors because he knew what waited for him, and nothing he had been trained for in life had prepared him for this. Matsu finished breakfast and left the house, Shiba had also finished and sat silently with Kyuzo. He knew he couldn’t put it off any longer, took a breath and rose to meet Tsuruchi, the Scorpions, and Matsu outside.

It didn’t surprise Kyuzo when he saw the Spider grouped on one side of the city square. There were only five of them in town, not counting Daigotsu, and all were present seemingly enjoying themselves while they passed around food to each other and chattered. Tsuruchi and the Scorpion hadn’t moved. Daigotsu, Kitsuki, and Matsu were nearby, quiet and solemn. Everyone was waiting on him Kyuzo realized and strolled to the center of the gathering, standing three yards in front of Tsuruchi, facing him.

“What do you have to say for yourself? Did you do it?” Kyuzo questioned Tsuruchi.

“I feel I should hear the charges levied against me in full before I make my own testimony,” Tsuruchi replied calmly. If he was nervous, it didn’t show. His face was blank and he didn’t waiver in speech.

It was a reasonable request. “Alright,” Kyuzo agreed, “Let’s hear the accusations.”

“Asahina-sama,” Soshi bowed, “I, and two of my men,” Soshi gave a wave to the two masked Scorpions standing by her, one being the one that had Tsuruchi by the hair, “we’re watching… scouting as you had instructed us, and one of them spotted Tsuruchi attempting to be stealthy. First noticed by the mockingbird floors inside your house. We followed him to the distillery, and once he was inside he attempted to set fire to a pile of sacks.”

“This seems like odd behavior,” noted Kyuzo. It was Tsuruchi’s second day in town as a delegate. To sneak out and attempt to set fire to a building just didn’t seem in character for any samurai, let alone one charged with bringing prosperity to the town.

“I agree, Asahina-sama,” Soshi responded.

“What would you think the motive to be?” Kyuzo still believed this all to be a big misunderstanding. Perhaps they misinterpreted something.

“I wouldn’t know. For all we know he could be an agent for any other nation or country, possibly even part of the Ivory Kingdoms, or any other number of the Empire’s enemies. We know the Mantis trade with everyone, so it isn‘t unlikely some outside force corrupted his honor. But only Tsuruchi can give us the reason.”

“The Mantis are looking for a way to weaken the Spider,” Daigotsu grumbled loud enough for most to hear her.

Daigotsu made a good point, but one that could be turned in Tsuruchi‘s favor. What if it was a plot to remove the Mantis from taking part in this town? “He’s here to represent his clan and he has duties here. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions until a full investigation has been completed. At that time sentencing will commence.”

“As you wish, Asahina-sama,” Soshi bowed.

Good, Kyuzo thought, that should buy him a little more time to figure out what to do with Tsuruchi.

“We have already had Kitsuki on scene if you would like to hear his testimony?” Of course they had already taken care of it; Soshi anticipated everything Kyuzo planned to do.

“Go on,” Kyuzo nodded to Kitsuki.

Kitsuki stepped forward, “I was woken this morning with a request to investigate the supposed crime and collect any evidence to support the facts of the case. I believe I have done just that with an unbiased opinion seeing as how I gain nothing from whatever the outcome this trial will dictate.

“First and foremost, I traveled to the distillery where I discovered flint and steel laying on the ground in a corner. This wouldn’t have proven to be amiss on its own; however, it was next to a stack of burlap sacks, which appeared to have been set on fire. This seems to be in line with Soshi-san’s series of events so far. I also found some peculiar darts near this site with Scorpion tassels on them. They have blood on the end, proving to have pricked someone though without an examination I cannot say whom.

“Also, during my investigation, I was able to determine that there was some sort of a tussle within the distillery. I cannot tell who was involved but it was clear there were four people in total inside the distillery when all the events took place. Two of them engaged in some sort of close quarters combat, and two stood back, closer to the door. It would seem that someone, indeed, attempted to set the distillery on fire, and that person was apprehended during the scuffle. As to who, I have very little evidence on that part, however, if you would allow me to examine Tsuruchi-san, I could determine if he had been struck by these darts if he has similar marks?”

Kyuzo nodded. “Absolutely, if you believe this is leading evidence.”

***

The Scorpion who was holding Airo’s hair helped lift him and half pushed him towards the house he had lived in for only a day, following behind Kitsuki. He knew he had been struck by those darts, and he knew that Kitsuki would find the pin pricks on his chest and arm. However, there was something inside Airo that just told him today wasn’t his day to die. So he casually walked towards the house, allowing that Scorpion to push him and become frustrated at Airo’s lack of fear for his life.

Once inside the house Kitsuki directed the Scorpion to help remove Airo’s kimono. It was an easy task and it didn’t take long for Kitsuki to find the small wounds that had been inflicted on Airo, a small amount of bruising complimented the tiny dots. Airo tried not to smirk while the Scorpion was forced then to clothe him again. It was like having a servant dress him, and really made this whole ordeal worth the trouble that had come with it. Airo strolled out of the house, the Scorpion pushing him along trying to put some hustle in Airo’s step. When they joined the group again, Airo was forced back onto his knees, and Kitsuki hobbled towards Asahina, taking a spot between Asahina and Airo.

Kitsuki nodded, “Tsuruchi-san does have two small injuries on his body that are similar in size and shape to these darts.”

Asahina glanced at Airo. Airo maintained his unmoved expression. It seemed to Airo that Asahina was more nervous about this whole event than he was. At least Airo had that going for him; Asahina’s inexperience was showing which would make an unfortunate outcome less likely for him.

“Could you explain to me, in detail, the events that took place inside the distillery?” Asahina asked Soshi.

“Of course, Asahina-sama,” Soshi was always so polite, even now when she was lobbying for his execution. “We came upon Tsuruchi and stood behind him, observing to see what his intentions were inside the distillery at this hour of the night. Tsuruchi knelt down and began to set the sacks on fire, after which he turned and noticed our presence. That’s when we made our initial move to apprehend him. Shosuro here, attempted to immobilize Tsuruchi with a paralytic dart. I then engaged Tsuruchi in jiujitsu, but he managed to get away. Shosuro landed another paralytic dart this one brought Tsuruchi down. It was then that we managed to capture him to bring him to justice.”

“Very well,” Asahina rubbed his neck, “Is that everything you have to present?”

“It is,” Soshi nodded.

“I would like to hear the testimony of the accused,” Asahina said.

Finally, Airo thought, now was his chance to wiggle out of this. He had been piecing together a story since he first was caught, and having the opportunity to listen to Soshi and see the evidence presented had helped him build a better alibi. Granted, it was far fetched in his mind, but Asahina was having trouble swallowing that he would just burn down a building, so his story really wasn‘t that far out there comparatively. Airo had been doing this for years; he knew when someone was waiting to be convinced the truth was a fallacy.

“Asahina-sama,” Airo began, attempting to put his best foot forward; being tied up and accused of trying to destroy the town’s livelihood wasn’t the best of circumstances to start out in. “Last night, at an hour I can’t even begin to decipher, I was woken by Soshi-san. She told me that Yoritomo Maji had been caught in the distillery attempting to set the building on fire. Being that I am a Mantis, and he was second to me, she believed I would be the best to handle this situation. Of course I agreed, and after I managed to dress, I followed Soshi to the distillery to see what was happening for myself.

“I must have been cloudy in thought due to the early morning hour and having just woke from one of the deepest sleeps I can recall, because it didn’t occur to me that something was amiss until I entered the darkened distillery. Inside I was ambushed by the two Scorpion behind me, and subdued by a series of darts coated in some sort of poison, of which we are now aware is paralytic in nature. And here I awoke, for the second time today, bound and forced to listen to these lies and false accusations of setting fire to a building in a town I was sent to protect.”

Airo had been studying Asahina as he told the story, watching relief wash over his face. That is, until Kitsuki leaned over and whispered something to Asahina, which brought that dark uncertainty back to Asahina like a cloud that just wouldn’t go away. Airo had heard about the Kitsuki method, and now had seen it in practice. It dealt less with who was on trail, and who was accusing, and more of what the Kitsuki said which somehow translated to Kitsuki being the end-all, be-all in this case. It was obvious that whatever the crippled Kitsuki whispered in Asahina’s ear had reigned in Asahina’s eagerness to accept Airo’s story.

Asahina addressed Soshi, “Before I render my verdict, I will allow you to challenge Tsuruchi to a duel for his severe accusations towards your honor by accusing you of lying, if you so wish.”

That was not at all what Airo thought would happen. Though, now that he thought about it, Asahina was a duelist, and a Crane at that, it only made sense for Asahina to allow a duel to decide Airo’s fate. Why didn’t he see that coming beforehand? If she accepted, he was bound to lose.

“I appreciate the offer, Asahina-sama, but we do not flinch at the insults of one of his stature. It is much too far beneath us to acknowledge.”

Damn right, Airo thought to himself, even if it was a scathing cut at his character. At least this wasn’t being left up to Soshi and her Scorpion trickery. He had an entire empire behind him on who would be found to be more truthful, and Asahina was bound to pick the honest and friendly Mantis over a Scorpion.

“Until I can rationalize the reasoning behind such an act, Tsuruchi Airo will be imprisoned and kept under guard for observation.”

It wasn’t death, and Airo could deal with that. In addition, it gave him time to figure out how to get himself out of this mess. He knew it wasn’t his day to die today.

“Asahina-sama,” Daigotsu Negisa called from where she and her Spider were standing, “If I may make a suggestion?”

Airo shot a look at Negisa and back to Asahina, studying him. He had seen Asahina and Negisa wander off two nights ago and partake in some special activities. He had even seen the painting Asahina had designed based off that night. If she was asking for a favor now, it was possible Asahina would be swayed by her unnaturally good looks and her penchant for words. Airo had also had the pleasure of matching words with her and knew she was talented in that regard.

“Go ahead,” Asahina allowed.

“Being that this is a Spider town, or will be in short time, perhaps it would be best if you allowed us to provide Spider justice on the matter.”

“And what, pray tell, is Spider justice?” inquired Asahina.

“Swift.” One word and Airo was suddenly not so certain he had a chance at recovering from this unfortunate set of circumstances.

“You would rather an outright execution?”

“We would,” Negisa confirmed. “If he was willing to endanger the town by burning down the distillery, one of our chief sources of income, then he is obviously imbalanced and incapable of making rational decisions under normal circumstances. This means, if this town were, say, under attack, he might very well snap under the pressure of combat and begin setting our own defenses on fire. Alternatively, even attack our own men. He is a liability to us all.”

“I understand your concern,” Asahina began, “His behavior baffles me-”

“Spend some time in the Shadowlands and a lot of behavior will baffle you.”

Airo could not help his shock. Negisa just inferred that he was tainted. What a ridiculous notion. If anyone were to be carrying the taint, it was the Spider. Yes, the Empress had them tested, but that was three months ago and who really knew how often they succumbed to the darkness of their birthplace. Airo was most certainly not tainted and he almost wished he were in a different position to refute such a vile accusation.

“Since he has disgraced himself, his clan, and us for even being involved with him, I think that’s a fine plan. Have your Spider justice.”

Asahina just condemned Airo to death at the sweet words of a pretty face. This was not the way today was supposed to work out. He had almost been free, well, perhaps not free but not dead. Two Spider Monks approached him, locked their arms with Airo, stood him up and began dragging him away. Asahina didn’t even watch as Airo was dragged away to his doom. No one watched except Daigotsu Katsumi, Negisa, and Soshi who even only offered a pitiful glance. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go…

Airo was brought to a house and shoved inside. It seemed rather strange that he was inside instead of being taken to the outskirts of town where he was certain they would have beheaded him instead of offering him the honorable death of a samurai, to commit seppuku. One of the monks sat him down and began removing Airo’s clothing while another tied a length of rope to the beam on the ceiling hanging above head level. They removed one of his wrists from his previous confinement to remove his shirt, and Airo was filled with a sudden appreciation for freedom. He had never lost it before, and now that he had gained it back, it was glorious. Unfortunately it was also short lived as both monks raised Airo’s hands above his head and retied his hand not only to his other wrist once again, but also to the length of rope from the ceiling so he was now standing with his arms extended up. They untied and removed his pants, and then the two monks departed and closed the door behind them, leaving Airo with only his fundoshi on.

He dropped his weight, putting it fully on the rope anchored to the beam. It didn’t budge. Apparently, the plank could easily support him without collapsing, and the knot was tied well. He wiggled his wrists, twisting them apart from each other; that was also of no use, the rope was snug rendering a slipped wrist an unlikely form of escape. He was stuck standing here with his arms above his head, alone and uncertain what his future held. At least they had made his bindings tight enough that he wasn’t forced to lift his arms on his own accord, thank the Celestial Heavens for small miracles.

The door slid open and in strutted Negisa, her eyes dancing with what Airo could only believe were glee. She looked entirely too happy to be dealing with him.

“I believe there’s been a mistake. Am I not going to be dealt with swiftly?” Airo wasn’t in a hurry to die, but he also wasn’t interested in hanging around for days before they finally took care of matters.

“Oh, you are,” Negisa’s velvety voice ran over him, “We intend to start right away.”

Airo tried not to show the confusion he was feeling on his face. What did she mean by start? That would indicate that there was more than just an execution. And being stripped down to his underwear, and then left in a room with only a female, well, he didn’t have much honor left to consider, but this wasn’t proper. Negisa disappeared into a side room, returning with a small knife that came to a fine point at the end. She circled Airo looking him over the way a predator hunts prey, rounding it before striking. The memory of her veiled threat from two nights ago echoed through his head about spiders eating hornets, and suddenly Airo began wondering if the stories of Spiders consuming the flesh from humans were more than just frightening tales.

His heart was pounding, though Airo did his best to hide his fear. Negisa circled him again, toying with the knife and eyeing him as if she were debating on where to start dissecting. She was on his right side when he felt the burn from a quick cut along his ribs. It was a thin cut; the blade she held must be as sharp as any katana. Moreover, it was a short wound, no more than the length of his thumb. Blood quickly beaded and oozed down his side. Before he could ask what that was about Negisa slit him again, this time on his shoulder. And again on his left side.

“We always start swiftly,” Negisa mocked. She sliced him again. And again. “But ending, that’s a different story. Sometimes they bleed for hours. Sometimes it only takes minutes.” Another flash of pain. Another place where his warm blood was creeping out of his being and down to the ground.

“But you, Tsuruchi,” She grinned as she slowly dragged the tip of the dagger across his abdomen, parting the skin in another shallow and short wound. “I have plans for you.” She repeated the sadistic motion three times more, creating a burning ladder colored with his blood and stinging from his split nerves. “And I plan to keep you around for some time to come.”

He wasn’t sure how many times she had cut him already, but he was certain this was going to go on for a very long while. Suddenly death didn’t seem like such a bad alternative.