Anjin noted Asahina’s door was closed when he walked by late in the morning, having slept in after last night’s journey. He had woken to a house that was much quieter than usual; it seemed nearly everyone slept in late. Everyone but Daigotsu, who was carving some small object at the dining table, and Matsu who was having her hair done up by Negisa. Anjin made certain to take a seat where he wouldn’t have to look at Negisa, or have her see him. He was uneasy about the deal he had struck with Negisa, and although his legs continued to feel better each day, he took heed of Daigotsu Katsumi’s warning that he was in over his head. Katsumi didn’t scare easy, as far as he could tell, and something about Negisa scared her. Something about Negisa scared him.
When Asahina’s door finally opened, Anjin was dismayed to see that he was busy being surrounded by attendants who were readying him for the wedding. He needed a moment of Asahina’s time, just a moment to express the dread he had been feeling ever since yesterday morning. He had made a mistake. Fallen victim in a moment of weakness. Dreams of being like everyone else had clouded his judgment, and now he had to let someone know who could do something about it. Katsumi had proven to be useless, refusing to take part in the conversation. Yes, it was taboo, but when had Katsumi ever flinched at what was not allowed? The only other person he trusted to handle things, including whatever would befall Anjin, was Asahina. So Anjin waited, not so patiently, for a lull in the activity to have a word with Asahina.
Finally, the opportunity presented itself. Asahina stepped out of his room, about to disembark for the ceremony when Anjin blocked his way as politely as one can block someone’s way.
“Asahina-sama, will you walk with me?” He glanced around nervously, knowing the rumors that had been spread from this house. “We must talk and one cannot be too weary of lingering ears.”
Asahina gave a slow nod and a weary look about him as well. “Of course, Kitsuki-san.”
They paced several feet from the house, closer to the bathhouse than any other building, but making sure even to avoid that. Anjin didn’t want to make the mistake of being too close to any place a living soul would be. He didn’t want anyone but Asahina hearing his confession of blasphemous intent.
“Some things have come to my attention, and I cannot tell you everything within these walls,” Anjin nodded his head towards the house. “The mightiest grove has trees whose branches will not reach towards the heavens. I’m afraid there’s someone among us whose goal, it seems, is to drag us into chaos. And I worry of her plots. I’m afraid at a moment of indiscretion, I fell into one of Negisa’s traps, and I’m not sure how to handle the situation, but I may need to call upon your help. We also need to keep this absolutely secret.”
When Asahina’s door finally opened, Anjin was dismayed to see that he was busy being surrounded by attendants who were readying him for the wedding. He needed a moment of Asahina’s time, just a moment to express the dread he had been feeling ever since yesterday morning. He had made a mistake. Fallen victim in a moment of weakness. Dreams of being like everyone else had clouded his judgment, and now he had to let someone know who could do something about it. Katsumi had proven to be useless, refusing to take part in the conversation. Yes, it was taboo, but when had Katsumi ever flinched at what was not allowed? The only other person he trusted to handle things, including whatever would befall Anjin, was Asahina. So Anjin waited, not so patiently, for a lull in the activity to have a word with Asahina.
Finally, the opportunity presented itself. Asahina stepped out of his room, about to disembark for the ceremony when Anjin blocked his way as politely as one can block someone’s way.
“Asahina-sama, will you walk with me?” He glanced around nervously, knowing the rumors that had been spread from this house. “We must talk and one cannot be too weary of lingering ears.”
Asahina gave a slow nod and a weary look about him as well. “Of course, Kitsuki-san.”
They paced several feet from the house, closer to the bathhouse than any other building, but making sure even to avoid that. Anjin didn’t want to make the mistake of being too close to any place a living soul would be. He didn’t want anyone but Asahina hearing his confession of blasphemous intent.
“Some things have come to my attention, and I cannot tell you everything within these walls,” Anjin nodded his head towards the house. “The mightiest grove has trees whose branches will not reach towards the heavens. I’m afraid there’s someone among us whose goal, it seems, is to drag us into chaos. And I worry of her plots. I’m afraid at a moment of indiscretion, I fell into one of Negisa’s traps, and I’m not sure how to handle the situation, but I may need to call upon your help. We also need to keep this absolutely secret.”
Asahina nodded unfazed by Anjin’s accusations. Apparently, Anjin wasn’t the only one who believed Negisa to be dangerous if Asahina wasn’t requiring any more explanation than Anjin was giving.
“I agree,” Asahina said pensively. “She is incredibly skilled at subverting our… our will, if you will. I don’t know if we have any options, or what those options might be against her, but if you have any suggestions I’m open to them. I support you.”
“Thank you for that,” Anjin was relieved. He didn’t have to go into details right now, they didn’t really have time for it anyways, but Asahina was behind him in whatever actions he took now, and that was a powerful friend to have. But before that, he had to somehow get out of the situation he had gotten himself into. The one where he would be put to death for even mentioning his involvement.
“I’ll be keeping an eye out and paying attention as things develop,” Anjin concluded, “I have this problem of my own I need to address. I’ll speak to you about it in greater detail when we can find time to speak in a more private setting.”
“Absolutely,” Asahina said as he took his leave and proceeded to the wedding.
Anjin nervously glanced about before leaving as well.
***
Morasahi turned around again and headed back towards the Phoenix section of town. She had been on her way there when she had decided she wasn’t yet ready to assert herself. Twice now. Twice she had walked towards Yuji’s house, and twice she had spun back to where she had come. Of course, the thought of letting Negisa down convinced her both times that this was something that needed to be done. She needed to at least invite him over, whether anything happened or not would left to be seen, but inviting him wouldn’t be so bad. Would it? No, Morasahi assured herself, she had invited him to play Go with her many times, this wouldn’t seem so different. This would be as easy as any other time… except she knew what was expected to follow.
“Shiba-san,” Yuji called, smiling at her with the hint of a blush on his cheeks. “It’s a pleasure to see you today.”
Morasahi hid her panic and swallowed her doubts. It was too late now to turn back. This conversation was going to happen. “Absolutely. It’s a pleasure to see you as well. It’s… uh- quite a festive day today.”
“It is, considering it’s the first Spider wedding in the Empire,” Yuji noted.
“Oh, yeah. I’ve-uh… never attended one of these, so it should prove to be… interesting.” Why did she just say that? Of course she had never attended a Spider wedding; Yuji had just said it was the first in the Empire. It was just the first thing that came to mind in order to explain she was looking forward to it, but the way it came out… She pushed the thought away and tried to refocus on the conversation. Be friendly, she reminded herself.
“From what I understand, it isn’t too much different from ours,” Yuji explained.
“It seems a little um… rushed almost. But that may just be-um, Spider tradition,” Morasahi attempted to make polite conversation, show she was interested in the topic.
“I think they’re in a hurry because I think the Spider male, um, Daigotsu Yanagi is heading out again soon, from what I understand. So they don’t have much time. He’s continuously doing… something.”
This was why Yuji was so talented. He not only knew everything going on with the Phoenix, he was also aware of everything in the town. There was a reason he was her advisor. She should probably take advantage of the knowledge he held, she had been so busy she hadn’t even considered he would know more than she did about the town she was supposed to be improving. She should probably also take advantage of the time she had to spend with Yuji as well, like what she had come here to do.
“After the wedding and everything… would you like to… come back to my place for some sake and a game of Go?” Morasahi managed to get it out without stumbling through the sentence too badly.
“I would love to,” Yuji smiled at her. It worked! Though, she wasn’t sure why she was so surprised, he had never turned her down for a game of Go. That’s all it was, just another game. Morasahi just had to remind herself that that was all it was, another game.
“I will see you after the wedding then,” She bowed politely.
“Of course,” Yuji bowed in return, “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Shiba-san,” Yuji called, smiling at her with the hint of a blush on his cheeks. “It’s a pleasure to see you today.”
Morasahi hid her panic and swallowed her doubts. It was too late now to turn back. This conversation was going to happen. “Absolutely. It’s a pleasure to see you as well. It’s… uh- quite a festive day today.”
“It is, considering it’s the first Spider wedding in the Empire,” Yuji noted.
“Oh, yeah. I’ve-uh… never attended one of these, so it should prove to be… interesting.” Why did she just say that? Of course she had never attended a Spider wedding; Yuji had just said it was the first in the Empire. It was just the first thing that came to mind in order to explain she was looking forward to it, but the way it came out… She pushed the thought away and tried to refocus on the conversation. Be friendly, she reminded herself.
“From what I understand, it isn’t too much different from ours,” Yuji explained.
“It seems a little um… rushed almost. But that may just be-um, Spider tradition,” Morasahi attempted to make polite conversation, show she was interested in the topic.
“I think they’re in a hurry because I think the Spider male, um, Daigotsu Yanagi is heading out again soon, from what I understand. So they don’t have much time. He’s continuously doing… something.”
This was why Yuji was so talented. He not only knew everything going on with the Phoenix, he was also aware of everything in the town. There was a reason he was her advisor. She should probably take advantage of the knowledge he held, she had been so busy she hadn’t even considered he would know more than she did about the town she was supposed to be improving. She should probably also take advantage of the time she had to spend with Yuji as well, like what she had come here to do.
“After the wedding and everything… would you like to… come back to my place for some sake and a game of Go?” Morasahi managed to get it out without stumbling through the sentence too badly.
“I would love to,” Yuji smiled at her. It worked! Though, she wasn’t sure why she was so surprised, he had never turned her down for a game of Go. That’s all it was, just another game. Morasahi just had to remind herself that that was all it was, another game.
“I will see you after the wedding then,” She bowed politely.
“Of course,” Yuji bowed in return, “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
***
The atmosphere in town was one of jubilation, in fact, it reminded Anjin much of a festival. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in the mood to engage and enjoy the gay occasion, he had a great deal on his mind and was only attending out of need, not desire. Matsu was a fine person, he had nothing against her, and Daigotsu Yanagi hadn’t proven to be deceiving in any way when Anjin had dealt with him, including when Daigotsu Katsumi was arranged as Anjin’s bodyguard. However, this whole event couldn’t have come at a more inopportune moment. It was nothing more than a distraction when the balance of morality was in question. His morality and others.
After Asahina had disclosed that Negisa was talented in subverting more than Anjin’s will, he began to piece together theories on whom else had been corrupted into chaos by Negisa. Shiba had been spending a large amount of time with her; maybe Shiba wasn’t herself any longer. Moreover, Asahina spoke as if he had experience with Negisa; perhaps he was too noble to fall into her clutches, but what did that say about the rest? He hadn’t known Tsuruchi Meintaro long enough to determine his character, though the Scorpion had said neither they nor the Spider trusted him, so it was unlikely he was involved. In addition, Matsu was marrying into Negisa’s family; it was possible she had already fallen victim to whatever the overall plot was. And Daigotsu Katsumi… Anjin wasn’t sure about her. She seemed to exhibit true intention to protect him, but perhaps it was all a ruse in order to lull him into a false sense of security.
He took a seat at the end of the first row. It wasn’t much of a row, being only three chairs on either side of the aisle. This sat him next to Daigotsu Katsumi, who he eyed dubiously, and Asahina was positioned on the other side of her. Across the aisle sat Tsuruchi and Shiba, with an empty seat at the end. Behind Anjin was Sara, the Naga, and several other members from the Spider clan. There were also Crane, Scorpion, and Phoenix dotting the seats, but no Lion. It spoke volumes on their feelings about this union. The Lion were the loudest to oppose the Spider joining the Empire, followed by mass seppuku in their clan in protest to the Empress’ decree. What an unfortunate set of circumstances for Matsu.
Speaking of Matsu, she was more beautiful than words could describe. Her hair was done up in an intricate design, her white outfit was the most divine material Anjin had ever seen, and she positively glowed. He would have to remember the way she looked; maybe offer her a poem during her ceremony to honor her. Anjin kicked himself; he hadn’t gotten a gift for the couple. He had completely forgotten about the wedding, and with Daigotsu agreeing to take him out into the woods yesterday, and then not protesting when they decided to camp for the night, he had little of a reminder. Was she going to miss the wedding today? No, Daigotsu wouldn’t do that. Perhaps they were going to travel back first thing in the morning, earlier than they had left the day before.
The wedding began, orchestrated by a Kitsune from the Mantis clan. There were a great number of periods of chanting, and they followed through every ritual Anjin could name when it came to a wedding ceremony. Including overlapping many of them, or repeating them, making the whole affair a very long and rather tiresome one. Anjin peeked at glance at Daigotsu, who was watching with a glassy gaze, probably not even paying attention. He could relate, he had other things he wanted to take care of; he had letters to write that he didn’t get a chance to do this morning, and this wedding had already stretched on for an hour and he suspected they were only half-done. He watched Asahina, who looked tired but attentive, much different from Daigotsu. He was good at putting on the right appearance; Anjin had to respect that about Asahina.
Alternatively, he could just remove Asahina from this plane of existence. That sounded like a better option than paying lip service to someone who presented themselves so falsely. In fact, that sounded like something he needed to take care of right now. This very moment. And he wanted the whole world to witness the downfall of the lying, conniving, puppet of a man, Asahina.
Anjin jumped up, leaving his crutches by the side of his chair. He didn’t need them any longer, this morning he was walking fine but he had brought them for show so others wouldn‘t know of his new ability. Now, however, they would just slow him down and get in the way, and beating Asahina with a stick sounded ridiculous when Anjin had a wakizashi on his hip. He snatched it out of its scabbard, and with a roar, called out the man who deserved his ire, “Asahina!”
Asahina kicked out of his seat and turned his body sideways, a futile attempt to run, and he didn’t draw his weapon, which meant Asahina had no chance to protect himself. He probably didn’t even want to protect himself. Asahina knew what he had done, he knew he deserved this and was going to allow Anjin to dole out justice as was right in the world. Then there was movement, and a lot of it. While Anjin was lunging for Asahina, a blur of red and orange came into view, and the fierce eyes of Shiba Morasahi. There was a flash of metal and her katana was out, poised between her and Anjin, and she was between Anjin and Asahina. It didn’t matter; he would either bypass the foolish girl or take her down with Asahina. Asahina needed to be punished. He was a stain on this world and needed to be removed from their lives. Shiba would thank him when he was done. She would see the truth once it was over, that she was being controlled into laying down her life for the wrong side of things.
Anjin raised his knife and prepared to bring it down, over Shiba, onto Asahina, when something hard struck his wrist, stopping his downward slash. Yet he didn’t stop. Instead he was being forced down, that sudden force that hit him rolled and hands were grabbing at his forearm and just above his elbow, pushing him down by his shoulder and turning his hand up into the air behind him. Daigotsu, who was supposed to be protecting Anjin, was clasped to his arm and preventing him from carrying out what needed to be done. Anjin tugged, throwing his weight away from Daigotsu, to the ground, to the left, it didn’t matter as long as he could get away and finish off Asahina. It was no use; she pushed him to the ground and set a knee on his back, twisting his arm with a cold look in her eyes.
This couldn’t be happening. It must be some insane nightmare where the people closest to him turn on him. Asahina deserved to die. He knew it. He felt it in his very core. And Daigotsu didn’t bat an eye as she forced his face into the dirt. Shiba didn’t say a word as she knocked Anjin’s weapon away from him. Both of them protecting Asahina, both of them in the wrong. Then he felt something stabbing into his hand, the hand that had been holding his wakizashi, and Sara withdrew from him with fangs. Fangs. Her nails had elongated into claws and her mouth was lined with pinpointed teeth. Teeth she had sunk into his hand, which now burned and tingled as if it were going numb. He felt it crawling up his arm, slowly and painfully.
There wasn’t anything that could make this any worse. At least that had been his thought before the elegant white dress Matsu was wearing came into his line of sight. She stood over him, rage burning in her eyes, pulled back her foot and kicked him in the gut. Anjin’s breath was forced from his body. He felt his lungs shrivel and saw the dirt fly in front of his face as he involuntarily blew out all the air he had. It was the last thing he saw. The minute brown specs drifting across his vision, propelled by his breath, breath Matsu had kicked from him, and then the world closed in on him and darkness was all he saw.
After Asahina had disclosed that Negisa was talented in subverting more than Anjin’s will, he began to piece together theories on whom else had been corrupted into chaos by Negisa. Shiba had been spending a large amount of time with her; maybe Shiba wasn’t herself any longer. Moreover, Asahina spoke as if he had experience with Negisa; perhaps he was too noble to fall into her clutches, but what did that say about the rest? He hadn’t known Tsuruchi Meintaro long enough to determine his character, though the Scorpion had said neither they nor the Spider trusted him, so it was unlikely he was involved. In addition, Matsu was marrying into Negisa’s family; it was possible she had already fallen victim to whatever the overall plot was. And Daigotsu Katsumi… Anjin wasn’t sure about her. She seemed to exhibit true intention to protect him, but perhaps it was all a ruse in order to lull him into a false sense of security.
He took a seat at the end of the first row. It wasn’t much of a row, being only three chairs on either side of the aisle. This sat him next to Daigotsu Katsumi, who he eyed dubiously, and Asahina was positioned on the other side of her. Across the aisle sat Tsuruchi and Shiba, with an empty seat at the end. Behind Anjin was Sara, the Naga, and several other members from the Spider clan. There were also Crane, Scorpion, and Phoenix dotting the seats, but no Lion. It spoke volumes on their feelings about this union. The Lion were the loudest to oppose the Spider joining the Empire, followed by mass seppuku in their clan in protest to the Empress’ decree. What an unfortunate set of circumstances for Matsu.
Speaking of Matsu, she was more beautiful than words could describe. Her hair was done up in an intricate design, her white outfit was the most divine material Anjin had ever seen, and she positively glowed. He would have to remember the way she looked; maybe offer her a poem during her ceremony to honor her. Anjin kicked himself; he hadn’t gotten a gift for the couple. He had completely forgotten about the wedding, and with Daigotsu agreeing to take him out into the woods yesterday, and then not protesting when they decided to camp for the night, he had little of a reminder. Was she going to miss the wedding today? No, Daigotsu wouldn’t do that. Perhaps they were going to travel back first thing in the morning, earlier than they had left the day before.
The wedding began, orchestrated by a Kitsune from the Mantis clan. There were a great number of periods of chanting, and they followed through every ritual Anjin could name when it came to a wedding ceremony. Including overlapping many of them, or repeating them, making the whole affair a very long and rather tiresome one. Anjin peeked at glance at Daigotsu, who was watching with a glassy gaze, probably not even paying attention. He could relate, he had other things he wanted to take care of; he had letters to write that he didn’t get a chance to do this morning, and this wedding had already stretched on for an hour and he suspected they were only half-done. He watched Asahina, who looked tired but attentive, much different from Daigotsu. He was good at putting on the right appearance; Anjin had to respect that about Asahina.
Alternatively, he could just remove Asahina from this plane of existence. That sounded like a better option than paying lip service to someone who presented themselves so falsely. In fact, that sounded like something he needed to take care of right now. This very moment. And he wanted the whole world to witness the downfall of the lying, conniving, puppet of a man, Asahina.
Anjin jumped up, leaving his crutches by the side of his chair. He didn’t need them any longer, this morning he was walking fine but he had brought them for show so others wouldn‘t know of his new ability. Now, however, they would just slow him down and get in the way, and beating Asahina with a stick sounded ridiculous when Anjin had a wakizashi on his hip. He snatched it out of its scabbard, and with a roar, called out the man who deserved his ire, “Asahina!”
Asahina kicked out of his seat and turned his body sideways, a futile attempt to run, and he didn’t draw his weapon, which meant Asahina had no chance to protect himself. He probably didn’t even want to protect himself. Asahina knew what he had done, he knew he deserved this and was going to allow Anjin to dole out justice as was right in the world. Then there was movement, and a lot of it. While Anjin was lunging for Asahina, a blur of red and orange came into view, and the fierce eyes of Shiba Morasahi. There was a flash of metal and her katana was out, poised between her and Anjin, and she was between Anjin and Asahina. It didn’t matter; he would either bypass the foolish girl or take her down with Asahina. Asahina needed to be punished. He was a stain on this world and needed to be removed from their lives. Shiba would thank him when he was done. She would see the truth once it was over, that she was being controlled into laying down her life for the wrong side of things.
Anjin raised his knife and prepared to bring it down, over Shiba, onto Asahina, when something hard struck his wrist, stopping his downward slash. Yet he didn’t stop. Instead he was being forced down, that sudden force that hit him rolled and hands were grabbing at his forearm and just above his elbow, pushing him down by his shoulder and turning his hand up into the air behind him. Daigotsu, who was supposed to be protecting Anjin, was clasped to his arm and preventing him from carrying out what needed to be done. Anjin tugged, throwing his weight away from Daigotsu, to the ground, to the left, it didn’t matter as long as he could get away and finish off Asahina. It was no use; she pushed him to the ground and set a knee on his back, twisting his arm with a cold look in her eyes.
This couldn’t be happening. It must be some insane nightmare where the people closest to him turn on him. Asahina deserved to die. He knew it. He felt it in his very core. And Daigotsu didn’t bat an eye as she forced his face into the dirt. Shiba didn’t say a word as she knocked Anjin’s weapon away from him. Both of them protecting Asahina, both of them in the wrong. Then he felt something stabbing into his hand, the hand that had been holding his wakizashi, and Sara withdrew from him with fangs. Fangs. Her nails had elongated into claws and her mouth was lined with pinpointed teeth. Teeth she had sunk into his hand, which now burned and tingled as if it were going numb. He felt it crawling up his arm, slowly and painfully.
There wasn’t anything that could make this any worse. At least that had been his thought before the elegant white dress Matsu was wearing came into his line of sight. She stood over him, rage burning in her eyes, pulled back her foot and kicked him in the gut. Anjin’s breath was forced from his body. He felt his lungs shrivel and saw the dirt fly in front of his face as he involuntarily blew out all the air he had. It was the last thing he saw. The minute brown specs drifting across his vision, propelled by his breath, breath Matsu had kicked from him, and then the world closed in on him and darkness was all he saw.
***
Katsumi glared at Sara, there was no need for her actions. She pressed on Kitsuki’s wound, staunching the blood flow. Luckily, the bite Sara had inflicted wasn’t deep, but that wasn’t the point. The point was Kitsuki was already unarmed, restrained, and the Naga had bitten him after the fact. And though Katsumi wouldn’t complain in most cases, this was Kitsuki, this was someone she was supposed to keep safe, and the Naga attacked him when Katsumi was already busy keeping Kitsuki from being sliced in two by Asahina, more likely Shiba since she had her blade out and stood between the two of them. Then Mikoto had come down from the stage and kicked Kitsuki in the abdomen, hard enough that he passed out. Katsumi would be upset at that except Mikoto deserved some sort of retribution. This whole stunt had interrupted Mikoto’s wedding, and although Katsumi would have rather Mikoto take care of things later, when she wasn’t putting her emotions on display in front of everyone, it was acceptable. It was expected. But Sara… Katsumi scowled at the Naga as she pulled back from Kitsuki’s hand checking the wound. It had stopped bleeding so she scooped Kitsuki up onto her shoulders and stalked off to his room, the only sound from the stunned audience was someone in the background yelling, “Now that’s what I call a wedding!”
Katsumi set Kitsuki on the floor and checked for broken ribs. It seemed Mikoto hadn’t done as much damage as Katsumi had believed, and that Kitsuki was just barely holding on to consciousness after Sara had poisoned him. Yes, he had been poisoned. Katsumi could clearly see the discoloration around the wound from where her venom had been injected. She sighed. This could be the end of Kitsuki. Katsumi knew very little about the Naga, and this poison could be highly toxic. For all she knew, Kitsuki’s heart would stop beating any moment now. Well, she knew it wouldn’t, since his vitals were still strong, but the point was she didn’t know what it would do to his body. So she bandaged his wound, applied a compress to his ribs, and brought out his acupressure cuffs to keep him subdued.
It wasn’t much longer before Kitsuki woke up; groaning from what Katsumi could only guess was pain as he sat up and looked around, taking special note of his cuffs. Katsumi shook her head while watching him. It was like he was trying to get himself killed. Putting himself in harms way repeatedly. First with maho, now with Asahina. She clenched her jaw and glowered at him. He sat quietly, not saying a word. They went on like this for quite some time before Katsumi heard people walking outside the room, the door opened and two Spider stepped inside.
“What are you doing?” Katsumi growled.
“We were told to watch the prisoner,” One of them responded, he was short and dressed in heavy armor.
“Outside,” Katsumi demanded.
“Of course, Katsumi-sama,” he replied and took his position outside of the door. The other following suit without a word. Katsumi got up and closed the door. The last thing she needed was the Spider demanding justice for Kitsuki’s actions. Granted, that was what it would come down to, he would surely be sentenced to death for his attempt on Asahina’s life, but right now she just needed some time to consider what was happening without allowing the problem to be snuffed out. She was supposed to protect him, and now it was impossible to keep him from ultimately facing the end of his life because of his actions. He had chosen the wrong path to go down, but damn the Heavens, she was going to keep him alive until Asahina passed judgment and not let him slip quietly away behind closed doors.
“Bring me a scroll and something to write with,” Kitsuki whispered.
Katsumi glared at him, who in Jigoku did he think he was talking to? She wasn’t his servant and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let him enjoy this time by writing poetry, a sonnet, or whatever it was he planned on doing to pass the time. No, he was going to sit there in silence and live out the remaining hours of his life being reminded of how much of an inconvenience he was by Katsumi’s steely company.
“I need to tell you something and I can’t say it,” Kitsuki breathily pleaded as he eyed the door.
Katsumi dared a glance over her shoulder at the shut door to her left. She raised a brow, curious as to what Kitsuki could possibly have to say. An apology would be easy enough to vocalize, unless it was for starting down this dangerous road in the first place. She tilted her head in Kitsuki’s direction, contemplating what he was up to. She didn’t want him to force her hand and have her end his life because he attempted some futile escape. There was no telling with Kitsuki now. His behavior had proved he was unpredictable.
Kitsuki raised his brows and mouthed “Please.” Katsumi sighed as she fiddled around his room, gathering a piece of paper, a brush, and readying an inkstone. She placed them in front of Kitsuki and undid his manacles, eyeing him wearily. She had no doubt she could subdue him again if need arose, but he was obviously in a fragile state and her non-lethal force may end with deadly results. There was the poison too, to consider. Kitsuki quickly scrawled a note on the paper and pushed it towards Katsumi, offering her the chance to read it. She picked it up and slowly went over the words.
Katsumi set Kitsuki on the floor and checked for broken ribs. It seemed Mikoto hadn’t done as much damage as Katsumi had believed, and that Kitsuki was just barely holding on to consciousness after Sara had poisoned him. Yes, he had been poisoned. Katsumi could clearly see the discoloration around the wound from where her venom had been injected. She sighed. This could be the end of Kitsuki. Katsumi knew very little about the Naga, and this poison could be highly toxic. For all she knew, Kitsuki’s heart would stop beating any moment now. Well, she knew it wouldn’t, since his vitals were still strong, but the point was she didn’t know what it would do to his body. So she bandaged his wound, applied a compress to his ribs, and brought out his acupressure cuffs to keep him subdued.
It wasn’t much longer before Kitsuki woke up; groaning from what Katsumi could only guess was pain as he sat up and looked around, taking special note of his cuffs. Katsumi shook her head while watching him. It was like he was trying to get himself killed. Putting himself in harms way repeatedly. First with maho, now with Asahina. She clenched her jaw and glowered at him. He sat quietly, not saying a word. They went on like this for quite some time before Katsumi heard people walking outside the room, the door opened and two Spider stepped inside.
“What are you doing?” Katsumi growled.
“We were told to watch the prisoner,” One of them responded, he was short and dressed in heavy armor.
“Outside,” Katsumi demanded.
“Of course, Katsumi-sama,” he replied and took his position outside of the door. The other following suit without a word. Katsumi got up and closed the door. The last thing she needed was the Spider demanding justice for Kitsuki’s actions. Granted, that was what it would come down to, he would surely be sentenced to death for his attempt on Asahina’s life, but right now she just needed some time to consider what was happening without allowing the problem to be snuffed out. She was supposed to protect him, and now it was impossible to keep him from ultimately facing the end of his life because of his actions. He had chosen the wrong path to go down, but damn the Heavens, she was going to keep him alive until Asahina passed judgment and not let him slip quietly away behind closed doors.
“Bring me a scroll and something to write with,” Kitsuki whispered.
Katsumi glared at him, who in Jigoku did he think he was talking to? She wasn’t his servant and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let him enjoy this time by writing poetry, a sonnet, or whatever it was he planned on doing to pass the time. No, he was going to sit there in silence and live out the remaining hours of his life being reminded of how much of an inconvenience he was by Katsumi’s steely company.
“I need to tell you something and I can’t say it,” Kitsuki breathily pleaded as he eyed the door.
Katsumi dared a glance over her shoulder at the shut door to her left. She raised a brow, curious as to what Kitsuki could possibly have to say. An apology would be easy enough to vocalize, unless it was for starting down this dangerous road in the first place. She tilted her head in Kitsuki’s direction, contemplating what he was up to. She didn’t want him to force her hand and have her end his life because he attempted some futile escape. There was no telling with Kitsuki now. His behavior had proved he was unpredictable.
Kitsuki raised his brows and mouthed “Please.” Katsumi sighed as she fiddled around his room, gathering a piece of paper, a brush, and readying an inkstone. She placed them in front of Kitsuki and undid his manacles, eyeing him wearily. She had no doubt she could subdue him again if need arose, but he was obviously in a fragile state and her non-lethal force may end with deadly results. There was the poison too, to consider. Kitsuki quickly scrawled a note on the paper and pushed it towards Katsumi, offering her the chance to read it. She picked it up and slowly went over the words.
“I told Asahina, Negisa was a threat. I believe she found out about my ‘betrayal’ and forced my hand against him. I know she is your sister, but we must find a way to stop or stall her. Then, whether or not we succeed, you must allow me to commit seppuku, so I may die with some small honor.”
Katsumi blinked then re-read it. After the second pass-over, she repeated it for a third time, shaking her head finally and folding the letter. Kitsuki was waiting for her to say something, but words didn’t come easily to Katsumi and these were even more challenging than most. There were so many things wrong with this letter; Katsumi didn’t know where to begin. She unfolded the letter and read it again, trying to figure out where to go next.
Kitsuki marked the Spider as a threat, and told Asahina as much. That was not acceptable. That sort of accusation carried a massive amount of weight, and Kitsuki seemed either oblivious to that fact, or selfish in regards to whom he was setting on fire with it. However, he had only named Negisa, which lessened the blow. Negisa was one, and if they had to, the Spider would remove her from their clan in order to keep her shame from befalling them. If anything were to come of it. That all depended on what Kitsuki divulged to Asahina.
Katsumi leaned in close to Kitsuki, hoping he would give her the answer she was looking for. “Did you tell him what you got into?”
“No,” Kitsuki said.
Katsumi nodded and replaced the cuffs on him. There didn’t need to be any more writing. She didn’t need to know anything else. He had said the one thing that mattered, answered the only question that would determine how quickly this situation was going to spin out of control. If he had even uttered the word maho, things were going to become much messier in the following hours. At least this way it was only Kitsuki who forfeited his life and he didn’t shove Asahina into the same predicament.
Kitsuki was right about one thing in the paranoid letter he had written. Negisa was behind his unprovoked attack against Asahina. Katsumi knew the power that Negisa held when it came to blood magic. She didn’t understand it, nor did she care to. It wasn’t a path that appealed to her, too uncontrolled and too much dependence on strength outside of oneself. But when the kansin answered, it proved to be very, very powerful. Causing Kitsuki to lash out at Asahina would have been an easy task for the maligned spirits.
It all made sense now, the series of events that led up to the wedding. Negisa had found Katsumi earlier in the morning, before the wedding had taken place. In addition to providing a special mix of tea that cleared away the fogginess from staying awake all night, Negisa had said something that Katsumi had thought only polite advice at the time. She had said she had something that needed to be taken care of immediately, indicating she wouldn’t be at the wedding, and suggested Katsumi place herself near Asahina for the ceremony. Katsumi knew better than to ask what was so important, but clearly it was her way of ducking out of the public eye long enough to enact the ritual and appease the kansin into toying with Kitsuki. That was probably the only thing he had right in whatever his delusional theory was.
Negisa wasn’t a threat to anyone except those that threatened her. Kitsuki’s loose lips had targeted him, and his… whatever his plan was to pin on Negisa only added kindling to his pyre. There was nothing to stop or stall her from doing, besides destroying Kitsuki, and he brought that on himself. Furthermore, if he understood she was family, why would he even consider Katsumi would stand against her own sister? Did Kitsuki not understand what family meant? That was obviously the case. He had made the decision for her in his mind and believed she would so quickly align herself with someone who would break his word of trust only days after giving it to Negisa. Katsumi wasn’t going to be played in that manner. No, Negisa had been there since before Katsumi could recall, and Kitsuki? Kitsuki was proving to be only in it for himself, only in it for his small amount of honor he had left, which was fastly diminishing.
Kitsuki marked the Spider as a threat, and told Asahina as much. That was not acceptable. That sort of accusation carried a massive amount of weight, and Kitsuki seemed either oblivious to that fact, or selfish in regards to whom he was setting on fire with it. However, he had only named Negisa, which lessened the blow. Negisa was one, and if they had to, the Spider would remove her from their clan in order to keep her shame from befalling them. If anything were to come of it. That all depended on what Kitsuki divulged to Asahina.
Katsumi leaned in close to Kitsuki, hoping he would give her the answer she was looking for. “Did you tell him what you got into?”
“No,” Kitsuki said.
Katsumi nodded and replaced the cuffs on him. There didn’t need to be any more writing. She didn’t need to know anything else. He had said the one thing that mattered, answered the only question that would determine how quickly this situation was going to spin out of control. If he had even uttered the word maho, things were going to become much messier in the following hours. At least this way it was only Kitsuki who forfeited his life and he didn’t shove Asahina into the same predicament.
Kitsuki was right about one thing in the paranoid letter he had written. Negisa was behind his unprovoked attack against Asahina. Katsumi knew the power that Negisa held when it came to blood magic. She didn’t understand it, nor did she care to. It wasn’t a path that appealed to her, too uncontrolled and too much dependence on strength outside of oneself. But when the kansin answered, it proved to be very, very powerful. Causing Kitsuki to lash out at Asahina would have been an easy task for the maligned spirits.
It all made sense now, the series of events that led up to the wedding. Negisa had found Katsumi earlier in the morning, before the wedding had taken place. In addition to providing a special mix of tea that cleared away the fogginess from staying awake all night, Negisa had said something that Katsumi had thought only polite advice at the time. She had said she had something that needed to be taken care of immediately, indicating she wouldn’t be at the wedding, and suggested Katsumi place herself near Asahina for the ceremony. Katsumi knew better than to ask what was so important, but clearly it was her way of ducking out of the public eye long enough to enact the ritual and appease the kansin into toying with Kitsuki. That was probably the only thing he had right in whatever his delusional theory was.
Negisa wasn’t a threat to anyone except those that threatened her. Kitsuki’s loose lips had targeted him, and his… whatever his plan was to pin on Negisa only added kindling to his pyre. There was nothing to stop or stall her from doing, besides destroying Kitsuki, and he brought that on himself. Furthermore, if he understood she was family, why would he even consider Katsumi would stand against her own sister? Did Kitsuki not understand what family meant? That was obviously the case. He had made the decision for her in his mind and believed she would so quickly align herself with someone who would break his word of trust only days after giving it to Negisa. Katsumi wasn’t going to be played in that manner. No, Negisa had been there since before Katsumi could recall, and Kitsuki? Kitsuki was proving to be only in it for himself, only in it for his small amount of honor he had left, which was fastly diminishing.
***
The rest of the wedding proceeded as it should. Even with Kitsuki’s attempt to ruin things, the day was far from falling apart. It seemed Mikoto had even made it all the better by showing Kitsuki exactly how she felt about his disruptive behavior. After Katsumi had carted Kitsuki off, Yanagi had only to give the Kitsune priest a look before she continued the ceremony as if nothing had happened. Now she was sitting next to Yanagi, to her husband, and the reception had become almost a festival. There was more food and drink than Mikoto could count, all provided to whomever cared to wish her a pleasant and joyous marriage, and plenty to see and do as well. Mikoto would have forgotten all about Kitsuki in the mirth of the affair if not for the congratulatory praise she received for giving him what he deserved. Even Yanagi looked at her differently. It was a good type of different, like he was proud to be wed to her after how she handled Kitsuki. It was a different Mikoto would have liked to see in Katsumi’s eyes, but Katsumi was off taking care of the troublesome Kitsuki. He’d pay for that as well.
“Congratulations, Daigotsu-san,” Tsuruchi smiled as he passed by Mikoto.
She almost didn’t realize he was speaking to her. First, she didn’t know him practically at all, but that didn’t stop most of the people who were there to celebrate. She didn’t know nearly any of them at all. And second, the name wasn’t hers. At least, not yet. Daigotsu Mikoto. It had a nice ring to it, but she was still training in the Matsu school, and because of that, she had to keep ties to her family in the Lion clan or be completely cut off as a Spider. That wasn’t something she was ready to do yet.
Next to speak with her was someone Yanagi obviously knew. He said some things about how beautiful Mikoto looked, and how lucky Yanagi was to have a woman willing to put someone in their place. And things continued on like this, more people she didn’t know telling her how lucky Yanagi was, and congratulating her on both her wedding and the way she handled the situation. It was strange to hear so many people praise her for her violent behavior. Never before had anyone made note that it was a good thing, she had always been scolded when her temper flared, but here it seemed they welcomed it.
Speaking of things that caused her temper to rise, Asahina approached. Mikoto narrowed her eyes at him. She still hadn’t forgotten what rushed her into this wedding in the first place. And although things were turning out for the best, Asahina was still to blame. She wished she could punish him for his actions, but if that were the case, he would learn about her child and everything would unravel at the seams. Instead, she swallowed her disdain for Asahina and smiled while he addressed Yanagi.
“Congratulations on your wedding,” Asahina said. “It turned out wonderful.”
“Thank you, and thank you for all of your help,” Yanagi smiled and sounded genuine. Mikoto watched as he kept his composure, even seemed grateful to Asahina. She was certain she couldn’t pull that off.
“Of course,” Asahina lapped up the compliment for the work he didn’t do in orchestrating it. Mikoto was almost certain Negisa and Yanagi had handled everything. “It was my duty. And to quote Shinsei, ‘For the samurai having done something, or said something, he owns that thing. He is responsible for it and all the consequences that follow. A samurai is intensely loyal to those in his care. To those he is responsible for, he remains fiercely true.’”
Maybe Asahina had a decent side to him. He just told Yanagi to protect her and stay true to her. She had little doubt Yanagi would already do both of those things, but he was the first to tell Yanagi to take care of her. It was somewhat… nice.
“Much appreciated, Asahina-sama,” Yanagi bowed and watched Mikoto as Asahina shuffled back into the crowd.
There was something about the way he was looking at her, something kind and gentle. Mikoto promised right then, to herself, and silently to Yanagi that she would remain loyal and true. She promised that the mistake she had made with Negisa and Asahina would never occur again. Yanagi would be the only one in her bed from now until she died. Well… Yanagi and Katsumi. She sighed and searched through the crowd. Katsumi hadn’t returned yet, and the day was wearing on to night. She wanted so badly to see her and to apologize for whatever she had done last night that had drove Katsumi into her angered state. Tonight she would be moving out of the house and into Yanagi’s place. That meant another night, and another day, until she could see Katsumi again.
“Congratulations, Daigotsu-san,” Tsuruchi smiled as he passed by Mikoto.
She almost didn’t realize he was speaking to her. First, she didn’t know him practically at all, but that didn’t stop most of the people who were there to celebrate. She didn’t know nearly any of them at all. And second, the name wasn’t hers. At least, not yet. Daigotsu Mikoto. It had a nice ring to it, but she was still training in the Matsu school, and because of that, she had to keep ties to her family in the Lion clan or be completely cut off as a Spider. That wasn’t something she was ready to do yet.
Next to speak with her was someone Yanagi obviously knew. He said some things about how beautiful Mikoto looked, and how lucky Yanagi was to have a woman willing to put someone in their place. And things continued on like this, more people she didn’t know telling her how lucky Yanagi was, and congratulating her on both her wedding and the way she handled the situation. It was strange to hear so many people praise her for her violent behavior. Never before had anyone made note that it was a good thing, she had always been scolded when her temper flared, but here it seemed they welcomed it.
Speaking of things that caused her temper to rise, Asahina approached. Mikoto narrowed her eyes at him. She still hadn’t forgotten what rushed her into this wedding in the first place. And although things were turning out for the best, Asahina was still to blame. She wished she could punish him for his actions, but if that were the case, he would learn about her child and everything would unravel at the seams. Instead, she swallowed her disdain for Asahina and smiled while he addressed Yanagi.
“Congratulations on your wedding,” Asahina said. “It turned out wonderful.”
“Thank you, and thank you for all of your help,” Yanagi smiled and sounded genuine. Mikoto watched as he kept his composure, even seemed grateful to Asahina. She was certain she couldn’t pull that off.
“Of course,” Asahina lapped up the compliment for the work he didn’t do in orchestrating it. Mikoto was almost certain Negisa and Yanagi had handled everything. “It was my duty. And to quote Shinsei, ‘For the samurai having done something, or said something, he owns that thing. He is responsible for it and all the consequences that follow. A samurai is intensely loyal to those in his care. To those he is responsible for, he remains fiercely true.’”
Maybe Asahina had a decent side to him. He just told Yanagi to protect her and stay true to her. She had little doubt Yanagi would already do both of those things, but he was the first to tell Yanagi to take care of her. It was somewhat… nice.
“Much appreciated, Asahina-sama,” Yanagi bowed and watched Mikoto as Asahina shuffled back into the crowd.
There was something about the way he was looking at her, something kind and gentle. Mikoto promised right then, to herself, and silently to Yanagi that she would remain loyal and true. She promised that the mistake she had made with Negisa and Asahina would never occur again. Yanagi would be the only one in her bed from now until she died. Well… Yanagi and Katsumi. She sighed and searched through the crowd. Katsumi hadn’t returned yet, and the day was wearing on to night. She wanted so badly to see her and to apologize for whatever she had done last night that had drove Katsumi into her angered state. Tonight she would be moving out of the house and into Yanagi’s place. That meant another night, and another day, until she could see Katsumi again.
***
The wedding the Spider held wasn’t much different from any other wedding Meintaro had attended. Not counting whatever had happened with Kitsuki. Meintaro wasn’t even sure what had taken place, he was listening to another prayer from the Kitsune, and then there was a scuffle to his left and Kitsuki was on the ground with Daigotsu Katsumi sitting on him. Kitsuki had yelled Asahina’s name, and Shiba had knocked a weapon from Kitsuki’s grasp, so he obviously was attempting to harm someone, and the name seemed like a give-away on who was the target of his intentions. It was all very strange. He had asked Asahina about it after the ceremony was over, and Asahina had indicated that it wasn’t the time to talk about such things. Because of that, Meintaro found himself sitting in front of a bunraku puppet show, largely not paying attention to the story, instead lost in his thoughts about what had taken place earlier in the day.
“Tsuruchi-san,” Asahina appeared next to Meintaro. He didn’t so much appear as he probably had walked up and sat down without Meintaro noticing. “I wanted to address what we were talking about earlier.”
Meintaro looked around, there were several other people sitting nearby watching the play. “Right, we should probably find a place a little less open,” he suggested.
“I don’t know where,” Asahina muttered, “I don’t really know what is safe anymore.”
“I can tell you that the middle of a production is definitely not safe, at all,” Meintaro stood and gestured for Asahina to follow. He walked towards an alley just off the main street. Not far so that they were completely alone, but not too close so that any passerby could overhear their conversation. Asahina followed without question.
“Right, here’s better,” Meintaro nodded after scanning the area. “So, do you know what that business was about?” He jumped right into it, desperately curious to know what had provoked Kitsuki. Meintaro didn’t know Kitsuki well, he had only met him a few days ago, but there were some things that proved to be strange about the whole encounter at the ceremony today.
“I have no idea,” Asahina shook his head. “The thing is, somebody who I… trust, I guess was attempting to attack me, and… I feel like there are outside influences involved.”
“Well, he was walking,” Meintaro pointed out. How much could you trust a guy who pretended to be a cripple and then proved not to be?
“Yeah, with all the weird stuff happening…” Asahina trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.
“Kitsuki is either really good at not walking ever, and then walking, or led us to believe that was the case,” He mentioned again. It was clear he didn’t just suddenly start walking today and decided he was going to use his newfound ability to attack Asahina.
“Yeah, so… that’s stuff I don’t understand. And, I really don’t know what to do about this,” Asahina confided. Asahina didn’t seem to know what to do about anything lately. Meintaro had heard him say it a dozen or so times with the Naga, and now he was doing the same here. Meintaro wanted to give Asahina the direction he so desperately needed, but didn’t want to overstep his bounds.
“Perhaps you should go talk with him,” he suggested. It was simple and if you wanted to quickly find the underlying cause of things, you always went straight to the source.
“Yeah, I thought about that, but with our Captain of the Guard now… changing clans, essentially-”
“Who’s that? Oh!” Asahina was talking about Matsu who had just been married into the Spider; she was Captain of the Guard? That was news to him. “Right,” Meintaro nodded, now following.
“And the whole mess with your brother…”
“Right,” Meintaro nodded again, waiting for Asahina to draw his point to a close.
“I’m really starting to expect foul play. I don’t know if somebody in particular is attempting to cause chaos, or gain control, or… I don’t know. I would think maybe… maybe Shiba has some insight on this since she is the captain of our yojimbo. She should be aware if there were some sort of plot to - I don’t know. It just doesn’t make sense.”
“That brings up a lot of questions, if that were the case,” Meintaro considered the possibility. It didn’t make much sense for someone to be using it as a means to gain control over anything. “If someone was going to try to have you killed, yet you suspect foul play, why would they use someone like Kitsuki, who is not in a good position to do you harm, in the middle of a wedding?”
“Yeah,” Asahina agreed.
“And he obviously wasn’t very capable. At all. He was stopped faster than anyone really could follow what had just taken place.”
“Right, and that’s just it,” Asahina exclaimed excitedly, then leaned in and lowered his voice, “He had approached me earlier, and seemed very concerned that we were in danger. The plan was to figure it out later, after the wedding. I guess someone else got to him first. I don’t think he would have approached me if he were being dishonest himself.”
“So this is all part of an elaborate plot? But it still seems like a poor elaborate plot.”
“I try to go for the simplest explanation of things. Too many things have been happening, but connecting them all seems too complex. I don’t know. All I’m saying is we should all keep on our toes.”
“Regardless, he still made an attempt on you,” Meintaro noted. Whatever this plot was, and whoever was behind it, Kitsuki still drew a weapon and attempted to harm Asahina. That wasn’t something to be taken lightly. And he could walk. Meintaro just couldn’t get over that not so little detail Asahina kept dismissing.
“Well, this is essentially two of my captains that have gone down, and I’m counting your brother in that. I had my suspicions at the time that perhaps someone was trying to frame your brother because of the absurdity of someone trying to burn down the distillery, but it was out of my hands by then.”
“There are no coincidences,” Meintaro tried to save face when speaking of his brother. He was aware of Airo’s interest in fire, but he wasn’t going to come forward and disgrace his family any further by admitting Airo had made the choice himself.
“I don’t know… I just…” Asahina shook his head.
“Do you have any suspicions as to whom?” Meintaro asked. After noting Asahina’s dubious stare he added, “You don’t have to give me names.”
“I…” Asahina looked around, his gaze lingering on the crowd in the street for a moment. He then covered his mouth and leaned in so Meintaro could hear him. “I can only say that I have a fearful respect for powerful women.” Asahina drew back, finishing the conversation as normally as he could, “I think we should talk about this later.”
“Right,” Meintaro nodded, glancing towards the crowd but not seeing anything questionable. Just people having a good time in this faire-like wedding reception.
However, with Asahina’s final words, he began running over the powerful women they knew. First, there was Negisa, who ran things for the Spider. But if one were going to count Negisa, then one would have to count every female lead for the clans, like Utaku who ran the Unicorn, and Doji who ran the Crane. That was a little farfetched. Then there was Shiba, who was in charge of the yojimbo, and proved to be quick on her feet at the wedding. However, Asahina had implied he would be discussing this with her, which meant he obviously didn’t suspect her. Matsu did kick Kitsuki, but she didn’t seem to be very powerful. He didn’t even know she was Captain of the Guard. And there was Daigotsu Katsumi, who Meintaro still wasn’t certain what she did besides hunt decently and could take down Kitsuki faster than he could bat an eye. Moreover, she carried him off too, as if he were nothing compared to her. She also knew a lot of what was going on with the city, more than anyone else had filled him in on. Maybe there was more to this Daigotsu than Meintaro understood.
“Tsuruchi-san,” Asahina appeared next to Meintaro. He didn’t so much appear as he probably had walked up and sat down without Meintaro noticing. “I wanted to address what we were talking about earlier.”
Meintaro looked around, there were several other people sitting nearby watching the play. “Right, we should probably find a place a little less open,” he suggested.
“I don’t know where,” Asahina muttered, “I don’t really know what is safe anymore.”
“I can tell you that the middle of a production is definitely not safe, at all,” Meintaro stood and gestured for Asahina to follow. He walked towards an alley just off the main street. Not far so that they were completely alone, but not too close so that any passerby could overhear their conversation. Asahina followed without question.
“Right, here’s better,” Meintaro nodded after scanning the area. “So, do you know what that business was about?” He jumped right into it, desperately curious to know what had provoked Kitsuki. Meintaro didn’t know Kitsuki well, he had only met him a few days ago, but there were some things that proved to be strange about the whole encounter at the ceremony today.
“I have no idea,” Asahina shook his head. “The thing is, somebody who I… trust, I guess was attempting to attack me, and… I feel like there are outside influences involved.”
“Well, he was walking,” Meintaro pointed out. How much could you trust a guy who pretended to be a cripple and then proved not to be?
“Yeah, with all the weird stuff happening…” Asahina trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.
“Kitsuki is either really good at not walking ever, and then walking, or led us to believe that was the case,” He mentioned again. It was clear he didn’t just suddenly start walking today and decided he was going to use his newfound ability to attack Asahina.
“Yeah, so… that’s stuff I don’t understand. And, I really don’t know what to do about this,” Asahina confided. Asahina didn’t seem to know what to do about anything lately. Meintaro had heard him say it a dozen or so times with the Naga, and now he was doing the same here. Meintaro wanted to give Asahina the direction he so desperately needed, but didn’t want to overstep his bounds.
“Perhaps you should go talk with him,” he suggested. It was simple and if you wanted to quickly find the underlying cause of things, you always went straight to the source.
“Yeah, I thought about that, but with our Captain of the Guard now… changing clans, essentially-”
“Who’s that? Oh!” Asahina was talking about Matsu who had just been married into the Spider; she was Captain of the Guard? That was news to him. “Right,” Meintaro nodded, now following.
“And the whole mess with your brother…”
“Right,” Meintaro nodded again, waiting for Asahina to draw his point to a close.
“I’m really starting to expect foul play. I don’t know if somebody in particular is attempting to cause chaos, or gain control, or… I don’t know. I would think maybe… maybe Shiba has some insight on this since she is the captain of our yojimbo. She should be aware if there were some sort of plot to - I don’t know. It just doesn’t make sense.”
“That brings up a lot of questions, if that were the case,” Meintaro considered the possibility. It didn’t make much sense for someone to be using it as a means to gain control over anything. “If someone was going to try to have you killed, yet you suspect foul play, why would they use someone like Kitsuki, who is not in a good position to do you harm, in the middle of a wedding?”
“Yeah,” Asahina agreed.
“And he obviously wasn’t very capable. At all. He was stopped faster than anyone really could follow what had just taken place.”
“Right, and that’s just it,” Asahina exclaimed excitedly, then leaned in and lowered his voice, “He had approached me earlier, and seemed very concerned that we were in danger. The plan was to figure it out later, after the wedding. I guess someone else got to him first. I don’t think he would have approached me if he were being dishonest himself.”
“So this is all part of an elaborate plot? But it still seems like a poor elaborate plot.”
“I try to go for the simplest explanation of things. Too many things have been happening, but connecting them all seems too complex. I don’t know. All I’m saying is we should all keep on our toes.”
“Regardless, he still made an attempt on you,” Meintaro noted. Whatever this plot was, and whoever was behind it, Kitsuki still drew a weapon and attempted to harm Asahina. That wasn’t something to be taken lightly. And he could walk. Meintaro just couldn’t get over that not so little detail Asahina kept dismissing.
“Well, this is essentially two of my captains that have gone down, and I’m counting your brother in that. I had my suspicions at the time that perhaps someone was trying to frame your brother because of the absurdity of someone trying to burn down the distillery, but it was out of my hands by then.”
“There are no coincidences,” Meintaro tried to save face when speaking of his brother. He was aware of Airo’s interest in fire, but he wasn’t going to come forward and disgrace his family any further by admitting Airo had made the choice himself.
“I don’t know… I just…” Asahina shook his head.
“Do you have any suspicions as to whom?” Meintaro asked. After noting Asahina’s dubious stare he added, “You don’t have to give me names.”
“I…” Asahina looked around, his gaze lingering on the crowd in the street for a moment. He then covered his mouth and leaned in so Meintaro could hear him. “I can only say that I have a fearful respect for powerful women.” Asahina drew back, finishing the conversation as normally as he could, “I think we should talk about this later.”
“Right,” Meintaro nodded, glancing towards the crowd but not seeing anything questionable. Just people having a good time in this faire-like wedding reception.
However, with Asahina’s final words, he began running over the powerful women they knew. First, there was Negisa, who ran things for the Spider. But if one were going to count Negisa, then one would have to count every female lead for the clans, like Utaku who ran the Unicorn, and Doji who ran the Crane. That was a little farfetched. Then there was Shiba, who was in charge of the yojimbo, and proved to be quick on her feet at the wedding. However, Asahina had implied he would be discussing this with her, which meant he obviously didn’t suspect her. Matsu did kick Kitsuki, but she didn’t seem to be very powerful. He didn’t even know she was Captain of the Guard. And there was Daigotsu Katsumi, who Meintaro still wasn’t certain what she did besides hunt decently and could take down Kitsuki faster than he could bat an eye. Moreover, she carried him off too, as if he were nothing compared to her. She also knew a lot of what was going on with the city, more than anyone else had filled him in on. Maybe there was more to this Daigotsu than Meintaro understood.
***
Morasahi had no problem finding Yuji after the reception had begun. She had to make appearances, and so did he, being her advisor and practically running the Phoenix. But after that, he looked to be waiting for her, as if he had nothing more he wished to do than follow her back to her room and play Go. It was flattering, in a way. So she took him to Asahina’s house and to her room and slid the door closed leaving the two of them alone with all the noise of the world blocked out. She setup the board, nervous of what would come next, but trying to concentrate on separating the stones by color and determining what strategy she would employ with Yuji.
“How about we place a wager on this?” Yuji suggested. Morasahi’s interest piqued. Yuji wasn’t the type to place bets or try to determine outcomes. This would prove to be very special, indeed.
“Um, what’s the wager?” She timidly asked.
“Hm, how about we call it Emperor of the board? Whoever wins gets to be Emperor,” Yuji smiled charismatically. He was so very handsome when he smiled like that.
“O-okay,” Morasahi nodded, trying to predict what sort of things Yuji had in mind. She knew what she would do if she won, and she beat him plenty enough that she had a chance. Yuji, however, also beat her plenty enough that he could become Emperor and then where would that leave them?
Morasahi barely had time to contemplate Yuji’s intentions before the game was over. Clearly he was distracted with whatever he had been considering, because she not only beat him, but in record time. He wasn’t at all himself during the game. Which was fine enough for her, seeing as how she was now Emperor and he had just made this night easier on her. She pulled out a bottle of sake, set out two cups and smiled.
“As Empress, I command you to drink.” And Yuji did. Morasahi drank as well. They shared the bottle before Morasahi called for another, she was still well aware of how nervous she was about throwing herself at Yuji.
“Is that all you desire, Okami-sama?” Yuji leaned close to her, holding out his cup for another fill. “I would think that with your rule, more than drinking would be had.”
Morasahi’s breath quickened. “I-um… Yes. No. I mean… I think I want your kimono. It’s… um, nicer than mine.”
“Anything for you, Okami-sama,” Yuji whispered in her ear and leaned back, untying his obi. He took off the outermost layer of his kimono and folded it neatly for her. Kneeling he presented his clothes to Morasahi and purred, “Will you be trying them on, Okami-sama? I would love to see you in them.”
Morasahi poured another drink for herself. She also filled Yuji’s cup that he had discarded while he took off the first layer of his clothing. “In time,” she felt her voice crack. “For now, drink with me.”
Yuji drank another glass. Morasahi’s thoughts raced. Yuji was trying to get her to disrobe in front of him. That was a good thing, but it still made her tense up at the thought of misreading his signals. However, it wasn’t like she was forcing him to show interest in her, he was obviously interested of his own accord with the way he had been talking. And how close he had gotten. If she pushed the envelope and told him to kiss her, would he do it because he wanted to or because he lost a bet? She wasn’t sure. All this guessing was filling up her head when she should be focusing on what to be doing next. If nothing happened, if she didn’t pursue Yuji, Negisa would surely find out and… Well, she didn’t know what Negisa would do. Nevertheless, she knew this was her only real chance to find out exactly how he felt about her. Morasahi didn’t want to ask, what if it was something terrible and it was only because she won? The circles in her head were beginning to drive her mad.
“If I asked you to kiss me, would you?” Morasahi watched Yuji intently for his answer.
“I would do whatever you asked of me,” Yuji stared into her eyes. There wasn’t a stutter; there wasn’t any sort of reservation. He said it as if he had it on his mind all along. “Is that what you decree, Okami-sama?”
“Don’t call me that, anymore,” Morasahi shook her head.
“I won’t,” Yuji leaned forward and bumped his nose to Morasahi’s, brushing the tips together before he put his mouth to hers.
She melted. The kiss was soft, but not weak. It was perfectly balanced, the way she had always imagined kissing him would be. He gently leaned his weight against her, Morasahi leaned back, landing on her hands, and propping herself up. The kiss ended and eventually Morasahi opened her eyes. Yuji leaned over her, studying her face. She smiled in response; she couldn’t help but smile. This was something she had dreamed about. She hadn’t asked him to kiss her; it was his choice to have done so.
“I-um… Let’s do that again,” Morasahi blushed.
“Anything for you, Morasahi.”
“How about we place a wager on this?” Yuji suggested. Morasahi’s interest piqued. Yuji wasn’t the type to place bets or try to determine outcomes. This would prove to be very special, indeed.
“Um, what’s the wager?” She timidly asked.
“Hm, how about we call it Emperor of the board? Whoever wins gets to be Emperor,” Yuji smiled charismatically. He was so very handsome when he smiled like that.
“O-okay,” Morasahi nodded, trying to predict what sort of things Yuji had in mind. She knew what she would do if she won, and she beat him plenty enough that she had a chance. Yuji, however, also beat her plenty enough that he could become Emperor and then where would that leave them?
Morasahi barely had time to contemplate Yuji’s intentions before the game was over. Clearly he was distracted with whatever he had been considering, because she not only beat him, but in record time. He wasn’t at all himself during the game. Which was fine enough for her, seeing as how she was now Emperor and he had just made this night easier on her. She pulled out a bottle of sake, set out two cups and smiled.
“As Empress, I command you to drink.” And Yuji did. Morasahi drank as well. They shared the bottle before Morasahi called for another, she was still well aware of how nervous she was about throwing herself at Yuji.
“Is that all you desire, Okami-sama?” Yuji leaned close to her, holding out his cup for another fill. “I would think that with your rule, more than drinking would be had.”
Morasahi’s breath quickened. “I-um… Yes. No. I mean… I think I want your kimono. It’s… um, nicer than mine.”
“Anything for you, Okami-sama,” Yuji whispered in her ear and leaned back, untying his obi. He took off the outermost layer of his kimono and folded it neatly for her. Kneeling he presented his clothes to Morasahi and purred, “Will you be trying them on, Okami-sama? I would love to see you in them.”
Morasahi poured another drink for herself. She also filled Yuji’s cup that he had discarded while he took off the first layer of his clothing. “In time,” she felt her voice crack. “For now, drink with me.”
Yuji drank another glass. Morasahi’s thoughts raced. Yuji was trying to get her to disrobe in front of him. That was a good thing, but it still made her tense up at the thought of misreading his signals. However, it wasn’t like she was forcing him to show interest in her, he was obviously interested of his own accord with the way he had been talking. And how close he had gotten. If she pushed the envelope and told him to kiss her, would he do it because he wanted to or because he lost a bet? She wasn’t sure. All this guessing was filling up her head when she should be focusing on what to be doing next. If nothing happened, if she didn’t pursue Yuji, Negisa would surely find out and… Well, she didn’t know what Negisa would do. Nevertheless, she knew this was her only real chance to find out exactly how he felt about her. Morasahi didn’t want to ask, what if it was something terrible and it was only because she won? The circles in her head were beginning to drive her mad.
“If I asked you to kiss me, would you?” Morasahi watched Yuji intently for his answer.
“I would do whatever you asked of me,” Yuji stared into her eyes. There wasn’t a stutter; there wasn’t any sort of reservation. He said it as if he had it on his mind all along. “Is that what you decree, Okami-sama?”
“Don’t call me that, anymore,” Morasahi shook her head.
“I won’t,” Yuji leaned forward and bumped his nose to Morasahi’s, brushing the tips together before he put his mouth to hers.
She melted. The kiss was soft, but not weak. It was perfectly balanced, the way she had always imagined kissing him would be. He gently leaned his weight against her, Morasahi leaned back, landing on her hands, and propping herself up. The kiss ended and eventually Morasahi opened her eyes. Yuji leaned over her, studying her face. She smiled in response; she couldn’t help but smile. This was something she had dreamed about. She hadn’t asked him to kiss her; it was his choice to have done so.
“I-um… Let’s do that again,” Morasahi blushed.
“Anything for you, Morasahi.”
No comments:
Post a Comment