[M] Legend of the Five Rings: Knot of Serpents (IC)

[AngelFire]

“There’s no need for you to go into dangers way, you are too important to do so.” Eijiko smiled at Nukasaan, placing her hand onto his shoulder. “Just having such helpful information will be sufficient, and I thank you for your bravery on the subject.”

Eijiko sent Nukasaan a reassuring smile, knowing it must be hard for him to bring information to them. Worry tugged at the ends of her thoughts, being so close to the enemy may put the man in unnecessary danger.

“You could say we know each other.” Eijiko smiled brightly at the Ronin, before directing her gaze to Torikki. “He was a bright light in a very dark situation in court.”

Raion cleared her throat quietly, drawing the attention of Eijiko. “The mission, Yasuki-san.”

“Oh Hikaku-san seems to be holding information out on me.” Her eyes saddened briefly, before her playful smile brightened them again. “You are a man of many talents. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on you.”

Both Eijiko and Raion listened intently as Hikaku spoke.

[P.K.]

Torikki tipped her head slightly at her crab friend as she mentioned a dark situation. "I see." She said with a very slight nod. There was nothing to push on, It wasn't any of her business if Eijiko did not wish to share further and she knew all to well about not sharing things. She turned her attention back to the Ronin, Hikaku.

[Mfable]

Agasha Gaido nodded as the collective group spoke, listening to everyone in turn. He bowed to Hikaku and thanked him for his information, then spoke to the collective group as a whole. ”Moshi Hikari-sama and Isawa Meiwaku-sama are both away, so it falls to me to decide the next course of action, as the senior member of the estate.” He thought to himself for a moment, then nodded to himself as if agreeing to an invisible advisor. ”Alright, I think I know what we are going to do.”

”Yasuki-san, go to the courts and find a way to relay the information to the Crane. Show your Ivory Magistrate badge. Make sure they know it is a sign of good faith. Temper all political fallout you can. We don’t want the Crane suffering from this failure.”

”Utaku-san, go borrow some dog masters from your compound. Show them your Ivory Magistrate badge. They will be more willing to cooperate that way. They are to follow your command and guard all the exits. They will also be there to him down should he find a way to slip past.”

”Matsu-san, I need you to go down to the peasant district and find Michio Dankai. Take him and go to Rang’s estate. Flush him out, apprehend him, kill him if you must. Follow the Michio’s specifications. The Destroyer Cult is not above using Maho to fight its attackers, and no one knows blood magic better than the Spider.”

He turns to Hikaku. ”You are not an Ivory Magistrate, but you did help is in our mission. Go with Yasuki-san and protect her in case the Crane takes this as an attack or threat. Be careful with your words.” He turns and walks off to his room to do paperwork.

[AngelFire]

Spoiler: Yasuki Eijiko 

Eijiko nodded at her new assignment, it was better to remain busy so she didn’t dwell on things she couldn’t fix just yet. Her bright eyes darted to the corner, glancing momentarily at the Ronin. Now that it wasn’t too necessary for her to keep her identity secret she wasn’t worried about him keeping her secret, but now he knew their mission and that was a threat. Worry flickered through her eyes, as she bowed to the Agasha.

“Back into the lion’s den.” Eijiko chuckled to Raion. “Stay careful my friend, I’ll see you soon.”

Raion nodded, taking her fingers from around the crook of Eijiko’s arm. “Do you need Nukasaa?”

“No, he should probably help you find Michio-san and then come and wait here. We wouldn’t want others to get the wrong idea of his part in this.” Eijiko took the time to look at the Ivinda man. “You stay safe too. We must be off. Be safe, all of you.” She looked at each person, including the Utaku maiden.

Before either could voice any of their worries, Eijiko turned on her heels facing the Ronin. The red head straightened up, she hadn’t expected to go back so quickly, but she must look as appropriate as ever. Luckily she had slipped her Ivory Magistrate kimono on after she had cleansed herself earlier. Once they reached the gates Eijiko glanced at the Ronin, many questions danced through her thoughts.

“Hikaku-san you seem to be more than you say you are.” A sly smirk graced her face teasingly. “I will have to keep an eye on you. I love a good puzzle, and you are more than equipped to keep me searching for a long while.”

She propelled herself forward, ready for the challenge that lay ahead. Her magistrate badge still remained hidden in her sleeves, though it was an unnecessary measure. Before they entered the Court doors, Eijiko hesitated, taking a deep breath to sooth her nerves.

“Thank you for being here.” She whispered quietly to the Ronin, as she started to push the door open.

Spoiler: Matsu Raion 

Raion breathed out slowly hearing that Eijiko needed to go back to court. The youthful red head was more than equipped to handle the goings on in court, but Raion always worried. Her worry halted at hearing she was to be paired up with the Michio to catch this Rang person. A small sigh left her lips, today was going to be a very long day from now on, but there was a job to do.

“Back into the lion’s den.” Eijiko chuckled to Raion. “Stay careful my friend, I’ll see you soon.”

“Do you need Nukasaa?” Raion nodded, taking her fingers from around the crook of Eijiko’s arm.

It would be a great deal easier and more discreet if Eijiko had a peasant deliver a letter to the Doji. Though her good friend was too stubborn to do so, the red head would insist on speaking to the Crane member face to face. Raion knew this due to the too many years of knowing each other. There were no secrets, and no more surprises.

“No, he should probably help you find Michio-san and then come and wait here. We wouldn’t want others to get the wrong idea of his part in this.” Eijiko took the time to look at the Ivinda man. “You stay safe too. We must be off. Be safe, all of you.”

Eijiko was right, it would be best if as few people knew of Nukasaan’s involvement in this situation. Or maybe there were still surprises, Eijiko always seemed to change things up when Raion thought she could no longer be shocked with her friend. With her words of wisdom, Eijiko left, but they both felt the worry the other held. The Crab was good at distancing herself from emotional moments.

“We too should be heading out Nukasaan,” Raion muttered, trying to hide the worry in her voice. “Who knows where that Spider has gone. Be safe Utaku-san.”

Raion reached out, waiting for Nukasaan to take her hands into his arms. She seemed to be lost in thought as they walked through the roads of the Second City. She was careful, and made sure she payed enough attention to where they were going and what was being said.

“Thank you for your help with everything.” She sighed, wiping beads of sweat from under her mask.

Others weren’t joking when they talked about the Ivindi heat. The scent of the Peasant District reached her sensitive nose, when they go to their destination. Now all that lay before them, is to find the Spider Clan member and to catch Rang.

[P.K.]

Utaku Torikki nodded solemnly turning her gaze to Raion and smiled. "You as well Matsu-san." She turned to leave as well. Perhaps she should have taken the time earlier to find the compound, but that didn't matter now. She moved after the beast master struck with a thought. If she were to inform the Dog masters of their target she would need some information about him. "Matsu-san" She said as she reached the two. "Could I ask your friend about Rang? If I'm to give the dog masters something keep an eye out for I will need something for them to see." she said calmly looking to Nukasaan for a moment as she walked with the two on their way out.

[Mfable]

Spoiler: Yasuki Eijiko 

Hikaku listened to Eijiko speak, then nodded. ”One really good thing about a Ronin is that they can disappear without a trace and no one will care. Skip town in the middle of the night and it would be hard even for a Scorpion to track me down until I appear somewhere else.” He seemed to be beaming behind that mask.

When they stopped at the court entrance he looked up and nodded again. Without anyone being able to see his face, motions and words became more important. ”Of course. It is not every day I get to help a Yasuki of the Ivory Magistrates, you know. Let us go and find our friend, then, and give him the overwhelmingly bad news.”

He stepped into the court alongside Eijiko. It was just as busy as when they had left, though the Masked Monk had made a return and was wandering to through the courts. It always made people uncomfortable to have him there. Monks of the Brotherhood were supposed to stay out of the affairs of court, but the people gathered there just could not ask him to leave. To do so might be to insult someone who once was a great hero.

Hikaku nodded slightly as an indication and whispered. ”There he is.” Doji Damaka stood with several other Cranes, watching the events of the court and whispering to others.

Spoiler: Matsu Raion 

Nukasaan smiled as the others spoke to him. He had not ever had this much attention from the others, but he was happy he had the chance to help. As a Doshin he was in charge of minor crimes among the eta, and although Rang was a Heimin, he was also a criminal and would not be considered anything more than an Eta at this point. It also gave him a knowledge of most of the people under his watch.

When Torikki wanted to know more about Rang, Nukasaan bowed deeply. ”I will send Budoka to the Unicorn Embassy to aid you in rooting out Rang should he try to worm his way out of the city. I am sure Matsu-sama and Michio-sama will be able to arrest him well before he even has a hope of escape.” He seemed proud to be serving under the Matsu.

As Matsu entered the Peasant District, several Spiders stepped aside to let her pass. They seemed to be on one of their recruitment missions again. The Kokujin and Michio often took strong or willful peasants and recruited them into their orders. Not many made it, but it was a way to increase numbers among the Spider and keep the overwhelming population of peasants from growing too quickly.

Spoiler: Utaku Torikki 

Nukasaan smiled as the others spoke to him. He had not ever had this much attention from the others, but he was happy he had the chance to help. As a Doshin he was in charge of minor crimes among the eta, and although Rang was a Heimin, he was also a criminal and would not be considered anything more than an Eta at this point. It also gave him a knowledge of most of the people under his watch.

When Torikki wanted to know more about Rang, Nukasaan bowed deeply. ”I will send Budoka to the Unicorn Embassy to aid you in rooting out Rang should he try to worm his way out of the city. I am sure Matsu-sama and Michio-sama will be able to arrest him well before he even has a hope of escape.” He seemed proud to be serving under the Matsu.

By the time Torikki had gotten to the Unicorn Embassy, two dozen Budoka awaited her. Each one knew the identity of this Rang person and could pick him out of the crowd. They all bowed deeply when the Utaku approached them. ”Utaku Torikki-sama, we are here under the orders of Doshin Nukasaan to aid you in identifying and hunting the criminal Rang.”

The Unicorn Embassy was buzzing with samurai, mostly Moto and Shinjo, though a few members of the other families were present. Several of the people here were actually of higher rank than Torikki, but Imperial matters made such things more trivial.

[P.K.]

Torikki smiled at Nukasaan. Interesting. "Very well, Thank you."

When she reached her destination she was a little surprised at the gathering of Budoka. "Good." She said pleasantly. She quietly moved further into the compound reaching for her Badge and carefully placing it where it could be seen. "I need the attention of all the war dog masters." She said plainly but loud enough to be heard. "The Ivory magistrate has need of your skills, there's a Destroyer Cultist in the city and you are tasked with guarding the gates to keep him from slipping away." She said calmly. "If he should find a way to worm his way out of the city you will be called upon to hunt him down. "These Budoka know the Identity of the culprit you are watching for, you will take one with you and keep them close." She needed to know how many dog masters where here, There were 8 gates that needed to be watched if there was a gate open then she would have to watch it herself. She wished she had more time but the others were already on the move, they had to be ready when they flushed him out its matsu-san and Michio-san didn't get him right away then they were the next option. "Time is of the essence, the pieces are moving as I speak."

[AngelFire]

Spoiler: Yasuki Eijiko 

”Well that wouldn’t be at all fair,” Eijiko pouted, avoiding a small group of people. “Just disappearing wouldn’t be contributing anything to the betterment of my Courtier Skills. I also happen to know, that we both like the challenge the other has to provide, and your disappearing act will ruin it.”

Feeling the cool air brush against her face, as the doors opened, Eijiko breathed in deeply. Court always had an array of scents dancing around, in which Eijiko loved to see if she could guess what Isles they were from. Confidence rested against her body, as she straightened up and marched forward. With her orders she had a direct line of actions to do. As she did before, Eijiko walked around the court smiling and greeting any who took any interest in her presence, though she made sure to keep moving to her intended.

She paused, glancing at the Masked Monk. There were any strong feelings for him, she still indeed found him quite amusing, but she defiantly knew she couldn’t dilly-dally with him again. Maybe later she would address him, and what he had done to her, she did find that subject most interesting, but for now she needed to keep her mind on her mission. Eijiko continued to the small group of Cranes, she took the time to bow lowly before placing her courtier smile on.

“Greetings, I am Yasuki Eijiko Ivory Magistrate, it’s a beautiful day in Court.” Her voice rang in a silent demand for their attention.

This ability she had learned from both her mother and father, before they passed. Her eyes glinted at seeing Doji Damaka relatively closer to her. Now her only challenge is to get him relatively along, so they could speak.

Spoiler: Matsu Raion 

Raion continued through the Peasant district. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Spiders, it was more she disliked everything they are about. She has great disdain for how they became a great clan, and she also hates the way they conduct business. The Crab at least had a purpose and fulfilled it with little argument. Her fingers tightened around Nukasaan’s elbow, as they continued through the surrounding area. She could obviously hear the things around her, but what got to her was the small intensified by Ani’s presence

“Do you remember what the Michio looks like?” She questioned lowly. “I am sure Ani has his scent as well.”

Her voice drifted off, as Ani tugged into another direction. Had the young lion found their companion already? She wondered pausing in her step.

“Tell me Nukasaan, how is it that you came into such a position of guiding a blind Lion?’ she questioned reaching out for Ani once more.

[Mfable]

Spoiler: Utaku Torikki 

Several groups of Unicorn Dog Masters answered Utaku Torikki’s call, each taking a Doshin and hurrying off to one of the gates. It was not every day that you get to aid the Ivory Magistrates in the capture of a Destroyer Cultist. Most of these men and women had duties, but to stop the advance of a hidden cult that nearly annihilated the armies of Rokugan as well as the Ivinda people was a treasure most lords would be willing to look upon favorably, even if it meant a pause in their standard duties. Besides, the duty to the throne and its agents were elevated to those of the individual Great Clans.

All that was left was for Torikki to head to one of the gates and take command of the assembled forces. One of the Shinjo, a specialized runner, stayed behind to help her in quickly delivering messages and orders from one gate to another.

Spoiler: Yasuki Eijiko 

The group of Cranes paused in their gossiping to look at Eijiko as she approached. They in turned bowed and introduced themselves to her. Doji Damaka, Daidoji Hogosha, Asahina Misuto, and Kakita Densetsu. Several of the names were important to the courts. Kaita Densetsu was said to be an extremely skilled duelist, rivaling that of even the Kakita Daimyo, and Daidoji Hogosha was said to be one of the best scouts the Crane had, as well as a skilled courtier. Asahina Misuto was an unknown though. His name was unfamiliar.

Another Crane approached the group, nodding his head at everyone there. ”Yasuki Eijiko-san, I heard about your new position as an Ivory Magistrate. Yasuki Tomi-san says you are taking to it well. Tell me then, what do you feel is the most important aspect of this position.” The others Cranes merely watched the exchange in silence. It took several moments for Eijiko to place the man’s face, but after a moment she realized who person was. This was Doji Makoto, the Crane Clan Champion.

Spoiler: Matsu Raion 

Nukasaan paused for a moment. ”I was involved in the Ivory Conquest. I was one of the peasant warriors the Kshatriya fielded in many of the skirmishes. I guess I had a knack for it and managed to live through several of the battles. Eventually our unit was decimated and the Lion took me in as one of their peasant warriors. I was awarded high honors, despite being a peasant, and was then given the title Doshin and later commanded to tend to your needs, my lord.” His voice wavered as he spoke, as though something about the story was bothering him deeply.

Ani had picked up the scent of the Michio, and soon the Spider was standing before the group. ”Your Lion is quite noisy, Matsu-san. I knew it had to be the two of you.” He paused and looked at Nukasaan. ”I’m sorry, the three of you. I take it we have new orders then?”

[P.K.]

Torikki watched them move off, glad she didn't have to say more. The pieces were moving, hopefully they were ready. "Lets go." she said to those who were following her before quickly making her out of the compound and moving to the gates that would be closest to the peasants district. She might be wrong but if one was looking for a quick escape one would look close to home, but if one was smart one might look for a rout that wasn't immediately obvious.