The Mantis Fleet near Toshi Ranbo

[Kitsune Poxo]

Kitsune Daichi gave a small laugh with Kaminari in reply with his comments. "We return to a core question yet again, Yoritomo-sama, the assassination attempt. Why would there be such a thing? Was there truly such a thing? I should present further my train of thought. You see I think there is something further to this whole thing, the assassinations, the rumors, even the seclusion the Emperor takes."

Daichi lowered his voice as his face took on a more grim aspect, and continued almost in fear of something. "I think there is something behind all this. Forcing this confusion, this weakening of resources, causing even clans to have internal strife. This is but my speculation but I think there is imposters. Whoever is behind these is going to use this to try and make a power play. It is almost if we should really be viewing this whole affair as a large shogi game with more at stake then one's face. I have my suspicions as to who but I cannot as of yet put my full conviction behind any."

Raising his voice and returning to a more friendly tone. "Now, I could just be paranoid from my recent seclusion but One needs to keep his eyes and ears out there. To walk blind is foolish and to walk open only to the sky is equally foolish."


A grin appeared on Daichi's face as he turned to address Ren. "Now Ren-san, you of all people should know this. We do not need a Scorpion to investigate. Ikoma may hold the most extensive library on the empire's known and told history while the Isawa hold the greatest spell research it is we, the Kitsune, that hold the greatest library on the actual people of this empire and of their lineage. One of us could easily perform our investigation into the mater without involving the Scorpion."

"What I fear is that holding neutral can only lead to a worse position when it comes to great strife. One must take a side or be enemies of both. You speak of true allegiance, of support the kami, the empire, and the people. Such wholeness, such unity is an improbable philosophy that can tear an unprepared man apart. I am glad to see steps toward enlightenment and wish to join you further down the path but some ties still hold me back that I cannot, as of yet, be rid of."

"Now as to how we should be ruled? I would gladly hold that conversation with you, Ren-san, but during these times is not a proper time to hold a debate how we should be ruled. Though as for now I must hold the wisdom in my mind that to follow blindly is the same as holding no loyalty to yourself and if you cannot hold loyalty to yourself how can you properly hold loyalty to ones lord? Granted I will pose this a small phrase that might hint at my stance and that the Mantis clan is founded on 'Fortune Favors the Mortal Man.'"

Once Nenkai presented her report he said with his continued friendly tone. "At least we can resolve one matter tonight it seems. If you need my assistance let me know as my duty still holds to my clan and further to my family even with my mien of allegiance to Toturi and even amongst these times of strife."

[Tamori Manji]

Ren bowed slightly to Daichi and gave a small laugh, that was only a jest Daichi-san. I only meant to say that the Scorpion tend to find, or fabricate, whichever "truth" they wish during a investigation.

Then he bowed to Masamoto and Nenkai, Captain, let us see what can be done for the survivors. They may need the help of our prayers to recover. Please, lead the way for at least in this all of us can agree.

[Toku Hirotomo]

OOC: Sorry for the late post, my laptop chose yesterday to hate me.

Hirotomo shook his head and opened his mouth. "And I am accused of playing courtly games. Accused of seeking personal glory. I'll be lucky if my name has goes down as anything higher than a stain. The Monkey have spoken. If there is to be an end for us we will have it be such an end. One where we stood behind our words with sword, against a great opponent and shouted "Not us, you may break our backs, burn our home, strike us from memory, but you shall not cower us into submission, not while we know what is right."Perhaps this is my destiny, perhaps not. I'm of no obligation to speak of my Dragon allies. You speak of law, Kitsune-san. Geisha are eta, a man born of a Geisha and a Samurai is a samurai if he is acknowledged. He may become a lord, or capable of anything if he is acknowledged. I am from a clan of magistrates as Yoritomo-sama declared. Kindly do not lecture me on the finer points of law. I am bushi, as are most of those collected. Let the Crane and Scorpion have their games. I speak bluntly not out of disrespect, but due to the fact we are not courtiers here, this is not Winter Court, here we have our own rules, where flowery words have no use."

Kenpachi placed one hand on his son. The old man stepped forward. He spoke to no one in particular, and rose his eyes to the sky.

"As your Captain said, I am Toku Kenpachi. I once served a man who I thought wiser than I. A beacon of the Toku blood that flew through both our veins. I was to serve him, guide him. During the Four Winds, in my youth I flocked to the banner of Toturi Tsudao. Her last words to me were to stop fighting. It is why I stopped. It is why I dedicated my life to hunting those criminals. I swore to my father, that I would help my Chapion Sanjuro guide us. Kenpachi looked sadly at the Captain, then at the sky again.

"I failed. More now than ever I see that the man I respected, the man I would follow to the Gate of Oblivion, is gone. He is not dead, but he may as well be. Emotion clouds his mind. Caused him to throw down his oath of Champion. Caused him to throw down another oath. I have failed you Sanjuro, as I failed my lady."

Kenpachi leaned over and whispered in his son's ear. Hirotomo turned pure white. He could not believe his ears. "Please remember your vows, noble Mantis. War is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest of things, a man who breaks his vow, a vow made with purest intentions, is far ugler. A man who breaks that vow, for any reason, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of leaving a legacy unless it is made, and kept, by the exertions of men better than himself. I go to join my Tsuruichi comrade. Your Champion declared his support. Please do not shame him with actions based on emotion."

The Monkey left the ship. Hirotomo let his eyes wander to what what once Sanjuro. Imposters indeed. Eyes filled with bitterness, regret, and determination looked back at his former hero. "I'm sorry, my son." Kenpachi said with no trace of emotion. A samurai had no time for it. Hirtomo took one last look as they left for their small fisherman's boat. "Yes, I know father. So am I."

[Tamori Manji]

While going downstream, Manji passed by Mantis and Monkey ships on their way to the Toturi camp. He didn't see any reason to stop and meet them, for their loyalty was already clear to him and words now wouldn't do any good. He had seen through Kaminari's eyes what was the result of Masamoto's attempt to persuade the Clan. Unfortunately, no peace can be brokered with those intent on spilling blood, especially when they deceived themselves so ably about the nobility of their cause. Since it was impossible for them to catch his small, faster ship, especially with the Kami on his side, he simply slipped past their vessels and continued onwards towards what was left of the Mantis fleet, while making note of their numbers.

When he arrived, the fleet's size was already considerably reduced, many having departed either to Toturi's camp or to try pillaging the lands of the Clans loyal to Hantei but still, some remained and they would serve an important purpose. Manji made his way to The Sun's Gambit and upon boarding he was greeted by a Mantis woman, wearing light armor over a sailor's outfit, whom he knew was the one called Yoritomo Nenkai. The air was thick with the scents of salt, iron and blood, with the ship being full of those that survived the disaster that befell the Yoritomo Strike, many of them wounded and being tended to by Moshi and Kitsune shugenja alike. Yoritomo Nenkai-san, he said while offering her a courteous bow, I am Kitsune Manji and come from Toshi Ranbo. Your captain, Yoritomo Masamoto-sama, is expecting me, please direct me to him for we have urgent matters to discuss.

Another thought worried him, for when he was wearing Kaminari's skin, flying high above the Mantis fleet, he saw a queer looking young shugenja following the ships from above. Even though she looked somewhat like a Moshi, she didn't seem to be a part of the Mantis entourage. Weirdest of all, she was skilled enough to assume another person's appearance through magic and now was disguised as one of the shugenja who died aboard the Yoritomo Strike. This brought concern to Manji's mind but also curiosity. By now, she should be somewhere aboard the ship. He decided to seek her and observe her actions for a while, after talking with Masamoto, in order to try and discover her motives.

EDIT: Reorganized the text and fixed some minor mistakes.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

Yoritomo Nenkai bowed respectfully to Kitsune Manji. Glancing around the extremely busy deck of the Suns Gambit Nenkai pointed out the refugees. "Yesof course Manji-san the ship has gotten extremely busy, it seems all the survivors were brought aboard since The Suns Gambit has the largest space available. Please follow me I can take you through the open ways to the Captains chambers." Nenkai motioned for Manji to follow her through the pandemonium aboard the deck. The sounds of wounded and exhausted could be heard from all around.

The two of them approached a guarded set of double doors. As they approached the guards acknowledged Nenkai and let them pass through the set of doors.

The interior of the Captains chamber was modest and smelled of sandalwood. Maps of riverways, bays, seas, Toshi Ranbo, and Toku Torid-E were across the room. Yoritomo Masamoto stood by a table viewing some maps, and Tsuruchi Kimo stood next to him. He looked up at the two as they entered.

"Ahh Manji-san please enter join us we were just discussing our ....options."

[Tamori Manji]

Yoritomo Masamoto-sama, Tsuruchi Kimo-sama, I see you both have been busy. It's an honor to finally meet you personally, Manji said while offering a respectful bow to the duo. The long travel had tired him more than he liked to admit, his muscles were aching and small black half circles could be seen below his eyes. His kimono had crusts of dried salt water, his long white hair was disheveled and the constant use of spells left him with a small headache. Still, he thought that in the face of all the suffering this civil war was causing to the Empire, he could do nothing but endure his minor trials without complaint. So, he did his best to look regal and elegant, as the white fox had taught him.

The Captain's cabin, with its faint lantern lights and slightly moldy smell, offered a much welcome respite from all the chaos of the ship's deck, where The Sun's Gambit sailors were still trying to account for all that was lost with the Yoritomo Strike, amongst the cries of the wounded and dying. The kitsune walked up to the table to take a better look at the maps. I ask that you excuse me some formalities in face of this situation, for we have no time to lose, and I'll be as direct as I can. From what I've seen of Toshi Ranbo and its vicinity, I imagine the Lion will try to besiege the city when their direct assault fails. They have a large contingent of ashigaru, their Crab allies are on their way through the Crane lands, Unicorn cavalry is constantly trying to harass the flanks of the Imperial troops that venture outside the city and some Scorpions could be seen among them, notably, Bayushi Haruka-sama. I have also passed by some of our ships and the Monkeys' while on the river, they were on their way to Akodo Kaneka-sama's camp, he paused for a second to sip on a bottle of doburoku that old Shinnosuke had given him back in Toshi Ranbo, then continued with renewed disposition but, the situation is not as bleak as it may sound. The Phoenix are mobilizing and if the portents prove true, they will move to aid the Crane in the defense of the Capital. Also, although the main group of Dragon troops still hasn't left the mountains, some contingents of fire archers and ashigaru were already arriving when I left. And the Emerald Champion has pressed the Lion troops back to the gates of Permission City, which he is trying to storm as we speak.

He said all that while pointing the important locations and troop movements in Masamoto's maps. Then, Manji straightened a map of the waterways up to Toshi Ranbo and said from what I've could discuss with the Kakita daimyo, Mitsouko-sama, and based on everything I've witnessed, I can see some important options open to us. If we decide to take our faster vessels up to the city, we could use them to transport people in and out of Toshi Ranbo and, if necessary, transport supplies to the troops defending the city. As for the people, we can transport civilians to a safer place, like the Phoenix lands, and transport Crane troops to allow ambushes and better tactical maneuvering against the Lion forces. While we do this, a part of the fleet could be used to harass Lion transports and we could try to close off some of their trade routes. That would, of course, put us in contact with those of our Clan that support Akodo Kaneka-sama, but I see no way around it, Manji sighed deeply and measured his words carefully before finally saying, and if this war takes a turn to the worse, we can always offer to smuggle the Emperor to a safer place.

Kakita Mitsouko-sama asked me to be informed of our plans as soon as we make them, in order to better coordinate their efforts with ours and those of the Yasuki daimyo. These are my reports about the war Masamoto-sama, it's now up to you to decide which actions we should take, he took another sip of doburoku, raised his eyes from the maps and said in a pensive voice, I would also like to ask you that I be allowed to return to Toshi Ranbo as soon as you see fit. I've heard the Tamori daimyo was inbound to the city and I have a matter of family and honor that only the Dragon can set right. I know now is not the best time, but, as I don't hold the answers to whom will survive this war, I must grasp the opportunities available to me, so that my ancestors can rest easy.

The kitsune gave a sly smile, before I forget, my ship carries a small cargo of doburoku. It was fabricated in Toshi Ranbo by an acquaintance of mine and its taste is quite pleasant. It might help lift the spirits of the crew and soften the pain of the wounded.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

"You are welcome here of course Manji-san." There was a hollowness to my voice but I made it apparent it wasn't because of Manji but because of other things in my motions. "excuse my mood, it has been a hard day, perhaps some of your cargo would lighten my mood as well." the slightest smile crept onto my face but was gone before anyone would tell it was there.

"Well before you are told allow me to tell you a story. My name was Toku Sanjuro previous champion of the Monkey Clan. Some time ago after Kakita Mitsouko was poisoned I traveled to the Scorpion lands in search of a cure. I learned many things while there both intended and not intended by our guests. I received the cure and on my travels back my group was ambushed by a oni. My group wasn't so lucky."

Anger crept into my face thinking of my friend Kawada. "After the attack i lost my memory. Yoritomo Eisho found me and ......we helped each other and for my aid she brought me to the Mantis lands. We wed and I became Yoritomo Masamoto."

My voice took on a harsh tone to it. "By the time I had my memory back I visited my grandmother in Kudo. She informed me of a summit in the Mantis lands and that my old friend Toku Kenpachi looked for me there, for about a day or so then everyone left to the capital. After that he passed the Championship to his son. I left with Eishio and the Mantis Champion confirmed my grandmothers words. I was told that Kenpachi told everyone I was alive yet he passed championship to his son. Why is that? Over time I grew ill and I knew that my own lands were no longer save to me." I fought with all my will to keep calm. "It seemed only my friends in the Mantis could help. Over time I married Eisho, the Champions sister and was welcomed by the Yoritomo. Only a few members high in the order knew of my past. Earlier Toku Kenpachi arrived on this boat, why i knew not. He recognized me, and made every attempt to discredit me. For all he knew I still had my memory gone. He made no attempt to talk with me to try and see if I was the same man or to help bring back my memory. He revieled whom I was before leaving and it has spread across the fleet fast. I have already explained this to the other captains and they see me as Yoritomo Masamoto."

I stared into Manji's face to see his reaction. "I was told Kenpachi said these words to the Champion himself. Toku Sanjuro-sama was attacked by a creature from the shadowlands while in the Crane lands. His memory was erased and he is lost, and wandering the Empire. How could he know this unless he knew it would happen to me before it did. I hadn't told anybody what happened no one knew of any memory loss, except those close to me. Also I am Sanjuro's cousin by birth, so the mantle of leadership falls to me until he can be found and restored. He saw me today and made no attempt to restore me. My suspicion is true. I would appreciate if you would refer to me as Masamoto it is whom I am now regardless of my past. Masamoto is the name I chose when I had my rebirth. From the waters of Tree Sides, River, from my loss of memory, for the fights I fought and won when i was lost. What matters now is all of us serving the Emperor"

After I let this information sink in I moved on to other business. I took in all the information. "It does seem naval power could help in this siege. Kimo-san and myself were just discussing these same options. Removal of non military personnel is first priority. It seems our ideas are similar."

I felt a small surge of the past jolt through my body. "Yes Manji-san please contact Mitsouko-san and see if she would send a representative to discuss our joint efforts. See if she would get all the children ready for us to pick up, and key non combatants. We can switch off. It seems I have over 15 ships full of goods meant to the Lion troops we don't need anymore. Obviously we will need to unload to accept the civilians." A sly smile crept onto my face. "Also I will accompany you I have business as well in the capital before our efforts begin. Kimo-san will have the ship until we return."

I looked to Nenkai "Nenkai-san please if you would see that bottles doburoku get passed around all our ships."

"Hai Captain, consider it already done" she saluted and walked away to her duties.

[Tsuruchi Kourin]

Tsuruchi Kourin coughed violently as she slowly pulled herself to the surface of the water, aiguchi in hand. She was silently happy that she preferred to keep to the bear minimum of clothing on the ship; she had neither the water-logged silks nor the armor to drag her to Suitengu's embrace. Still, it was not easy to keep herself afloat amid the turgid waters, and the threat of being crushed between lazily-captained ships was still all to real. And yet, she still had something else on her mind: fury.

If Kourin had been born with nothing else from the family founder's Scorpion side, she carried with her an extreme sense of loyalty that was almost irreproachable. When she had taken the Wasp Code to heart, honesty and loyalty had stuck with her as the two most important tenants. So, to have looked the captain of that kobune in the eye and yet still be left to fend for herself amongst the waves was the epitome of betrayal.

Worse still, Kourin had almost given up hope at that moment. She had allowed the current to pull her under briefly. But, now the samurai-ko was determined. She was no shugenja, and could hardly importune the kami as they knew how, but she was still a Mantis. With all the determination of a clan that lifted itself to greatness, and all the fury of one betrayed by her countrymen, she dared to shout to their patron Fortune for aid or he could be damned. She knew not if he would answer her nearly blasphemous prayer.

Out of what had otherwise been pleasant weather, a single bolt of lighting arced across the sky. It struck one of the medium-sized kobune with expert precision, the heat shearing through the root of the mast. The weight of the sail and the force of the blow pushed the wooden and canvas structure over the side of the vessel, and twisting into the water. Kourin had be a few moments to realize the happening, inhale, and dive into the sea before the mast, sails, and rigging came crashing down. Osano-wo had a strange sense of humor.

Feeling long the underside of the sail, and pressing up just enough to take salty gulps of air. Swimming as swiftly as she could, Kourin slowly made her way to the edge of the sail. She had been in the waters far too long as far as she was concerned, and was more than pleased to slowly start skirting the edge of the sail towards the mast. Finding the much thicker wood, the drenched champion hoisted herself onto the beam. Though she may not have been recognizable prior to that, there should have been little doubt who the Fortune-favoured samurai-ko was when she shouted. "MANTIS, TO ME!" she called out, carefully looking around at the ships still assembled. Now, she just needed a good ship to board and a chance to figure out what had happened since the disaster.

[Tamori Manji]

Amidst the chaos that followed the end of the parley, Kitsune Ren was doing his best to help the ever increasing number of wounded and half drowned Mantis sailors belonging to the recently sunk Mantis ships that arrived non-stop aboard The Sun's Gambit. The deck quickly became a makeshift infirmary, the smell of blood that permeated the salty night air was now mixed with those of incense and doburoku, while all the able sailors focused their efforts in combing the area where the disaster had occurred with small boats, looking for more survivors.

Ren lamented not being able to greet his old acquaintance, Kitsune Manji, but duty was more important and they would have time to talk once things calmed down. Also, Manji seemed to have urgent business with Captain Masamoto, it wouldn't do to intrude. Suddenly, he heard a sailor shout make way, make way. The former Champion, Kourin-sama, she's alive!

The words made the whole deck turn to look. Tsuruchi Kourin had disappeared months ago, after temporarily relinquishing her post to Yoritomo Akihiko; no one had heard any news about her for a long time and it was a big surprise to find her half drowned amongst the survivors. Ren rose up quickly, walked to the sailors supporting Kourin and said in a worried tone let me examine her. It was Kourin alright, weakened by her struggle to survive the salt waters but very much alive. The Champion had returned to her Clan when they needed her the most, it seemed like the Fortunes were again playing tricks on the mortal men. Take her carefully to a cabin below deck, serve her some hot sake and I'll go inform the Captain. I'm sure they'll wish to see each other, he made a small bow and turned on his heels.

Ren quickly ran past the crew towards Masamoto's cabin. He entered the room as subtly as he could and there he found Masamoto, Kimo and Manji talking. The window was open and Manji had Kaminari perched upon his right arm. When they turned to him, Ren offered a quick reverence and blurted out, his voice almost failing him, Captain Masamoto-sama, Kimo-sama, Manji-sama, it's Kourin-sama, she's, Manji raised his left hand, interrupting him, and completed the phrase in a calm voice back and she's alive. Yes my friend, we've already heard. Manji gave Ren one of his sly smiles, but asked in a serious tone do you know if she's well enough to talk with us? I'm afraid there's much to discuss and little time, to which Ren answered I've examined her briefly, she is still weakened from her struggle to avoid drowning but she's strong and should be better by now. Come with me please, I've instructed some sailors to guide her to a cabin below deck and serve her some hot sake, he then made a respectful motion inviting the three men to follow him.

EDIT: A few minor quirks that were bothering me.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

After leaving my quarters many of the crew stood aside and at attention as we passed. I left Kimo in charge above deck while ren, manji, and myself traveled downstairs below deck to see the long missing champion of the Mantis. I couldn't help but wonder what was to come. It was now night on the water and the cool breeze traveled through the ship like a spirit.

We walked into a section of the hull set apart from everyone else. Two guards stood watching over Kourin-sama and as we walked in they acknowledged us and allowed us to pass.

I bowed respectfully
"Kourin-sama it is an honor to receive you aboard the Suns Gambit, are you alright? Is there anything I can do for you?"

[Tsuruchi Kourin]

Tsuruchi Kourin clutched the blanket she had been passed to both keep warm and dry off with against her. Though she was no stranger to the water, she still held a preference for more stable footing, and the coldness brought with being wet would not be soon missed. A cup a warm sake rested on a small table before her, half drained already in a likely misguided attempt to at least feel warm. She looked up as the trio stepped into where she was being tended. Rising to bow properly, she spoke soft yet clear, "I am quite well, Captain-san. Your crew has been most hospitable. I'm afraid that, while I was in Akihiko-san's... Hospitality..." She hesitated for a moment, as if she was looking for a way to continue courteously. "I'm not abreast of a number of matters. However, it is my understanding that we are prepared for war, yes?"

[Tamori Manji]

Manji offered Kourin a slight bow and said in a respectful tone, Kourin-sama, first allow me to make some introductions, Manji made a motion with his right hand, indicating Masamoto, this is the Captain of The Sun's Gambit and renowned bushi, Yoritomo Masamoto-sama, he then indicated his fellow Kitsune, the one whom you met first is Kitsune Ren-san, a shugenja and an old friend of mine, lastly, Manji bowed courteously to Kourin, and I am Kitsune Manji, a humble shugenja in service of Inari.

Afterwards, Kitsune Ren made a respectful bow to everyone and said in a voice full of concern, my Lords, I don't mean to interrupt, but the deck is still full with people in need of my help. With your leave, I would like to return to my duties. He then awaited to be dismissed.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

I nodded to the Mantis Champion. with all sincerity in my voice I addressed her

"Hai Sama, We are always ready for war. We were beginning to implement damage control. The military might of the clans wage war on the capital, while the crane defend. We were going to sail into harbor offer aid by removing the civilans from the capital. Perhaps work out some trade with the crane selling supplies. Working both sides of the war to bring it to a quicker end saving as many lives as possible. Some of our men particularly the mainland families are already aiding the armies of toturi, I have the fleet posed to aid by support the hantei armies. All is set up to have the Mantis gain while preserving all our trade routs." I bowed to the champion "I was not aware you had returned sama. I have been in communication with Akihiko-san with this maneuver. I unfortunately did not see him on the deck, Is he alright?"