A Fox among the Dragons

[Tamori Manji]

OOC: Koichi, I know you've been busy with your new work, so, don't worry about answering my letter right now. Take as much time as you need and don't worry about it. I simply want to publish it to make my intentions clear to the Dragon.

At the end of an evening, while the Dragon troops are training and preparing for war, a peregrine falcon arrives at Shiro Tamori bearing a scroll among his claws. The scroll is sealed with deep green wax, in the shape of a fox, and guarded by a difficult to detect and very effective magical warding that render its contents invisible to all but the one to whom it is addressed. On its outside, it can be read destined to Tamori Koichi-sama. Once opened by the Tamori daimyo, the following letter, written in fine calligraphy, can be read:

Greetings Tamori Koichi-sama,

My name is Manji, formerly known as Kitsune Manji, son of Tamori Ryuuji and Kitsune Maya. My Lord probably doesn't remember me, for we met only once, briefly, when I was still an alchemy student under my grandfather, Tamori Moriya. With this letter I come to you in hopes of finding comprehension, for I have no one else to turn to and the war makes the voyage to the Dragon lands temporarily unavailable to me.

Almost a year ago, I left the care of my grandfather and returned to Kitsune Mori, wishing to personally invite my mother to Shiro Tamori, in order to witness my official genpuku, when I intended to join my father's family. Unfortunately, due to the turmoil that assails our beloved Empire, not only wasn't my mother able to leave her duties to the people of the Kitsune lands, but, after a series of events, I was also unable to return to Shiro Tamori.

I am currently trying to make sense of this ruthless civil war and, as a humble devotee of Inari, my duty lies first and foremost with the protection of the common people. In order to honor my allegiance to the Fortunes, the Kami and the Empire, I had to forgo of my allegiance to the Mantis, who is now aligned with Akodo Kaneka-sama's cause, and let myself be embraced by the waves.

Presently, I'm inbound to Toshi Ranbo and intend to seek you personally once my most pressing duties are completed. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience that my actions may cause the Dragon and my families. I also put myself completely at your disposition and humbly ask that you grant me the opportunity to prove my loyalty to what I believe is also your cause.

With the letter I also send a leather stripe that I often used to bind my own hair. It should make the tasks of finding me and long distance communication through magic easier, in case you ever need or wish to do so.

Humbly and Faithfully,

Manji

[Tamori Koichi]

OOC: I'll reply when I have time to create a decent post. Probably within next week. I think it's best to wait for the Dragon Council update coming this weekend before replying anyway. My apologies for the delay.

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi sat atop one of the ledges overlooking the courtyard of Shiro Tamori. The last of his yamabushi and alchemists, at least those not assigned to stay behind and defend the Dragon lands, were making final preparations before joing with the main force of the Dragon army which was now gathering at Kyuden Tonbo. A consensus had been finally reached. The voices of the Dragon populace, which had previously swayed the clan into a renewed allegiance to the Righteous Emperor Hantei the XL, now cried out for action against the traitors to the Empire.

"Treason." The word left the Tamori daimyo's lips with a sigh. The Right Hand of the Emperor, the Lion, were definitely guilty of it. The Crab, Mantis and even the Dragon Clan's own champion were guilty as well. Takezo-dono had invoked his right to musha shugyo. With it he was able to leave without question but it was crystal clear to Koichi where the old champion went. Mountain Watch Keep, the Betrayer's Nest. How ironic that just less than a year ago Koichi himself had done everything he could to protect that place. Now he only wished to see it burned to the ground.

The Tamori daimyo stood up to view as much of the area around Shiro Tamori. The Twisting Labyrinth, commonly known as the Tamori provinces, was beautiful. Surely to a Crane, it would be quite detestable to live in such a place, but to Koichi this was home. He embraced it all. Here he could always find peace. He took in the tranquility of his home, letting it seep into him while letting go of all the negative thoughts that had been clouding his thinking. The mountains never failed to calm the Tamori daimyo. It held so many wonders to discover everyday, sometimes one could even catch sight of ryu or even the Ki-Rin..

But what was this Koichi saw flying towards him? A falcon? A peregrine by the look of it. What was it doing here? Koichi extended his arm for it to perch on. Thank the Kami he was wearing his arm guard today. Upon closer inspection, Koichi saw that a letter was attached to one of it's legs. Koichi removed the letter from the falcon's leg and then let the bird perch on his shoulder. It was already quite dark so Koichi walked back inside the castle where he could read the letter under better lighting. The Tamori daimyo started reading the letter when he reached the lighted corridor, continuously walking and not minding the men who bowed to him as he passed. He reached his chambers without ever averting his eyes from the letter. It was quite an interesting letter after all.

"So Moriya-sensei's grandson is still alive... Interesting."

Koichi examined the leather stripe that was included in the letter. He meditated on the void, trying to connect to Manji by using the stripe as a conduit for finding him. In his mind, Rokugan turned into a mirror of the night sky with each soul glowing like a star. Some burned brighter than others, while others seemed to flicker. Koichi focused on finding Manji amidst the sea of lights, reaching farther towards Toshi Ranbo. The Tamori daimyo's spirit continued to sprint but then something in the darkness took shape. The shadows swirled and took form, turning into a samurai clad in green armor. Another Dragon? The samurai smiled. Razor sharp teeth showing in a nasty smiling mouth that continued to gape as it approached and tried to swallow the Tamori daimyo whole. Koichi quickly broke the connection to the void to escape. Sweat dripped from Koichi's forehead as he returned to reality..

"The Goju." Koichi caught his breath. "He's closer now." He had felt it's presence before in the void. It was there, obviously getting stronger day by day. Koichi knew he had to deal with it, but now was not the time. Other matters had to be prioritized, especially the defense of Toshi Ranbo. The Emperor's life was at risk. Allies like the Kakita and Yasuki daimyo were doing their best to fulfill that duty. He would not fail them. The Tamori and the Dragon would not be found lacking when the Emperor calls.

Koichi sat down in front of his desk and drew ink and paper. He begun writing a reply to Manji:

Honorable Brother Manji,

Yodin once stated "Virtue comes only after you have lost your way."

It is my honor to welcome you back into the fold. The loss of Moriya-sensei and Ryuuji-san had been a blow to our family but the knowledge that one who bears their bloodline will be returning to us a stronger man gives me hope.

Maybe the series of events that have happened in your life have been no coincidence. Life has a way of teaching us more important lessons that we might never learn if we only stayed home in a dojo.

I would write to you more but duty calls in this time of war, and I must cut my letter short.

Help the Crane in defending the Emperor for now. I will be joining you soon. The Dragon will not fail.

Tamori Koichi


The Tamori daimyo then seals the letter and fastens it to one of the legs of Manji's falcon. He carries it to an open window before letting it fly back to Manji.

Koichi looked out into the window. War was here. He remembered another letter from another shugenja, a Crane. The Tamori daimyo smiled. He now had Air, Water had just joined, Earth and Fire were common with his family, and he himself was no stranger to the Void. The five rings were complete.

It was now time to show the enemies of the Righteous Emperor how potent and dangerous the potions the Tamori crafted were.

ooc: sorry for the super long post and for it being super late. really really busy these days.

[Tamori Manji]

OOC: Really nice post Koichi, thank you. I'll answer it and join the Dragon armies as soon as my dealings with the Tortoise are concluded.

[Tamori Manji]

It was a grey, cold morning when Manji left Kyuden Kasuga, with only a relentless drizzle and the damaged roofs of some buildings as the remainders of last night's storm. He walked slowly towards the village, still thinking about what his next move would be.

It was then that he felt a familiar presence and knew Kaminari was near. Manji took his falconry gloves out of the pack and wore them, while awaiting for the arrival of his friend. Moments later, against the steel colored clouds, he saw the peregrine falcon's silhouette and raised his right hand for him to perch upon.

It's been too long my friend, the fox said with a caring voice, what news do you bring me from the Dragon lands? to which Kaminari answered with a satisfied kawk!

When Manji read Koichi's letter, stubborn tears swelled his eyes for his fears had been true and his grandfather was dead. Tamori Moriya was a harsh old man, but very wise, fair and utterly devoted to his family. During his three years with him, Manji learned a lot about the Dragon, his father's duty and how to better control his gifts, it was a pity he wasn't able to properly honor his grandfather while he was still alive. But there would be time to honor the dead later, after this conflict was over, now it was finally time for Manji to honor his grandfather's Clan and the Tamori daimyo's trust in him. Now, it was time for war.

OOC EDIT: I think this closes Manji's introduction to Koichi. Now he's going back to Toshi Ranbo and we can continue the storyline in other topics.

[Tamori Koichi]

ooc: I'm guessing this thread is finished? I guess I'll just see you in Toshi Ranbo or somewhere convenient.

Got it. we posted with just a few minutes between us.