(Plot) Some Kakita legions head home.

[Alesha]

The forces are moving in unknown direction but towards crane lands with news of Mitsuoko trying to make peace with Lion. There is a talk that there is discontent among the Kakita officers and they are rallying under banner of Alesha as one of most glorious Kakita (16k glory vs 11k glory of Mitsuoko's).

What they are up to is unknown.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro hears the report from one of his men. He had been looking forward to a day of recovery after his trip with Mitsouko... and sorting out his thoughts on the truce with the Lion, something he had thought was impossible. He hated the idea of crawling to the Lion, begging for peace, and he had told Mitsouko as much... and somehow, she had made Tomatsu realize that now was not the time to bicker. Instead of seeing Toshi Ranbo merely as defeating a hated enemy, he had seen it as the Crane making a noble sacrifice, facing overwhelming odds to do their duty. He was still not entirely comfortable with the idea, but he was far more concerned about the true threat he saw lurking in the shadows of this war.

And now Alesha had taken his First Kakita Legion and was on the march...

Oh no, Alesha. What are you thinking?

He crumpled up the report, pitched it into the fireplace, and stormed out of his room. He quickly got his gear together, enjoying the fact that his arm was now fully healed in spite of his mood. heading out to the stables, he saddled up Shadowshine and left Kyuden Otomo to go find Alesha and figure out what in the hells he was thinking.

[Alesha]

((I'd do something like that back in the day Noe. But my char does have a mental condition that prevents it from occurring. And I actually wanted to die before something like this would happen...))

Leading his forces away from the Kyuden Otomo, he felt betrayed twice. Once by his clan, another by his daimyo. He lost far too many friends and students fighting the Lion in Toshi ranbo, and intended to join their number in glorious death, if not for Mitsuoko recalling him. And what did she do now - tried to negotiate truce with Lion? This is something he could not bear, nor could his men. Who knows what the Daimyo was thinking but clearly if she parlayed with traitors something sinister must've been happening. He wrote letters to his allies in other clans, and path was clear for him...

It was with this heavy thoughts that Sojiro found the riders encamping on a rainy evening...

[Kakita Sojiro]

Rain again.... does it EVER stop raining in the Otomo lands?

Sojiro rode through the omnipresent rain, eventually finding Alesha's camp. The guards he had posted saw Sojiro coming, but recognized him as he approached. Two men at the entrance to camp crossed their yaris in front of him as he rode up.

"Sojiro-sama, state your purpose here."

"I've come to speak to Alesha-sama. Please take me to him at once."

"Alesha-sama has not informed us that he is expecting a visit from you. Return to Kuden Otomo, and do not seek to trouble our lord further."

Sojiro could hardly believe his ears. These were not samurai - these were ashiguru, trying to dismiss him like some sort of underling. He was having none of it. He turned his gaze on the two men, his flashing eyes burning a hole into their souls as he spoke.

"Did you just tell me to turn back? Did I just hear that?

Please, allow me to explain to you who you are addressing. I am Kakita Sojiro. Member of the Kakita Elite Squad. Rescuer of Doji Kenna. I have served as yojimbo to our Daimyo, Kakita Mitsouko. I have charged into a sea of lions with none besides my brothers to defend the walls of Toshi Ranbo and the life of the Emperor, stopping a ram, and I have lived to tell the tale. And YOU are telling ME to turn back? Do I look like heimin to you?"

The two men were visibly taken aback. Apparently, they were not expecting someone to defy them.

"I propose we do things differently that you have suggested. Get out of my way, before Alesha-sama has to find replacements for the two of you." With that statement, Sojiro shoves past the two men and proceeds into the camp. He quickly makes his way towards a large tarp under which burns the main campfire, where he sees Alesha sitting by himself, seemingly contemplating something. As the rain clouds part and the stars come out, Sojiro approaches the man and bows.

"Alesha-sama, I have come to seek audience with you."

He remains bowed until he is addressed, as the starlight casts his face in one hue, and the firelight casts Alesha's in another.

[Alesha]

Is by fireplace in the camp, orange shadows dancing about it, as he lifts his eyes to meet Sojiro's... He gestures to Sojiro to enter, some of people with him leave the tent to let them speak freely. He seems to have a bit of trouble of sleeping, by the expression, but overall he looks rather stark and determined, just like in Toshi ranbo.

"Sojiro-san, it is good to see you again. What brings you here - desire to join me, or the order of your mistress?"

[Kakita Sojiro]

"Neither, Alesha-sama. I came here of my own accord, to see for myself what your intentions are."

Sojiro sighed.

"This.... all of this," he gestured to the camp outside, "it concerns me, Alesha-sama. It worries me a great deal. I don't know your reasons for leaving, or your intentions now, but I do know that this discord in our family could hardly come at a worse time, right on the heels of Toshi Ranbo."

He took a seat across from Alesha, noticing the tired look on the man's face.

"I am... completely unused to feeling fear. But right now, I must be honest with you - I am afraid. I am afraid for our family, and for our clan. Because if the rumors are to be believed, one of our greatest warriors has gone rogue, at a point in time when we are still weakened from war. But, rather than believe the rumors at face value, I decided to come here, to hear for myself what you are thinking, and what you are doing... and what you intend to do."

"What is going on in your mind, Alesha-sama? What do you intend to do?"

[Alesha]

He looks to Sojiro thoughtfully for a moment reading his face for a moment, than replies.

"I fought Lions not to make peace with them after defeat. Neither did my men. I intend to take my men, where they can make difference for the clan, and protect our lands from Mantis and Crab's pilaging them. I trusted Mitsuoko to fight for Emperor, but I do not see how we can be in negotiations with traitors and stay true to that ideal. Perhaps something can still be saved, even though we made mistakes."

He pauses for a moment studying Sojiro's expression.

"My agenda or orders matter little at this point. All that matters is future of Kakita family, and I will do anything to secure it. If they secure the truce with Lion as they intend to let them lash against Hanteist clans, primary goal will be to stop the Crab and Mantis from reaching Shiro-sano-Kakita and family lands. You can join me on this campaign. I have a feeling on what our leadership is up to, and I want to have none of it."

"If you ask me - its worrying. Only Crane guard Emperor now. And they are negotiating with Lion, who atacked Emperor. And other clans will use it against us, no matter how the war will end. I know Fitsu-dono was a vivid Kaneka supporter, you can peace together the rest. I will not turn my hand against my clan, no matter what the leadership is up to, so I'd rather fight to make difference elsewhere. I am aware that my choice will bring inevitable retribution, but the future of Kakita is all I am concirned with. Neither me, nor my men intend to dishonour themselves by remaining in Kyuden Otomo any longer, overlooking trade with traitors while our lands are rampaged by enemy. Are you with me?"

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro was silent for a long time, gazing into the flames and considering Alesha's words. He had always respected the man, and truth be told, their attitudes towards the war and the Lion clan were very similar. An enemy had struck the Crane and rebelled against the emperor - that enemy should be put to death. He could easily see himself agreeing with Alesha, and following him against the Mantis and Crab.

But to do so, he would be turning his back on the bigger threat. Which was more important now, his honor as a warrior, or the safety of all of Rokugan? Could he go against his nature by refusing Alesha's offer? And if he did, what kind of horrors would befall not only the Crane, but all those caught in the web that those who were manipulating this war were weaving?

At length, his gaze returned to Alesha. He noticed once again the similarites between the two, even superficial ones - Alesha was the only other Crane he knew of that refused to dye his hair white.

"Alesha-sama, you do me great honor by asking me to accompany you. Do not think this the empty flattery of one who has spent time in the Otomo courts - I am truly honored that you would ask me this."

"But I have seen things in this land that make me question the true purpose of this war, and the true architects behind it. From my perspective, Kaneka's rebellion makes no sense whatsoever. His supporters claim that it is in retalliation for Hantei-dono ordering his assassination, and for Hantei-dono not responding quickly enough to the Yobanjin. But neither of these answers satisfy me, Alesha-sama. They are hollow."

"Think about it - why would Hantei-Dono need to respond quickly to the Yobanjin threat, when such things are the purview of his trusted Shogun and older brother Kaneka? Hantei-Dono did what any emperor would, by allowing his most trusted warrior to deal with a grave threat. Kaneka must know this. As for the assassination attempt, why would Hantei-Dono even bother with such things, when all he needed to do was ask for Kaneka's seppuku if he was truly that displeased with him. More importantly, why would Hantei-Dono have had any reason to be displeased with Kaneka at that time? He had defeated a grave threat to Rokugan. One could argue that Hantei-Dono felt threatened by the idea that Kaneka might seek the Iron throne, but that also makes no sense - Kaneka gave the throne to Hantei-dono of his own free will. He had no desire for it. When you look at those situations from that perspective, and also take into account the attempt on the life of the Emperor's envoy in Scorpion lands, things look very suspicious. They look even more so when you look at the Scorpion's actions - declaring for Hantei while marching to the wall to fight the Spider, essentially maintaining a neutrality in the war through their actions."

"And there is more, Alesha-sama. The easiest thing in the world is to blame the spider for all of these things, especially for me. But that also makes no sense, tactically. If the Spider were truly responsible, why would they have attacked so early? That is not the action of a foe looking to strike when we are at our weakest. They had much to gain from waiting for this war to progress longer before striking, if that was their goal. Instead, they assault the wall now, while the Crab are barely drained of resources and manpower. It is not hard to see what their motivation might be, with the execution of their envoys by both Hantei-Dono and Kaneka, but I wonder if that, too, was not part of this charade. I find it hard to believe that two sides of a conflict would both refuse assistance from so potent a resource - no matter how vile that resource may be - so vehemently, without being manipulated into that decision. Add to this the plague, the massive storms over the Crane lands, the strange ships seen in the waters of that storm that match nothing seen in Rokugan, and the dire omens seen in the falling stars in the Phoenix lands."


"Something bad is coming, Alesha-Sama. And while we tear each other apart, it sits and waits, growing in power and influence. I can not turn my back on what I have seen and feel that I have kept my honor, so this is what I will do."

"I intend to journey to Kaneka himself, to talk to the man and see why he wages this war, and to see if he is willing to listen to reason once I explain all of these things to him. I agree with you that he is a traitor, but I also know that he was once an honorable man, and I cannot reconcile what he is now with what he once was - he is being manipulated, I am sure of it. And with that in mind, I will see if I can make him see reality, and end this foolish attempt to seize the throne from Hantei-Dono. It may result in my death, but I must try."

He locked eyes with Alesha before continuing. In the firelight, his mismatched eyes almost seemed to glow.

"If I can not make him see reason - if he insists on pursuing this war in spite of everything going on around him - then I will return to you at Seawatch castle, and together we will make the Mantis regret ever leaving the safety of their boats. You have my swords, Alesha-Sama, and have always had my respect. All I ask is that before I accompany you, you allow me to do my duty to us all as Rokugani and try to end this madness before it consumes us all."

[Alesha]

"If you think you can make him listen - go but if you ask me, it is Kaneka who is behind this all along. But if you get a chance to get within 10 steps to speak to him, please consider that this distance would be close enough to end his threat once and for all. Death of the traitor would solve all the problems."

He says firmly and nods.

"I will be in Seawatch castle. We'll see if we can hold it againt the onslaught."

[Kakita Mitsouko]

By the morning of the day Lion and Crane would meet…
When Mitsouko received message of Sojiro, she was trying to convince herself that the truce was really the Best way to do it. Their allies in this war were so much preoccupied with their own internal disputes to help. Even the Phoenix, the clan she trusted the most, was being led to misgovernment by the division between military and political/shugenja power. Crane can’t count on an entire clan to help defending the Emperor. It was quite clear since the time the Kakita alone raised their voice against Kaneka. Once, she thought it was stupidity, but time proved her thoughts about Kaneka were wrong.
The time she used to read reports and the tactics Fitsu made, and their shireikan followed strictly, she found it flawless. Even the unexpected aid of the Yasuki, the sacrifice of Yasuki Chad, now prisoner**, was able to give Crane more time defending Toshi Ranbo, until their allies to bring aid. But well, even now Phoenix wasn’t able to resolve themselves. The Tamori daimyo, the only mind behind Dragon forces, was missing in action and their substitutes seemed not to understand much of war.
Crane cannot bear this war alone. It was possible that the kami just wished Crane to lose, and Hantei to be defeated? Sometimes she wondered. It was so wrong.
But what was concerning the Kakita daimyo the most were the subtle proofs that an invisible force was undermining Crane progress, crane defenses. For more she knew they were prepared to keep the defense of Toshi Ranbo for months, this unknown power had given victory to Lion. And for now, she knew that this force was coming from Kaneka, and from the lost from the south of the Wall. And from people among them, guiding hidden forces, manipulating politics in subtle and twisted ways, to achieve what they wanted. Now she was sure this was the evil they must to fight against.
Whatever it was their name and reasons, they were the responsible to Cranes defeat in Toshi Ranbo.
But Mitsouko still believed in the possibility of the true samurai of the Empire to be able to push this invisible force to a corner, to fight and win over it. She watched some attempts of Scorpion to do it. Their arrogance in trying to do it by themselves, with no external help. They failed miserably, and for it the Empire was paying now. Would she try to follow their steps? No, she was used to learn it other’s mistakes.
She was ready to lie. To praise the Lion. To find in them a force to use for. And she noticed she was now a grown up Crane, for thinking this way. A daimyo.
She put Sojiro’s letter between the pages of her father’s journal, her new pillow book. It was a scaring and thrilling reading. Sliding the door of her chamber, given to her by the Seppun hosts, he found a helpful servant of the Imperial family.
“Please, say to one of my men that I need to be taken to the First Legion’s Encampment, this morning. “
Alesha was a matter she needed to check by herself, even if she believed in both men's word.about his decison. Mitsouko needed him by her side, fully.

OCC: Written in a hurry, I hope you understand...
**Tomatsu said he will release Chad before the truce meeting, but by now it's not mentioned IC.

[Alesha]

He knew that Sojiro would alert Mitsuoko after their discussion and the force moved a forced march over that night. He didn't want to get reached by Fitsu's full forces so close to the capital, and knew they won't march after him in current situation. Smaller force would quite likely reach him but he didn't worry about that. Or so he thought, as he practiced in the sunrise as his troops were making the new camp.

He thought about the offer of his faceless friend, to take care of Mitsuoko. He refused, it wasn't his way... Future of the clan, if there was any shouldn't be stained by blood.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Not for her surprise that Kakita Yano, the Taisa she chose to lead the small troop with her, only designed to keep her safety in the worst case, got news that the First Legion had started a forced march to south during the very night.
So she sent messengers before her, demanding both Sojiro and Alesha to meet her at the top of the hill, near where the First Legions was making the new encampment.

She wished to make sure she would finish this matter before the evening, when she must be back to Kyuden Seppun.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro was already on his way to Toshi Ranbo to take advantage of the recent treaty and reclaim a few of his personal belongings left behind there when Mitsouko's messenger bird reached him. As soon as he saw it, he knew it for what it was - a normal bird would have a hard time catching up to Shadowshine.

He reined the horse in and read the message from his daimyo. Sighing, he turned around and headed back to the hill specified in the message. This was going to be an interesting evening...
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Roughly an hour later, Sojiro arrived at Alesha's new campsite. He announced himself at the gate and waited for a response.

[Alesha]

Hill was in deathly silence, no crickets, birds singing... Several cloaked figures awaited for Mitsuoko. He took couple of his direct vassals, who followed his path, several faceless allies he secured earlier and a mysterious figure remaining further away. He watched as Sojiro and Mitsuoko arrived sited on the rock, curious as to what her plan was.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro had arrived before Mitsouko, and as the guards led him in, something felt off about the night - the place in the back of his mind where the void kami sat when he dueled crawled with displeasure, and he could feel an tenseness in him own emotions that he knew was not his, but was from the air kami that he worked with. Given no real direction as to where to find Alesha, he began to look around for the man, all the while aware of the strange sense of unease around him.

(OOC I'm basing Sojiro's uneasiness on the assumption that Alesha's "Faceless companion" is something tainted and supernatural, like a kansen. If this is not the case, please let me know and I'll fix things.)