En Route to Kyuden Otomo

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Kakita Hitoshi and Kakita Mitsouko rode side by side, accompanied by a small retinue of followers that they had chosen from Seawatch Castle. Winter Court had already begun at Kyuden Otomo, and whilst it was unlikely that everyone had already assembled, it would not do to arrive too late.

It was late afternoon, and they rode in the easy silence of those who had spent a great deal of time fighting at each others' side. There was chatter in the air from those behind them though, and the general air was one of hope. Hitoshi turned to his daimyo and smiled.

"Mitsouko-sama, this morning you mentioned that there was something you wanted to talk to me about later. Would now be a convenient time?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

The Kakita daimyo was immersed in thoughts which varied from politics, military, family and memories of the recent events. Hitoshi's company was something easy to like and be accustomed to; because he has a great character and, though he probably didn't know of it, before Mitsouko invite him among many other Kakita to be one of her yojimbo for Toshi Ranbo, she had been counseled about this pick because Hitoshi was not only promising and talented, but irreproachable. The good impression Kakita Hitoshi had left in some people along his life was enough for those people to believe he was worth of a good opportunity serving directly the daimyo of the Kakitas.

And Mitsouko only had to agree and be glad for it. The trio that was known aas The Kakita boys had similarities and complementary traits, but in one thing they were like one: their resolute honor. Giving them their own guard was a wise decision, because without the Elite Squad maybe the Seawatch Castle story was marked by a monumental massacre and imense failure for their clan.

By the morning when she was visiting the remaining troops and talking with some soldiers, most of them mentioned the brave leadership of Kakita Hitoshi as fundamental for the turn of events that permitted Crane and its allies to not only survive, but defeat the oni, after the disbanding of Mantis troops. Her cousin Ryo, someone Mitsouko always considered wise, also spoke in Hitoshi's favor. And it all just glued together with Mitsouko's initial idea:

Hitoshi-san, yes, it's a good time for our conversation. Tell me... How do you think you dealt with the events in Seawatch castle? Do you think, for instance, in that exactly situation, with those resources, and with a sane mind, the former shireikan of the First would take similar decisions? Her tone was light, but the question sounded serious.

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Mitsouko's question caught Hitoshi off guard a little. "Well, I didn't know the former shireikan personally; only by reputation. But I suppose he may well have done similar things. It made sense to me to stop fighting with the Mantis to concentrate on a much greater threat, and I think we deployed our resources as effectively as possible.

"So I suppose, my Lady, that yes I think I dealt with events as best I could. But then again, I think that any samurai would have done the same. We are all taught to make decisions within seven breaths - I just made mine by breath three!"

Hitoshi looked at his daimyo a little quizzically. He was trying to think what she might be talking about, and was a little apprehensive that it might lead onto the fact that he had allowed her to be taken by the Mantis. He had replayed the situation a thousand times in his head and had been unable to come up with a better course of action; unfortunately an unconscious Mitsouko was not much use as a defensive shield against sand in the eyes!

[Doji Naetaru]

It was late night when a trotting would be heard from a distance. The only worrying thing was the hurry in it, closing in..
Mitsouko and Hitoshi would make out three rider silhouettes getting defined time by time..

The figure in the front was a sturdy man donned with light armor permitting easy moving. He didn't have a bulky frame but kept being imposing still.
Behind his horse were two other horses with riders, both of them cowled.

The trio approached quickly and would soon meet Hitoshi and Mitsouko...

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko considered the distance of the trio, without any doubt a lord and his yojimbo intending to travel fast, as it seems, and thought it was better to leave the philosophic part of the conversation for another time.
For all I heard, Hitoshi-san, you took all the wise decisions a mindful shireikan would have. There was just one thing your probably made different from what ...the former shireikan of the First would do. Mitsouko still felt a bad taste in her mouth, a tang into her throat, when she thought in Alesha's name. He wouldn't retreat. He didn't believe in the value of reorganizing, of saving lives for a next battle. And that's a thing that wouldn't be shameful. Even Fitsu-sama knows how to use it wisely. As Crane military resources aren't extense to be wasted off. She smiled. So... after listening to the remaining chui of the First, your men in the Elite's, Asahina and Daidoji's opinion and even a strange yet praising remark from the Yasuki daimyo... Of course you will have a lot of work but everything makes me believe the man of the First Legion will be very happy if you are the man that will lead them from now on. As their shireikan.
Mitsouko turned her gaze to check Hitoshi's reactions; her tone was calm but forthright.

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Hitoshi was glad that this conversation was being held on horseback rather than over tea, or there would have been a shameful incident where it would have been spat out in surprise.

"Shireikan of the First Legion? My Lady, you honour me too much." Then a rational thought penetrated Hitoshi's shock. He looked up at the distance between themselves and the riders and judged that he just about had time to finish the conversation. "Mitsouko-sama, there is just one thing." The younger Crane looked down at the ground, embarrassed. "I was going to ask your permission to marry, and the woman involved is of higher status than myself. Of course my life is yours to command, but if you agree then it may dishearten the Legion if the first act of their shireikan is to change family and stand down."

As he looked up again briefly, Mitsouko could see the conflict between love, honour, and the desire for glory in Hitoshi's eyes. He checked the distance to the riders again, and began to string his yumi as a precaution.

[Doji Naetaru]

Several meters before as the riders closed in distance they reined the horses steadily. From the two riders in the back, one came forward after he saw an acknowledging nod from the first man in line.

"Heavens! How lucky are we, the Kakita daimyo." said the man boringly as he approached Mitsouko and Hitoshi.

He was a medium-sized man with a mellow voice. His head and body were covered in a black cowl, a garment he quickly took off just to reveal his characteristics.
He was a young, handsome man with white hair now tied up in a ponytail. He was wearing traveling garments in brown. Most people would've seen him in a different attire...

For Doji Naetaru never dressed like that in public.

"The last time I ever heard news of you, was of your capture from the Mantis. As I understand, everything went as fine as they could get. Hai?" he looked over to Hitoshi offering a courteous nod.

"Kakita Hitoshi-san, I trust you were the responsible one." said with a smile.

"By the Kamis, how fortunate we are to meet perchance in the middle of the rod. We're on our way to Kyuden Otomo, thus we must hurry if we're to arrive on 4 days time. Pray, do you wish to join us?" he motioned over to the third rider.

The third one was a young woman, stunningly beautiful with sharp characteristics, short-cut white hair with a scar adorning her cheek adding more to the mystery of the woman. She wasn't that bland a personality, especially to those who were close to Doji Yoshi.

"We must escort Lady Domotai-sama in Kyuden Otomo. Lady Doji Kaori-sama is to receive us there." everyone knew of the family ties in the Doji family.

Naetaru thought of the backlash of his actions. A month before he'd ensure to entrust Doji Kaori, the Crane with a Sting, in the bureaucratic hands of the Otomo, a favor done by his mother in order to let the Doji daimyo ensure his influence over the Doji palace.
Wherever he tried to settle a thing however more "tentacles" from this woman sprung! It was as if the whole Doji palace was tainted by her influential nature.
Things had began to subside and Naetaru was enjoying the gifts and favors from alliances and agreements, he even managed to secure a fine gathering for the Winter to the Doji.
And then the malevolent woman struck again....
Only for Naetaru to suddenly find that the Winter Court had been arranged to take place in Kyuden Otomo...

"We've arranged a fine meeting with the Emperor in order to offer him our gift as guests and friends."

Truth be told, he was in a hurry to meet with the Hantei. He had an offer to the Son of the Heavens, an offer for a spouse. Traditionally this rested in the hands of the Doji daimyo, to offer the Emperor a fine companion.
Thus on the many centuries many nakado were employed and the Crane ensured to invest in the very best across Rokugan.
Right now however, Naetaru wished to arrive in Kyuden Otomo in person, and let the Emperor know of his gracious offer.
The fine blossom and progeny of Doji Yoshi, Doji Domotai.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Although Mitsouko was expecting some resistance from Kakita Hitoshi, she wasn’t prepared for what came. Though she was of course aware of his admiration for Naetaru’s sister (and her reciprocal feelings), Mikado, she knew very well the traditional view both Otomo and Doji had about a “princess” like Mikado, and wasn’t sure if her brother would even consider Hitoshi as a possible match, while there were lots of Seppun and Otomo perfectly suitable for her. Should be someone else but…what the hell! Before she was able to ask who the Hitoshi's lady was and even think in a solution for this dilemma, the group approached and Naetaru revealed himself and Doji Domotai. Probably a full cortege for two figureheads in palanquins was going to Kyuden Otomo through the main road while Domotai and the Doji daimyo travelled incognitos by this secondary road. She barely knew Domotai, as the Doji woman studied in Shiro no Yojin and now chose to be an Imperial Guard. And though Mitsouko was very very happy in seeing Naetaru again, she should wait a more appropriate moment to talk more openly with him about Seawatch Castle… and many other things. Mitsouko wasn't going to tell anything important in front of a person she didn't know very well, even if she was a Doji princess.

Maybe she had missed something,or better, she had missed lots of things while she was fighting.
I am not coming for the Winter Court, Lord Naetaru, but to meet our tairo. Anyway in moments one thing will turn into the other, it seems… Then if the champion permit me so, I will most likely join our clan entourage in the sumptuous halls and gardens of Kyuden Otomo... at least for the time to greet and enjoy esteemed people's company like your mother, and of course, Hantei-tenno. She smiled and nodded to both preeminent figures of the Doji family. Did she understood well and Naetaru was escorting Domotai? What now? Though something in the lady’s smirk said “duty and sacrifice”. Quickly some pieces come together. She gave a smirk as well, but commented nothing, as talking about marriages right now would proof a spiky matter to four of them.

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Hitoshi blanched when realised that he was pointing an arrow at the daimyo of the Doji and swiftly unstrung his bow. Then he coloured slightly when he thought about what he had been about to ask Mitsouko, and how he had not broached the subject with Naetaru yet.

He cleared his throat as he tried to regain his composure. "Naetaru-sama, I was not responsible for Mitsouko-sama's return from the Mantis but I did play my part in assisting her in other ways. As for escorting Domotai-sama..." He flashed a smile in her direction. "If are all travelling in the same direction then it would be most pleasant to enjoy the conversation of such a distinguished group of individuals."

The young Crane turned towards Mitsouko. "Where do you see my duties sending me now, my Lady? I have always wanted to see a Winter Court, but obviously I am yours to command." The statement was subtly loaded, referencing the conversation they had previously been having.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Oh Please I will not deny you the first thing you asked me when I returned. Though, after the dinner I would like to listen details about the plans you had traced before my proposal, if you don't mind.
Whatever it was the decision of Hitoshi, when a man say something like that... either he is an inconsequent fool or he really wish to give up everything, even duty, for love. Should Mitsouko to gauge people by herself? Though she was tempted, this man had been loyal and didn't deserve her judgement.
Soon she would meet with Daidoji Fitsu, to another shameful moment. She didn't know how the Crane tairo would react to what she had to tell him, and what she would propose to him... But she preferred not to think about it. Mitsouko had sent a second letter to Sojiro, in order to make him come and meet her in Kyuden otomo. Before her meeting with the Crane tairo. Anyway, Maybe he could help her with the nightmares...

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru nodded in understanding.

"A perfect notion Kakita-sama, the honorable Regent-sama is already in Kyuden Otomo, however he has chosen not to present himself right now." he said in a serious tone.

Turning over to Hitoshi..."Truth be told Kakita Hitoshi-san, your service to both our Clan and your lady's cause is a commendable deed enough."

Glancing at Mitsouko, "Even the thought that she would be in harm made the most icy crane flutter over his bathing pond." he sketched the scene in his mind, not wanting to show longing or even affection publicly.

"However to matters at hand, you might forgive me samas but while in Kyuden Otomo I would be slightly indisposed as I have petitioned myself over for a meeting with the Emperor, accompanied by Lady Domotai as well. Since this accursed war started, values and traditions began to wane, people losing themselves over to a violent conflict. I am pleased that the Emperor chose to accept my humble petition to meet him, for I wish to display to him the modesty of a samurai's duty and of the Crane Clan's intention of letting this land recuperate."

[Kakita Hitoshi]

They continued to ride, and eventually stopped at Tsuma for food and rest. After dinner Hitoshi managed to get Mitsouko away from the others briefly, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, and continued their conversation.

"Mitsouko-sama, I mentioned that I was going to ask your permission to marry. I must confess that I haven't thought things through particularly, and it may be well that we have met Naetaru-sama on the road.

"I expect you have already guessed, having spent a lot of time with both of us at Toshi Ranbo, but the woman I am in love with is his sister. I thought the best thing I could do would be to ask permission to propose from both of you before trying to find a matchmaker. If you are willing, I could ask him tonight?"

He smiled eagerly, his passion briefly getting in the way of his sense and looked back into the inn where the Doji daimyo waited within.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mikado? Her friend and probably one of the few female friends she had in her life, and Hitoshi? Well, Mitsouko should admit they would form a great pair…if the Doji and the Otomo at least agreed in something this time… Mikado was considered so special by her family… sometimes Mikado complained they were apparently waiting for someone like the Emerald Champion or better to be available for an omiai… Though…
Mitsouko narrowed her eyes for the Crane taisa in front of her:

Are you both in agreement about it, Hitoshi-san? Because if you dare to say she even didn’t know anything about it… Sorega dokashita? I can do it, in despite of the fact you are refusing not only a promotion but leaving the family where you were born in… Abandoning your duty to your family! And nothing is gained with this marriage, for both sides! Can you see it?

Of course she was able to see in his eyes and blatant anxiety nothing of what she was saying had much importance when compared with the ethereal vision of Doji Mikado. A bit of remorse maybe… But they still had to pass by Doji’s daimyo… and her brother… And, hey, why was Mitsouko already thinking in this issue like “we have?”

Uhn? Does she knows about your plans, at least? Her tone softened a bit.

[Kakita Hitoshi]

Mitsouko's words were like a splash of cold water hitting Hitoshi in the face.

"Hai, my daimyo, she knows that I was going to seek your permission. We have corresponded often whilst I have been away, and spoken every time I returned to Kyuden Doji."

His face grew a little pale, and he drew himself up tall as he tried to bottle up all the emotions he felt. "But I would never abandon my duty to either my family or clan Mitsouko-sama! I live my life at your command. If my marriage may be better spent then I will obey in an instant. If you commanded me never to speak to Mikado-chan again, then my lips are already silent!

"But I ask you here and now if there be nothing in mind that you seek to gain from my betrothal, then let it be for Benten's sake, for love. Did not Kakita marry Doji back when the Empire began for the same reason?

"And as for the offered promotion, I would take it gladly - it may even help my suit with Naetaru-sama should you grant it - I just worry about the morale of the Legion should they lose two shireikan so soon together, even if for completely different reasons."

He paused briefly and closed his eyes, immediately seeing the face of the woman he loved. "I love her, Mitsouko-sama, beyond anything I have ever known. But as in all things, I will submit to your judgement." The world seemed to still for Hitoshi, as he awaited the next few sentences which would determine his fate.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Yes, it's more than obvious... She reflected for a moment. And for a strange reason she was liking to play the crabby. In fact, being able to help Mikado and Hitoshi to be together was something that lighted her heart a little...

I will grant you my permission, and will talk to the Doji daimyo about your intentions... That's in my hands to resolve, and you are right... we Kakita are too stubborn and crazy when there's love involved. If I was you I would keep this old love tale about our Divine Ancestors for when the time of impress Naetaru-sama is come. It never made any sense to me, but I am sure a Doji will consider your words as wise and beautiful.

She looked the horizon and tucked her hands in her sleeves.

Also, if I was you, I would offer to your future brother-in-law your condolences for his recent loss, now when he is a bit relaxed...