The hunt for a killer.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro walked down the hall with purpose in his steps. Dealing with magistrates was never something he enjoyed, but he was willing to put his new-found authority to the test if they got uppity with him.

"Greetings sans. I am Kakita Sojiro, Hatamoto of the Kakita family. I will be assisting you in this investigation, as before I held the rank of Hatamoto I was a magistrate." That line was a bit of a stretch - it had been a long time since Sojiro had done any real magistrate work - but if it helped to speed this process up, he would use it to his advantage.

The fan is, in fact, Mitsouko-sama's fan. She gave it to a Gaijin going by the name of Quarim during a round of the fan game earlier at court, so I suggest that we go and find this gaijin. Immediately." His tone left no room for argument. Sojiro had spent enough time around the Otomo in his youth to know how to wield authority when the need arose.

[quarim]

Quarim was sleeping in the back of his caravan. A knock roused him from his sleep. A this wiry man entered.

Sir, there are samurai and they are asking around for you. I thought you should know.

Quarim knew this was coming but he had hoped to get a bit more sleep first. Thank you. I will be there to address them shortly. He quickly washed his face and put on his red robes that were decorated with jewels sown into them.

He stepped out into the daylight and instantly felt the sharp pain of the light. The drugs that had help keep him focused sharpened all his senses and made the light nearly blinding. Fortunately it would look just like a hangover to the samurai about to question him.

He looked around and quickly spotted two Lion and a Crane questioning others as to his whereabouts. He approached them slowly but welcoming. Friends, how may I be of assistance to you this fine morning?

[Kakita Sojiro]

After some initial resistance to his "assistance", Sojiro got the magistrates moving. It didn't take long to discover that there was a gaijin caravan on the grounds, so he gathered a few of the less blindingly stupid magistrates and went to speak to this Quarim.

The man stumbled out in a gaudy red robe, looking very much like he had a good night last night, and was paying for it this morning.

"Greetings, Quarim-san. I am Kakita Sojiro. I was hoping I could ask you a few questions. It seems that last night, a Lion samurai was found murdered, and Mitsouko-sama's fan was found by the corpse. I know that she exchanged her fan with yours during a round of the fan game at court, and I was hoping you could help me to figure out where her fan traveled to after that."

[quarim]

Yes, yes of course. Quarim closed his eyes and nodded a few times. I am, of course, sorry to hear of such a thing happening. Especially during such an important event such as this.

I gave the fan to a large man who said his name was Daigotsu Yoee. He had a Spider mon on and was viewing our scimitars. We received very little information concerning the Spider Clan before coming here. All we learned was that they were a minor clan who were lobbying to both Emperors for their support in exchange for major clan status. When they were denied by both sides they went into seclusion.

When I saw the man I believed they were trying to lobby for favor again so I gave him Mitsouko's fan. I believed being seen with her would be a positive step for them. In truth I was also looking to find some favor in their eyes. See we have no idea where the Spider are. We are allowed to trade with all clans both major and minor but we have no record of any land belonging to the Spider Clan.

Quarim was confidant that this lie would hold. He had learned of Yoee's corruption upon entering Rokugan. The only samurai he had spoken to of it was Utaku Mai. But she was no where to be seen. Without her to supply the only evidence against him his "ignorance" would become his alibi.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro just blinked.

"Yoee.... is here?"

"Magistrates, alert the Seppun guard at once, as well as the Jade Magistrate from the Hare clan."

They looked at him dumbfounded.

"Don't just stand there! Go! NOW!"

"Hai, Kakita-sama!"

As they scurried off to alert the proper authorities, Sojiro whirled back around to face Quarim.

"Quarim-san, there is a reason the Spider have no lands in Rokugan! They are all tainted! That clan is and has been an ever-present threat to the empire since it was founded! The man you spoke of, Daigotsu Yoee, was formerly known as Moto Yoee and was recently removed from his position as Khan of the Unicorn clan because it was discovered that he was a bloodspeaker! He is incredibly dangerous!"

[quarim]

Quarim's eyes widened in surprise. I had no idea. Why just yesterday I saw a Spider walking around the main hall during the festivities. If they are all such a threat how did this happen? Surely he is still here somewhere. Perhaps we if can find him he can lead us to Yoee or others who may be planning something.

His voice lowered almost to a whisper as leaned towards Sojiro. I know it is not my place to say so but if I may offer my services; we have a threat similar to your Spider known as Jackals. While it is tempting to kill one on sight we have found that it is best to promise their lives in exchange for leading the their cell. That way you can remove the whole threat rather than a piece. Of course we never allow them to live but they are all cowards who will give anything to live a bit longer. It is why they were corrupted in the first place. I have experience in this regard. If I may be of assistance?

[Kakita Sojiro]

"How they managed to get into Winter Court undetected is simply beyond me. Apparently an Otomo Magistrate is about as useful as a Scorpion's honor. Fortunately, we have several people here who know how to deal with such threats. Your offer is appreciated, Quarim-san, but that decision is not mine to make. I suggest that you offer your services to the Jade Magistrate I have sent for. If this truly involves the Spider, than this investigation falls under his authority, and he will know how best to make use of your talents."

[quarim]

I understand. In the mean time please keep that bit of information to yourself. I would greatly appreciate it and would even see fit to reward such a favor in due time.

[Isawa Mitsuru]

A note delivered to the suite of Agasha Shodai

Unto my Most Honorable Lord Agasha Shodai of the Council of Elemental Masters,

My Lord Agasha, I write you this missive in hopes of bringing your attention to a matter of no small import here in this otherwise resplendent Winter Court. It seems that talk has arisen among Kyuden Otomo's courtiers that a deed most foul has befallen one of the members of the Lion Clan envoy to this court. Furthermore (and most distressing) there are people saying that the wretched Spider clan are involved in the murder.

This seems to me to be a crime most heinous and I pray that the Otomo magistrates quickly and successfully conclude their investigation. However, I would be remiss in my duty to his Imperial Majesty the Hantei if I did not make the attempt to offer my services as a Shugenja sensitive to the Void in the proceedings of these magistrates. As many Spider Clan are afflicted with the Taint of the Shadowlands and as many of them associate with maho-tsukai it seems only reasonable that the magical expertise of the Phoenix be employed in this matter. I would very much like to begt your lordship's permission to join the investigation. If you would even be kind enough as to introduce your lowly servant to the investigating magistrates I would be most grateful. I pray this message finds you swiftly and that you are able to determine a course of action in due time.

Please also find accompanied by this humble letter a plate of dangos made from rice that I managed to bring with me to Kyuden Otomo from all the way up north in the land of the Phoenix. I am well aware that the quality of local delicacies is not up to the same standards that our clan maintains in its rice sweets. I pray you remember the comforts of our homeland as you sample this meager gift. I also pray the blessings of Inari upon you and your entourage.

By the hand of,
Isawa Mitsuru, Ishi Shugenja of the First Ring, Acolyte of Isawa Gomaru

[Agasha Shodai]

OOC: Isawa Shodai isn't in, but Agasha Shodai is answering his mail. ;D



Agasha Shodai chuckled as he read the final part of Isawa Mitsuru's letter. The young samurai was someone the Master had met once or twice - both times before his ascension to his current office. Gomaru had mentioned that the young man had the potential to achieve the fourth ring of mastery - where most Ishiken believe the road ends.

The Void Master knew otherwise, but the existence of Beru Ganbonme - the fifth ring - was something that an Ishi must realize exists and achieve entirely on their own. It requires the Ishiken to learn how to instinctively reach for the Void, like stretching an extra, hidden limb. Instinct is one of the few things that cannot be taught; attempting to do so will cause an Ishiken to rely on that training rather and THINK their way out of instinct.

Which rather misses the whole point of the thing.

Shodai called for tea and hot water, so that he could savor the young man's simple yet heart-felt gift. As he waited, he drafted a quick letter to Usagi Izutsu, the highest-ranked magistrate in the area. "Usagi-san, it has come to my attention that a vile murder has occurred at Court and that it is believed that the Spider Clan may be involved. I am well-versed in the stories of your prowess at rooting out dark elements, but I would like to put Isawa Mitsuru, a young man of my clan that shows promise in dealing with such matters, at your disposal for the investigation if you believe he can be of assistance to you.

Regards,
Agasha Shodai, Void Master and Voice of the Elemental Council of the Phoenix Clan."[/b]

When the servant returned with the hot water, Shodai handed over the folded letter and gave instructions to carry it to Usagi Izutsu with all due haste.

[Usagi Izutsu]

Outside the Gaijin Caravan

The Otomo magistrates return a short time later with a man wearing the armor of the Imperial Legion, though a look behind his eyes give notice that this man is a seasoned warrior in some respect. He looks around the area quickly, as though assessing it for danger, before approaching Sojiro and handing him a scroll. "Sojiro-san? I am Seppun Shinzaru, and I serve Usagi Izutsu."

In the Quarters of the Phoenix

The aide of Agasha Shodai and the other guard in the service approached the quarters of Isawa Mitsuru, the guard with a scroll firmly in his hand, his eyes forward, and maintaining his silence as he had since they had left the quarters of Kakita Mitsouko. They arrived at the shugenja's door, and the guard gave the scroll to a courtier who quickly took it to Mitsuru.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro watched the man approach, noting in his bearing that this would be a man he would not mind taking into a battle.

"Excellent Shinzaru-san, your arrival is most welcome. I see Izutsu-san wastes no time."

Taking the scroll from the man, he bowed at the neck - the customary bow of one warrior acknowledging another as such - and unrolled the scroll, reading it's contents quickly, rolling it back up, and handing it back to the Seppun with another bow.

"Quarim-san, it seems that Izutsu-san awaits our presence in his office in one hour."

[Isawa Mitsuru]

Unto Isawa Mitsuru,

Isawa Mitsuru, you have been selected to assist in an ongoing investigation by the Otomo magistrates. You are to act as a consultant on the subject of the mystic arts as required by the magistrates performing the investigation. For further details and assignment please report forthwith to the offices of Usagi Izutsu, Jade Magistrate.

-Office of the Jade Magistrates

I closed the scroll and thanked the orderly who delivered it and snuck quickly back into my room. I looked through my various outfits I had brought to Winter Court in order to find something practical that would still convey the official nature of the Phoenix Clan. Eventually I settled on an orange and cream parti-colored kimono with a great large Phoenix clan mon dyed onto one side. I matched it to a pair of similarly colored hakama and a burnt orange dofuku coat with an Isawa Kamon on the back. I also tied my hair from it’s looser ponytail into a long cho-mage knot and even decided to wear my wakizashi with its red lacquered sheath to show my office as a samurai. This along with a few spell scrolls seemed to be a good look to present myself to the Jade Magistrates.

Shortly thereafter, I waited in the antechamber to the offices of Usagi Izutsu. I had arrived as quickly as possible, even though I knew that I would have to wait a fair while before the magistrate would have any sort of opening in his schedule. However, better punctual than late, and better early than punctual.

I waited for at least half an hour, during which time I occupied myself by making sure I remembered all the investigative incantations I had been trained in. Despite having volunteered, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to properly show the expertise of the Phoenix or be able to bring Honor to my clan and family.

Eventually I noticed a pair of people also approaching the office, one who was a Crane and the other was of some indeterminate clan and wore an outfit so outlandish that I could only assume he had come from some sort of theatrical performance.

((OOC: I have this last paragraph to keep the action moving. However, if either Sojiro or Quarim don’t want it there, I can easily change it. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.))

[quarim]

((ooc: i'm fine with it))

Although he did not let it show Quarim was delighted. Now the whole court would be aflame with rumors of the murder and the Spider. The gossip of Mitsouko would stop immediately in light of this news. His objective was nearing completion in this area. Now he just needed to make sure he controlled the fallout of framing Yoee; and attempt to see Mitsouko privately. For now, however, he would have to let events run their course.
He followed Sojiro to Izutsu's office were a Phoenix sat and awaited their approach. Quarim wondered who the man was but thought it best to let Sojiro take the lead in dealing with anyone until he had a chance to speak with Izutsu himself.

[Usagi Izutsu]

He strode into the antechamber, his crimson kimono flowing as he walked. The eyes of Usagi Izutsu burned with a cold fire, though there was a weariness there, born undoubtedly from the things a man in his position had to go through every day. He still bore a demeanor of passion, however, alert and ready to any dangers that may accost him at any time.

Izutsu bowed slightly, and nodded to each of the samurai in the room, though he gave the gaijin suspicious glare. "Welcome, honorable samas. I apologize if I am late, but it has been a very busy morning. Would you join me in my office for tea, so we may speak of business?" He gestured to the door leading into his office, and nodded to one of his aides, who disappeared back out into the hallway.