Breaking the lines, forging the bonds

[Kakita Mitsouko]

LION AND CRANE ONLY (PM Mitsouko or Keisuke first)

---

She was dying. She didn't care. Life was a complete nonsense if not because moments of purity. And purity was to be found in beauty and in duty as well.
Tomoko was a woman praised by her daimyo for knowing how to keep a secret. Her understanding of duty was similar of her Lady and though she was a delicate woman, her courage was admirable. And that was the reason she was chosen for this mission.
Although she was a mere courtier, not accustomed to the rough reality of war. Although she was just a Master Artisan, as granted by the Doji daimyo, and not an official ambassador of her clan or family. It wasn't official, it wasn't glorious, but it was asked to her.

They were attacked by people who ignored the truce sashimono their group wore when they started the travel to north. In fact for some reason they thought it was the cause of the attack.
It was when Tomoko broke her leg. Then, and because that, the group decided for arrange some distraction while one of them would carry the messenger all the way til get the Castle of Swift Sword. That's how they got themselves wasted trying to break down the lines, getting themselves caught between the quick judgement and fast solution of a war in the no man's land.
Tomoko was not as frightened as she thought she would be in such situation, though. Or maybe, she was panicked instead.
Born in a numerous family, her siblings died in this war, one by one. She just wished to be useful to the Kakita family the way they all were. Now, she cannot run or even walk with velocity, then one of the remaining yojimbo was carrying the young Crane courtier as fast as he could, trying to avoid the murdering violence and break the lines as soon as possible, with another Daidoji covering their advance.
They didn't get that unscathed, though. The last man defending them just disappeared, and after a moment of hesitation, Tomoko's yojimbo threw himself over his burden trying to use his body to defend Tomoko from a fatal arrow.
Tomoko listened the whistling sound, and then the impact, when the yojimbo's body was immediately perforated by a bunch of arrows. She felt a piercing point tearing her flesh, after crossing her defender's body. With a superhuman effort, the Daidoji Yojimbo rose himself once again, tumbling and panting heavily, pulling from the belt a banner of truce. But his forces failed in the end.
Gritting teeth from pain, she found forces to smile to the man who saved her life, but his gaze was unfocused and blind. He stumbled and fell by her side. Dead.
Tomoko just heard a sudden silence. Deadly and cold silence, as the night fell upon the snow field.
She stayed there for a long time. She felt the bleeding finally stop, when her body calmed down. A numbness and the certainty of death when the night fell once again. Nobody came to check a dead body. It was service for ravens and eta, later.




Tomoko-san, just hold on, just hold on... You'll keep your promise to your daimyo, I swear... the yojimbo who disappeared sooner, had returned for her and whistled between two breaths, trying to motivate the artisan to resist a bit more. The night was like a mantle of greyish fog and cold. The man wrapped her carefully in a sort of blanket, but it wasn't enough to warm her completely.
With a sudden move the remaining Daidoji also threw the Kakita woman over his shoulder to use the darkness and finally get to Akodo Keisuke. Finding a Lion able to listen to them and make them reach the Akodo daimyo was their only chance to make it. The only chance to make the woman survive as well.
Tomoko whispered weakly.
T…thanks.
She cared, after all.

[Zeure]

Daidoji Kamo, trained in the Daidoji school to be an iron crane was hurt, pretty badly. But, as all the men and women of the Daidoji family know, their duty is to protect their charge, regardless of all else. They have only failed if their charge is dead before them. He had hoped that he had not hurt her, in pulling her on to his shoulder, but he had little other way to carry her across the field of dead. Warily, he still had his katana drawn in his right hand, ready to kill anything that came at them. He was slogging forward in the snow towards their agreed upon meeting place to see this Akodo Keisuke.

"Just hold on, Tomoko-san. I'll get us through this or die trying."

As she looked over him, while breathing her thanks to him, she could see that he had not escaped the arrows either. There was a couple of broken shafts sticking out of his back, and she could only guess that there might be a few more in other places if she was in the position to check.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Ikoma Kyuso

---

Kyuso, unit had been riding for most of the day through the snow swept plains. It had been a long ride up from Kyuden Ikoma, and while the ride had been uneventful so far Kyuso was almost longing so some sort of change in the scenery. This was a march he was ready to be done with. Their orders form Lord Akodo Tomatsu, had arrived late yesterday evening from by way of Akodo Keisuke and the small force that he was marching to the Castle of the Swift Sword.

That was odd, looking down at the snow Kyuso could see several set of tracks. He might not have noticed them at had he been concentrating on the road ahead. At first he thought nothing of them perhaps stragglers from Keisuke's army. Yet, as they rode on something began to attack the corners of his mind, What was so unusual about them.

Kyuso, tried to ignore them; he and those with him where needed at the Castle of the Swift Sword there could be no delay. No thing was more important than reaching that castle with all possible haste.

.....Kyuso.. a cold wind whispered past his ear. Not now great great not so great grand mother, I have war to get to if you have not noticed. He closed his eyes hard this time, of all the times she would contact him why now he was finally on the road to help relieve his clan mates at the castle surely he would be able to prove that he was a great samurai worthy of the Ikoma name.

.....Kyuso.. look at the tracks again what do see. the wind whispered once more.

I see depressions left in the snow left by people moving through, hence calling them tracks in the snow. He focused on the road giving it his full attention, he was intentionally ignoring the tracks now.

The wind smacked Kyuso's ear with an icy hand, .....by Jigoku boy, listen to me; look at those tracks again, or have you forgotten what happened last time you tried to ignore my advice.. Cold ice oni ran down his back as he remembered Matsu Aoiko and the noodle incident.

Kyuso's hands clenched in to fists as he muttered,
Yes grand mother, waht is it I am supposed to see.
.....just use your eyes and the since we gave you..
You have the strength of will to see whats there, smack my ears with icy wind even on the warmest summer days yet, and point out the obvious. Yet you will not help me with what I am clearly missing.
.....yes, what kind of ancestor spirit would I be if I did all the work for you..
A good one he whispered under his breath.
.....I heard that..

Kyuso looked at the tracks again... This time he started to judge their spacing, as he tried to count how many there may have been. He took note the length of the stride, and that is when it hit him, literally a small gust of icy wind hit Kyuso in the fore head. There where two sets of tracks one set had been moving at a steady pace, whilst the other appeared to be moving faster as though they where trying to catch up with the first set of tracks.

You four with me, there maybe some one in danger. He barked his order as he wheeled his horse and galloped down the path the tracks had left. He only prayed he was not to late to save those who were being pursued.
Thank you.. Kyuso prayed silently, and somewhere in the celestial heavens an old Ikoma general smiled.

---

Snow was starting to fall and Kyuso cured himself for not following these tracks sooner. Now he began to worry who did the first set of tracks belong to and what where they doing so far out here.

The second set of tracks stooped and suddenly and drove off in southward. Kyuso followed the slower set of tracks hoping he was not to late.

[Kakita Tomoko]

The snow started to fall again, and Tomoko lost account of how many prayers she made to the fortunes and to the kami, while Daidoji Kamo as carrying her in his back. Then, something broke the white scenery’s dreadful peace.

What is that? She whispered, narrowing her tired eyes trying to see better in the falling snow. A shadowed blur, taking a riders group shape too fast; a group coming to them. Please let it be honored allies, Megumi! Tomoko patted at the Daidoji’s shoulder, who kept walking in a steady but weary pace. Kamo didn’t look back, and she thought he hadn’t forces to think in something else than walk and carry her to a safer place.

Kamo-san, look. We are about to have company.

Her voice sounded frightened, but a small hint of hope could be heard. She can’t walk or even be stand on her feet and Kamo was hurt, badly hurt as well. He couldn’t carry on and fight anymore.
Now the group was closer, their sashimono and colors showed their identity as Lions.
Daidoji Kamo turned and shifted his burden to reach his sword if needed. They waited the group to come closer.
Tomoko got a fabric from her clothes, which unrolled itself with the wind revealing the Kakita mon. With some effort she waved it and raised her voice the most she can get it.


We have… a message to Kei..suke sama.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Ikoma Kyuso

---

Kyuso slowed his horse, he could see the figures before him. The wind caught the the fabric of the first clothing revealing the Kakita mon.

We have… a message to Kei..suke sama.

Whilst the she spoke Kyuso dropped from his and began to take long strides towards the two Cranes. The other Lions with him formed a u shape around the gathering, keeping an eye on the Crane and watching their surroundings looking for the trap.
Kyuso raised his right hand, I am Ikoma Kyuso, of the third Ikoma legion, and as with the new truce between our two clans I am here to help.

One of the still mounted Lions scoffed, at this statement, but Kyuso ignored him. There could be no forgiveness if the truce was ruined because he allowed further harm or neglect to come to these two Cranes.

[Zeure]

Daidoji Kamo, encumbered as he was, would not make a good fighter at this point; but he would be damned if his charge fell before he did. He turned, putting himself in between the Lion and Tomoko, though they could easily strike at her upon his shoulder, and he kept his hand on his hilt; trusting that his Iaijutsu training would allow him to draw before he was seriously threatened. His eyes were cold, as was his body, he looked deadly serious underneath his helmet.

"I am Daidoji Kamo and this is Kakita Tomoko. I must get this woman to Akodo Keisuke-sama. If you mean to help me, then escort us there. If you have a horse that this woman can ride upon, then all the better; she is badly injured and needs attention to her wounds. And I must accompany her wherever she goes; as she is my charge."

He failed to mention his own wounds which the Lion could tell were grievous in nature, but he seemed to bear them well. The cold had no doubt helped, as it would be slowing the blood flow, but both of the crane looked ragged.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Ikoma Kyuso

---

Daidoji Kamo, given that you where attacked on the road and left for dead, I am going to guess that you are not intending harm to the Lion. So we will help you, but give me a moment to sort this out.

Kyuso pondered a moment, in his minds eye he was trying to guess the distances from where they were now in relation to the Castle as opposed to the rest of the army they where marching with. But what to do, how should they split up.

Matsu Arinori-san you were, lees than thrilled to find these two so, you will ride back to the army and inform our commander Akodo Sosa, that we have found some Crane samurai and will escorting them to the Castle.

Matsu Arinori wheeled his horse, gladly he grunted and spurred his horse onward.

Taking Kyuso queue one of the other Ikoma samurai dis mounted and lead his horse over to were Kyuso was standing.

The both of you are injured, so the both of you will get to ride. He glanced from side to side at the other remaining samurai. We are fully rested so we can walk, and with our smaller number we will be able to reach the castle swifter than we would if we attempt to rejoin the army.

What do say is this acceptable to you?

[Zeure]

Daidoji Kamo would not waste time with words until he was ready to move. He put Tomoko on the saddle and then climbed up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her to take hold of the reins and to try and keep her from jostling around as much as he could.

"I am, quite glad to see a lion remember our truce and be out for something more than glory, Akodo-san. Please, let us ride for the castle, immediately. Kakita-san is not well."

Tomoko already had a firm grasp of this mans character as they had the time to speak before the troubles broke out, but Kyuso was beginning to form a picture in his mind about Kamo. Clearly he was a man of few words, who favored action instead. Like most Daidoji, when a charge was put upon him, he would not falter until his mission was complete. He was also one tough samurai, having taken so many wounds and not showing any signs of it.

[Akodo Sosa]

Akodo Sosa smiled as his second-in-command complained once again of the weather. He knew Matsu Mina well enough to be fully aware it was not the snow she disliked, but the lack of battle. She was impatient, true enough, but a brave and worthy samurai.

A shout broke his thoughts as one of his out-riders returned. He recognised Matsu Arinori, but there was no sign of the others he had sent out. Something had seemed out of place, unusual, earlier, and so he had ordered sweeps in the vicinity. Was this Arinori-san returning with grave news?

Akodo-sama. We have found a Crane party, a distance from here. Ikoma Kyuso-san is escorting them to the Castle of the Swift Sword. They apparently have a message for the Daimyo.

Not as grave as I had surmised, thought Sosa, but still most serious. He spoke aloud to Arinori, Thank you, Matsu Arinori-san, you have performed your duty with Honour, lead myself and Matsu Mina-san to these Crane. The troops will be safe enough in the hands of my staff.

Sosa nodded at Mina, who returned the subtle but meaningful gesture, then they both turned their horses in the direction Arinori had indicated.

[Kakita Tomoko]

Tomoko was gladly conducted by Kamo to the horse, feeling an enormous relief after this miraculous outcome. She knew how much Kamo was wounded and was astonished a man could take that much. In fact, she had heard tales from other men so or tougher than him, but his determination in ignoring his own wounds save them both. Now, it was time to try to gather some dignity back and perform her duty as demanded. Those Lion warriors were really honored, as expected from those who followed Tomatsu's and Keisuke's commands and examples. And she was glad to meet them there.

She was uncomfortable mounted, feeling her broken and swollen leg totally numb, but knew it was for a short time. She just wished to be treated before she was demanded to present herself to Akodo Keisuke-dono. She needed some real rest and was concerned about Kamo as well.
Her state of mind didn’t change, though. In fact, she knew nothing of what she had to tell to the Akodo daimyo was something easy to talk about. Tomoko was honored to be chosen to take Mitsouko dono word to Akodo Keisuke but she knew that, for any honored soul, that would be a thorny matter to discuss about...
Soon they finally arrived to the huge building, crossing the barracks and troops, escorted by the Lions who found them in the snow. it was thrilling, but a bit sad and scary at the same time. Tomoko had many expectations, but she knew little, if anything, about war...
So she noticed a pair of Lion riders coming to them. She was curious about the newcomers, but not sure if she was in condition to interact too much...



original source:coolvibe.com

[Akodo Sosa]

Arinori stopped in the place he had last seen his compatriots and the Crane.

This is where I left them, Chui-sama. Ikoma Kyuso-san must be escorting them to the Castle of the Swft Sword now

Sosa looked around, seeing the tracks of the horses. He grunted and nodded. They will have a head-start on us, and probably make good time. A shame, I would have liked to have met these Crane. We will move to meet with our troops and continue to the Castle. I shall commend Ikoma Kyuso-san personally for his work as an escort.

Sosa spurred his horse onwards, with Matsu Mina and Matsu Arinori close behind. Without the body of troops behind them, they made the Castle in good time, though he knew they too would arrive soon. Sosa stopped at the gate briefly to ask the guards if Ikoma Kyuso and the Crane had arrived, and once informed they had and pointed in the right direction he rode over to them.

As he approached he could clearly see the Crane were badly wounded, though true to their noble Clan this did not affect they dignity with which they held themselves. He and Mina rode closer until they were next to the group. Sosa bowed respectfully, as did Mina.

Greetings Honourable Crane-sans. I am Akodo Sosa, and this is my second, Matsu Mina-san. I trust Ikoma Kyuso-san has been a suitable and protective escort? He smiled warmly at the Crane, hoping to put them at ease and assure them that he, for one, believed in the new peace between their Clans.

[Kakita Tomoko]

Greetings honorables Akodo Sosa-san, Matsu-san. Tomoko made sure to pay attention to his insignia and rank, bowing in the appropriate level someone can do from atop a horse. I’m Tomoko, Master Artisan and loyal samurai from the Kakita family… and this is my yojimbo Daidoji Kamo. Ikoma Kyuso was the perfect epitome of the compassion and honor we expect from a true Lion, so we are truly glad. She even tried to smile, but it was shy and obfuscated by the evident pain.
Can we count on your hospitality? More importantly, I come in behalf my family’s daimyo and have a message to Akodo Keisuke-sama… from Lady Kakita. With some effort she took from a compartment of her obi a traveling paper and delivered it to Sosa’s second, permitting the Lion to verify who she was and the veracity of her claims. The document had Kakita Mitsouko’s seal clearly stamped in it. The Lion’s smiles can make her feel safer, as a Lion doesn’t use to smile if they don’t feel like to. So she was sure they were true in their welcoming.

[Akodo Sosa]

Mastu Mina nodded curtly at Sosa, wordlessly confirming the authenticity of the Crane travel papers, before handing them back. Sosa returned the nod, inwardly amused at his Second's gruff manner. Still, one could no more change the nature of a Matsu Beserker than one could hold back the rage of a storm. He smiled again at the Crane.

Kakita Tomoko-san, The Castle of the Swift Sword is my home, and I will personally ensure that you and your loyal yojimbo, Daidoji Kamo-san are treated as honoured guests. I am blessed enough to hold the rank of Chui in Daimyo Akodo Keisuke-sama's army, and I shall try to get you an audience with him as soon as possible. Any message from Lady Kakita-sama is of the utmost importance. My Lord is very busy at the moment, however and whilst I would not presume to make you wait, perhaps you would like to have a moment to...prepare first?

Sosa did not want to dishonour this obviously trustworthy and brave Crane, nor her stalwart yojimbo by drawing attention to their wounds, but he could clearly see the seriousness of them. Now that the Crane and the Lion we once again at peace it was his duty to afford them every comfort.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke kept a steady pace, as he made his way through the camp. The minuter city was alive with activity the Ikoma reinforcements promised by Lord Tomatsu had just arrived and now there was a renewed since of vigor in the camp, a determination to see the Dragon army expelled from their ancestral lands.

It did not take long for the news to reach Keisuke that two Crane samurai had been picked up along the road leading to the battle field. True the news could not have traveled any faster if it had been borne on the backs of ravens wings. He had sent orders ahead of him self to see that the Crane samurai were tended to and wounds dressed. For he had thought he would make his way to join them shortly. However a general does not simply walk from one end of his encampment to another in a strait line. But now he was determined, and very soon he would discover what message was so important that two Crane samurai had risked their lives to deliver here.

[Kakita Tomoko]

Tomoko kept her smile for herself, amused that a Lion chui could have such kind consideration for their pride, in their situation. And surely, was hard to think with a throbbing pain, but she made her possible to hide it and keep composure. She even never knew she had such autocontrol in herself…
Yes, it will be very appreciated, Sosa-san. I think I speak in behalf of my yojimbo as well. And hopefully, we wish to make it reciprocated in a near future, if you do us the honor of visiting Crane lands. I'd like to make you feel as comfortable... she struggled to finish her speech as you are doing right now... She looked at Kamo, hoping he had enough forces to dismount and help her to dismount as well. She was sure she would need to be carried again but... it was so shameful, with so many looking at her... she blushed at the thought.