Bitter Return (RP)

[Toku Hirotomo]

Toku Kenpachi reached the outskirts of his home. The Monkey lands were never large, or partucularly glamorus, but they were hardy and strong, like the men who tended it. Kenpachi's horse, borrowed from the Crab, was tired from the hard riding. "Easy, horse-san. We're almost there." Kenpachi paused and sighed. I'm spending too much time with the Unicorn. I'm starting to talk with horses now.

Kenpachi saw his home in the distance. There was something strange. His servants were nowhere to be seen. "Master!" a voice cried out. Kenpachi looked around. The voice came from Soka, the housemaid. She was lying near the gate, blood on her clothes. Kenpachi rode hard. Jumping off his horse. He ran to his maid. "What happened?" he said looking over the poor girl's wounds. "They came sama. Men in black rode in the night. Lady sama met them in the house. They attacked. Our men died. Then they cut us down. I hid under a body. I had to tell you sama." Fearing for his wife, Kenpachi ran to her room. It was empity in the halls there were bodies everywhere. His men at arms. All dead. His servants with them. His eldest was training with the Daidoji, but what of his wife? His youngest? He ran around the house. "Aiko! Where are you? Tochi? Papa's home!" He ran to the last room on the left. He opened the door and looked inside. His beautiful wife lay holding thier son. A single katana was run through both of them. His wife held her wakazashi in her hand, it was covered in blood, and broken. She died fighting.

The waves of stories she had once told him came to Kenpachi all at once. She would never bore him, or make him laugh ever again. He would never see her make Tochi laugh with a puppet show during summers. They were gone. Kenpachi closed the door, kissed his wife one last time, held his son then walked out of the room. "I will find out who did this." Kenpachi said holding back the sorrow he felt with a wave of anger.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

The sounds of a horse could be heard from down the path. Toku Sanjuro rode to his friend Kenpachi's home to welcome him back from his travels and to tell him of the victories in the courts at Toshi Ranbo. Sanjuro turned a bend in the road and saw the bodies. Sanjuro jumped off the horse with lightning speed drawing his sword "Kougi" in a ready position. Sanjuro made his way up to the home. Looking in every shadow and every corner ready for a strike. Sanjuro scanned for any movement. Sanjuro saw Kenpachi's horse.

"KENPACHI!" answer if you are able.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Kenpachi heard the voice of his Lord and Champion. Kenpachi took one last look at his wife and son. Coming to the direction of his Lord's voice he came and bowed. "Toku Sanjuro-dono. I have arrived home and found this." He gestured to the carnage. "Men came to my home, slew my wife and youngest son. My wife died defending our home." Kenpachi held his face. He did not shout or weep. His eyes betrayed his inner emotions though. Kenpachi looked to the horizon. "My Lord, I don't know who did this." Kenpachi held his katana's hilt unitl his knuckles turned white. "But I will make them pay."

[Yoritomo Raiden]

"I swear to you Kenpachi-san we will find whomever did this and we will make sure they meet a similar fate." Sanjuro had a fierce look in his eyes. "I swear this to you not as your champion, but as your brother and friend. I will not rest on this." Sanjuro placed his hand on Kenpachi's shoulder.

Sanjuro then walked over to his horse "If you will allow I will take your maid to the halls for treatment."

"Kenpachi-san, I know you are in pain and what i'm about to say will hurt more. We need to send people here to tend to your family and servants." Sanjuro's eyes looked like glass as though he was fighting back tears

[Toku Hirotomo]

"Hai, Sanjuro-dono." Kenpachi said. "I will need to inform my oldest, training with the Daidoji. My family...will need to be taken care of. I have seen what abominations come from those not laid to proper rest. There is much to do." Kenpachi ran a hand across his brow. My family must be sent properly into Medio. Grandfather, Father, Please look after my son. He would have been a truly great samurai. Neko-chan Kenpachi prayed refering to his wife's nickname. Thank you. When I tell our eldest son's children about thier beautiful Grandmother, I will end the tale with the death of those that did this.

[Toku Hirotomo]

OOC: Four Days Later

The ceremony was going to begin. Kenpachi stood in his room looking at himself in a mirror. Fuzake Hiro, Kenpachi's cousin walked into the door. "The pyre is ready, Kenpachi." He said, looking grim. Kenpachi nodded. His house still bore the scars of the murder. Toku Sanjuro-dono had been very gracious with his assistance. Soka was healed enough to attend the funeral. It would likely cause a few eyebrows to be raised, inviting a commoner to a samurai funeral, but Soka and his wife had been together since before she became his wife.

Kenpachi stood beside his son, Toku Taki. Taki was weeping openly, and for a moment, Kenpachi envied his son. His Gempakuu was still months away, the loss of Face would be acceptable. He remembered his son prefered his other name Hirotomo. Taki was his nickname, after a famous Scorpion Junsien. Hirotomo loved the story so much, Aiko called him little Taki. Fuzake Hiro's voice was drowned by Kenpachi's thoughts. His son may be in danger. Kakita Yukimoto and his sister Kakita Fuki were well known of thier vocal hatred of Kenpachi. Assasination was not in the Crane character, but Kenpachi saw them speaking with ronin at winter court. Perhaps a bargain had been made. Yoritomo Norichi was a better candidate for this behavior. He was a scoundrel and most likely a smuggler. Kenpachi voiced an opinon against the expansion of the trade route and he took offence. Then there was the unusual trip to the shadowlands. It was unlikely that anyone could have beaten him home though.

Kenpachi took the torch for the pyre. His wife and son lay together. Kenpachi took a deep breath and lit the pyre. The flames rose and Kenpachi looked to his son. Justice would be sought, and found. Kenpachi bit an angry thought. His family ment well, but they said after the mourning period he most likely would have to marry again. The thought disgusted him. There was no one to look after his lands though. The Monkey clan was too small to spare anyone to serve as house keeper while Kenpachi traveled across the face of the Empire.

The fires went on for over an hour. The guests burned thier last words to his wife and son. After the fire died, Kenpachi and his son used the funeral chopsticks to remove the bone fragments and place them in an urn. Kenpachi gave the urn to his son.

Thirty five days. That's how long Kenpachi has before he would be pressured into finding a wife. If his son had reached Gempakku, Kenpachi would be able to marry him off and search for the killers himself. It was not an option though. Kenpachi looked at the urn that held his wife and son. Whoever did this would be better facing the wrath of Fu Leng himself.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

Toku Sanjuro stood as the the ceremony proceeded, he took particular notice of Kenpachi. Never having a wife himself Sanjuro only briefly knew what it was like to not have a loved one around. Sanjuro never really knew his mother. He knew she was from the Doji family, and that she died when Sanjuro was but a boy. Her death left a void in Sanjuro, a need that would never be filled. Sanjuro could only imagine what his brother in arms was going through. Sanjuro was determined to aid in any way he could in this matter.

Sanjuro walked in silence til he reached the funeral stead. He bowed then took a rest at his knees. Sanjuro took a piece of parchment and wrote justice then burned the parchment. Something stirred in Sanjuro. He stood and looked at Kenpachi and gave the slightest nod. A nod of recognition, a nod that somehow Kenpachi knew he had an ally to see this through with him.

As the fires burned Sanjuro silently brought the funeral urn and handed it to Kenpachi. As the last ritual of the ceremony was completed Toku Kawada approached Sanjuro and bowed then reported something to him in a silent rush as to be respectful of those who mourned. Sanjuro nodded to the young man and Kawada rose and left.

Sanjuro walked over to Kenpachi.
"My friend the magistrates have sectioned off the area around your home. They found some evidence a odd looking piece of metal. Looks as though it may have been from a weapon." Sanjuro then paused for moment, a slight smile formed "Also we found a man 10 miles from your home with no mon, no papers, and could not give a reason for his presence in our lands. Kenpachi we have a suspect!"

[Toku Hirotomo]

Kenpachi smiled at this comment. "Thank you for the news, Sanjuro-sama. I look forward to his questioning.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

: Ryoko Owari Toshi: 3 days ago
The chilling night breeze whipped Mitsouko's face when she left the tea house in search of his cousin and friend. The Daidoji samurai had abruptly abandoned the hall and the beautiful view of the river, holding the parchment tucked in his obi. The entire Crane group of warriors having dinner there, in their way back home, seemed not to notice the nervousness of the samurai. But Mitsouko did, and knew the reasons. She had already read a similar letter.
"Ryo?"
Although the night was cold, the stars were sparkling and reflecting on the calm waters of the river in front of the teahouse. The samurai-ko found her cousin crouching on the edge of the wooden deck that advanced on the water. The profile of the samurai was hard as stone; she stood beside him, standing, and spoke softly and smoothly:
"I'm also sad, friend. Aiko was my cousin too. " *Too Much sake, Ryo-san, too much sake * thought the maiden. Her cousins from the Crane family were very important for Mitsouko. Lovely Aiko, the beautiful, for all her romanticism and delicacy, and, of course, the ever loyal friend Ryo.
The news of her cousin’s horrific death had filled Mitsouko’s heart with revolt, and though her face remained stoic, knowing Aiko murdered so outrageously also filled her heart with revenge. It was Aiko who taught her the best up-dos for court, the best combination of colors for the kimono and obi. This was before Aiko marrying Kenpachi-san, a Toku. Well, Mitsouko barely remembered the face of her cousin’s husband now, for she never managed to see them after the wedding. Only exchanged letters with sweet Aiko frequently.
Ryo raised his face to face her, the blue eyes glowing with fury and pain, but no tears fell still. Well, she could always see what Aiko could see in their Daidoji cousin, after all.*This is good, Ryo-san. Do not you cry now. Do not embarrass me. Do not embarrass yourself, by the Fortunes! *
"You know, Mitsu-chan, you know I need to know if ..."
"Shhhh ...” * Shut up, you idiot blabbermouth! Do not go and say anything stupid in the family’s backyard of your bitch wife! * The samurai-ko kindly nodded, discreetly looked around to see the observers. In addition to the retainers of each in a respectable distance, the night seemed to be calm, with conversation and laughter coming from inside the tea house, and the River night workers. But of course, they were in Ryoko Owari. "Do not say anything else, Ryo-san. I know."
Daidoji Ryo stood up, perhaps recovering from his moment of weakness.
"You know what? I'll do it. I will do this by family, Ryo-san. Overall, the clan allows me to investigate this crime. Aiko was born Kakita." Mitsouko knew it was better that way. It was best that she was sent to investigate. Though she was not sure if they wanted to get at the truth.
The samurai features were lightened slightly.
"Would you do this, Mitsouko?”
"Yes. Not only for you. By Aiko too." She spoke with conviction. "But ... what will you do if we discover that ... close people did this?"
The Daidoji took a while to respond, his voice sharp as a blade.
"Mitsu-chan, I need to know."
.............
:TokuTori-e: Today
A few days later Mitsouko came to the lands of Toku-Tori-e, having sent a messenger in advance announcing her arrival and requesting to talk to Toku Kenpachi-san. She still did not have much idea what she would find, but was expecting a minimum of hospitality. She knew that many people would not have peace until this crime was not solved. But would have peace, when it was resolved?
In the tepid water of the ofuro the inn offered her, she submerged, her white hair covering her nudity,making a beautiful anemona-like form; she just tried to relax her tired from riding muscles, while she waited for a response from the samurai of Monkey Clan.
Does was he aware of "all" the facts?
She should be careful...

[Toku Hirotomo]

Toku Kenpachi, spent a week in quiet meditation after the funeral. There were many tasks to complete. His messenger to the Dragon should be there. Hopefully he would recive word soon. His second messenger to Toshi Rando would likely take longer. The letter from the ronin, shocked Kenpachi. The ronin lived, and said he would fight if need be. The shadowlands mimicing honor. The thought sickened him. New enemies, old foes. Too many people to have reason to attack his family.

The ronin that Sanjuro-dono had caught had been very resistant and still had said nothing. More worries, no time to deal with everything. Sanjuro-dono was sure he would crack soon. A new eta was being sent for, one less plesant then all the rest.

A Kakita sent him a message two days earlier. She introduced herself as Kakita Mitsouko, a cousin of Aiko's. Kenpachi vaugely remembered her from the wedding. His wife spoke ofen of her. She was family, if only by marriage, and the Toku welcomed family. Though it was tough to see a reminder of his wife so soon, he offered the full hospitality of his home. A ji-samurai sent word that she had reached the local inn. Kenpachi ordered the young man to send word of the acceptance of the request to speak with him.

Kenpachi walked through the halls of his home. The signs of battle were evident, the west wing had been blocked off by magistrates. The Kitsuki would be grateful of the untainted scene. The north wing had been remade into the sleeping chambers. The rooms were less than ideal, but careful decorations of Scorpion and Crane make hid the fact rather well. Kenpachi made sure the room that was to be Kakita Mitsouko, was well appointed. The Crane were used to finer things then a mere Minor Clan could give, but Kenpachi would not be accused of lack of trying.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

She stood facing the sliding doors of Toku Kenpachi's state, quietly observing the signs that remain from the awlful incident. Her mon already been sent to the homeowner to know she was there, waiting. Somehow the Lord of the lands arranged for things to go back to the best possible condition. But there was always evidence of struggle and tragedy left behind by hurried or inexperient servants. Even if little evidence.
However, the landscape did not look like that Aiko painted in her first years of marriage narratives. It was better. Much better. But the Kakita samurai-ko did not know if this was art of her cousin's hard work in order to make her new family's home more pleasant, or just stubbornly Aiko was longing the beautiful lands of the Crane. But who Kakita would not? Mitsouko carefully straightened the sleeves of her kimono with the color of the night, where a snowy garden motif was skilfully painted over the silk. A poem with lament and mourning were embroidered on silk as well. Unfortunately, this kimono had been worn too many times lately. She did not believe that her intention of honor her dead relatives would be perceived by the bereaved samurai.
She managed to get in touch with his uncle, Aiko's father, offering to help her husband's cousin in search of answers. His uncle was already advanced in age, did not make travels anymore. And the old samurai had sent a long letter allowing her to submit on behalf of his family, as the yet living Aiko's brothers were busy with the war. Like herself some days ago. But some favors when well planted may be harvested timely, thought Mitsouko.
Then she sighed, hearing the footsteps coming toward her.

[Toku Hirotomo]

Toku Kenpachi looked at the Kakita as she entered his estate. A brief pain went through him. Her eyes were the same shade of blue as Aiko's, though such was to be expected. "Welcome, Mitsouko-san." Kenpachi said as warmly as he could manage. Servants brought tea, in a location as far from the west wing as possible. Kenpachi carefuly blocked her view of the hall where her cousin and his wife died.

In the sitting area, Kenpachi reached into his obi and pulled out a silk wrapping. He carefully took out a well read pillow book. "Aiko wanted to give this to you." Kenpachi gave the pillow book to Mitsouko. It was a simple book of Crane and Sparrow poetry, there were many lines in the book, it was obviously read often. "She was unable to deliver it, but her unfinished letter said you would like the fourth poem."

Kenpaci had the evening meal brought, along with a very fine bottle of sake. Kenpachi was aware of Crane traditions and poured a cup of sake for Mitsouko and waited for her to fill his cup.

"Takinata had to return to his sensei or he would have met you as well. He said that if you had the time, he was almost done with his training with the Daidoji. We would both be honored if you would attend his Gempakuu."

Kenpachi sighed a little. "I gather you are not here to talk about such things though. I think it's more likely you seek information. What would you like to know?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

The look of Kenpachi-san on Mitsouko said her that he saw in her typical Kakita figure a reflection of his own dead wife. Even if Aiko and her younger cousin did not were seemed to almost nothing. According to the good memories of Mitsouko, Aiko was genuinely gracious, gentle and had the beauty of a dewy peony.
Mitsouko was just a girl barely entering puberty when her cousin got married. Aiko's husband seemed changed now. She observed with discretion his appearance, his hair almost shaved and the eyes which, though sad, somehow resembled the eyes of Lion Clan families. The eldest son of the couple looked a lot like him, she remembered.
"I met Hirotomo in the Shiro Daidoji before New Year's Eve party, Toku-san. He is taking great strides in the dojo. I'll be glad to witness his gempukku." The Toku Samurai showed friendly and straightforward, a combination that appealed much to Mitsouko, which had a spirit quite naturally impatient. Like Isawa Yuzuki, her mother, used to say, 'Nobody can be two things. Nobody can hold their true nature all his life, Mitsouko. The thirsty that you feel can only be appeased with a unique sort of water. And you know where to find it.' It was not easy to have a mother like her.
"I'm much honored to be received into his house shortly after these tragic events. Kenpachi-san should imagine how deeply I feel and I share your pain. Aiko and I were like sisters to one another. I know how your mind should be troubled by this terrible loss. And I feel the same loss about your youngest son."
She rested the pillow book he gave her on her lap, composing her face not to show the deep emotion. She was not there to act as a little girl. She was here to find out who had murdered Aiko and her baby child.
"My much honored uncle, father of Aiko, as you know, cannot come personally. However, he honored me with the mission to offer, on his behalf, help to investigate the cause of this crime, Kenpachi-san. Our family knows that you have the resources and skills required to perform this difficult task by yourself, however, we would be honored if the noble Kenpachi-san would accept our help. I can afford some time and effort into this, Toku-san. I offer my skills in the name of my clan and my uncle's house. I know there are places where access can be facilitated by my Crane and personal relations as well. I count on your permission to help you find the truth."
Mitsouko, which naturally did not like being so talkative, aglow with voicing her naturally melodious and compelling voice, in a way to coax the samurai to consider her family's valuable help offer. She pulled with grace, from the sleeve of the kimono, the parchment with the letter her uncle sent to his son-in-law, and held it with both hands to the samurai sat in front of her. She had an idea of what might be written there, since the uncle had said in the letter addressed to her that he would recommend Mitsouko’s help, including remembering Kenpachi-san her successful missions as Crane Clan Magistrate, and to consider the bond of blood that bound Toku family to the Kakita family. Obviously the samurai-ko was expecting that her uncle had included in the letter to his son-in-law the same feeling of wrath and search for justice that was contained in the one addressed to his niece. This should be enough and honored. Mitsouko could be wrong, but Kenpachi-san does not seem like the kind of man who would be hostile to the offer of his father-in-law.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

The sounds of horse could be heard coming up the path in a steady trot cutting through the night air and sounds of the night. Toku Kawada trusted gunso and friend to Toku Sanjuro rode towards Toku Kenpachi's estate. As he approached he stopped the horse 20 ft from the house. Seeing there was lights he announced himself.

"Toku Kawada Gunso is here for Toku Sanjuro to speak with Toku Kenpachi" offical tone in his voice.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

(OOC - is this rp thread open to improv? I didnt know if you had a certin direction you wanted to go. which is why i thought i would throw in the captured ronin, but i dont want to change to much around if you already have a storyline you wish to go with)