Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
The little girl walked resolutely down the halls of the palace, head held high and eyes straight ahead on her goal. Her determination was obvious, and unsurprising to all who knew of her family. Decked in the finest of silks, her hair done up in an elaborate pattern, she made for an imposing sight. Or, at least, she would if she had not been barely eight years old.
The two men behind her, however, were more than intimidating enough to make up for that. Their armor rattled softly as they walked but a step behind the girl, and their eyes scanned every inch of the hall so that nothing would escape their gaze. Each had a hand upon their sword, ready to draw in an instant should danger approach their charge. But such was only natural for the Seppun. They would give their lives before even the slightest harm could come to their charge.
Eventually, the small procession found itself before a set of impressive doors. The image of a wolf ready to pounce was set upon it. The child looked up at the Mon and nodded before turning back to her two guardians.
"You two may wait out here," she said. "I wish to speak with him alone."
The two Seppun Guardsmen looked at each other briefly, and then shifted uncomfortably.
"My lady," the older one began. "I mean no disrespect, but our orders are to guard you at all times."
"Do you think I will be in danger from the Imperial Chancellor?" the girl asked, giving the men a look. "You will be within your duties guarding the door."
The Seppun bowed to her, though they were obviously uncomfortable with the matter. But despite their misgivings they settled themselves on either side of the door, standing at attention with their hands on their blades. The girl nodded, and then went inside.
The room was well furnished, with several tapestries detailing great historical events lining the walls. The furniture was crafted of the finest wood, and atop them were several small figurines crafted of ivory or precious metals. On one there was an unfolded fan set on a stand, the Mon showing that same wolf ready to pounce.
It was an opulent room, though far less than others within the palace. But the girl had little care for that. She only had eyes for the old man writing down calligraphy on a sheet of paper, a cup of steaming tea by his side.
"Good evening, Takano Roukan-san," she said to him as she closed the door.
Takano looked up from his work and blinked at the intruder. Then he set down his brush and gave the little girl a wry smile.
"A good evening to you too, Toturi Reiko-sama," he responded, standing up to bow to the girl. "But, if you will forgive my impudence, is it not past time you should be in bed?"
"I am the Imperial heir," Reiko scoffed, putting her hands on her hips in an effort to look imperious. "I can make my own bedtime."
She kept that pose for several seconds, her head turned to the side and her eyes closed as if there need not be any more said on the matter. Then she peeked an eye open to look at Takano, who was merely standing there smiling gently. Her expression broke, and she gave him a sheepish grin.
"Please don't tell my father."
"I won't tell a soul," Takano said as he sat back down. "But it really is rather late."
"I know, but I'll be leaving soon for schooling and I'm going to miss talking to you!" Reiko said in a tone that for anyone else might be construed as whining, though obviously such things were beneath the daughter of the Emperor. As such, it wasn't. "Can't you come with me? You even make learning history interesting."
"That's because history is interesting, Toturi-sama," Takano responded, fetching a spare cup and pouring some tea for the Imperial heir. "Anyone who makes learning that subject boring is doing something very wrong."
"Then mother should certainly let you be my history tutor," Reiko said, nodding at her wisdom before sitting down on the opposite end of the table. "That way you could come with me to Crane lands for my training."
"Oh, I'm not so certain that would end well," Takano said gently. "Your mother has enough issues with me as it is."
"She's being silly," Reiko said, crossing her arms and scrunching up her face. "You're the most fun to be around. You should definitely come with me."
"Alas, my lady," Takano said, giving her a sad smile. "My duties lie here in the capital. Your esteemed father, the August Son of Heaven, has made it quite clear he desires my presence. I cannot deny him."
Reiko did not respond, looking down at the table. Takano, for his part, sat and sipped his tea patiently. The girl took her cup in both hands and blew on it, cooling it down so she could take a drink. They stayed that way for some time, just sitting and drinking tea.
"Will you tell me a story?" Reiko asked at last. "I'll be leaving at the week's end, and I won't be able to hear any more for a long time."
"Of course, Toturi-sama," Takano replied. "What story would you like? Should I give you tales of the Crab hero, Hiruma Sosuke, or perhaps stories of the adventurous Ronin Usagi? You have always been quite fond of those."
"I've heard them before," Reiko said, shaking her head. "I want something different."
"Well," Takano said, looking to the side and rubbing the back of his head with one hand. "I would always tell you some tales of my own youth…"
"I've heard those too," Reiko said, putting down her cup with as much force as her little arms could muster. "If this is the last time I'll get to hear one of your stories, I want one I've not heard before."
"Something different…" Takano mused, cupping his chin in thought. Then, suddenly, he looked up with a smile. "Ah, I believe I have one." He leaned forward, grinning wide. "This is a story that was told to me when I was a child. A story of adventure, mystery and intrigue! For you, my lady Toturi Reiko-sama, I will tell the tale of the Heroes of Naishou!"
It would not be surprising if they did, for life within their quiet province had been anything but ordinary these last few months. Armies camped all across the lands of their ancestors, waiting for the call to battle once more. Well remembered were those first few hectic weeks of combat before the arrival of the Imperial Governor, and if the people had not shuddered at the wind they surely did in memory of that awful bloodshed.
That blood could easily flow again across the fertile soil of Naishou province. Only the presence of Miya Anshou, and the army of Lion Samurai at his command, kept the forces of the Crane and Scorpion in check. The two armies would have enjoyed nothing more than to come to grips again, but neither would go against the word of the Emperor. Such a thing would be sacrilege of the highest degree, a slight against the very order of things. And so, they waited for the Governor to make his verdict on who would claim ownership of this land.
The wind blew across the farms and plains until coming to an end at the grand city of Toshi no Naishou. Though, in truth, the breeze did not cease there. There were no endings nor beginnings to the wind, just as there were no endings to the Kharmic Wheel. But for now, at least, it was an ending. And at this ending, so too was there a beginning.
Past the bustling streets of Toshi no Naishou, where Samurai, merchant and commoner alike went about their business, lay the grand castle of the Governor. Set atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Itochu River, the four-story structure was easily the largest building within the city. In the early morning light its bright red roof tiles seemed ablaze, and its white walls were blinding with their reflective brilliance. It was almost as if the sun itself had come down from the Heavens to touch the palace with its splendor.
Within that wondrous structure, deep inside its heart, Miya Anshou rested upon his throne. He was a tall man, but held a reserved countenance. He always seemed to be thinking about something, considering one notion or another. And now, at this time, he was considering the six figures before him.
They were a varied lot, the color of their robes showing them of four different Great Clans. Their arms and armor had been removed before given entry into his audience chamber, of course. Even so humbled, the group seemed to radiate potential. One looking at only their youth would miss the value these six held, a mistake by any measure, and not something that a man so astute as Miya Anshou would be taken in by.
They had sat there kneeling for almost five minutes now as the Governor looked upon them. Was he judging them, considering their worthiness, or was it perhaps some other matter he considered as he gazed at the assembled Samurai? None but Miya Anshou himself could say, and he did not reveal his thoughts upon his face.
"Honored Samurai," he said at last, motioning for the group to raise their heads and sit comfortably. "I am grateful that you have answered my call for aid, and that your Clans have been so generous as to offer me your time on this troubling matter. It makes my heart soar to see such diligence and respect given during these trying times."
The two men behind her, however, were more than intimidating enough to make up for that. Their armor rattled softly as they walked but a step behind the girl, and their eyes scanned every inch of the hall so that nothing would escape their gaze. Each had a hand upon their sword, ready to draw in an instant should danger approach their charge. But such was only natural for the Seppun. They would give their lives before even the slightest harm could come to their charge.
Eventually, the small procession found itself before a set of impressive doors. The image of a wolf ready to pounce was set upon it. The child looked up at the Mon and nodded before turning back to her two guardians.
"You two may wait out here," she said. "I wish to speak with him alone."
The two Seppun Guardsmen looked at each other briefly, and then shifted uncomfortably.
"My lady," the older one began. "I mean no disrespect, but our orders are to guard you at all times."
"Do you think I will be in danger from the Imperial Chancellor?" the girl asked, giving the men a look. "You will be within your duties guarding the door."
The Seppun bowed to her, though they were obviously uncomfortable with the matter. But despite their misgivings they settled themselves on either side of the door, standing at attention with their hands on their blades. The girl nodded, and then went inside.
The room was well furnished, with several tapestries detailing great historical events lining the walls. The furniture was crafted of the finest wood, and atop them were several small figurines crafted of ivory or precious metals. On one there was an unfolded fan set on a stand, the Mon showing that same wolf ready to pounce.
It was an opulent room, though far less than others within the palace. But the girl had little care for that. She only had eyes for the old man writing down calligraphy on a sheet of paper, a cup of steaming tea by his side.
"Good evening, Takano Roukan-san," she said to him as she closed the door.
Takano looked up from his work and blinked at the intruder. Then he set down his brush and gave the little girl a wry smile.
"A good evening to you too, Toturi Reiko-sama," he responded, standing up to bow to the girl. "But, if you will forgive my impudence, is it not past time you should be in bed?"
"I am the Imperial heir," Reiko scoffed, putting her hands on her hips in an effort to look imperious. "I can make my own bedtime."
She kept that pose for several seconds, her head turned to the side and her eyes closed as if there need not be any more said on the matter. Then she peeked an eye open to look at Takano, who was merely standing there smiling gently. Her expression broke, and she gave him a sheepish grin.
"Please don't tell my father."
"I won't tell a soul," Takano said as he sat back down. "But it really is rather late."
"I know, but I'll be leaving soon for schooling and I'm going to miss talking to you!" Reiko said in a tone that for anyone else might be construed as whining, though obviously such things were beneath the daughter of the Emperor. As such, it wasn't. "Can't you come with me? You even make learning history interesting."
"That's because history is interesting, Toturi-sama," Takano responded, fetching a spare cup and pouring some tea for the Imperial heir. "Anyone who makes learning that subject boring is doing something very wrong."
"Then mother should certainly let you be my history tutor," Reiko said, nodding at her wisdom before sitting down on the opposite end of the table. "That way you could come with me to Crane lands for my training."
"Oh, I'm not so certain that would end well," Takano said gently. "Your mother has enough issues with me as it is."
"She's being silly," Reiko said, crossing her arms and scrunching up her face. "You're the most fun to be around. You should definitely come with me."
"Alas, my lady," Takano said, giving her a sad smile. "My duties lie here in the capital. Your esteemed father, the August Son of Heaven, has made it quite clear he desires my presence. I cannot deny him."
Reiko did not respond, looking down at the table. Takano, for his part, sat and sipped his tea patiently. The girl took her cup in both hands and blew on it, cooling it down so she could take a drink. They stayed that way for some time, just sitting and drinking tea.
"Will you tell me a story?" Reiko asked at last. "I'll be leaving at the week's end, and I won't be able to hear any more for a long time."
"Of course, Toturi-sama," Takano replied. "What story would you like? Should I give you tales of the Crab hero, Hiruma Sosuke, or perhaps stories of the adventurous Ronin Usagi? You have always been quite fond of those."
"I've heard them before," Reiko said, shaking her head. "I want something different."
"Well," Takano said, looking to the side and rubbing the back of his head with one hand. "I would always tell you some tales of my own youth…"
"I've heard those too," Reiko said, putting down her cup with as much force as her little arms could muster. "If this is the last time I'll get to hear one of your stories, I want one I've not heard before."
"Something different…" Takano mused, cupping his chin in thought. Then, suddenly, he looked up with a smile. "Ah, I believe I have one." He leaned forward, grinning wide. "This is a story that was told to me when I was a child. A story of adventure, mystery and intrigue! For you, my lady Toturi Reiko-sama, I will tell the tale of the Heroes of Naishou!"
o\O/o
The wind that blew over the Taru Mountains was cold and biting, though the people who lived there were long used to its chill. That breeze continued its journey across those peaks and into Nobu Valley below. Perhaps some within those more temperate climes shuddered with its passing, or perhaps they ignored it and kept to their labors.
It would not be surprising if they did, for life within their quiet province had been anything but ordinary these last few months. Armies camped all across the lands of their ancestors, waiting for the call to battle once more. Well remembered were those first few hectic weeks of combat before the arrival of the Imperial Governor, and if the people had not shuddered at the wind they surely did in memory of that awful bloodshed.
That blood could easily flow again across the fertile soil of Naishou province. Only the presence of Miya Anshou, and the army of Lion Samurai at his command, kept the forces of the Crane and Scorpion in check. The two armies would have enjoyed nothing more than to come to grips again, but neither would go against the word of the Emperor. Such a thing would be sacrilege of the highest degree, a slight against the very order of things. And so, they waited for the Governor to make his verdict on who would claim ownership of this land.
The wind blew across the farms and plains until coming to an end at the grand city of Toshi no Naishou. Though, in truth, the breeze did not cease there. There were no endings nor beginnings to the wind, just as there were no endings to the Kharmic Wheel. But for now, at least, it was an ending. And at this ending, so too was there a beginning.
Past the bustling streets of Toshi no Naishou, where Samurai, merchant and commoner alike went about their business, lay the grand castle of the Governor. Set atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Itochu River, the four-story structure was easily the largest building within the city. In the early morning light its bright red roof tiles seemed ablaze, and its white walls were blinding with their reflective brilliance. It was almost as if the sun itself had come down from the Heavens to touch the palace with its splendor.
Within that wondrous structure, deep inside its heart, Miya Anshou rested upon his throne. He was a tall man, but held a reserved countenance. He always seemed to be thinking about something, considering one notion or another. And now, at this time, he was considering the six figures before him.
They were a varied lot, the color of their robes showing them of four different Great Clans. Their arms and armor had been removed before given entry into his audience chamber, of course. Even so humbled, the group seemed to radiate potential. One looking at only their youth would miss the value these six held, a mistake by any measure, and not something that a man so astute as Miya Anshou would be taken in by.
They had sat there kneeling for almost five minutes now as the Governor looked upon them. Was he judging them, considering their worthiness, or was it perhaps some other matter he considered as he gazed at the assembled Samurai? None but Miya Anshou himself could say, and he did not reveal his thoughts upon his face.
"Honored Samurai," he said at last, motioning for the group to raise their heads and sit comfortably. "I am grateful that you have answered my call for aid, and that your Clans have been so generous as to offer me your time on this troubling matter. It makes my heart soar to see such diligence and respect given during these trying times."
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