The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

For several days Tatsuo lingers at the village, then gathers his things and mounts up. He heads southeast toward the capital city, Dojyu. It takes him several days to reach the city, but he stops short of it going instead to the ancestral ranch where he is met by his grandfather, aunt and the besshikime Drasta. He spends a few days there alone wandering the 100-acre ranch. After three days he stops at the grave of his grandmother.

He meditates over it asking, “What would you do with this choice given?”

There is no reply, still he lingers over it for several hours until a hand comes down on his shoulder. “Troubles lord Uesuki?”

He turns his head slightly to see his grandfather beside him. A tall westerner and former knight. He turns and bows slightly. His grandfather chuckles, “You are the lord here, Tatsuo not I.”

“You are still my host grandfather.”

“Hm, I do not think I will ever get all your customs right. None the less, what troubles you so that you come all the way here?”

“I keep thinking what would she do if given the choice between staying home and protecting her people or becoming an ambassador to the west. What would she do?”

“Ah, So that’s it.” His grandfather stares at the grave for a long moment then looks back at him. “Like most of your countrymen here, Miwa well. Miwa never had a choice. Fate guided every aspect of her life from her birth. Becoming Onna-bugeisha, marrying her first husband, even her banishment and becoming an ambassador. When I heard that she was up for marriage. I tried to buy her myself and after both the Barasume clan and the emperor approved she was mine. I consider myself lucky to have known such a woman.

But you, you have a choice. That’s a rare gift in these lands, son. So now you must think. Is it more important to you to gain the favor of the emperor by being ambassador to which you may succeed or fail at? Or is it more important to you to protect and guide your own people? Not an easy choice but you have that choice.”

“I still don’t know, grandfather.”

“You are a fine lawyer and debater Tatsuo. When your three-month morning time is over and the time comes, you must choose. Think about two things. First: Where do you think you will be happiest. Second: To which job would fit your talents best. I cannot answer those questions for you. You must find them within yourself. But I can guide you on how you come to your conclusion so that you choose with confidence and understanding.”

Tatsuo smiles softly, turns and bows to his grandfather. “Thank you.”

His grandfather grunts with a smile. You’ll do ok.” They hear the clash of steel on steel and slowly walk toward the practice grounds. Tatsuo keeps his grandfather’s pace now that the man is getting up in age. They find Aunt Takara running combat routines with several apprentice hummingbirds. His grandfather muses, “Be nice to see the Dragonfly back at practicing.” It jolts an old memory up in Tatsuo’s mind.

The year Tatsuo is 14. He’s still having trouble with his martial training. He is growing stronger and can now avoid most standard hummingbird attacks, but his own attacks and counterstrikes are lagging far behind and easily parried. Miwa is as frustrated as ever as she watches him practice with girls a year or two younger than he is. She looks at Drasta who gives a nod. “Not quite the progress expected.”

The ambassador sighs and looks around. “We need inspiration. The three of us shall ride.” She cries out, “TATSUO MOUNT UP!” The three of them mount their steeds. Miwa leads them out into the countryside. She constantly looks around commenting mostly to herself, “We are looking for inspiration.”

Tatsuo looks to the besshikime, “What does that mean?”

“Exactly as stated young one. We are searching for something that piques a curiosity to inspire. Perhaps even something no even known until seen” Drasta replies.

Since Miwa brought hummingbirds to Kozakura, they have spread through the years and now nest several miles around the ranch in every direction including the capital city itself. As They guide the horses around the mountain streams and small lakes Drasta catches something with her sharp eyes.

She sees a rather sick looking hummingbird with a broken beak trying to drink from a flower. Something hits it fast and hard. It’s a dragonfly. The hummingbird falls to the ground and the dragonfly swoops down and lands on it. The dragonfly begins to feed. “My lady. She gestures to the scene. “Perhaps?”

Miwa stops her horse, gets down and walks slowly to where Drasta is pointing. She tries not to disturb what is going on. As she watches she asks, "How did this happen?"

“The bird was weak, and the dragonfly took that as its advantage swiftly and precisely.” Drasta observes.

Miwa purses her lips and considers the scene for a moment then says, "We need to find the nearest lake. Let us backtrack."

They ride to a small lake where there are dozens of dragonflies. As they watch, they see how the insects hunt. The dragonflies seem to have a sort of a premonition of how the other insects are going to try to avoid them as if the dragonflies see a moment into the future.

While watching, Drasta comments quietly, “Similar… Though different.”

As the dragonflies attack the bees, wasps, horseflies and other insects the bugs try to dodge but the dragonflies anticipate the move and shred the insects apart as they fly by them catching a bit of it and eating it in midair. Miwa studies them intently. “They do not stop and completely tear the others apart as they hit them… Where a hummingbird hovers darts in and out. The dragonflies always seem to know how their opponents are going to move. How do we use that?”

“Fluid yet aggressive…” Drasta ponders a moment look over Tatsuo. “Perhaps they study their prey as one could with combat techniques to know what will come next... And so, they know exactly when to strike for the most effect.”

Miwa nods and thinks. "Tatsuo will be stronger than the women given time and faster but he can’t stop and start again as quickly as one of the women. That's men's downfall. Their higher stance limits their flexibility. That's what the hummingbird style takes advantage of.

He has learned to avoid those very moves with short steps side to side forward and backward. Very much like we see here. So............. Strength and sheer speed to tear through an opponent...... It would be perfect in mass battle to tear through a line but what about single combat?"

“Single combat...I feel if the precision was as true as my arrowhead hitting its target there would be little combat to happen.” Drasta chuckles.

Miwa considers a long time on that then looks back at Tatsuo. "I know what to do now. Tatsuo, we will develop a new style for you. Though you will be in the hummingbird group you will not train as a hummingbird. You and I will invent a new style. The dragonfly style."

Tatsuo shrugs, "I just hope it doesn’t hurt as much as the hummingbird style." Drasta snickers a slight amount from his comment.

Miwa grins, "It will hurt, Tatsuo. It will certainly hurt but you will have more say into how you train as we will both be making it."

Tatsuo nods, "Now that seems interesting. Something I can put my heart into."

Miwa nods, "Lets ride. We have found what we are looking for." They ride back to the ranch it’s night when they come through the gates.

For most of the summer Tatsuo trains under the direction of Miwa. Progress is slow at first but then picks up. Soon Tatsuo is a match for the girls his own age and starts to win challenges as the girls try to keep up with this new style.

Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

A few days later Tatsuo is sitting by a fire with a bottle of shasta when Takara and half a dozen of the younger trainees come in. Drasta as always is following behind Takara now that the elf is her besshikime. Takara bows to him along with all the girls. He gets up and recognizes them.

They all sit down Takara and Drasta with their backs against the fire and the girls facing them. Tatsuo moves his chair back and listens as Tamara and Drasta tell them stories of the great battles of the past the hummingbirds were involved in. He muses over it. A few of those battles he participated in. He sighs softly when they come up so that no one hears.

After the third story one of the girls turns her head and stares at him. “Lord Uesuki? They say you are the Dragonfly. Is it true?”

Tatsuo smiles softly. “All of you are in hummingbird training. Though some of you will not finish, I think it’s ok that you know. It is a secret as with all hummingbirds. No one is supposed to know our true identities except those here at the farm, the emperor, and a select few of his personal advisors. Remember that but yes, I am the Dragonfly.”

Another girl asks, “They say you can rip through a line like a hot knife threw butter. That no one can stand in your way. That you completely shred enemy soldiers that try to fight you. Is it true?”

Tatsuo takes some time to respond but he does, “Well, there are many things that can stop me dead in my tracks so not completely true. I was trained to penetrate the line so that the hummingbirds… all of you can come in behind and do what you do best. That is to hit and move, hit and move. A man can’t stop and start, spin and counter like a woman so I cut straight through the line so you can get into the secondary and devastate it with your teams. Does that make sense to you girls?”

Some of them nod and some are unsure. He smiles and continues, “You will all learn it in time.”

Another looks at him strangely then asks, “They say you took your first heads at 14 just as Hojo Miwa did. Is that true?”

Tatsuo frowns, showing emotion but recovers quickly. “I honestly don’t remember that night. I know that I took two lives but do not remember the fight or taking their heads. I have tried… It’s a blank. I’m sorry.”

Tamara saves him, “Unlike most of us, Lord Uesuki is a follower of the Path. Though he dislikes taking lives he knows the necessity of it all and does his duty for emperor and country.”

Tatsuo nods, “I am samurai and know my duty. I defend and protect all of you, my teammates, in war and in peace. I can recollect all my other kills but not the ones from that night. Perhaps Drasta can recount that night. The night the farm was attacked.”

They all turn to Drasta. One asks, “Could you tell us the story, Everyoung?”

Drasta smiles and tells the tale:

“Fall had come, and the leaves had turned. It was a new moon just after the first snow. The compound was quiet. I was awakened by something then… A scream! I rushed out of my room immediately drawing my blades and dashing into shadow.

Straight out of the villa and toward the barracks I ran. I heard disjointed blade fighting coming from near there. As I close in, the door is thrown open, and I see a hummingbird trainee kicking a man out. He’s wearing a ninja outfit and wielding a ninja-to.”

One of the girls shakes her fist in the air, “Yay! They can’t stop us!”

Drasta smiles and continues, “The very next step I take to support them I feel a pain in my shoulder. The hook of a kusarigama had sunk into it. A man is trying to pull me to him. I use my void abilities to disappear and reappear behind him putting my blade into his ribs with deadly precision. I easily dispatch him and pull the weapon from my shoulder quickly downing a potion to heal myself.

I looked around and start to hear fighting in the Villa. I see and smell smoke coming from one of the horse barns and the frightened neighs of horses. I had to decide to either get to my lady’s side or try to save the horses and barn. I knew Miwa could handle herself. I enspelled my rapier and headed to the barn.

Going through the door I find a small fire has been started at the hay stacks. The horses are in complete confusion and fear. Seeing there is some time to put out the fire I head full tilt to the alarm bell hanging just outside the doors. But something happens!”

One of the girls shouts out, “What happened.”

“I catch three small flashes out of the corner of my eye. Shurikens! I managed to avoid them. I turn my head back to the barn and see a form step into shadows. I then saw one of the shurikens stuck to the doorframe. I know someone is in the barn with me.”

I sheath my sword and draw out my bow quickly sending a tracking arrow in that direction knowing the target is close enough. With the tracking arrow loose, I bolted through the doors and ring the alarm. I look around and find the fighting has spread into the yard between the barracks and the villa. There are both dead hummingbirds and ninjas here and there. Two more shurikens fly past me one embeds itself in my armor, nicking my back but it’s just a scratch.”

One of the girls asks, “What’s a tracking arrow.”

Drasta winks and continues. “I then looked over the field thinking to myself bringing my bow back over the fighting with a split headed arrow. ‘Some days this job is even better than the last.’ I let loose the arrow. It splits into a hail of arrows. I reload another split head arrow and send it out behind me.

Several ninja in front of me go down dead or severely wounded. The one throwing shurikens at me went down but starts to crawl a few feet then he disappears in plain sight. I see to my side that 4 full fledge hummingbirds make the scene. They take on both wounded and healthy ninja working in teams of two. One hitting and bouncing to the next to maim the enemy and the next finishing the job.”

All the girls shout, “YAY! HUMMINGBIRDS DANCING FROM FLOWER TO FLOWER!”

Drasta chuckles and continues her tale. “I hear something behind me. I look to see the ninja I wounded on the ground, and another comes out of the shadows. He draws a ninja-to and slits the first’s neck. The healthy one then draws a tanto with his other hand. He smiles at me and steps into the shadows.

After a moment I sense something and take a dodging step just in time to see his sword pass by my chest. I go to take his leg off with a hidden blade, but he somehow blocks it and steps into shadow again. I close my eyes and listen patiently for any step or the smallest noise, gripping my blade. I block out all other sound for a moment thinking like Tatsuo and how Miwa was training him.”

One of the girls covers her mouth with both her hands and her eyes go wide. “You used Dragonfly form?”

Drasta laughs and looks at Tatsuo, “I did.” She continues. “I look around. The smoke from the barn is getting thicker. The hummingbirds are all still engaged. I take a step toward the barn waiting for the next attack. As I do Kyo, Tatsuo’s sister comes up with blood all over her running. I also here the swish as a blade sweeps past me. The ninja just a step behind. Kyo screams out, “Take him out! I’ll get the horses!”

One of the girls yells out, “Yay! Kyo.” Some of the others look at her strangely. One whispers to her, and she quiets down. Tatsuo looks concerned and takes a sip of his shasta.

Drasta waits a moment for everything to quiet down and continues. “I turn to face the last direction of attack and touch my amulet giving me better vision. I shout out, ‘Come let us duel!’ As I look, I see a shadowy form twenty feet to my right studying me. It seems to sense something and disappears reappearing 20 feet to my front. It had void jumped!”

One of the girls raises her hand. “Is that a ninja trick?”

Drasta chuckles and then looks mysterious like, “It’s a master ninja trick!”

Several of the girls quietly say, “Ahhh…”

I chuckle at the form a bit and say, 'It has been too long since I’ve had a real challenge.' Then I void jump to face him with sword drawn.”

One of the girls raises her hand, “Are you a ninja, Everyoung?”

Drasta smiles, “No, no but I had… special training. I would never be a besshikime if I were a ninja. I would be a ninja and an enemy to the realm. “Now where was I… Oh, yes.

He parries my swings with ninja-to and tanto. We trade blows for a minute then two. Attack, counter, counterattack! He draws a thin line of blood across the back of my forearm and says, ‘You are my target… Drasta! As he says it, horses start to charge out of the barn. Kyo is releasing them.

I give a chuckle to the ninja. ‘Oh, the old ones have sent me prey.’ My body now surges with energy of the old ones. The horses charge by us but both I and the ninja easily maneuver around them. We trade blows again. As we do, he smiles, 'Oh my poor apprentice. You know I must avenge him.' I take advantage and nick him across the collar bone.

We dual another minute then two. I finally got a good strike into his ribs. He drops his tanto and flicks his wrist. The air fills with thick smoke. He void jumps. I rush out of the smoke and see him start to run away but he drops. My magic blade had finished him. He just didn’t know it.”

One of the girls asks, “What kind of magic is that?”

Drasta smiles, “It’s fey magic. I void-jump over his body to make sure he’s dead. I hear the fighting slowly dying down. I look to see the bodies throughout the yard. Most are ninjas but there are a few hummingbirds as well. Kyo runs out. Her hands are badly burned but she’s still on her feet. ‘I got all of them but four.’ She says to me.

I next head to the villa to see who I can help and who I can bandage and to make sure all heads are counted for. I go back to the villa and the first person I find is Tatsuo. He’s 14 like you said. He is on his butt holding a katana and wakizashi. He had disemboweled and dismembered two of the ninjas and he was in complete shock. He looked at me and said, ‘I killed them. I killed them both.' Then he just turns his head and looks back at his weapons with a dazed look in his eyes.”

All the girls look at Tatsuo. He says, “That’s the way she tells it every time.”

Drasta smiles and continues, “I give him a nod and say, ‘You did what needed to be done and survived. Come we need to check on the others as well, it is our duty.’ He doesn’t move. He just keeps staring at his two blades and says, ‘I killed them.’

I pull him up to his feet and say, ‘We need to move.’ He follows me still in shock with a dazed look on his face. We find dead maids the cook with his head off. When we get to Lady Miwa’s room, we see the place is completely trashed. Miwa has several wounds though they were light and healing. She’s tending to her husband that has a deep wound in his bicep. His sword and shield have blood all over them.

There are dozens of bodies in the room. Two are almost completely incinerated. They looked like blackened husks. The lady of course doesn’t hesitate while wrapping her husband’s arm. She asked, ‘What’s the damage?’

I tell her, ‘We lost some… birds and one of the barns.’ She then asks, ‘Who were they.’

All the girls say in unison, “The Red Sunset!”

Drasta smiles, “I wasn’t sure at the time. Her husband starts to complain ‘Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! not to tight!’ Miwa looks at him and pulls the knot tighter. ‘Baby!’ He responds, ‘Gods! You are so mean sometimes.’

The girls all giggle. Drasta smiles and continues. “I hand him a healing potion and say, ‘The attackers have been taken care of… Though one said their task was myself and had my jump.’

Miwa nods to me, ‘As you can see, we also seem to be a target. We need to know why.’

I reply, ‘I could search the bodies if you wish.’ She nods to me. I place Tatsuo against a wall in the room and say to him, ‘Sit! Calm!’

The girls all giggle and look at Tatsuo. He shrugs, “Like I said I really don’t remember that night at all. I was 14 after all.”

Drasta continues, “I search all the bodies. They all seemed to be ninja by weapons and clothing. I also found a symbol, and you know that symbol now, don’t you?”

All the girls say, “The Red Sunset!”

“I cut one of the symbols off of the clothing and bring it to Lady Miwa. She did not know it. It wasn’t a clan mon. Perhaps a new organization. She was unsure and asked me what I thought. I was still unsure, myself. Then she brought up something from the year before.

Tatsuo and I did some research, and I overheard something about a new ninja clan… The Red Sunset. Miwa nodded to me and said, ‘We will need to know more about this Red Sunset.’

I nodded but priorities came first. We took care of the hummingbirds first because we knew that if it is a ninja organization they will be highly secretive and hard to infiltrate. It seems the targets were the hummingbirds, Miwa and me. We also knew that if they knew about the hummingbirds’ information they had to have been leaked from the highest levels of the imperial court. There was no other place where it could have come from.

In the end there were 7 hummingbird apprentices, 4 hummingbirds, most of the staff, and 35 ninja dead in various places where fighting took place. We did our best in a bad situation and staved off greater losses.

When I came back to report I looked down at Tatsuo and asked, ‘What would you have me do for the time?’

Miwa looked at him and sighed, ‘First kills are always the hardest and he is a tender boy. Soft of heart. There is something to be appreciated in it but not in war. Put him to bed. Watch over him. He'll come through the shock eventually. Next time it will be different... At least I hope.’

And it was different. Since that night our Dragonfly has served with distinction and honor. He is the best of us. Far better than most in that his heart is pure and he only kills to defend his girls and the empire.”

Tatsuo smiles as Drasta finishes. The girls all get up and bow to him. He stands and recognizes them. “I do my best.”

Takara takes the pause to herd them to bed. Then comes back. The three of them sit on the couch enjoying the silence of the night and the comfort of a deep friendship only battle companions know.


Story by MaxPd and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Tatsuo is back home and at his father’s home alone sitting on a mat on the porch watching his people. He has a pot of tea beside him. The leaves are showing color as it is early fall and there is a light breeze coming from the south warming the village. Large cumulus clouds dot the sky.

He hears a whole herd of large horses coming from the north. He cannot see them yet but knows the trail leads to his home first and then the village below. He waits. The beating of hooves get louder and louder. As he listens, he picks out that they are heavy horses not so burdened, but the horses themselves are quite large specimens. Soon enough he sees his mother, His aunt Takara, her besshikime and three young women of ages 16 or 17, all dressed in fine clothing behind them, come into the yard. He narrows his eyes as he can plainly see there is plotting going on.

As all the ladies stable their horses he stands and makes himself ready. As they dismount, they gaggle together all of them including Drasta have ceramic pots or a jug. He takes a deep breath and sighs to himself thinking, ‘Girls at least try to hide it all. Such bad tactics.’ As they finally ready themselves and walk across the yard to him he is the first to speak with a smile. “I see I am surrounded and outnumbered. I must surrender honorably to an overwhelming force.”

Two of the girls giggle and whisper to each other. His mother bows. “Greetings lord Uesuki, son. I have brought guests for dinner. Your aunt Takara, Her Besshikime Drasta, The fourth daughter of Daimyo Barasume, Avaka, The second daughter of Daimyo Iwari, Mai, and the 2nd daughter of Daimyo Tohiki, Momo.

He recognizes them all, “My condolences lady Momo. Three daughters of three Daimyos how interesting. Well as I have surrendered with honor. My home is yours, ladies.” He steps aside. They move into the kitchen.

As Momo passes, she turns to him and bows. “Thank you, your kindness.”

Tatsuo nods, “I wish I could have come sooner, my lady. Fate decreed I was not.” She bows and goes into the kitchen with the others.

Shortly after he is called to dine with the girls. Somehow the traditional set up does not take place. He sits on a mat at the head of the table, but the three daughters are surrounding him. Drasta smirks as he sits down and so does his mother. As they eat small talk erupts around the table. He finds the main course is giant squid he comments, “What village managed to get such an exquisite delicacy?”

Barasume Avaka says, “The village of Tokori-mura caught the beast. They only lost two fishing boats and 3 lives. The others were able to avoid the giant’s tentacles and beak.”

Tatsuo nods, “I will say a prayer for the lost souls.”

Mai looks around, “So, lord Uesuki… Tatsuo. I hear you are quite the experienced swordsman.”

Tatsuo almost snorts his tea through his nose, but he recovers. “I’ve seen my share of battles if that is what you mean Lady Mai.”

Drasta still remarks, “I’m surprised his sword remains unbroken with his experience.”

Tatsuo looks suddenly very uncomfortable. His cheeks rose up a bit. Mia turns to the besshikime, “It must truly be a mighty weapon.”

Drasta smirks and nods, “A strong and sturdy weapon. I should know. I was there for his first battle.”

Tatsuo pleads to his mother silently with his eyes, but his mother will have none off it. She appraises the girls carefully and says. “Our lord Uesuki does have a good weapon. I know I raised him…. I think it’s time for some Shasta. What do you say, girls.”

They giggle, and nod to her. She gets up and goes to the kitchen picking up drinking bowls and two large jugs. She sets a bowl down beside each person pouring Shasta into each and setting them down at the ends of the table.

Avaka looks at Drasta, “You were there for his first battle? That must have been quite interesting.”

Drasta laughs, “I was there but he did not engage in battle with me. Let us say his first engagement was quite a failure because of me. Then well. Who should tell the tale for Hikari and Takara know it well enough too. After all a mother has to be told of a sons first engagement.”

Hikari looks at her son. He puts his hands to his face and shakes his head. She grins. “I will tell it as Besshikime Drasta and Hojo Miwa told it to me and as if you are all there and we are watching the scene how is that?”

Tatsuo just hangs his head for the inevitable as his own mother tells the tale.

Tatsuo was training at the Hojo ranch, and he was 15 years old. He had completed his tests to become a lawyer and had started representing clients under his grandmother’s guidance only one a month, but it was a start. Spring came early that year then late-spring blossomed with many flowers. The cherry trees were ripe with blossoms. It was that time of the year.

Drasta goes to the bathhouse one day and finds Tatsuo and one of the girl trainees in the bath together. She’s practically on top of him and they are kissing. As soon as Tatsuo spots her he practically throws the girl to the other side of the bath and pretends nothing went on. She starts to scrub herself as if she had been doing it all along.

Drasta half smirks, “Now, now what do we have here. Interesting.”

Tatsuo says, "Training makes me sweat so much, and all that rolling around in the dirt. Just getting a good wash."

“I see never less my eyes and ears betray what was heard and seen perhaps.” The girl thinking that Drasta has decided not to talk breaths a sigh of relief. She like all trainees at the ranch is a nobleman’s daughter.

Drasta looks at Tatsuo. “I suggest you keep the training out of the bath house with the birds. I will make note of this and contemplate the actions. And yes, I will possibly be telling your grandmother.”

The girl is the one who speaks up while Tatsuo smirks just slightly, Please. Please don’t tell Honorable Hojo about this."

“There are rules for a reason I suggest you leave this room.” Then Drasta gestures to the girl then stares down Tatsuo. The girl takes off quickly, not even grabbing a towel or looking back She knows she’s in a shitload of trouble. Drasta lets her leave and says to Tatsuo, “You should not implicate the young girls in this way.” She shakes her head with a bit of shame, “What am I to do with you?”

Tatsuo, knowing he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar says, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Drasta. sure, we were kissing but it was just... practice."

Mai laughs, “Just practice. Sure!”

Avaka shushes her, “I want to hear this.”

Hikari continues on. “Drasta tells him, ‘Get dressed and get in front of your grandmother.’” He sighs and gets out of the tube trying to hide the rise. Drasta shakes her head, “Kissing only…” He towels himself off and gets dressed. She walks out of the room and waits outside making sure he goes then marches him to Hojo Miwa’s office. She happens to be doing paperwork.

Drasta bows, “My lady I apologize for this interruption today.”

Miwa stands and recognizes her, “What is it Drasta? You look a bit pained.”

“Perhaps though I found Tatsuo in the bath house with one of the birds. They were playing as I will say.”

Miwa blinks a moment confused then she gets it. “THEY WHAT! Who is the girl!”

“A promising young girl, Sayuri. I am unsure on how far the act was to point at the time of arrival.”

DAIMO ASAKURA’S DAUGHTER! I want her in there within three seconds! NOW!” She then stares- daggers at Tatsuo. "YOU STAY RIGHT WERE YOU ARE YOUNG MAN AT ATTENTION AND DO NOT MOVE!"

It doesn’t take long for Drasta to find the girl hiding under her bed. She has to drag her out and then she void jumps Sayuri to Miwa’s office. Miwa is currently holding a file in her hand and reading Tatsuo the riot act. He doesn't look happy at all. She's practically screaming at him about how inappropriate it is to be with an unwed noblewoman. As soon as Sayuri and Drasta port into the office she stops and looks at the girl who is cowering something awful. Drasta takes a step back as Miwa immediately lays into her, "DID HE BREAK YOUR SEAL!"

"I...…. I.......'whimper.'"

Miwa Slaps her. Tatsuo cringes. "DID HE BREAK YOUR SEAL? ANSWER ME!"

The girl shakes her head, "No."

Miwa is still fuming. She slaps the girl with her free hand and points her other hand with the folder at Tatsuo. "I understand him. He's a man and can't control himself but You! You are the daughter of a Daimyo. How many times do you need to hear that only your father can say who you are with and that seal is your only protection from being cast a peasant! I can't believe this is happening. How dumb can you be to throw away all this training! You are a disgrace Sayuri, and very lucky Drasta caught you!" The folder suddenly erupts with fire and starts to burn. Miwa walks over to the fireplace and throws it forcibly in. She comes right back. and slaps the girl again.

She looks Sayuri up and down. "Go to the barracks. You are not to be in any ceremony that includes men for the rest of your training. If you even look at a man sideways, I will cloister you until you become Onna bugeisha! This will not happen again. Now get out of my sight and too the barracks you will stay there until Tamara decides what to do with you next!"

Drasta steps away from the door and nods to Miwa. The girl runs out the door crying. Miwa stares down Tatsuo. He's trembling. "YOU! I know exactly what to do with you. But let me tell you something Tatsuo! IF YOU EVERY TOUCH ONE OF THE HUMMINGBIRDS AGAIN I WILL CUT YOUR HEAD OFF MYSELF AND POST IT IN THE FRONT YARD. BOTH YOUR HEADS! GOT IT!"

Momo sucks in her breath. “She wouldn’t have actually done that would she?”

Takara shakes her head, “Mother was a woman of her word always if she says it, she would do it. She could be scarier than a dragon. It was her eyes when she got angry or ready for battle there was a small bit of insanity to them, a bloodlust. Mother wasn’t an evil woman but wo any in her path when she got angry.”

Hikari nods and continues her story.

Tatsuo is visibly shaking and just nods. Miwa goes to her desk and opens a drawer. She pulls out a sizable bag of coin. "Drasta."

Drasta warily approaches Miwa. She had never seen her matriarch and friend heat up so much that something in her hand instantaneously combusted before. “Yes, Miwa?”

"Take this coin and one of the horses. March this idiot down to one of the teahouses in the city. He marches! You ride. He stays in that teahouse until his knees buckle. Then after they drag him out march him back. I don't care if he has to crawl. That will teach him not to mess with a nobleman's daughter until he is married!"

Drasta smiles, “This will be a good lesson for him. Am I to stand guard of his room from the inside or outside.”

Miwa looks at her. “Just make sure its nonstop until he’s too exhausted and sore to be lucid."

“I understand.” She looks at Tatsuo. “I will be sure he is worn and uncomfortable.”

"Good!" Miwa turns her back on Tatsuo.

Drasta gets a horse and starts to march him down the road to the capital city of Dojyu. Tatsuo shifts his mood to between downtrodden and slightly smirky the whole time he walks beside the horse. She takes him to the closest that she knows is the best one as she herself hits them every time she’s in the city. She goes to one of her favorites.

Drasta and Tatsuo come in. Tatsuo stands somewhat behind. The madam comes out. “Oh, Drasta my dear, what will it be tonight?”

“Afraid not for me today though I will need a room for this one.” She pulls him forward. “A lesson needs to be taught.”

The woman blinks, “And who is this?”

“Are the lovely younger ones free?” I think we need the most energy. “This is Tatsuo. He is coming of age and broke a rule.”

"What rule? There are very few rules in the empire?"

Drasta snickers, “He was caught being a young man in an inappropriate act. I was told to bring him here and decided to choose my favorite place to break him. Would you like to explain Tatsuo?”

The woman looks at her quizzically, “Being a young man is ok.”

Tatsuo shrugs, “I well was in the bath, and well I and Daimyo Asakura's daughter get along really well.”

Drasta sighs in annoyance. The madam’s eyes go wide, “Oh shit!” She turns to Drasta. “Did he?”

“No.” Drasta then hands her a bag of coin. “I am sure I have the house with this.”

The madam asks, “What is your name son?”

“Uesuki Tatsuo.”

The madam blinks again as she realizes the coin that may be involved and turns to Drasta. “This is Hojo Miwa’s grandson?”

Drasta places a hand on her lip for quiet. “Best not to say that to too many.”

The madam narrows her eyes and walks into the common room. "Oh girls! I need you, you, you and Aya, yes you. I would like you 4 girls to entertain this young man. Until he can't anymore." The 4 girls walk up quite submissively at first then they get a look at Tatsuo who actually is a handsome specimen, and his dragonfly training makes him all the more pleasing. Their expressions change to that of a pride of lionesses sizing up a juicy water buffalo.

Drasta smirks and goes with the girls to find a room. Once the do the four girls just about drag him in. One of them puts her finger on her lips and closes the door leaving Drasta outside. With a half-smile Drasta waits outside muttering to herself about how dumb Tatsuo is. A chair is provided for her.

For the next three hours there's a whole bunch of gowning and merriment Drasta can hear through the door. After that, one of the girls comes out and goes into another room. When she returns, she has a rather large phallic toy in her hands. She winks at the besshikime. "It seems the fountain has dried up. We can fix that."

Drasta laughs so hard tears come to her eyes. She cries out, “Good!”

Shortly thereafter there is some protesting and a bit of howling but the merriment from the girls’ crescendos. It lasts for another two hours, and the girls finally step out one by one. All of them have quite the smiles on their faces. Drasta smiles to each of them and says, “Maybe I will see you next time I am here.”

One of the girls stops and waves with a wink. Drasta steps into the room looking at him for eye contact, “Are you alive still?”

He’s lying on his stomach nearly passed out. Drasta unstraps a piece of her armor letting it hit the floor and kneels in front of his face, “Another round?”

“Agh! Do you know what they did to me?”

She unstraps another piece of armor letting thud next to him.

He nearly sobs. “Not you too……… Agh!”

“I think you have learned your lesson. Get up we're leaving.” She feels he is sufficiently drained and picks up her amour and waits by the door. “Quickly I do not care if you are naked or not. We are leaving.” He gets up quite wobbly and dresses. He doesn't dress well but he makes it and stumbles out the door. Drasta adds, “Next time It will me you need to keep up with if I catch you again.”

He sighs, “Let’s go. It’s a very long walk.”

“Yes. It will be for you.”

She heads towards the entrance and smiles at the matron bringing over 1000 gold. “Can you send my favorite with us for a few days.” The madam nods and gets the girl.

The trip back is much longer. Tatsuo has to stop several times and sit down. In sitting down, he sighs because even sitting down he finds he is sore in several areas not normally sore at all. Drasta only lets him rest for 5 minutes at a time. The three of them finally make it back to the farm and he has to crawl onto his sleeping mat. He’s asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. Drasta takes the girl to her room and smiles, “Hello darling.”

Morning comes in due time. Drasta gets to Tatsuo’s room as the sun rises. He finally stumbles out. She says, “Come to the office.”

"My legs are still weak, and my butt is so sore."

“I hope you learned.”

They go to the office. Miwa is there trying to piece together the case file she burned from her notes. Drasta bows. “My lady.” She pushes Tatsuo forward as he stumbles. “I think he was worn well.” Miwa looks up stands and recognizes her. Drasta continues. “I believe he withstood four hours and the best girls available. I took him to the place I visit. Or was it six?” She chuckles.

Miwa purses her lips and says, “I have thought about what to do. If I ever hear of you messing around with a hummingbird trainee, Tatsuo. Your training here will be over. Furthermore, I will send you penniless to apprentice under a Samurai where you will have to perform sexual favors to him as payment. You will not be the dragonfly. If you have needs, you will go to a tea house. That's what unmarried men do. You understand!"

Tatsuo clears his throat uncomfortably, "Yes, grandmother."

"Now, get out of my sight and go train." Tatsuo bows and leaves.

Drasta moves aside as he walks stiffly out of the office. “Is there anything else I can do Miwa?”

"Just keep your eye on him from now on. Theres lots of women here and few men. I don't want these girls to..........to go through what my sister went through."

Drasta nods, “I will have a guest for a few days so you know there will be another in my room.”

She nods "It’s unfair I know but noblewomen are more the pawn than any peasant in these things. It's just how the world is."

Drasta chuckles thinking on her words, “If you feel he is going to be a problem you can send him there as well.” She then sighs, “Yes and is a shame that this nearly happened. I will keep eyes on the boy and have trusted birds posted when I am not near.”

"It's my fault. He has come of age, and I wasn't looking for it. So, it became inevitable." Miwa pauses and says, "Good."

“Yes, but this is why we have our rules. He must abide by them as much as any of the girls.” Miwa nods as Drasta now continues, “It is a difficult thing we must down deal with. I will let you work and make sure he is behaving.”

"I'm getting some reports from the north I may send the two of you to investigate in the weeks ahead." Miwa replies.

Drasta nods, “Of course.”

“And that is the story of Tatsuo’s first real battle.” Nao says. “According to Drasta and Takara.”

Tatsuo just covers his eyes as the Daimyo’s daughters all giggle.”

Tatsuo's face is beet red, “Please girls could we move on from the most embarrassing moment of my life.”

All the women laugh and then toast him.


Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPD

[Winterhawk99]

The next day Tatsuo packs up his riding and camping gear on his own horse. Takara comes out. “Dragonfly?”

He looks back. “Yes, Takara?”

“What are you doing?”

“Before I make a final decision, I wish to visit an area to the north?”

“You are going there then. Would you mind escorting Momo?”

Tatsuo pauses Then nods. “I can.”

I’ll get her ready.

Tatsuo and Momo ride out. It will take them 10 days. During the first two they stay at an inns as the area becomes rural they have to camp at a rest station near an 8 million shrine to some local nature god. Momo makes tea and cooks while Tatsuo sets up two tents and minds the horses. He has been a perfect gentleman while riding with her.

After eating Momo produces a bottle of Sake and the two enjoy it across from each other with the fire in between. Momo asks, “Could you tell me the story of the first time you came to Shirawa-mura.”

“I guess I could, Lady Tohiki. We really did not do much but investigate as I remember. Are you sure?”

She nods. “I did not meet you and Hisoka that time. I just wanted to know what really happened.”

Tatsuo nods and tells the story, “A few days after what happened when I went to the teahouse My grandmother calls Drasta and myself into her office…

Drasta and Tatsuo bow. Miwa recognizes them. She has a folder in her hand. “After much research I found some things, we need to look into.” Drasta approaches her a bit closer as Miwa continues, “Taxes have not been paid for several years from a mountain village in the north called Shirawa-mura. The daimyo of that area has been reluctant to check on the village or his samurai that runs it. He cites yokai activity. It's also a rumor that the Red Sunset has been in that area. I want the two of you to investigate it."

Drasta smiles, “Of course. She then looks at Tatsuo. “Best we do this without being seen if there is something happening.” Tatsuo nods and goes and gets ready. Miwa gives Drasta a small folder with travel passes and authorizations. The elf smiles looking over the paperwork. “I hope this is not as bad as I think.”

Miwa nods, “Let us hope not.”

Drasta leaves the office and gathers her things. Tatsuo comes out with Katana, wakizashi, two tantos, two yumi and four sheaths of arrows. All the weapons are masterwork now. Drasta smiles. Her bow is strapped over her back and blades at each side but only the seen ones. “It would seem we are ready.” They commandeer two horses and start the journey.

They ride north. It is mid-summer. The horses have to stop frequency until they hit near the northern third of Kozakura. Here the air becomes cooler as the pair hit the temperate zone and make their way into the mountains. The horses have an easier time. The checkpoints are no problem, and the villages are getting smaller and smaller. no more than 20-50 houses and buildings. Drasta keeps her eyes peeled for anything not up to par but finds nothing.

After 10 days they stop at a larger town of perhaps 5,000 people. The daimyo holds court in a large wooden building. Tatsuo requests an audience showing travel papers and imperial authorization papers. They have to wait the night at the inn but have an audience the next day.

The next day they go into court. Drasta follows Tatsuo directly by his side and one step back. Tatsuo goes to the bench and bows while waiting. Drasta bows with him. They wait for the daimyo to recognize them. He is in his 40s. His name is Daimyo Tohiki and it looks like he only has one lawyer/advisor and two wives in attendance. The wives have no besshikimes, but the Daimyo himself has two samurai behind him.

He recognizes both of them. "Lord Uesuki and Besshikime of Hojo Miwa. An honor. What may I do for you?"

Drasta whispers in Tatsuo’s ear, “We are in your land and have questions before we continue our journey.” Unsure if she can speak to them directly.

Tatsuo nods and speaks. The Daimyo observes what is going on, “Lord Tohiki We were sent to investigate a village to the north that has not paid taxes in your prefect. Could we ask you some questions about Shirawa-mura?" Drasta meanwhile is watching the daimyo carefully.

He motions for his first wife to come to him. She stands from her pillow and walks over. They murmur to each other for a moment. Then she goes back to her pillow. He looks at the both of you. "Just from what I have seen you are still learning Lord Uesuki and this besshikime was sent to watch over you. Both of you may speak freely. This is far and away from the imperial courts and we are a practical people."

“What is it you know of the town that has gone noiseless.” Drasta asks.

"As far as Shirawa-mura. I have sent a dozen scouts into that area none have returned until the last which came back. The village was burned to the ground. In fact, even some of the stone foundations were melted in the fire. We suspect Yokai activity. There have been several patrols that have disappeared in that area over the past two years also. I have forbidden commoners from going near there for their own protection and since I have lost over 2 dozen samurai and men at arms, I also keep my own people out only sending out a scout or two from time to time. The last man I sent that came back was two months ago.”

Tatsuo's furrows his brows and thinks then asks, "May I and Drasta investigate ourselves?"

"Lord Uesuki. You are the one with authority here through imperial edict. Go if you must but be fairly warned. Yokai do not take prisoners." Tatsuo looks back at Drasta unsure.

Drasta blurts out, “And I do not either I am sure you have heard.”

The Daimyo sighs and nods. "I will provide you with a guide in the morn." Drasta gives him a firm nod to that. The pair go back to the inn.

In the morning, They are eating breakfast when a large woodsman walks into the inn. His brownish black hair comes down to his waist. He has a raggedy but full beard, and his eyes have a strange amber color to them. He looks around, "Lord Uesuki?"

Drasta looks to him firmly like she could kill him. The man ignores the look. Tatsuo raises his hand. “I am lord Uesuki.”

The large man bows slightly to both of them. "Akihiro. I will be your guide."

Drasta nods firmly, “Good.”

He says, “The village is 10 miles north east. I'll try to keep us out of trouble."

Drasta asks, “Have you seen anything concerning?”

"It’s not my usual territory. The village is more secluded and there are many dangers there. a group of Oni for one. I have taken some jaunts over the years. The villagers always mostly kept to themselves. Some of the animals they hunted did have unusual wounds that I recognize though. Let us stay that the wounds were not made by spears but rather weapons that are illicit in their nature."

“I see.” She looks to Tatsuo with some concern.

Tatsuo asks, “Shinobi or Yakuza?”

“I am unsure my lord however my best guess would be shinobi."

“Sounds like the day will be fun.” Drasta comments. Akihiro simple nods.

The three get prepared and step out of the inn. As soon as they do, the horses feign away from Akihiro. He looks them over. “Yours?” Drasta nods watching the movements and him. He continues after examining them. “I have never seen such fine horses, however its best you leave them in town. They will only hamper our movements."

“They get stolen you will have less of a village to look after.” Drasta reflects.

Akihiro smiles and says, “There are good people here. You need not worry."

They all set off on foot. He leads Drasta and Tatsuo north on a wagon trail. After about 4 hours the trail starts to become choked with weeds. They go another mile. Akihiro stops and smells the air. “Quickly to the side of the road and up into the trees."

Drasta suddenly grabs Tatsuo and void jumps halfway up a tree with him. The big man finds a sizable tree and climbs it to a high limb. They wait for about 8 to 10 minutes. A large band of ogre magi come up from the side of the road onto it. They are armed to the teeth. They mill about looking at the ground for some 20 minutes. A few look up the road on both sides. Then they continue past the three of you and up the hill into the denser forest. Drasta sighs with relief.

Akihiro waits another 20 minutes then climbs down. He looks up at the two of them. "It’s safe now." The pair climb down.

After another 2 hours they arrive in the burnt-out ruins of Shirawa-mura. There seems to be about 30 houses and one large burnt-out manor there. The homes are burnt down to their foundations.

Drasta looks around and comments, “This is not good to see, Tatsuo.”

He nods, "What do you think happened here?"

They head for a building looking around and studying the area carefully. As the Daimyo said, on some of the foundations, even the very stone is melted. Drasta looks around, “What was used is important.” They see no siege equipment. Drasta examines the part of the melted foundations.

As she looks at the melted part of the foundations, she sees that it forms a line across several homes at a time about 6 feet wide. So, there will be a melted wall on a home across both sides of the foundation and that line goes to the next then the next then the next home.

Tatsuo searching through the rubble says, “I found something.” Drasta and Akihiro walk over to see a small trunk. Within is a ninja-to, several dozen shurikens and two Kusarigama. Tatsuo looks in the distance to the and sees the manor is all but a shell but the walls on this building are still standing though the inside is all but a burnt-out shell.

Drasta purses her lips, “I am unsure if this is normal. This does not feel like a normal fire.”

Akihiro says, "It used to be a mining village there's a large quarry about a mile past the village.”

Tatsuo asks, "What kind of fire can melt stone?"

Drasta looks at him with a bit of fear in her eyes. Something he has rarely seen in the besshikime. She says, “Dragon fire.”

Tatsuo looks at her mystified, “Dragons do not breath fire.”

Drasta looks around but has the sense that they are not being watched at this time though she checks hard with her ears and eyes. That’s when Akihiro calls out, “Found something here.”

Tatsuo and Drasta approach the other foundations that Akihiro went searching through. As they do Drasta whispers to Tatsuo, “Magical fire is also possible.” They look to where he is pointing and see a perfectly square hole in the ground leading to a tunnel. Drasta looks in. The tunnel is large and well built. 3ft. wide and goes 6 ft. high with wooden mining supports, but directly below the hole is a burnt body. In fact, there is little left of the flesh, and the very skull is half melted from some form of fire.

Drasta climbs now and gestures the others to follow. The team starts to move through the tunnel. They find that it is a whole system of tunnels connecting every home and the manor there are also large chambers. There you find Red Sunset uniforms, weapons, smoke bombs. Alchemist fire, and other shinobi paraphernalia. Drasta looks around and says, “I understand now.”

They search each chamber for paperwork or anything else that might help them know what happen. They only come up with ledgers and inventory papers by the looks of it. Everything is in code. Drasta and Tatsuo keep any coded papers. Drasta comments, “This will take some time to figure out.”

As they finish, they find Some of the ways up to homes have rotten out ladders. Some of the ladders have become charred broken pieces but they find some that lead up that are still solid. They make their way up one of the good ladders and find themselves in about the middle of the village.

As they climb out the three of them walk out of the burned-out foundations and they notice something faint in the ground. It’s a faint but giant claw print and all three of them are standing in it. That’s when the birds stop chirping and all of them know they are now being watched.

Drasta freezes in place looking around, “Shit!”

Tatsuo blinks but doesn’t move, “What is it?”

Drasta responds, “We are being watched.”

Akihiro smells the air deeply. Then whispers very quietly, "In all my years I have never smelled a smell like that...…...like ash but somehow different."

Drasta looks down on what they have stepped into for a moment studying what it is. It doesn’t take her long to surmise it is a very huge dragon print. She sighs, “We are either fucked, or we will be lucky. Hide and move carefully there is a dragon here.” She gestures to the print they are standing in.

Akihiro sighs, "You two run out. I will run down the mountain slope as fast as I can. Follow the road and hope the Oni patrols miss you." He slowly gets on his hands and knees and transforms into a large wolf then takes off down the slope.

Drasta calls out to him, “Meet us in town.” She looks at Tatsuo placing a hand on him. “We are not stopping I will jump us as far as I can.” She void jumps the two of them to the edge of the village ruins. They then run as fast as they can. It takes them an hour and a half to get back to town. They go straight to the daimyo.

They find him in court. Drasta bows with heaved breathing. Tatsuo catches his breath and bows. The Daimyo raises an eyebrow but recognizes them. “We may be practical but please some proper etiquette."

Drasta huffs a bit catching her breath. Her nose is bleeding, “Clear the room of any you do not trust fully.”

He looks at Tatsuo. "Is it that important, Lord Uesuki?"

"Tatsuo nods gravely with a bit of fear in his eyes." The Daimyo clears all but his two wives and his advisor."

Drasta collapses down to one knee a moment muttering as she catches her breath, “Shinobi are not the biggest issue.”

The Daimyo looks down, “So what would put the besshikime of the great Hojo Miwa in such disarray? Shinobi?"

Drasta says, “Dragon”

The Daimyo almost laughs, "If there’s a dragon somewhere around that village, I'm sure it’s just doing its duties for the celestial court. It would be good to have such a kami near us."

Drasta looks at Tatsuo. “We do not know the type it is.”

The Daimyo asks, "were there tremors or an earthquake?"

“Melted foundations and a foot print in the middle of the town. Does not seem as if it would be a friend.
Your Hengeyokai friend should arrive soon as well with his account.”

The 1rst wife looks at them mystified, "Dragons don't make fire. Not even earth dragons."

“Maybe it is not a dragon of your land.” Drasta insists.

The first wife, who seems quite intelligent and knowledgeable says, "Dragons from the west would not normally come to the east. The dragons of the east would find them and tear them apart....... unless......... unless for some reason our dragons cannot see it or detect it in some way."

“It is not unheard of where I come from where ancient dragons can hide from all others.” Drasta responds.

The daimyo listens then asks, "If this is a western dragon what do we do about it? We have not seen any sign other than this village."

“That one’s foot print... All three of us were inside it. Western dragons claim territory slowly and kill any who do not submit to them if they are evil.” Drasta says.

Tohiki asks, "What about what you said when you first came in the shinobi?"

The second wife says, "Tohiki I have always said that I felt strange round Hito. I still believe he is or was corrupt."

Drasta nods, “There were items left behind of a new clan of ninja in a network of tunnels under the housing.”

The first wife shakes her head, "Meaning the whole of the village was most likely shinobi."

“It may seem that way.” Drasta stops a moment bowing Forgive me I speak freely.”

The daimyo says, "As I said we are not the south. We tend to be a more practical people. and this seems important. speak freely Drasta"

“I would suggest moving your people away from the village I do not know if it will see any on the way as a new target to conquer.”

The Daimyo nods. “I will order that everyone stay out of a five-mile radius of Shirawa-mura and the mine until we fully know what is going on. I'll post guards on the road a mile down the road. Hopefully it will be enough.”

Drasta sighs, “A western dragon can cover five miles in only minutes. There are also Oni you should worry about up there.”

The Daimyos countenance goes grim, "The Oni we can handle. You must understand this is my capital small though it is. It is the seat of power for my clan. I have a duty to uphold to keep order. If I don't another Daimyo will see weakness and use it as an advantage. I am sure by now you understand the politics of this nation. I will do what I can to keep my people safe but will not up and move this city."

Drasta nods and looks at Tatsuo. “What is our next step?”

Tatsuo thinks a long time. "We go home. We found what we were looking for. We report it and it goes to the imperial court."

She nods, “Good, you are indeed getting better. If we ride hard, we may give these people more time.”

Tatsuo nods and bows to the Daimyo. "Daimyo Tohiki, we will return home and make our report. Hopefully help will be on its way soon."

The Daimyo recognizes him, "Good luck lord Uesuki, Be at peace." Tatsuo and Drasta bow and leave. They make the trek home. Again, their journey is undisturbed. During the trip Drasta writes everything in a book no matter how scribbled as long as it makes sense.

Along the journey Tatsuo makes an astute note. “Drasta if this is a dragon and evil there are two questions I have. First, why would it attack a village full of Shinobi which are evil themselves. Second, by the way the grass has grown back the attack was about a year old. Why would this dragon not spread its territory to the daimyo’s town in that time?”

“If it is a western dragon.” She stops her horse. “They have no reason. Your question is valid. There is the question of if it was protecting something, we can go back alone if you would rather.”

He shakes his head, "I believe we have what we need for the imperial court to act. We are unsure of the full situation, but we have hard evidence that there is some kind of dragon living in the area."

Drasta nods, “Knowing it is there and not knowing what it is. That is being safe...I did feel something watching when we retreated.”

Tatsuo nods, "Yet nothing chased us. There seems to be not something we are missing but many things we are missing. Still, I have a healthy respect for life. and think going back may be a mistake."

She looks at him. “It is your word if you wish to send me. I am under the command of your bloodline.”

He shakes his head, "We have done our part. Now it’s up to the emperor or his advisors on what to do next."

Drasta mushes her horse up to him, “Right. Let us hurry.” They eventually get back to the farm.”

Once there they don’t go to the bath house or find their beds. They look for Miwa who is in her garden watching her younger grandchildren play. They bow and are recognized. Drasta starts, “Miwa apologies on the formals we have a very large possibly dangerous issue that needs the utmost privacy and haste in dealing.”

Miwa nods, “What is it Drasta?”

The besshikime gives Miwa her notes, “There is a dragon, and it is unknown.”

"Unknown, how? most dragons are far too big to hide though most can polymorph."

“It leveled a whole town that had a red sunset network.”

Miwa nods, “The ones that attacked us a little over a year ago yes. The shinobi failed. We were able to fight back.”

Drasta nods, “Yes, those same ones. We walked through the underground network that connected much of the town and when we went above ground, I felt something watching.”

Miwa furrows her brows, “How did the dragon level the town? Earthquake?”

“It was...It did not feel right. If it is as looks, they used fire or something that can melt stone. The only dragons I know that can melt stone with fire: are western ones.”

“So, either a red or gold dragon.......How have they escaped the various Kami in the region if so?” Miwa asks.

“If they are ancient enough.... I have read in books some old enough can hide themselves from whoever they would like. Some even have magic that repels those of good nature.”

Miwa nods, "Make your reports to the court. I will use what power I can to make them listen. Though most imperial advisors will most likely laugh it off. Most western dragons are shut off from the east from what I understand and according to our own legends."

Drasta nods, “Of course.” she pulls out two books and hands one to Tatsuo. “You will get to the bathhouse after we write our reports.”

Tatsuo goes off to write the report. Miwa herself has a very worried look in her eyes, "I have some work to do in the imperial library. I will cancel my court cases for the next few weeks and handle them afterward."

Drasta says, “I will instruct the birds on a tactic to fight western dragons.”

Miwa nods slowly, "A good idea." We will see what comes of it.”

Tatsuo finishes his story. Momo looks down. “You did your duty. That is all I care about.”

Tatsuo nods. “I did my best to convince the imperial court about the danger. Perhaps I should have asked an audience of the imperial advisors.”

“I understand. They would not even consider listening to one so young. When we get there my sister Hisoka would like to meet you.”

Tatsuo nods, “And so I will. Get some sleep Momo. It’s still a long ride.”



Story by Winterhawk99 and MaxPD

[Winterhawk99]

The next night Tatsuo and Momo once again have to stop at a way station in the mountains. As they eat, they hear hoof prints. Out of the darkness comes Drasta with a bundle upon her back. The two stand as the elf ties her horse off with the others. She walks over and bows. Tatsuo recognizes her and smiles. “I will take her off your hands for a moment.” He unstraps the bundle where a little baby girl is sleeping peacefully.

After the all sit down and Drasta is offered a meal, Tatsuo asks, “Why are you here and not with Takara?”

Drasta looks up from her miso soup, “Your mother Hikari said you were going up north. I deduced where you were going and wanted to join. Your daughter should be with you.

Tatsuo looks down at the girl then looks up. “Thank you.”

Momo looks over between the two studying each in turn. “I thought Tatsuo…”

Tatsuo smiles, “I was shaken to my core by something and Drasta came to comfort me in my hour of need. Siora was conceived that day. No, we are not. Drasta has a mission to protect my aunt as her besshikime. I won’t interfere with that.”

Momo nods in understanding. “Could you speak of this?”

Tatsuo looks up then to Drasta. “I would get too emotional and it would be unbecoming of my station to here and now. Perhaps Drasta could tell the story?”

Drasta sighs but nods. “Tis the story on the days that Tatsuo became a full Samurai. I will tell it:


It was the year Tatsuo turned 16 and Miwa turned 61. Tatsuo was to be taken for his testing while his father went to pay his annual taxes to the Daimyo at the shogun’s court. Miwa and I showed up along with Takara who seemed a bit off. She was silent the whole trip. Usually, it was Takara that had to hold back Miwa from her darker instincts. During that trip they reversed positions. Takara would not say what she was fuming about. Miwa knew not to ask. She simply tried to give her daughter what comfort she could while doing most of the work in camp or in town when staying at an inn.

When we finally got to the village, we met up with the retinue including Tatsuo as they had just started the 3 day journey to court. Tatsuo was nervous but resolute.

It was mid spring as the snow had stopped falling on the north side of the big island and the rivers had calmed enough for travel. Though there was still snow in the mountains.

After proper honorifics Miwa says, “Greetings lord Uesuki. We will be joining you.” She looks at him then Mitsuru who is with him. The boy has become a man of 18 years and had a wife of his own now.

Nao said, “Greetings Magistrate. I am glad that you came. It will give my son great motivation in the arena." Both Nao and Mitsuru seem to be off: more serious than usual.

Mitsuru responds with a smile, "Do not worry, magistrate. I'll take care of my brother and help him all I can with good cheer and motivation."

Miwa nods to them then she looks past them to the family. She studied everyone as I remember, then asks, “Where is Kyo?”

Mitsuru’s lips pursed. Nao’s eyes grew dark. Nao says, “You will see her soon enough at the shogun's" He then turned around to make sure Tatsuo was far enough away that he can’t hear them. “She will make an appearance in the arena."

Instantly Miwa she locks eyes with her son-in-law, “What!” He stayed silent. Miwa turns and looks at her other daughter. Takara kicked her horse forward to meet the rest of the family without answering her.

I looked over to my matron and whispered, “In the hells?”

There was no more talk the rest of the day as we rode toward the shogun’s palace. We rode near the back. Miwa would not talk she just stared darkly forward. Sometime in the evening she said in sylvan, a language I taught her in the Lands of Thain, “Kyo is being tried for a high crime. Tatsuo will be her judge and possibly her executioner. It is a test that is kept from anyone in training to become Samurai or Onna-bugeisha. They are led to think they are judging actors, but it is untrue. It is set up to test their resolve to follow the law. Tatsuo will be judging his own sister.”

I gave her a nod and said, “I see. This will be difficult for him.

“It is difficult for all, but this will be especially difficult… What did she do? It’s obvious Takara will not tell me, nor Nao. It must be really bad.”

I responded to her, “Indeed it must be grave what has been done. I am also curious about what this is. Shall I attempt talking or shall I just stay silent about.”

"I do not know. We will most likely be watched."

Every night as we camped Mitsuru took Tatsuo out to spar with various weapons. I saw the comradery between the two: It was apparent between He and his older brother. Tatsuo did nominally well until his brother, and he sparred with Tantos. Tatsuo was completely inept in a knife fight. I looked at Miwa who just sighed while she watched.

At first, I stayed quiet then had to say to her, “In time?... Maybe.”

Miwa said, “He gets three fails. no more. I'll accept it here for reasons of my own. I could not teach him knife fighting because I myself learned from a yakuza. I was forced to take his life when I was 10 years old."

I pondered a moment and said, “Would you like me to show him some improvements.”

Miwa just shook her head but said, “In two days? You can try Drasta, but two days really isn’t enough time unless I trained him like my father trained me where failure meant taking a beating that puts you on death's door."

“It is your choice Miwa I can attempt to train him to stance and go for direct cuts faster than most.”

Miwa nodded to me. I added, “It will be more strenuous than the tea house.”

Miwa responded with a half-smile, “He does not go to any teahouses until this is over. Besides he spends too much coin there as it is. I want him to be hungry."

I approached the two studying Tatsuo looking for his missteps carefully. I remember I was chuckling and responded to her, “He will be.”

Though Tatsuo is fairly proficient with large weapons his focus had been with them. He struggled with even the basic stances of anything smaller than a wakizashi and Miwa did absolutely no training with him on them because she’s not allowed to: having been trained herself in yakuza knife fighting.

I showed him a few tricks for holding the weapon and tried to fix his stances, so he fights more proper. I worked with him for hours letting him swing at me in an attempt to hit. I gave him little rest. I corrected him where needed and saw how hard he struggled with the small knife. I told him he needed to be prepared. It is important.

I sparred with his brother Mitsuru too. I found him fairly good with small weapons training and other samurai weapons form. Tatsuo struggled with us up until the morning we got to the shoguns. When we got there. Tatsuo and his father, and brother go to the side. There are officials waiting for them. They talk at length. A lawyer comes up and stands beside Tatsuo who bows to his father and then his brother. After he is recognized, his brother gave Tatsuo a hug and a slap on the shoulder. Tatsuo and the lawyer then left. I stayed beside Miwa. Magistrates have many enemies both in and outside of court. My place was with her.

Story by MaxPd and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Drasta sips her tea. The baby wakes up and looks up at Tatsuo. At first, she cries but he seems to be able to settle her down and she reaches up to the thin beard he has. He coos at baby Siora and plays with her fingers. Drasta continues her story.

The rest of the family went into the shogun’s palace after stabling our horses. We were treated to a large banquet. Miwa and I sat down and ate. As we were doing so, both of us noticed something. Miwa commented to me, “There are an inordinate number of imperial officials here today.”

I gave her a nod and started listening to different conversations in the room saying, “I have noticed.”

The groups were bantering through there are a few that were keeping watch on the two of us along with Takara. Soon enough Shogun Barasume shows up with a retinue and three wives. We watched him join the feast while keeping an eye on the two of us. I informed her of course. She nodded and we continued our evening dinner.

As we were finishing up and pouring a glass of sake for ourselves both a high official of the imperial court and shogun Barasume approached us at the same time. Hideo got there first. Now in his 50s he seemed older, more reserved but still he was a shogun that you had to treat like an agitated cobra. Miwa stood up and bowed, “Lord Barasume.” I bowed with her.

The official rushes over and jumps in before Hideo could even respond. “Excuse me Shogun Barasume. Imperial business.” I watched it, thinking there would be a fight.

Miwa tried to offset the situation and bowed to the official, "Lord Uji-na."

" Hideo gave a cold stare at the official but bows. "Magistrate Hojo please attend me after whatever this lap dog has for you."

"Are you challenging me, Lord Barasume?" Hideo was outraged but bowed slightly and left. His wives breathing a sigh of relief. The official bows again, "Please forgive my forwardness, Magistrate, will you come with me?"

Miwa simply said, "Hai."

He took us to a conference room. We saw Takara is also being led there by another official. I stayed with Miwa monitoring everything carefully with precision. Something was up and it was being hidden from us purposely.

As we came into the room there were several high officials there. Miwa bowed and did not wait to be recognized. She blurted out, “What exactly is this about?”

That’s when Takara came in after she bows, she says, “This is my fault. I take full responsibility for the errors of the trainee."

Miwa looks at Takara for an answer, but her daughter stayed silent after that. Miwa then looked at the official. “Again, what is all of this about?”

Lord Uji-na he looked at Miwa with a grim face, “A member of the hummingbirds has been caught trying to sell imperial secrets to an outsider. specifically notes on the hummingbird form, battle tactics and maneuvers. They were on their way to their contact when they were caught. All of their notes and drawings are here." He then puts a rather large thick notebook on the table. Miwa picks it up and flips through it then throws it on the table in front of Takara. “Care to explain… Daughter!”

I was watching carefully to make sure everyone was telling the truth. Takara says, "It was the hummingbirds who caught her, Miwa. I never suspected until tipped off by Minogi. We found her and found the notebook. I took her in myself."

I would tell Miwa was angry beyond belief. I could feel the heat from her body. She asked Takara, “Why?”

Takara responded, “She won’t say. In fact, she pleads innocence, but the notebook is in her handwriting."

Miwa nods to her, "Where was she headed?"

"The far north on a gathering mission."

That’s when Lord Uji-na decided to speak up, “We have questions about that. Why would a lone Onna-musha be sent on such a mission with no partner?"

Takara immediately defended herself, “It was for information Lord Uji-na. A standard mission."

The lord gave her a grim look. "You send out lone women for information gathering missions?"

Takara fumed at that, "How many men are in the hummingbirds Lord Uji-na. Two lone women look too suspicious."

That’s when my lady cut in, “Takara is right. Though the hummingbirds fight in teams, missions of this sort are often done alone. The question I have for my daughter is this. Why did you not wait for her to meet her contact?"

Takara looked to the side not meeting her mother’s eyes, “She made us.”

Miwa asked her, “How did Minogi know?"

Takara again took on the face of shame, "We were attacked by bandits on the way to get Kyo. Minogi took an arrow to the back of the neck. She died instantly."

Miwa, she asked, "Did anyone else die?"

"Only half the bandits. The rest escaped justice."

Miwa was incensed She asks Takara, “And it doesn't seem odd to you the only hummingbird that we need here.......now.......was the only one that didn't make it?" I had to shift my weight and look away at that question. It was so unsettling. Takara became red faced out of shame.

That’s when Lord Uji-na stepped in to quell the situation with Miwa and her daughter. He said, “Be that as it may what is done is done. Commander Iwari. You did rectify the situation before it could become a problem. Do I have your solemn word this will never happen again?"

Takara looked up at him and said one word, “Yes!”

Miwa not done looks between the two, “I want the case files in my hands… Yesterday!”

With a nod Lord Uji-na said to her, "You may have the case files Miwa, but it is out of your hands... As you may have already figured out." By this time Miwa was steaming. I looked at him and back to my lady.

She says, “Magistrate Hojo if you please!" I thought her hands would catch on fire. The temperature around her had been steadily rising. It became uncomfortable.

Uji-na pointed at another official who immediately left the room. He came back in 15 minutes with a folder. Miwa bowed, "Give the folder to my besshikime. I cannot handle any paper at this time." Takara immediately flinches after that remark. Miwa bowed, did an about face and left the room but not before giving Takara one of the nastiest looks I has ever seen Miwa make. I took the folder and held it watching the interaction holding my words. It was not the time to get between high officials.

We left the room and there was a court servant with a Barasume mon waiting for us. He gave Miwa a deep bow. “Magistrate Hojo.” When she looked at him, he had to physically back up a couple of steps before regaining his resolve. “My lord would like to see you.”

At this time, I had to step up so that Miwa wouldn’t behead the man right there. I said, “Forgive my lady. She has received bad news.

Miwa stared at him then said, “Tell shogun Barasume I will see him tomorrow." The man bowed deeply to her and left as fast as he could while still being somewhat dignified.

After he left, I turned to her, “What would you have me do, Miwa.”

She said, “We need to find the room set up for us and see what’s in the folder.” We were shown to our prepared room. Miwa immediately sat down and asked for the folder. I handed it to her. She studied it for an hour, and a half then looked up at me. “The circumstantial evidence is pretty damning. Whether innocent or not Kyo will be found guilty."

I asked her to see the folder, and she slid the paperwork to me. The evidence did pretty much damn Kyo without an eye witness. The legal papers said the notebook was quiet extensive. That it looked quite new and was written quite specifically by Kyo’s hand. I closed the folder and said to her. “Without the book I cannot help in this matter. I could question her, but I am unsure that would be fruitful.”

Miwa shook her head, "That they will not give up being I am her grandmother, and Takara is her aunt. Tatsuo is judging because it will be a grand test of his resolve to follow the law.”

I then shook my head slightly, “Would they allow me to look it over?”

Miwa frowned at me. “You’re my besshikime Drasta there’s no way they will let you look at it. Tatsuo will be two days in non-marshal tests. The trial will most likely take place tomorrow. It’s simply out of our hands.”

I could do nothing. All I could say is, “I understand. I have watched them grow this is unsettling for me as much as you.” I told her I would not leave her unprotected. She nodded at me. I stepped outside and broke the locks on the door so only she could open anything from the inside, making her completely secure. I stayed outside by the door. One of the regional shogun’s men eventually came to me with a chair. I slipped i to reverie for a few hours in the wee hours of the night.


Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Tatsuo breaks the silence of Drasta’s pause, “OIY! OIY! OIY! I think we need a new blanket. Right on queue Siora starts to wail and cry. Tatsuo continues. Ok I can do this. He takes the blanket off of the baby and the warm clothes and starts too. He freezes. “Ummm?”

Momo erupts in laughter. “Give her to me. Men are so inept at these things.”

Drasta giggles, “Well, if anything, he is a good lawyer.”

Momo shakes her head, “Lucky that otherwise he would be useless.”

Tatsuo makes a stern face, “I could have done it.”

Drasta retorts, “He probably would have suffocated her.”

Tatsuo sighs, “I surrender. I am way over my head taking on two women alone.”

Momo cleans the girl up. She looks at Drasta, “You still have told me how the two of you…”

Drasta says, “I’m getting there Momo… Patience.” She gives the noblewoman a wink and continues her tale.

The next morning the servant came right back. Miwa comes out of her room in a kimono and her daisho along with her kaiken and Sai wedged into her odi. He led us to a small courtroom. When we go in Hideo is there with two advisors to the right of him and his three wives and their besshikimes to the left along with 6-armed samurai. Miwa bows to him. He recognizes her and says, “This isn't a legal affair Aunt Miwa but a request. There is no need for your Sai."

Miwa then nods, “What is your request, Lord Barasume?"

He then started into it. "A problem sprang up in one of my villages on the border. It’s a small lake side village with a textile mill. There was an accident with the bleach supplies in the mill. a dozen peasants died. I send investigators myself and there are odd circumstances surrounding the accident." He then looked at me. "Karasu you may speak freely."

I gave him a nod, “If my lady permits, I can help with this.” I then remembered something and asked, “Is this the same mill from years past?”

He nods to me, “The smell of bleach permeates the area and still does almost unnaturally and much more than the bleach supply of the mill would have. It is almost as if the very walls and structure of the building was saturated with it. Also, my Hatamoto Sei Lui, who oversees the village, found a strange claw print outside. One that he could stand in himself. He did not recognize it, and he is well versed in the local wildlife being a forester.”

I asked him, “Did they make a tracing or draw it?”

"It’s a swamp. The claw print quickly sunk and disappeared before my investigators got there. Alas no. Things like that do not last in the area for more than a day or so."

“Was anyone who saw the accident able to describe it?” I asked.

He said, “I wish for you or one of your teams to investigate this incident. I have a strange feeling about it. Anyone that could see died from the bleach."

“I see.” With nowhere to go I looked at my lady.

Miwa seemed to pause and reflect on something. What I do not know. She stayed silent for several minutes as she thought about whatever it was. When she was finished thinking she said, “Once Tatsuo completes his testing, I will send him and Drasta to help you."

Shogun Barasume was quite respectful. He bowed and said, “It is much appreciated, Magistrate."

We left and waited for Tatsuo’s combat trials. For the next two days Miwa hobnobbed with Samurai and Onna-bugeisha while I watched over her. Some of the women were looking for tips on fighting and love. Most of the men were interested in cases before Miwa’s desk. She was considered very honorable and many gave her deference. On the day of the combat trials, we both dressed up in fancy kimonos. Miwa even helped me with my golden hair comb. We were seated very close to the Shogun as the trials began.

Story by MaxPd and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Tatsuo suddenly gets up disrupting the tale. “I wish to meditate alone for an hour or so. I’ll return when I am done.”

Drasta looks up at him and purses her lips. Her eyes soften a moment from the hard stare she usually gives. She waits for him to get out of earshot. Momo looks into the night where he disappeared and then looks back at Drasta.

She continues:

He walked out onto the field in full armor. He did proper honorifics to his shogun then some unnamed administrator came out into it with him. He addressed Tatsuo, “Uesuki Tatsuo. You stand before the clan to be judged on your fitness to become a samurai. Let the judges stand and speak on your Non-combatant trials.” He then turned to the crowd, “Dance!”

A woman then stood up and bowed. “Lord Uesuki's Dance abilities are Good. He knows his dances and performs them with some grace though he will never be a professional dancer. Some of the samurai chuckle. I think Dance is the most failed by male samurai in their trials. The shogun nods to the administrator to continue.

He turns back to the crowd and shouts, “Law!”

A samurai stands up and bows then he said, “Lord Uesuki is quite adept at the law. He performed his judgements with great wisdom. He is deemed Flawless!” Miwa looked at me with a smile then her eyes sadden. I smiled back trying to turn her mood around.

The man in the arena shouts out, “Clan History!”

Another samurai stands up. “Lord Uesuki Knows Clan history better than some of his judges. He is deemed Flawless.” Several people in the crowd looked amazed that Tatsuo had gotten two flawless judgements so soon.

As I was watching all of them, I heard the administrator say, “Ritual!”

This time a monk stands. He said, “Lord Uesuki performed the rights of the moon almost perfectly with a minor misstep. His performance is deemed Excellent.”

I was so excited about all the great scores I almost missed the man shout out, “Strategy and Tactics!”

A samurai stands this time. He says, “Lord Uesuki did well and understands basic tactics and strategy but fails in the nuisances of a changing battlefield. His performance was Good.”

Next, I hear him call out, “Calligraphy!”

An old scholarly man stands up this time. He says, “Lord Uesuki's penmanship is a wonder to behold. His knowledge of language outstanding. He was Flawless.”

Six tests down and Tatsuo had already shown great competence in many of the non-combatant skills a samurai must know. I hear the administrator call out, “Debate!” I smile.

Another scholar stands and says, “I would never Debate Lord Uesuki if my life depended on it. His grade is Flawless." Several samurai and even the Shogun chuckle.

The man in the arena waits for things to quiet down then shouts out, “Bushido!”

A samurai stands and says, “Lord Uesuki knows some of the deepest meanings of Bushido though his over kindness may hamper him in the future still We have decided based on all of the 8 principles He was Flawless.” I was so proud. I watched the boy grow into a man and was elated. That’s when I get an idea. I looked over to my lady and said, “If he succeeds, I will give you a gift.”

She blinked and looked at me carefully then just nods as the administrator calls out, “Information Gathering!”

An administrator stands. "Lord Uesuki got most of the questions we asked right, with only missing a few while he went through testing. We grade him Excellent.” Miwa shook her head and said quietly, “I failed that test so miserably.”

The administrator then turns to Tatsuo and his lawyer. He shouts out, “Etiquette!” His lawyer stood at attention and said, “Lord Uesuki Did well with Etiquette though he was not flawless on a few in rank. I deem him Excellent.” Most of the samurai watching showed great pride and approval that Tatsuo did so well. That is when things changed and Tatsuo got the surprise of his life. A surprise that changed him and gave him a grief that he still has trouble with to this day. Momo, Tatsuo will always do his duty and do it correctly, however he has a tender heart. He… feels pain with every soul he ends other than in the battlefield. I guess that is why he defends clients in court instead of being a prosecutor or a judge.

Momo studies Drasta while holding baby Siora, “Could you Explain further?”



Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Drasta continues her tale.

After all the cheering was done the administrator turns back to the crowd. He says to them, “There is only one thing left in the noncombatant trials. One who judges gives verdict must at times deal the justice of that verdict themselves.” I look over to Tatsuo and see he suddenly becomes very nervous. I gave him a gentle nod because I believed in him. I even tried closing my eyes to make a connection with his mind to give him strength.

Then one of the gates opens up and two samurai drag a man out in nothing but a loin cloth. He has tattoos all over his body. The administrator, he took out a scroll and read from it. “Jirou of the city of Todaijo. You have been accused of being a yakuza and a perpetrator of organized crime. You have been found guilty and unrepentant of your associations in such activity. The sentence is beheading.”

They forced him to kneel down and tied him up so that he was on his knees with his hands chained tightly behind his back. Tatsuo looks at the Shogun who nods to him. Tatsuo hesitates, meditating. He then drew his sword. I could see his hands shaking unsteadily. Miwa held her breath. I saw that he didn’t want to do it. I tried to put my mind out to him thinking ‘It must be done. I am sorry that you must be the hand that does so.’

He finally walked up and decapitated the man. It took him three strokes. The man screamed until his windpipe was cut through. It shook Tatsuo up badly. I shivered, opening my eyes feeling his pain.

Another man was dragged out with Tattoos all over his body. The administrator again took out a scroll and read it. Kichirou of Todaijo. You have been accused of being a yakuza and a perpetrator of organized crime. You have been found guilty but repentant of those crime. The sentence is the force removal of your tattoos, 1 year of hard labor in the mines and relocation to the village of Sawamura after which time you will be under the eye of your daimyo and work as a shopkeeper.”

I look at Miwa. She looks stunned and says in sylvan, “Good Grief!”

I complete misinterpreted her and said, “I’m trying to help him. It’s taxing me. Shall I continue?”

She turns to me. “He was probably acting like a damned defense lawyer instead of a judge.” You have to realize Momo Miwa’s world was much different than Tatsuo’s She was turned into iron by those that trained and taught her. Tatsuo’s training was….much different.

The next person they dragged out was a woman that looked in her mid-30s or so. You could tell she was an administrator type herself. The scroll is unfurled, and the administrator reads it, “Naysuyo of clan Toyota. You have been found guilty of embezzlement of clan funds and have been found guilty. The sentence is lifelong slavery to your Daimyo as a house slave." After the sentence is read the woman spit at Tatsuo. Thankfully he didn’t flinch with that one. I could see however that Miwa wanted to beat her head against the chair in front of her.”

I moved closer to her to see if I could help. I was slightly worried. Again, in sylvan she says, “He gave some of them the lightest sentence he could give. What am I to do with that boy."

I couldn’t help but smirk and said, “We must trust his judgment even if it is kind. It is still just and reasonable. Perhaps they will learn more with their punishments than a quick death could ever give.”

The next person they bring out is a 16-year-old girl. The administrator opens the next scroll and speaks, “Kiyoko if that is your real name. You have been found guilty of trying to assassinate a daimyo and being a participating member of a Shinobi clan. The sentence is beheading.”

I look directly at my lady questioningly. She’s not paying attention. She’s carefully gaging Tatsuo’s state of mind. I look at him and see what she is seeing. That he has real problems beheading a girl the same age as he is. As a matter of fact, I did too. I look back at Miwa, “What the hell is this?” I can see Tatsuo is shaking.

Miwa suddenly looks back at me, “Yes, beheading is kind compared with what he could have done with that one. The others… I feel the sentence was too light for both. though I did not see the trial. Perhaps just perhaps there were circumstances."

I didn’t know what to say to her. I just nodded with some uncertainty saying, “What if this life was forced into what they did.”

Miwa nodded to me and responded. “That does not matter in Kozakura. I would have boiled her.” She then turned to Tatsuo and said softly in kozakuran, “You have to do this Tatsuo even if you thought it was all an act. You have to do not shirk from duty just because she’s a pretty girl.”

I sadly nodded to her and gave Tatsuo another with an apologetic expression. I said to Miwa in sylvan, “He is strong and will make you a beautiful gift.” Miwa turns around and looks me dead in the eye with a questioning expression. I simply shrug.

Tatsuo finally goes up to the girl. He starts to swing then checks himself and steps away for a moment. The Shogun stands concerned. Tatsuo looks up at him. The Shogun nods firmly with a grim look. Tatsuo steps up and swings with all his might. It only takes one swing this time. The girls head goes flying. He has to turn away from the crowd and wipe his face.

The last to be taken into the arena is Kyo, his sister. They drag her out on the field. The administrator unrolls the scroll. “Uesuki Kyo, you have been found guilty of High treason and passing imperial secrets to an unknown enemy. The sentence is banishment from Kozakura for the rest of your life."

I look over at Miwa and ask in sylvan, “I can take control of him, so he does not feel this pain.”

She shook her head. “Then then the lesson will not be felt in the heart."

Miwa then stands to watch the two of them. . Kyo turns to the crowd, "I am innocent but that does not matter! And this gutless brother of mine choose banishment over death. I spit on him! I want to save my honor!" That’s when I stand up and look around. The samurai and Onna-bugeisha take great care not to look at either Miwa or me.

The shogun looks at Tatsuo. Tatsuo wasn’t sure what to do. He stared at his sister for a moment then a slow resolve took over him. He nods. Miwa throws out her hand. and the shogun recognizes her. She walks down to the arena. and waits. I followed dutifully behind. My lady unsheathed her own kaiken and gave it to Tatsuo. He placed it in front of Kyo and goes to the side unsheathing his katana. We go back to the edge of the arena.

I whisper to her quietly, “I could make her a bird forever.” Miwa just shook her head.

Kyo looks at her brother. "And your last lesson you worthless piece of shit. Courage to do what must be done. I hope you end badly, Tatsuo. You are weak and one day everyone will know that." She slashes her own throat with Miwa’s kaiken as hard as she can then stares straight ahead for a minute, then two. At 5 minutes her head slumps down. With tears in his eyes, He makes the last stroke."

I could not watch it. Instead, I stared at the reflection in Miwa’s eyes. That is when the shogun stood up. “Due to the nature of these trials and their emotional impact we will recess until tomorrow.”

Not even Miwa, as staunch as she was, could not help but show the signs of regret and sadness. She suspects Kyo was framed but that is not what the history books will say. I stepped up to her, “Give me permission, I will find what is true.

She said to me, “Go to Barasume lands. You may find the answer there. I have a suspicion though most would say I am crazy."

I say to her, “They will not see me. Tonight, I will procure my gift to you so you can hold it in time. I then pulled Tatsuo to the side and say, “I am sorry.” We all go together to quarters. I lock Miwa’s quarters down so only she can open any doors and windows telling her, “I will make sure you are safe as always.”

I then saw Tatsuo to his. I managed to sneak in and out in the morning before the mean came to help him armor up and bring his weapons. I reminded him of his hopes and dreams then tell him, “You are going to help me give your grandmother a gift.”

Tatsuo performed admirably but I could tell his heart was torn. He didn’t speak much during the whole affair. Though he continued several times before falling asleep. I laid on his chest for 15 minutes… maybe a ½ hour. I am not sure. I left him purring in his sleep on his back, sneaking back to my station.


Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99

[Winterhawk99]

Momo turns to where Tatsuo had left. Wherever he went it was far out of view of the fire’s weak light. She turns back to Drasta. "What happened next?"

Drasta leans back and thinks a bit. Then tells the rest of the story. “The next morning, we ate a nice breakfast and went back out into the field. Again, we were seated very close to the Daimyo Uesuki and the Shogun.

Tatsuo comes out in full armor, his lawyer with him. All his weapons except for his daisho were put into racks at the side of the field. I remember there was a spring chill in the air. It was an early spring day with a clear sky. In the north, that usually means quite chilly.

Tatsuo stepped out to the center of the field and bowed to all in attendance. After proper ceremony, an announcer comes out to the field. He is usually an administrator with a loud voice. He calls out, “ Uesuki Tatsu will now go through Samurai combat testing. The first will be.... GENERAL HORSEMANSHIP!"

His horse was led out by another attendant. He mounted up and takes the horse through its paces ending in a charge at the main stand where he then abruptly turned away.”

Momo stops her, “I have never seen a samurai test before could you tell me more about this?”

Drasta says, “General horsemanship is all bout how well you control a horse. Most of Miwa’s descendants learn that very early being when she returned from the west, she started breeding western war horses to our own kisouma war horses. Miwa’s horses are much bigger and faster, it gives the family an advantage and all learn to ride very early in life. Tatsuo is a very good horseman not as good as some in his family, but he plainly could outmaneuver most in any contest and it showed that day the way he could control and command a horse and that is what general horsemanship is all about.”

Momo nods, “I see.”

Drasta continues her tale. “I was quiet and watched him. He led the horse to the middle of the field and bowed to the main stand. The shogun looked over to his head of calvary. The samurai stood up and looked grimly at the young man on his horse. I still don’t know why they do that. He said one word, “FLAWLESS!” It was a perfect score. I looked at Miwa. She smiled and nodded to the air as if a prayer had been answered.

The announcer then came back out onto the field. Tatsuo’s lawyer who sets up the arrangement of tests gives him a slip of paper. The announcer turned back to us and said, “THE NEXT TEST WILL BE… THE OBSTICLE COURSE!”

Now in the obstacle course bars to jump over or go under are set up and also hay stacks are put into place to make turning paths and such. It is quite difficult. It is where speed control is essential. Everyone on the field went to the side of the field while the whole thing was set up.

Once that was done. Tatsuo goes to one end of the field and brings his mount to a full gallop. He and his mount clear all the fences and turns with surprising grace. When he was done, he came to the center again. The shogun again nods his head to his head of calvary. The commander stood up again and in a perfectly neutral voice and grim face says… “FLAWLESS!”

The field is then cleared and the three men, Tatsuo, his lawyer, and the announcer return to the middle of the field. The announcer takes another slip of paper from Tatsuo’s lawyer. He reads it and says. “MOUNTED ARCHERY!”

I leaned forward in my seat. I had trained him myself in archery. It mattered to me that he got a good grade here. Targets were set up all over the field. The targets he was supposed to hit all looked like armed men, but then they set straw dummies of women and children obscuring some of the men targets. Moreover, on the back side of the field live samurai came down and stood in front of the targets. Some of them armed.”

Momo looks at her curiously, “Why would they do that?”

Drasta sighs, “I will tell you as I tell the story.” Drasta takes a drink from her bladder then continues. “Tatsuo is on his horse in the middle of the field, and he looks at his grandmother in an odd way. Almost expectantly. She huffs, “Don’t do it Tatsuo. You are not ready and could fail.” She then turns to me and says, “He’s not really going to try, is he?”

“I was not 100% sure what Miwa was referring to. However, it was known that Miwa had done archery at a full gallop. In fact, she’s the only one known to do it without failing. Mostly the test was done at a slow trot. I studied him a moment and say to her, “That is unknown. He is stubborn. If he is smart, he will know better. I then leaned back and shook my head.

Tatsuo then looks at the shogun who looks a bit mystified. Uesuki is in a northern clan and would not know about Miwa’s Onna-bugeisha testing. Tatsuo checks his bow then is quiver. He takes several arrows and holds them with his bow hand. That’s when Miwa figured it out for sure. She shook her head. “Stupid boy.” Just as Tatsuo starts the course on a full charge.

I nodded to her and watched him muttering a prayer. He hit the first, second and third targets directly in the heads. The 4th he hit in the chest between a woman and child dummy. On the 5th he hit the side of the head as he rounds the target. A woman target was placed directly in front of it. The arrow sliced the outer layer of the woman dummy’s kimono.

Tatsuo turned the corner and now faced live blockers to the targets. The first two samurai stand in front of the target with shield. He easily got through them and hit the target in the shoulder. The samurai did not try to actively defend it.

On the second target a samurai then tries to actively defend it with his shield. Tatsuo changed tactics and hits the target low in the thigh just barely before the shield would have blocked it.

The third target comes up and there are now two samurai actively trying to block the shot with their shields. Tatsuo charges them and swerves just before hitting them, hitting the target through the upper part of the head. On the fourth there are two targets and two men guarding them and Tatsuo seems to even get past them Shooting one target in the gut and another in the leg.

On the last target the samurai defending doesn’t depend on his shield alone he actively attacks Tatsuo. Tatsuo shoots him in the sword arm and passes the target but manages to swing his yumi around and clip the target on the side of the leg It passes just through the edge. Tatsuo rounds the corner in the backfield and then trots up to the center while the samurai are clearing the field. Miwa then shook her head and said, “I only know two people who have done that at a full gallop. Him and me. Little brat!”

I had to chuckle at that and said, “Well he managed.”

“He shouldn’t have taken such a chance.” My lady steamed. I told her I agreed with her.

Tatsuo maneuvers his horse to the center. The Shogun looks to his commander of archers. This commander is rather thin except for his shoulders and arms. He takes a long time to make judgement. After careful consideration and a long pause he says, "FLAWLESS."

After everything was cleaned up the three came back to the field. Tatsuo’s lawyer again gives the announcer a slip of paper. The administrator turns to the stands and says, “THE NEXT TEST IS JUJITSU!”

Tatsuo is helped out of his armor and strips down to just his Gi. This samurai, who is 5 ft 10 or so and at least 200lbs comes out into the field. Poor Tatsuo’s eyes go wide as the samurai outweighs him by at least 50 lbs. They square off. Tatsuo does poorly. He only wins one bout out of five and I think the other man just felt sorry for him and gave it away.

Even though he did poorly he put up a good fight. Tatsuo did suffer a black eye and a bloody nose along with several bruises. When all 5 bouts were completed, the wrestler bowed to the stand leaving the field. Tatsuo comes to the middle and bows. The shogun looked at his hand-to-hand combat general. The samurai stood up and said, “ACCEPTABLE.” Tatsuo then breathed a sigh of relief.”

Momo interrupts and asks, “What does acceptable mean in these tests?”

Drasta winces. “I believe it is meant as a hair’s breadth from failure but pass and a warning to the one who got the grade that he must study this discipline harder.

Anyway. Tatsuo’s lawyer comes up to him and speaks to him for a moment before the announcer comes back to the field. They discussed something about the fight I would guess but am unsure. When the announcer comes back, he is given another slip of paper and calls out, “KATANA AND SHIELD!”

Miwa comments, "Now it gets dangerous. Remember we can die at anytime, anywhere. Show no fear."
A samurai comes out bearing a katana and shield. Tatsuo picks up his shield and draws his katana. They both bow to the shogun then to each other. The fight starts.

I commented, “I hope he remembers his training then.”

Miwa responded to me, “He will.”

Every fight lasted 3 minutes long and every time Tatsuo fought the other samurai to a standstill but neither scored any wounds. Afterward the two of them bow to the shogun who looks at one of his commanders. The commander of the shogun’s army stood up and said, “GOOD!”

Momo interrupts again, “I don’t understand if neither scored a point how could the commander say good instead of just acceptable?”

Drasta hesitates while thinking, “I believe that because Tatsuo defended himself well and showed good form in fighting, that the score was good. He took on and fought a full samurai of unknown strength and successfully kept that samurai from scoring a hit at all through 5 duals.”

Mono nods and says, “Ok, go on then. This testing it must be exciting. Is there blood spilt?”

Drasta winces, “There is always blood spilt.”



Story by MaxPD and Winterhawk99