Sacred Lie

[Tainted Bushido]

Thread is Closed. Lakin of DpN and Tainted Bushido are the only ones who may post, otherwise you may observe but not post without permission.
Continued from East Akashima. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16016)

There was a bustle about the bar as people walked in and out. A few would grab sake, a few would try some of the foreign imports, but it was often the same drill. At least, as far as the family that ran the bar was concerned. However, two men sat in the corner, and it was obvious that there was no camaraderie between them. One was merely sipping at tea whilst the other was making use of the fact this was in fact a sake house. The looks that the more intoxicated of the two gave his sober counterpart bordered on murderous as they sat patiently waiting for their next companion.

The family that ran the Sake house could tell one was a Ronin by his garb; his armor was black, devoid of color so as to not be mistaken of any household, or ever the royal guard. His katana and wakizashi were secured to his hip as he knelt at the table, upon the pillow provided. He had remained quite silent and respectful of the family who ran the Raven, one of the seedier sake bars in the capital city of Yan-bo, east province of course. The ronin only wore a mildly bored look on his face as he looked about the tavern sipping at his tea.

His compatriot on the other hand was decked out in a kimono that matched the colors of the East guard, elite royal guard of the Duke. His black hair was in a sharp contrast to the ronin’s bone white. His build was more muscular as If he was used to hard work and training. His ronin pal however, looked underfed and slimmer, dangerously close to being underweight. His clothes were also better kept, and the slash in the ronin’s right sleeve revealed bandages that seemed freshly applied. While he used the left arm to sip his drink, it was obvious to most he was doing so for show, as the pain sometimes crept across his face.

“I still don’t know why I’m here, you’re the mercenary in this one, why me?” The Samurai said finally as he sipped more of his sake. The alcohol seemed to flush his face even more, making it clear he was not in a logical mood.

“I’m sure it’s only so the Duke can be sure this is done with utmost haste,” The ronin replied simply, “And who better to watch me than my ex-comrade Sanzo-sama?”

“Save your genuflecting for someone who cares. I don’t need my ass kissed Ronin.”

“They way you treat me, it’s like I murdered someone,” The ronin replied. A fist flew across the table and was deftly deflected as the two locked eyes. The few patrons watching the odd pairing seemed to silence as the two did a battle of wills. Finally it was Sanzo who lowered his guard.

“You know damn well what you did Taka, do not think me a fool because the facts don’t support it,” Sanzo replied darkly.

“I can’t change your beliefs Sanzo-sama. There was no reason for me to kill that courtier. I did nothing to hide the evidence of her death, why would I have brought the body back if I did kill her? The facts do not support the suspicions. Hence, why I was not executed for my failure,” Taka replied as his voice took on a cold tone.

“Believe what you will Ronin, I’m here to make sure your incompetence does not endanger another important person,” Sanzo replied darkly.

It was at this time that a woman walked up. Her demeanor was rather cautious as she walked forth, and it did not take much to figure out why. With such a port city, many people came in and out, the Gaijin along with the Akashiman, and their prejudices differed from day to day. Amongst those prejudices, one stereotype fit her, she was a Nekojin. The cat anthropomorphics of Akashima were a timid lot, afraid of the people about them, for they depended on them for survival. She looked at the two samurai and Taka inclined his head softly as he took the lead. He was after all in charge; Sanzo was merely along to observe, as a precaution from the Duke.

“Did you wish to see me Samurai-samas?” The woman replied looking between the two of them. Sanzo seemed to swell, about to unleash his fury upon the Nekojin for lumping him with the ronin, before Taka lifted a hand.

“I am a ronin friend. I am also sure my associate does not appreciate the title of Samurai being used in relation to me. A friendly warning is all,” Taka replied as he gave a harsh look to the Samurai. Where as before he had been afraid for his life, now that he was free of the death all ronin risked. The death from a Samurai of status, he began to flow into his old habits, prior to the expulsion from the ranks of the Eastern Army.

“Yes Ronin-sama, I shall of course be more, judicious in my words,” The nokjin said giving him a bow of apology. Taka waited politely as she dipped deeply, as much as Taka had upon groveling to Lady Sakurazuka of the Northern Province.

“I heard you have a certain talent to gather information. I wish to make use of this ability, and quickly. I have less than an hour before someone of importance is harmed or worse, so time is of the essence,” Taka replied.

The Neko looked at Taka, studying him and his word choices before he spoke, “You have payment of course?”

A derisive snort left Sanzo’s lips as he heard the mention of payment. Taka of course knew that this was because members of the Samurai Caste did not deal in money, and abhorred the concept. They were given what they needed and never had to pay for it, a posh life, but one that left little for the understanding of the real world. Taka of course was forced to understand the concept of money, as he had no Lord of which to pay for it, for him. He did however reach into his pack and deposit a pouch of gold on the table, which the nekojin opened and looked up at the Ronin.

“I hope that is enough, if not you may petition the Duke for the rest of your fee and receive it promptly,” Taka replied firmly. Sanzo gave Taka a sharp glare, which Taka ignored as he looked the Nekojin in the eyes. The feline eyes narrowed slightly before she nodded and took the pouch in hand.

“The boat you seek is in the harbor. Its name is of course ever changing, as the sea. However, this particular boat remains ever the same, especially in the lot it uses. Much like the denizens aboard, it seeks to hide itself in the shadows. Seek it in the shadows of larger vessels, you cannot miss it,” The nekojin said after a moment.

[Lakin_of_DpN]

Fog drifted into the bay bringing the smell of wood smoke and the hint of a brewing storm. A chill whipped through and the Junyō creaked as she pitched in and out of the waves, nestled slyly between two larger, looming vessels. Other than the wind and the lapping sound of the water, Yan-Bo harbor was was filled with an eerie silence. Gradually, Lakin felt the pain in her head subsiding. Still blindfolded she gasped loudly as she was pulled back to her feet and thrown roughly against the wall of her captor’s bulging chest.

As Lakin, Arasaki-Aiko looked back now; she could see how she had been deceived. It had all been too easy and far too pleasant. Her cousin, Yasuhiro seemed friendly enough, honest enough. Even her father, the Duke of East Akashima liked him and he was usually a fine judge of character.

But not this time.

The Jackal was careful to wait for the right moment, of course, and then—lined Yasuhiro’s ego with promises, his pockets with gold. Greed. The young Arasaki saw his visions of wealth and power slowly emerging in partnership with the Jackal. Oh, he was only too happy to agree. Including the Kuroi Taiyo had been easy enough; shipping in the Black Lotus became a very lucrative business. How had her father been so blind? His own flesh and blood.

She had to hold on just long enough for her father to find her.

“Indeed, you almost tempt me to take you back for my own pleasure. It would be an interesting challenge to tame an Eyrian.” For a moment his dagger teased along her neck. Instinctively Lakin struggled in protest, trying to remove his hands to a less intimate place, but he would not be shifted.

“Most alluring,” he whispered, as the point played just above her heart. “I’ll never give in to you, no more than my father would. You may as well kill me now.”

The Jackal gave her hair a savage twist and his eyes narrowed. “Alas, that would defeat my purpose. I do believe you are quite right though, you would'nt make a satisfying concubine. Your defiance would only add discord to my harem... I’m sure. So we will organize this plainly. You will remain here with Yasuhiro until your father agrees to our terms. Once the people of East Akashima have come to rely on the Black Lotus, can’t live without it, we will no longer need his co-operation. By then the Duke would be powerless to stop us and you Aiko will be sold to the highest bidder."

Smirking, Hiro studied Lakin’s lush form and muttered a low oath. He would pay anything to make her his, he would teach her the proper respect for a man. He eased back in the shadows watching angrily. He wanted her now. Hard and fast, right against the wall, with her creamy thighs spread and wrapped around his waist. With her hair laced through his fingers and the word Master the only thing on her lips. But Hiro would have to wait. Soon—he told himself.

The Jackal felt her futile struggles “Stop!” He commanded and tightened his grip on her. “Now I believe it is time for some answers, Asaraki-aime. Where does your father keep his gold? Let’s call it compensation for all the trouble you’ve been to us so far.”

“There isn’t any gold, as I’ve already told you! If there was, do you really think my father would keep it at East House? Ask Yasuhiro he will tell you... I'm not lying.”

The Jackal shrugged. “If he is as wise as I think he is, keeping it there would be the last thing anyone would think of. We have had men watching East House for a long time now. As a matter of fact it was Yasuhiro himself who insisted the Duke kept a safe. Your lies grow thin, Aiko."

Lakin glared beneath the black veil clinging to her eyes. “Let me go. I have nothing to tell you!”

The Jackal smiled callously. “Oh, but you do.”

“Nothing that would interest the likes of you!” She replied, defiantly.

“How unfortunate that you choose to be as stubborn as your father. It would be so much simpler if you were more like Harumura-Kano was."

“No,” Lakin breathed, horrified. “What does he have to do with anything?”

“I don’t understand what you mean?”

“No you wouldn’t. Let me entertain you, just this once.” A black look of disdain crossed the Jackal’s features and his hands tensed slightly as he spoke. “Our trade began in the Capital we found the Duke, Harumura-Kano most helpful. But like most men greed consumed his good sense. After a few months of booming trade he decided to alter our agreement. He felt he deserved more, what he called his dues. Kano’s connections and his shipments made an irresistible and impregnable disguise for our purposes, you see. He became an important part of our operation, so he could not be allowed to refuse our terms,” the Jackal remarked with grim exclamation.

“But he did refuse! Lakin countered, her eyes blazing behind the black silken visor.

“Oh he tried... but after we paid him a visit, somewhat like the one you received in fact. The Duke soon learned the error of his ways. He came to see things from our perspective in the end. As you will, very soon.” said the Jackal. His laugh low and menacing.

“Once my men were finished with Kano, they devised a plan. They would bring back his daughter as extra insurance. One of my men struck a deal with the devil, known to us as Oni. Harumura-kimiko Rina was delivered to Xen two days later and as payment the Oni was given a sweet young maiden who shared an uncanny likeness to the Dukes daughter. It had been perfectly timed, when the Samurai protecting her came awake, he thought he saw the Dukes daughter being sacrificed and like any honorable Samurai, took full responsibility. He accepted all of the blame for her death. The rest is history; there were no witness’s to what truly happened. Though, taking Harumura-aime wasn’t to be as beneficial as we thought. Kano has absolutely no connections to his daughter, in fact he cares very little for her at all. By the time we discovered the Duke didn’t want her back, it was too late. Harumura-kimiko Rina was on board our boat. Under the express order of the Duke in Capital City, we have kept her from any outside contact for almost six months. He did not care to have his daughter telling the world what she had learned of him, you understand.

“Is she still alive?” She knew nothing of your affairs. Harumura-aime had nothing to do with any of this!”

“We did as the Duke asked. He didn’t want his daughter returned so she wasn’t. Kano was the perfect means for us to ship our cargo into Akashima, he agreed to our terms and business resumed again as normal. We couldn’t risk the Corone government becoming involved; this way we had all the protection and freedom we needed. Our business flourished in Capital City. Black Lotus soon spread; we had to move quickly to accommodate the expansion. Your father’s private beach was the perfect solution. Well hidden and in one of the best strategically placed spots on the coast. Of course no one would suspect the Duke of East Akishima. His reputation for fairness and his fealty to the King is renowned. We would have escaped all detection if not for a spy who had infiltrated our group. He was silenced swiftly by my men in Capital City, though word of our operation had filtered out.

Lakin had to marvel at the brilliance of the scheme. “No one would think the Duke of Capital City would be involved.”

“Exactly, by the month our shipments of Black Lotus increased. Our friend in Captial City grew more and more worried that his connection with us would be discovered; Kano required a foolproof disguise for our cargo. The use of your father’s shipments was Yasuhiro’s idea, if anyone was to be blamed you see, it would be your father. So using the Dukes private beach was suitable to everyone.”

“Yasuhiro will pay dearly for his traitorous acts I can assure you. My father will not yield to you or him.”

“Is Rina still alive?” This time the question came exploding from Lakin’s lips.

“But of course, my dear, do you doubt my word? Perhaps this will convince you.” The Jackal tore away her blindfold and whirled about so his face could not be seen, he clapped his hands sharply. From another room at the far end of the wall two figures loomed into view. Blinking, Lakin recognized them as the men who had attacked her earlier, Xen and Po Zhu.

The third man, Hiro just stood there staring. Staring straight through her, his demented eyes were bitter and dark. They sent a shiver clawing down her spine.

Then her blood went cold. Between them the two men carried a woman slumped over and unconscious.

“She’s scarcely breathing!”

“How very observant. Yes Aiko she is barely breathing and you should take a good look" He focused on Lakin for a moment with slits for eyes. “Your bravery has been very commendable, but terribly foolish. And this my dear has been a most charming discussion, but for now sorry to say, it is over. I want my gold, Aiko.” The Jackal’s blade pressed insistently against her flesh and Lakin flinched as she felt a stab of pain.

“Damn you! Look at her... you have whipped her so cruelly!” “You are nothing but an animal!” Lakin cried out as she tugged wildly on the chord at her wrists.

The Jackal’s cold eyes stalked her. “Yes, very true. And I mean to whip her again, right now. I trust you will enjoy it. It is for your benefit of course. To show you that I am very serious and that if you give Yasuhiro any trouble, you will be next.” He nodded his head. One of the men tossed a bucket of water into Rina’s face. Half delirious, she spluttered and staggered forward, fighting against Xen’s grip.

“Strap her down,” The Jackal said tautly.

[Tainted Bushido]

As the sun began to set, lanterns on the dock were alight in an effort to fight the encroaching darkness. The two warriors continued their journey going out over the water even as they began to lose hope of completing their task on time. Hantei would probably be forced to leave, and buy Taka more time in the short run. As they continued they could see the silhouettes of the battle arks in the distance, patrolling the shores of Akashima diligently.

It had taken some work, but they eventually found their quarry. The smaller ship was hiding in the shadows of a Radasanthian Galleon, and the gaijin ship made for a perfect backdrop to the ship. Moving towards the Kobune they made their way aboard, pushing past the lone sailor who had been tasked with guarding it. Various boxes littered the deck, perhaps being prepared to be tied below. One of the sailors walked up to him and spoke sternly, “I’m sorry Samurai-samas; this is no place for you. If you wish to board you can wait while I get my captain’s permission…”

“He’s right Taka; we should wait for permission to board. No sense in pressing when we have no proof this is even the right ship,” Sanzo’s voice called to the ronin. He seemed to be taking the more logical approach to this, but Taka felt something within his chest stir. His heart was telling him something was amiss, but what he could not place.

“We are merely here to check the ships for something and then we are to leave, any problems can be taken up with Duke Asaraki,” Taka replied as he moved forward only to have the Sailor step between him and the stairs to below deck.

“Once again Samurai-sama, I can not allow this without my Captain’s permission. Wait while I go get it and you can search to your heart’s content,” the sailor replied stiffly.

“Come now Taka, lets wait, perhaps even come back at a later time. I don’t think you want to press this now, especially in your state,” Sanzo once again spoke up, appealing to Taka’s sense of need.

Taka moved swiftly slashing out with Rengoku as the blade split open the man’s stomach, spilling his organs onto the deck below in a shocking display of martial prowess. Quickly bringing the sword down he finished off the sailor as he spoke sternly, “I was told not to return without her Sanzo and something’s amiss. I can feel it, now come with me.”

Sanzo shook his head before he sighed and said, “After you Taka.” He looked upon the dead sailor as he shook his head and pulled his own katana. Going down the stairs slowly after the ronin, he muttered a few prayers to the Kami under his breath.

Taka meanwhile came down swiftly into the underbelly of the Kobune. A lantern was hanging from the ceiling providing a halo of light and giving a few sections of the hold deep shadows. It took only a second for his eyes to adjust to garish difference in lighting as Taka glanced about the area and counted seven men, surrounding two women, one of which was tied down. Three were sailors like the first, the other four however, were a cross between old and new faces, one of which Taka hissed upon seeing. One was Asaraki Yasuhiro, the nephew of the Duke, and what he was doing here was of utmost concern. The second older face was one he recognized, because the man should have been dead. It was the crazed sword smith who had bound his name to an oni, making a deal with Jigoku for power.

And between him and them, were Asaraki Aiko and Haramura Rina, who he could not forget even if he wished to. Rage filled his fragile frame as he forgot the nagging pains in his shoulder and arm. He was filled to brimming with energy as he hefted Rengoku in his hand, waiting for a chance to unleash its fury upon these men. His charge, the girl he had sworn to protect was here, as was the daughter of the Duke, in some twist of fortune that brought a hazy clarity to the last six months. He had been used as a scapegoat, probably by these very men.

A cry of rage left his lips as Rengoku was unleashed, the cries of the woman in his blade matching his own cry of outrage as the blade cut neatly through one of the sailors, leaving his entrails to slide across the floor in gruesome display. So lost in his rage he had forgotten the svelte form of Aiko, the girl he had been entrusted to protect in the chair before him as he moved on, his voice carrying a deathly rage, "Kami guide you dog! When I'm through, you will beg for the fires of Jigoku!" As Taka watched the madman smile at him he swung in a wide arc, one that saw the whip, which had been raised in preparation to hit his former charge cut in twine before slicing a strip across her would be torturer's back.

It was at this time he felt the blow to his back as he hit the ground, his steam blown in only two strikes. Cursing wildly in akashiman he felt a boot stomp upon his hand, forcing it to release his katana before a knife was held firmly against his throat. A gauntleted hand jerked his head back as Taka hissed in pain and looked up into the roof of the small ship.

"I tried to warn you Taka, but you always were the honor bound fool weren't you?" Sanzo's voice hissed in his ear. He could trace a hint of remorse in the man as the traitor spoke, "Many apologies Yasuhiro-sama, the ronin was more resolute than anticipated. I could not sway him."

[Lakin_of_DpN]

Yasuhiro shook his head. “I want him on his knees.” he raged. “Once again Taka, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Yasuhiro paced a circle around his captive, his scowl taking in the Ronin with icy contempt. Lakin gasped and flung herself at the Jackal in a desperate attempt to help the Ronin. He shook off her feeble effort. His fist cracked brutally against her jaw and sent her flying to the floor. The impact was shocking, agonizing and he didn’t even look up as he struck her, his fierce glare remained intently on Taka.

“That's your reward Ronin, pain and agony inflicted on these women rather than freedom. Now because of your foolish acts one of them must die to avenge my men killed here tonight.” The Jackal seated himself in a chair, “I expect now you see how futile this endeavor was, and the Duke will soon come to regret his disobedience.” He signaled to Po Zhu. A slender form appeared in the middle of the room, beady eyes keen.

“Show him,” the Jackal commanded.

Po Zhu looked at his Leader for a moment, hairs bristling on the back of his neck; slowly he crept forward then found his mark. His rough fingers clawed mercilessly at the back of Lakin’s head dragging her blood smeared face up from the floor, revealing to Taka the extent of the Jackal’s malice. He abruptly released his grip and a muffled thump sounded. Lakin struggled to focus her pain blurred vision; she moaned knowing that if she gave up and stopped fighting, the dizziness would take her beyond their reach. From behind, Rina sat cradling herself, speechless with horror.

The heat in Sanzo’s eyes, the ardor in his voice... Pleased Yasuhiro. “It looks like we have a post to fill Sanzo, are you up for the promotion?” Yasuhiro’s gaze fell to the body pooled in blood, lying unresponsive on the floor.

“Hell yes and you won’t regret it either.” Sanzo barked, pure evil in his eyes.

Rina cowered, her arms wrapped around herself, shaking with hatred that made tears stream down her cheeks. Lit by the glow of a few dancing candles, she watched blood pour from the back of her despicable torturer, Xen. She shuddered and looked about her, knowing she had one precious chance; Rina drew her nerve from Taka, and his courageous rescue. She spotted a length of rope dropped in one corner, biting down on her lip she edged forward. Rina turned slowly to study the room, gripping the heavy twine tightly she reeled it in, then hid it quickly behind her.

No one seemed to notice, all their attention was focused on Taka, Sanzo and Lakin. She moved in silence, her fingers squeezing the rope. She inched behind the Jackal and jerked the jute rope down over his neck. He was on his feet in an instant and the force he attacked with, was more than she could imagine. Cursing he seized the rope and spun about nearly wrenching Rina’s shoulder from its socket. Tears burned at her eyes. She struggled to keep her grip, but the Jackals strength was too great. With a twist of his gigantic hands he tore away the noose and circled her neck.

Lights exploded behind Rina’s eyes. Her throat felt crushed and there was a thunderous sound in her ears. She heard Lakin’s voice but it was stifled, as if it were cavernous. The echo fading as it churned through her head. Blackness threatened her. She saw the candles flickering on the table and a hanging lantern. Clenching her teeth she struggled to summon a last burst of strength; Rina swiped at the lantern and lashed out with her foot. She caught the edge of the table sending it—and the candles crashing to the floor. Instantly the room was plunged in darkness.

Somehow Rina managed to keep herself upright, kicking and twisting from the deadly grip she could no longer see. Behind her came shouts and the thud of a wild tussle, she smiled knowing that Lakin was close. She hoped she was in time and then unexpectedly she was free; the rope was gone from her neck. The Jackal’s voice boomed out in the gloom.

“You have no hope of escaping, Aiko. Stop your frail efforts and surrender to me. Then perhaps I will show mercy to Rina by making her death swift and clean, rather than the slow torment I have in stall for you.”

Gritting her teeth against the pain in her mouth, Lakin moved on until she felt the wall. Orders bellowed out in harsh Akashiman language and boots hammered over the timber floor. From somewhere to her left came a line of curses as one of Rina’s boots found its prey. Lakin waited anxiously, praying that somehow Taka had worked his way free. With every heartbeat the waiting grew more and more unbearable.

Each second became agony. She was just about to take matters into her own hands and go in search of Rina when soft fingers slid around her wrists. She started to speak out but a hand covered her mouth.

“It’s me,” Rina whispered. Lakin pulled her down toward the floor just seconds before someone brushed past.

“Stay close,” Lakin breathed. “We’re going out.” But before they could move, she felt someone’s presence and a hissing sound filled the space around them. Lakin blinked, trying to adjust to the pitch black surroundings.

Her body went limp with relief; she could see their escape route in the dark commotion. “Don’t move,” Lakin whispered “Or make a sound.” A moment later she felt the weight of Rina’s small body leaning against her, they waited for some sign from Taka.

Yasuhiro snarled in the darkness and a blade went whining past Lakin’s left shoulder. She felt Rina tense beside her. Lakin cursed silently as another blade whirled past them digging into the wall nearby and raking up lines of splinters.

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka’s eyes held a fire in them as he looked upon the forms of the women being beaten mercilessly. Rengoku teased him by being so close to his hand, yet so far away. Sanzo would have to slacken in order for him to actually reach the blade with any certainty. As he reached out carefully he gently began to grip at Rengoku, while trying to stay still, even as he felt the knife’s edge at his throat. Lakin seemed to be out of the fight after a solid blow from one of the men, before he lorded over the others. He had to be the leader, the man responsible for his dishonoring and subsequent roninship. Still, Taka waited, waiting for the Kami above to give him the opportunity he sought.

It came when Rina floundered about and kicked over the table, causing the candle to be put out by the sudden shift of air, from its graceful descent. Before Sanzo even realized what had happened he had slackened his arm for only a moment, a knee jerk reaction trying to prevent a flame from hitting the very flammable wood of their ship. In that moment, Taka struck with the efficiency afforded by their mutual sensei.

Grabbing Sanzo’s hand at the wrist he twisted the knife away, causing the blade when jerked only to cut into the flesh of his cheek as he brought his shoulder into the gut of his former friend. As Sanzo began to cry out, he felt the wind leave him as Taka forced himself upwards, and subsequently pushed Sanzo forward. As the larger man began to spiral downwards Taka smiled and quickly grasped Rengoku, feeling the connection to his old friend.

“Know where your sword is, always,” Taka hissed as he brought the Katana down into the gut of his former friend. Sanzo cried out in pain as Taka listened for the commotion going on. Grasping his wakizashi by the saya, he tossed it back at the entrance he had come down from, even despite Sanzo’s moans of pain managing to make some racket. Faint light filtered down illuminating the sword before Taka cried out, “Rina, Aoiko-samas, take that and run. Give it to your father; he’ll know what it means.”

As Taka’s eyes slowly adjusted he saw someone throwing knives trying to fence her in, with a cry the Katana lashed out and swung, causing the figure to jump back startled as Taka began to hiss in akashiman, “Your fight is with me now, no victims who can’t fight back anymore!”

He heard a rather caustic reply as the figure threw a knife out, managing only to watch it clank off his armor, “Why can’t you be a good little underling and die!”

He felt a hand desperately clutch at his ankle, trying to hold him stil, as another volley of the deadly knives came his way. Taka only held his ground as he slashed out with the Katana once more, even as knives began to stab deeply into his flesh. A hiss of pain was all the notice he gave them as he moved forward stopping only briefly to stomp on who he could only guess was Sanzo’s hand. Rengoku lightened at the prospect of exacting revenge at its master’s tormentors. The darkened figure before him cursed as Taka moved deeper after him, until a figure dashed forward and tackled Taka. As the two hit the ground Taka gave out a grunt as fists and feet flew, both fighters taking every cheap shot they could. Taka then pulled one of the knives from his shoulder as stabbed down, connecting with flesh as the man he had been fighting shouted out in pain.

He heard commotion as someone tried to move past him, only to trip over Sanzo’s downed form. The samurai cried out again in pain while Taka kicked hard, shoving his would be assailant away. Immediately he lunged forward grasping at the legs of the man, and endured a savage kick to the face, causing a cut above the eye that would leave a nasty scar, even as he dragged the man back from the light into the darkness. The man cried out in outrage as Taka crawled atop him and began to beat him mercilessly with a hail of blows.

It was at that time Taka growled, “Run already! I can’t hold them all back for long!”

[Lakin_of_DpN]

The Jackal shouted out a string of orders, but no answer came from the deck. The hold was near hysteria and the crackle of fire pricked Lakin’s ears. Coarse jute sacks littering the hard wood floor caught a light and the stench of smoldering Hessian reached her nostrils. An intense heat attacked Lakin’s feet, yet Taka, tenacious and unyielding held his ground, slashing and hacking at the Jackal’s men. Selflessly urging the two women on, until obediently Lakin scrambled for the exit yanking Rina with her.

From the corner of his eye Hiro saw a hint of movement and for the briefest of moments he caught a glimpse of Lakin seizing the wakizashi blade and escaping through the iron framed doorway, Rina close behind. He weaved his way out of the chaos fixated on Lakin. “You are mine,” he muttered savagely. Hiro dashed across the bow toward the door, a wicked hunger gleaming in his eyes.

“Your timing is perfect Aiko.” Savoring the taste of the salt air, Hiro closed in. He grabbed a fist full of Rina’s hair and shoved her toward the narrow gangway in front of him.

“Put the sword down or I will kill her,” he threatened.

Lakin’s next breath stopped dead in her chest. She stumbled forward, moving as slowly as she could, cringing when she saw the point of his Katana blade poke at Rina’s deeply scarred back. But in Rina’s magnificent hazel-brown eyes there showed little fear, but rather fury and boldness. Lakin held the wakizashi blade away from her, gently placing it on a stack of wooden crates stamped with brilliant red markings.

“Let her go,” she told him, terror on the rise in her voice. “I’ve done as you’ve ordered.” The deck was deserted. Lakin glanced swiftly about and saw only shadows in the dancing moonlight.

No Kuroi Taiyo.

The sight cheered her immensely. Lakin’s heart pitched with hope and a wild stab of optimism rushed through her. Hiro’s impatient growl came barging into her thoughts from behind. “Just move,” he snarled, directing the two women toward the gangway and onto the dock.

~*~

Hantei had not been entirely surprised when two riders raced out of East House only an hour after he had encountered the Ronin. When the Duke entered the library stiff with old age and formality, Hantei was on edge, restless and pacing. His eyes as dark as midnight, his emotions brewing like an angry wind

“My apologies Hantei for taking so long, a grave misunderstanding has occurred. As it is, I may have overreacted to a problem on the coast. It seems that I called you here prematurely my friend. My guards have the situation completely in-hand, so I will not need your help after all,” the Duke explained. He paused for a second, then hurried on, doing his best to remain composed and cover his mounting troubles. “I ‘m sorry for any inconvenience to you and your men… I will have one of my servants saddle your mount, and of course a small division of my personal guard will escort you and your men as far as South Road.” He finished, and cleared his throat.

Hantei was startled by the Dukes declaration and did not know how to respond at first. “Everything is alright?” He inquired casually.

His calm attitude served to heighten the Dukes apprehension; his hands brushed the material of his emerald green coat. “Yes, all is well in the East, I assure you.”

Hantei nodded, not particularly convinced, already deciding that something was amiss and that the Ronin was wholly to blame. His men had been watching Taka’s movements carefully and were in hot pursuit this very moment. “We will not require an escort. I have some pressing business I must attend to in Yan-Bo, but it should be concluded by tomorrow. We will leave for Kodama Dojo soon after.” “There has been no inconvenience,” he assured, with a husky note in his voice.

“Thank you for your understanding,” the Duke said gratefully, his rigidity softened slightly. A large fire blazed in the hearth lending its warmth with the lively crackle of kindling disturbing the silence and the fragrant waft of Gisela bloom was everywhere. The Duke was relieved to discover Hantei was relatively unperturbed.

Hantei patted the Dukes arm reassuringly and gave a charming smile. Within seconds the Duke relaxed, he let out his breath slowly chiding himself for being so tense.

“It was good to see you again Jubei,”

The Duke watched Hantei leave feeling totally puzzled. He threw his hands up in release and felt his heart beating faster with each footstep through the hallways. The manor seemed enormous, stretching on endlessly, and without his daughter—it also emerged overwhelmingly empty.

Hantei summoned Aein to him. “It is good to see you brother. I need your assistance.”

His voice sounded cold and hard to Aien’s ears, he turned to face Hantei rubbing his hands together nervously. “I will help you in anyway I can my Lord.” Aein stared at Hantei for a long frozen moment and shivered, he waited in restless anticipation for Hantei to speak.

“What is going on here? Tell me everything you know.” Hantei requested.

Hantei’s men had picked up Taka’s trail not far from East House, tracks that showed he was not alone. Upon arriving at the stables Hantei received a report from one of his guards. The information led them to an isolated stretch of road not far from Yan-Bo harbor where the culverts spilled into the cold Akashiman Sea. A runner waited near the crossing holding a flaming lantern that cast an unreal illumination on the pathway to the Raven.

“My Lord, Taka was seen speaking with a tavern maid, she is with one of our men inside,” his man informed him. “We await your orders.”

After visiting the same Nekojin Seer, Hantei sent one of his guards back to the Duke for help. But Hantei hadn’t expected such an enthusiastic turn out. The Duke insisted joining the rescue, along with his Nekojin cook, Naomi. They found the Jackal’s ship rocking at anchor with fingers of smoke rising up from the hull. They had each wanted a part in the attack on the boat. The Duke waited in his coach on the dock with his honor guard scattered around him, just incase any of the villains tried to make their way ashore.

“What should we do now?” Aien whispered gruffly.

Hantei turned and studied the smoldering vessel. His eyes narrowed as he saw two figures sway down the rickety plank toward the waiting dock. The reflection of the moonlight on the water made it difficult to see clearly and threads of mist drifted in slowly.

“That’s Aiko!” Naomi said sharply.

Hantei frowned “I believe she has someone with her, another female. They are headed toward us.” Hantei cursed as he saw one of the woman stumble. But there was no time. The boat was on fire. Naomi’s fingers tensed on her bow. “It’s less than a hundred yards, I can pick the man off from here.” Her eyes were glowing saucers with huge pupils of dilated gold.

“We dare not risk it, Naomi; your people are well-known for their archery skills but unless I’m mistaken the brute has his sword trained on the other captives back.”

“I can do it… trust me I will not miss.” Naomi muttered angrily. “We can’t just sit here and do nothing.” She huffed in frustration, but waited resolutely behind Hantei.

“You’re right, go for him as soon as my men are in place and the women have set foot on the dock.”

“Then this is what we’ll do next.”

~*~

“Lakin stared at her captor, a brilliant fury in her eyes. “You’ll never get away with this you son of a snake!”

“Cease your chatter and move. You no longer amuse me; once we are away from here I will educate you in manners.” Lakin scowled at Hiro. Someone would learn some manners but it wouldn’t be her! She tried not to think of Taka and the fire raging on board. He would come to them somehow, she knew he would. Until then she had to focus on out-witting this rogue, to do that she needed time. “What if my memory has returned? What if I do suddenly remember where my father keeps his gold?”

Hiro’s eyes narrowed. “It was never about the gold, I have what I want,” he said flatly.

Lakin chewed on her lip thinking feverishly. If only she had her weapons, her magic. She was thinking how best to goad Hiro when a larger boat adorned with a massive dragon's head at the prow, struck the hull.

A moment later Harumura-Kano came wheezing up the gangplank, his portly face bright cherry with exertion. “I’m here for my gold, just as the Jackal promised. You have your damn shipments now, so I’ll take my payment.” He stopped dead in his tracks, a bitter rage burst from him, Kimiko! What are you doing here? Damn it… What’s going on? I never expected to see you ever again.”

“Damn it Hiro the boat is on fire, everything will go up. Do something man!”

Rina’s eyes were dark hollows of hatred, boiling anger exploded through her. This man had abandoned her to endless beatings and torture, her own father. He would pay for that and everything else, Rina swore. Wildly she drove her fist into Hiro’s stomach and threw her body forward. Rage gave her in-human strength as she threw off Hiro, grabbed up the wakizashi blade and thrust it into her father’s body. After that, the deck seemed to come alive. A well-aimed arrow sped past Lakin’s ear.

Naomi was dead on, the arrow struck Hiro in the heart, he toppled sideways and off the gangway into the lapping water. Kano staggered; revenge came very sweet after long months of anguish and torment Rina took a primal delight in watching her father’s body slide off her blade. It was all over. Her father fell gasping to the deck, blood gushing from his wound. Rina toughened as she stared down at the man she had come to despise. Her eyes cynical as the tip of the wakizashi sword leveled at his throat.

“Kill me, do me this honor.” Something sparked in Rina’s mind. Slowly the blade fell.

It was over.

Her hate would only keep her bound to the suffering. Now Harumura-aime was free.

[Tainted Bushido]

While he had thought the candle had gone out, he never truly realized just what had happened. In the few short seconds he had been fighting, they had all been oblivious to the fact that the candle had hit a bunch of small sacks, and began to steadily set them aflame. For awhile the moisture had kept the flame from growing, but once the blaze began, there was no stopping its hunger. It wasn't until Taka had felt the figure beneath him go slack that he even noticed the ship was now on fire. Blood poured from his wounds, and he was beginning to feel himself reach the edge of his limits.

"You stupid fool! What did you hope to accomplish here? Rushing into the Lion's den without any thought without any preparation? Did you honestly think you could waltz onto the ship that belonged to one of the most powerful crime syndicates in Althanas? Even if you did win, you only cut the head, a new one will grow, and your people will still be enslaved to our drug. You cannot stop the Black Lotus trade anymore than I can at this point. It will consume your pitiful country," The westerner said. His voice filled with a loathing as Taka slowly worked his way back to facing the man.

"Though my blood be stained upon these very stones..." Taka muttered as he closed his eyes, beginning his final prayer to the Kami.

Sanzo groaned as he rolled over, a bloodied wreck trying to desperately stop Taka, even as the sword smith rose to his feet from the confusion. Taka had knocked out one of the men, and the other was simply too thrashed to actually be of any use in the fight. Taka himself was on fumes, and with the odds a desperate two to one, he looked upon the westerner with a fire in his hands and heart. The man drew his daggers as he said, "What was that?"

"For mirth and freedom of my kindred souls..." Taka continued as his voice rose in volume, the words now clearly heard. His hand brushed along the floor as he felt, his heart jumping immediately upon contact, the hilt of Rengoku.

Xen's eyes widened as he drew his own sword, a simple straight bladed sword. Moving at Taka he brought the sword upward in a cleave that should have at the very least mortally wounded Taka near his neck, if not decapitating him outright. That is, had Taka not rolled and brought his Katana forward in a slash that saw a twin stripe across the poor man's back. As he dropped the blade Taka rose to his feet woozily as he continued the prayer, "Sword in hand and faith in heart..."

The sword smith drew a serrated knife as he came at Taka, only to find Rengoku buried up to the tsuba in his stomach. As the man came to a shuddering halt on Taka's blade the ronin twisted the blade, so it was as if in a Saya, waiting to be drawn. The westerner only sneered as Taka roared the end of the prayer, "Creatures of Lore, guide my blade, forevermore!"

The tanto fell to the deck as the man gripped helplessly at the blade. Taka watched his foe before he drew the Katana from the gut of Xen the sword smith, without a second thought. Bringing Rengoku out in a cleave to incapacitate, he pulled it harshly from his previous victim. The sword smith fell immediately to the ground in pain as he curled up, waiting for his own death. Taka's katana however, would not strike flesh on this strike as he cut deeply into the vest of his opponent, even going through the shirt, before the sharp sound of steel on steel could be heard. The man immediately jumped back upon the sound before they both looked at his chest, and saw the chain mail shirt he had been wearing had been torn open by the concentrated blow of Rengoku.

"Once again, you prove to me more trouble than you're worth. Even if you kill me here ronin, it will not save your country. Another will take my place, and he will be far worse than me, for I at least showed your people some compassion," The man growled as he drew another dagger. Immediately he leapt at the ronin who found himself at odds with the odd fighting style. He had been trained to fight other swordsmen, not a knife fighter. As he clumsily dodged the much lighter weapons he felt another wave of dizziness hit him, and could feel the blood dripping into his eyes.

He was on his last legs as he stumbled, keeping back and away from this seasoned fighter even as he relentlessly poured down attacks upon the ronin. Taka was having trouble keeping up, until the answer came to him, and he smiled. Continuing to dodge and attempting to fight back the man laughed as he spat, "Why are you smiling Ronin? Does your own death please you so much?"

Taka raised his katana in a slash that left him exposed, and the man acted immediately shoving the daggers into his gut. When he tried to move back, Taka acted immediately bringing the sword down in a cleave that mirrored his first, and this time struck flesh, cutting deeply into the foreigner's chest. It was then Taka talked, even as blood flowed from his mouth, "Even if it is not you poisoning my people, I will die happy knowing no gaijin destroyed my people. When I take your soul to Enma-o with me, we shall see who laughs last."

The fire in his opponent's eyes went out as he looked into the cold fearless eyes of the ronin. A mortal wound had been dealt, but the ronin feared no death. With a savage kick that aggravated almost every wound in his body, the body of the Jackal was thrust off his blade. A wet cough left Taka's body as he stumbled over to Sanzo. A sneer across his face, "Alright traitor, its time for you to pay for your crimes..."

"Kill me and be done with it Taka, I'll not stand another tirade of honor and duty," Sanzo hissed as he lay on the floor. The flames gave his face a deathly shadow even as Taka glared down on the Samurai. However, justice would not be his to dispense, not today. Taka's body, had finally given out, and even as he attempted to raise Rengoku, it slipped from his grip and fell in a loud clatter to the floor. He heard a voice from up stairs and looked at Aein, before a twisted smile crossed his face and he laughed.

Taka then promptly passed out before his body hit the floor.

[Lakin_of_DpN]

Flames engulfed the hull like an ocean of red, blazing waves stretching to the corners of the room. Drowning large wooden crates; coils of rope and unused rigging in its hot glowing swell. Aein could see the flames now, dancing ever closer as he crouched low at the entrance, his face shielded from the inferno beneath a mask of soaking wet cloths, his body protected like armor by the water-logged material of the habitual, black kimono pasted to his skin. The lone Samurai had heard enough, seen enough to know the Ronin was indeed a man of honor, a man worth saving. He writhed against the heat that increased with every second that threatened to peel the skin from his flesh and against the lung-searing smoke that poured from the doorway as a deadly warning. He took long sips of cool air through the damp bandages and between the slits, beady eyes glistened like a creature in the dark. Aein dived through the small doorway and without thought, challenged the boiling pool. He sensed Taka was there, somewhere just ahead…

Through the red fog he spotted the splintered, low hanging beams just in time to avoid getting his head knocked off. He ducked without breaking his pace and leapt over wreckage still dangerously burning to a man sprawled in the distinctive posture of death. Something shiny glittered between the dead mans grasp. Aein wiped the sweat from his eyes with the back of his sword hand and took another look, with his left hand he pulled the object free, for some unfathomable reason, he knew the token would be invaluable someday. He moved to the taller, larger, more powerful frame lying face down in soot a few yards away. A dark brown bloodstain covered much of the fallen man’s back. His breathing was shallow and erratic but… he was alive. It was Taka, his clothes' aflame. Aein rolled the Ronin over and over as he ripped away the smoldering kimono and fragments of damaged armor. He hoisted him onto his shoulder and felt a blast of panic as his knee’s caved slightly under the burden. “You’re not going to make this easy—are you?” Aein thought, as he called on every drop of strength he had to get the unconscious man back in place.

Aein wished he could free himself of the sick feeling in his gut that told him they would not survive, that they would perish—and painfully, but he could not. He watched keenly, as the flames seemed to hunt, as if they could smell the scent of a wounded animal on the wind, striking the lone Samurai with its blistering teeth and scorching talons. Crackling with excitement as it taunted its prey. Aein shook himself, he told himself to move and keep moving. He carried Taka toward the door, to where the fresh air waited; shifting and draping the Ronin many times across his shoulders as he struggled and staggered like an old drunk. Until, suddenly they stood just inside the doorway ready to burst out. The honor guard grit his teeth in one last valiant effort, then drove forward with all his might—but nothing happened. A hand as strong as a band of steel, kept him rooted to the spot. “Ahh!,” Aein shouted, he felt the sting of nails clawing at his bare flesh and cut deep as they yanked him back. He glared down as he stumbled and lost his balance for a moment; a large dark body attached to the hand holding him, lay slumped on the floor. Aein’s stomach churned with the grisly prospect of carrying both men to safety, yet he couldn’t… he wouldn’t leave a brother behind. He grabbed the hand belonging to Sanzo and dragged it with him, revolted with the compassion within himself that would not allow him to kill this traitor.

***

A series of explosions sounded in the darkness and the crowd on the dock moved back in one surging mass. Lakin and Rina struggled to stay together, but became separated. The quay swarmed with moving figures and a shrill whistle alerted dock-smiths and port-guards in smart armor to the fire. Clanking chains and clattering winches signaled a secured dock and Hantei’s guard watched the water for survivors. Harumura-Kanto's crew was weary and already hard-pressed which made a crucial difference when it came time to flee. A few men snatched up the signal lamps, warned the ships perched silently in the harbor just beyond view, but the bulk of the crew packed in shoulder to shoulder across the deck making good their surrender, Cutlasses and Daggers in hand.

Lakin caught the scent of burning flesh in the wind, it was unmistakable and a small broken sound came from her throat. From her place near the dock’s railing she spied a tall, well built figure crossing the stern of the burning vessel, then vanish in the shroud of thick black smoke. Red flaming light spilled from the boat’s hatches and bursts of bright sparks, ash and drifting embers dotted the dappled water. Her heart pounded, she put her faith in that one solitary figure. Lakin stared at the shadows playing on the water and prayed desperately for life. The Ronin’s life.

“Arasaki-aime, please…” said a voice, one of her father’s guards begged Lakin back from the dock’s edge. “There is nothing you can do. We have men on board, they will find the Ronin, and bring him to safety. We’d best hurry… your father is waiting for you!”

Lakin hadn’t noticed her father’s fine carriage and sterling horses, their glorious coats gleaming in the light of the fire. Elegantly dressed men, voluptuous women bearing more than considered respectable poured out from the Raven, running in the direction of the docks. Lakin felt a stab of emotion at the mention of her father's name, and all at once she wondered where he was. She wiped away a trickle of blood, scanned the crowd then smiled as she felt the familiar touch of her father's bone-thin arms draped around her shoulders. Her father seemed to wait for his strength to return before pulling Lakin fully into his embrace. His sunken cheeks were incredibly soft and she sensed a weakness in him that had never bared itself before. Naomi hovered anxiously at his side, but the Duke motioned for her to step back.

“Thank you both. As resourceful as always I see father. And you,” Lakin said, ogling Naomi, “are amazingly good with that bow.”

A tremor ran through the Nekojin’s small, feline frame. Naomi merely smiled. “I learned as a child, like most of my people.” She said and shot a caring look at Lakin, who was leaning against the Duke with her fingers clenched around the dark hilt of a wakizashi blade.

“Now let me look at you my daughter,” the Duke asked, as he took Lakin's hand and set her before him. It was easy to see how deeply he had grown to love his daughter in such a short time, Naomi’s fondness for the old man grew all the more.

“More battered and bruised than I care to see but…”

For the moment the Duke banished all such dismal thoughts. Instead he focused on the present, Lakin was here with him, safe and whole and as beautiful as ever.

“You are safe, that is all that matters now.”

“But the Ronin, he’s still on there. He sacrificed himself to save us,” she whispered through parched lips, deciding it was high time her father knew everything. Lakin drew the Duke back to his shiny black carriage and waited while her father slowly sank to his seat. Her expression grew serious as she began…

Across the way past the cargo docks packed with stacks of timber crates and wool bales tightly bound with wire, stood the Duke's guards. There was a general chatter and hubbub with all that had happened. The dock-smith repeated the same shrill whistle to signal the end of the disaster. Rina searched the crowd, her pulse suddenly fluttered. There on a partly raised platform one row over stood Hantei. She caught a fleeting glimpse of his tall figure dressed in a formal gray Kimono and ebony black cloak that snapped in the breeze. Then her heart skipped a beat, she watched as he turned and for the first time looked at her.

“Kimiko!” His voice cracked, Hantei inched his gaze over her delicate face, he couldn’t take his eyes off the long, graceful length of her lithe body and when he did finally move it was as if he were in a trance, unable to feel his limbs. His eyes glazed over Rina, wild and confused and gestured aggressively to the small group of guards huddled around her, to part.

Only one man, other than her father ever called her Kimiko. Pain tore through her heart. He was everything she remembered, though his face had lost some of its youthful beauty, he had gained in definition and distinguished curves. The raw masculine charm that had haunted her every dream, it was still there. Here was the man she loved more than life. Rina was not aware of walking across the dock, only that she was drawing nearer to Hantei. How was it possible? He was finally here. She ignored his storming eyes and angry frown; she saw only the heroic dimensions of his dashing features.

“—At last…” She whispered, melting into his arms.

***

Draque, the last of the Dram barbarians stood at the rail of the Immortal and stared out across the sea. Yan-Bo was still a full day’s sailing. The water shone like blue topaz, moonlight glittering off the crest of ever wave but the Leader of the Kuroi Taiyo saw only hate and bloody revenge around him. He had allowed the Jackal’s trade through his connections, the profit was good. Though the man himself was greedy and trouble no doubt followed him. Draque breathed deep, satisfying his lungs with the same power that flowed to his sails. The Southern winds had finally come. This journey might have been worth the adventure if only he were visiting the Warlands and inflicting his own justice upon its Councils. Soon he would have his chance and how sweet that justice would be…

[Tainted Bushido]

It could be said that that night was an uncharacteristic success. With the disinformation given to the Kuroi Taiyo everything fell apart, as the smuggling cartel made a beautiful mess of their own plans. Attempting to dodge some patrols, saw them run headlong into others. It was made clear that whatever had been deemed worthy of happening would do so that very night. Even as Hantei got word of smuggling ships being picked up all along the coast his mind reeled, despite the thoughts of spending more time with his beloved distracting his tactical mind.

Canons fired into the night as ships that managed to get out of the blockade where blown to shreds, their cargo of Black Lotus falling to the bottom of the sea, even as the kobune that had housed the Jackal slowly began its own downward spiral, never to grace the oceans again. On the docks, one man sat, beside two downed men, one who had redeemed himself that night, and one who had earned a fate worse than death. As Aein looked down upon Taka he sighed as he muttered, "You should be grateful you know, it’s not everyday the Kami bless you with their luck."

Everything seemed odd as the final fruits of the plan were born. The night was alive with the sounds of Cannon fire as some of the larger ships attempted to take on the forces of Yan-bo Harbor. It became clear however that there would be no survivors as the ships of the Kuroi Taiyo finally sank to the bottom, when the moon was at the apex of his journey west the final fires from the ships had been dowsed by the ever hungry seas, and all the players on the docks had been moved back to the Lord's manor.

~*~

"How is he Naomi?" Aein asked, his face filled with concern as Naomi threw a few rags onto a fire.

The nekojin could only shake her head in disbelief as she watched the clothes, wet with the blood of her last patient smolder, and eventually ignite ablaze before she spoke softly, "He should be dead Kochako-sama, no man should have survived those wounds..."

"He's well then?" Aein pressed concern filling his voice as the neko offered a hand up to stall questions.

"He's asleep, and tomorrow there will be no sign of injury. He should have bled out, but he won't die, no. He will wish it once he knows the truth," Naomi replied firmly. She then looked Aein in the eyes as she spoke softly, "Taka is tainted. He’s showing the first signs of taint, the blackened blood. I think it’s safe to say Taka was telling the truth, however, it is also safe to say, he only survived because of that taint. When he slew that Oni, his blood must have mixed with the Oni's and now; they are fighting a duel for his very soul."

"....what?" Aein asked his legs suddenly growing weak as he heard the diagnosis. Taka was tainted? No, it just didn't happen. That was an old wife's tail, and Taka was not some pathetic mortal doomed to succumb to the taint. "How long before..."

"I cannot say, once the taint afflicts someone, they will have a long road ahead of them. By all rights, he should be exiled immediately, but with what he went through tonight, I will keep it a secret until tomorrow morning. Once tomorrow hits and Taka is alright, then I must tell the Duke, otherwise Taka will endanger the entire palace. If he succumbs to the blood, he will become another denizen of Jigoku, far stronger than anything we've seen before," Naomi explained.

"I'll tell him, immediately, this cannot wait," Aein replied softly.

"Are you sure Kochako-sama? What if the Duke throws him out immediately?" Naomi asked, fear showing in her eyes.

"He will not, after tonight I doubt he could find it in his heart to punish Taka any further than he has. Tomorrow, we'll find out the true story of what happened to poor Taka, and perhaps he can leave in exile with his honor," Aein replied. He then turned to go down the hallways heading straight for the Duke's office, knowing the man had been kept up most of the night with the final reports of the entire fiasco that saw the Kuroi Taiyo jump into a net that the East Guard had not even known had been drawn in.

Aein knocked on the door before he was allowed entry and entered, immediately setting his honor blade before him he knelt before the Duke, looking down even as he fought the rising tide of sadness and grief overwhelming him. The duke looked down upon Aein before he finally spoke, "Yes Kochako-san, can I help you?"

"I come bearing a report of the Ronin's condition," Aein said his lips pressed into a grimace.

"How is Taka doing?" The duke asked even as his hands steeped together and he leaned forward upon his desk, almost as if praying for good news.

"There is much to talk about, and a favor I ask of you, Lord Asakiri, as presumptuous as that may seem. But first, let us talk, and see what can be done about this..."

[Lakin_of_DpN]

(OOC: Bunnying approved)

Taka slept in a large bed on a raised dais in the middle of an elegant, pale rose room, whose floor-to-ceiling wardrobes carved from oak, filled the corners like majestic towers. Huge bay windows dominated the walls in-between, garbed in emerald green velvet drapes with porcelain and gold fixtures. An embracing fire blazed in the hearth—that had clearly not been used in a long while—washing the room in a soft golden glow, framed by deep flickering shadows.

“Has there been any improvement?” asked the Duke. From the raggedness of his voice, it was obvious... he was exhausted.

“His wounds are healing quickly, but the fever is getting worse,” Lakin replied, in the act of dabbing Taka’s burning forehead with cold water, she looked up to find her father standing in the doorway watching her. It was midnight or thereabouts, the Duke was dressed in the same rich green coat, charcoal-gray Kimono and black colored hakama pants he had worn earlier, his shirt and scarf were disheveled and his black Jika-tabi boots still showed evidence of the fire. Slightly hunched, his figure glistened in the light of a single candle that spluttered in his hand, he looked worried and powerless as he gazed with fear in his eyes at his daughter, seated close to the Ronin. Lakin’s heart ached for him; she recognized and understood the despair her father suffered. This particular bedchamber had been her mothers.

“I promise I’ll be fine. We both will be.”

At least, she trusted they would be. The bloodletting had left Taka very weak and a mounting fever radiated from his body. She had been able to stir him only enough to take a few spoonfuls of broth and swallow a small amount of Naomi’s remedy. Other than that, he’d been delirious. His stomach was now only slightly swollen above and below the wounds but his blood still oozed stygian black. Helpless—Naomi’s only solution was to spread dock-leaves over the gashes and ply them as firmly as she could with lint and fresh dressings. Fever became the immediate threat, but should the Taint consume the Ronin, Naomi warned, their labors would amount to nothing. She further explained that the longer Taka struggled against the Oni (The Demon), the more dangerous it was for those around him. But there was no need to tell her father that.

“Aiko, you know the Ronin cannot stay here. Too many lives would be put at risk.”

“I understand,” she began, “once he is strong enough to leave, then...”

“No, the Ronin must leave tomorrow, arrangements have already been made.” The Duke declared as he turned to leave. His eyes glistened back over his shoulder at her.

“I’ll be down the hall if you need me.”

“Goodnight Father.”

Drawing her silk woven wrap more closely about her, Lakin turned her attention to Taka. He lay fitfully on his back, his arms restless on top of the mantle, which had been carefully tented over his stomach. The room was pleasantly warm and as a result, Lakin felt no apprehension in leaving his bare shoulders and chest outside the covers, or for his nakedness beneath. Her gaze skimmed up his body and came to rest on his face—she had to admit, she found nursing such a wealth of male definition, disquieting. Dark stubble smudged his cheeks and jaw, which emphasized the pastiness of his complexion. Disturbingly, there was no sweat; his skin was now acrid and dry. Gently, Lakin placed the back of her hand against his forehead to judge the level of heat; she grimaced and drew it away sharply, his flesh burned. His shouts became husky and panicked; his vigor to resist whatever threatened him desperate. Taka pounded the mattress, kicked out with his legs, and thrashed about madly until he nearly succeeded in heaving himself off the bed.

“Demon…!” It was a horrific cry that clawed its way up from his throat.

“Stop! You’ll hurt yourself!” Lakin pleaded. She pinned his shoulders in an effort to keep him from harm. Instead of lashing out at the air Taka was now fighting with Lakin, shoving at her shoulders, arms and body as he battled to be free of her, pelting blows that hurt despite their fleeting nature. Unsure of his strength she, nevertheless, hung on draping her arms across his chest and clinging stubbornly. Her head was masked in the covers, as she sort to protect herself from the frantic hammering of his fists. She smelled the bitter odor of his feverish body and felt his determination as he clashed with the evil he imagined inside him. Lakin held on, quivering for what seemed like an eternity, waiting for his thrashing to ease. Finally his struggles ended altogether.

For the moment, all that remained was a grave silence. Lakin curled up, past events on her mind, as fatigue and sleep claimed her.

***

“My Lord! Come quickly! It’s the Ronin, he’s…”

[Tainted Bushido]

"...awake!" Aein replied swiftly as he rapt hard against the wooden doors that lead to the Duke's bed chambers. Shortly after the Duke appeared with robes on that allowed him to maintain a good decorum as he nodded, gesturing for Aein to take the lead. The swiftly moved down the hallways even as Naomi moved out of the room an held off a warding hand.

"He's awake, and dressing. No wounds as I predicted, and he is himself, at least for now. I would suggest waiting for now, if you are going to exile him again. He has been through much and its a miracle the man is even alive," The nekojin replied calmly, her voice stern despite the fact she was far beneath the Duke and his Samurai guard.

The Duke nodded before Aein replied, "How long do you think, before he succumbs?"

"He started showing stage two signs, the blight is on his skin, it’s easy to hide for now, it runs along his spin and so, a simple kimono will suffice, but he will not be able to hold it for long if the battle continues at this rate. By this time next year, Taka may very well be a spawn of Jigoku, unleashing its unholy vengeance upon the celestial order."

The Duke sighed as he replied sadly, "So much has happened to that poor man. Can the Guardians not show him an ounce of mercy?"

"They have," Aein interjected, before he sighed and said, "They have let him prove his Honor. If we let him go with that Honor, he may at least go, knowing he was tainted for a good cause."

The Duke nodded before he said, "I was at first...reluctant to fulfill your request, but if he has only a year to live, I cannot see denying him that request, not after how much he has fought for Akashima today. I'll go have Sanzo taken to the courtyard, the magistrates will oversee it, so proper documentation of his admission can be taken."

"Sir, may I also oversee, in case Taka should succumb?" Aein replied softly.

"Are you sure you can? He is your friend isn't he Kochako-san?"

"One does not ask their neighbor to kill their pet. It is a personal thing, and requires them to have the courage to face their own ugliness. One does not ask another to kill their friend, for they must face that ugliness as well, to know they have been betrayed, whether by the Guardians, or by their friend them self."

"I see, then you may. I pray you need not lose two friends today."

"As do I my Lord, as do I."

~*~

Taka pulled on his armor once more as he looked heavily at the daisho stand beside him. Rengoku seemed to whisper to his mind, as he reached out for it, and placed it in its traditional spot at his hip. A soft sigh escaped his lips before he pulled his wakizashi from the stand and moved to head out the door. He was more than certain he was doomed as soon as he opened it, and upon reaching the handle stopped as he closed his eyes and felt all his frustration well up in him.

Naomi had told him as soon as he had woken up, and found the sleeping form of Aoiko next to him, of his problem. Tainted, cursed by the realm of Jigoku to be its servant even in death. Hell's grip would not relinquish its newest prize, and now he understood what he was. He was no longer a member of the Samurai Caste, but its greatest foe. To be so close to redemption and to be exiled even still was maddening, but no one's fault. He could not be trusted, for he was a canon, the fuse cut at an unknown length, ready to blow at any second.

Opening the door he looked into green eyes as he saw his friend Aein, a look of sadness in his face as they stared at each other, for what seemed forever. Taka was the first to look away, unable to withstand the guilt of the moment. As he moved towards the exit of the estate he was topped by a hand on his shoulder as Aein's voice spoke, raspy and filled with emotion, "Stop friend, I have a parting gift for you..."

Taka froze hearing those words, and nearly collapsed in grief. A shuddering sigh filled his frame and his training as a Samurai forced him to remain unemotional. Turning his back to look at Aein he whispered, "Oh?"

"There is one last loose end that remains untied, at my request. It was the least I could do for my friend, even if I cannot enjoy his company in the future. It's in the courtyard, and I hope you accept it."

Taka raised an eyebrow as he replied, "What do you mean?"

"Go and see my friend, I hope it’s to your liking..." The words had hardly left his lips before the ronin was down the hallways heading straight for the courtyard. As he exited the building he saw a man in the courtyard on his knees. Off in the corner were a few Samurai, one armed with a bow, obviously making the intent clear, this man was not to leave.

As Taka moved into the courtyard he recognized the downed figure, as he had nearly killed the man less than a day ago. Sanzo had been given to him by Aein, even as he was to be exiled. Taka's eyes closed as he let a rare smile grace his face as he spoke out, "So Sanzo, you couldn't lie your way out of this one?"

"Oh shut up Taka, I could care less about a ronin's opinion," The samurai said in defiance. Taka chuckled as he moved over and gave him a harsh kick, forcing the man onto his back. It was then Taka saw his wounds had been minimally treated, obviously valued far less than the ronin.

"That's funny Sanzo, coming from a traitor who didn't have the courage to protect his own friend," Taka replied, the heat of anger entering his voice. "So tell me, how long have you been a part of the Kuroi Taiyo? How long have you been selling out your Lord."

"I don't answer to you ronin, I'm still a samurai, I still have my rights!" Sanzo spat as he squirmed backing away from Taka.

"I see a worm here, no Samurai. Where is your daisho my friend?" Taka replied firmly. He then placed a savage kick into the man's ribs as he spoke, "I only see a coward, who didn't have any ounce of courtesy for what his lord gave him."

"Still righteous aren't you Taka? That was always your problem, you held fast to Bushido, hoping that Honor and Loyalty would continue to be the coin of the realm! You are just like the Duke, so caught up in tradition and the past to see the truth. Honor and Loyalty haven't been the coin of the realm in a long time!" Sanzo bellowed as he yelled finally at the Ronin.

Taka snorted derisively as he spoke, "If Honor and Loyalty are no longer the coin of the realm, then what is?"

"Gold, it buys power, it garners respect, and even you cannot deny this. That Nekojin diviner, who gave us the ships location, it was not even willing to help you without money. Yet you held onto your Honor and paid respect to those beasts! You cannot deny that money was the only factor there, where was her Loyalty and Honor?"

"We are Samurai; we're held a cut above the rest. We are the trained guard of the Righteous Emperor, his vassals and soldiers. Before we would take a single peasant to the field of battle already hundreds of Samurai have given their lives. You know this as well as I, your life was never yours to barter with Sanzo, you died the day you joined the Samurai Caste."

Sanzo laughed as he spoke, "Ah Taka, how stupid and blind you truly are. You still cling to Bushido, even as society made you no better than a peasant. All because one organization that has been playing this country like a biwa, decided it was your time to go. When they asked me to pick the bodyguard for Hantei's esteemed betrothed, they wanted someone who would be a problem down the road. How right I was in picking you. I doubt I could have taken your smug form any longer."

"You sold me out? You sold your Honor to eliminate me? Why?" Taka said even as he felt fury grip him.

"You were too strong for me Taka. Even if I could have matched your strength, your speed and keen mind was too much. I could not hope to match that kind of mind, and if the Kuroi Taiyo wanted threats eliminated, you were my biggest one. You'd have figured me out eventually, and Aein would have sided with you either way. Aein could be duped, but only as long as you were not around to play blood hound," Sanzo replied. He looked around before he spoke, "I'm as good as dead, so let me tell you the truth Taka."

"And just what's that Sanzo?" Taka replied, his voice thick with hatred and bitterness.

"I'm happy you're tainted. Now, no matter how dearly you cling to your honor, I will know you will succumb one day. One day you will realize not everything is Bushido, and you cannot live your life that way. One day you're going to have to look in the mirror and realize you will kill people, innocent people, all because deep down it satisfies you. That’s why I had them use Xen, that’s why I had him use the Oni on you, I wanted you dead, one way or another, I may not outlive you, but at least I get the luxury of watching your fall, even from the depths of Jigoku."

The Magistrates watched in awe and horror as Sanzo's head left its shoulders, the clean cut from Rengoku slicing so fast it was almost unseen. Taka's eyes held a fire in them as he flicked the blood from his blade before he sheathed his katana. Turning back to the entrance of the house he left the body where it laid, not even looking back upon it.

Aein watched on in silence before he slowly shook his head and left, knowing that today hubris had claimed two of his friends.

[Lakin_of_DpN]

A week after the fire Arasaki-Jubei and his Steward, Shuunen, were talking when Naomi announced an unexpected visitor. “Master General,” the Duke exclaimed in surprise when the King’s Advisor entered the room. “I was unaware you were in the East.”

“We are visiting with my wife’s family in Yan-Bo,” he began. “I received the good news this morning and thought it imperative I see you at once.” He glanced pointedly at the Dukes Steward. Shuunen, understanding his meaning left the two men alone. “I wanted to thank you and your daughter personally for the incredible job done here in East Akashima. Operatives reported almost no movement by the Kuroi Taiyo in the last three days and with the information your naval forces provided we were able to locate the last shipments of Black Lotus destined for Akashima, on the water.

The Master General spoke with great zeal. “There have been no further signs of activity on our beaches, or anywhere else along the coastline. The King is confident that for now the sway of these criminals, the Jackal in particular, is over and he sends his regards. Haramura-Kano, his part in this affair was devastating news to the King.”

“Yes, I imagine it was. My daughter informed me of your earlier visit and suspicions.” The Duke said dryly. He paced the room irritably, his mind turning over events. “It seems you were investigating the wrong Duke.” He finished in a chilling tone. The Duke, immovable as always, refused to tolerate any slurs upon his character—Royal Advisor or not.

“Indeed.” The extremely large and very imposing Master General rubbed his hands together uneasily but continued with his report.

“The evidence against you at the time was quite damning, but that is of little importance now. Please give your daughter my regards and thank her on our behalf, we, the King and I do realize that she, at our request, put herself in the middle of some nasty business.”

“The King has also organized an audience with Haramura-Kimiko Rina. She will of course succeed to her father’s title and fortune. Sadly, Kano was corrupt to the core and as cruel as the devil himself. We hope Haramura-aime can move past this mess and look forward to a happy future with Hantei at her side. The marriage has been sanctioned by the King.”

“Ahh… that is good news.”

“It was the Ronin who brought the Jackal down single-handedly. After that, the Kuroi Taiyo network collapsed. We were not able to arrest the Leader of the cult, but we have agents in the field still looking.” The Duke admitted.

“Yes… Taka, of course we appreciated his help in this matter, but I did receive some very distressing news regarding his situation. They tell me he is cursed with the Taint. This is grave news. I will inform the King immediately.

The Duke interjected in a voice filled with resolve. “Don’t concern yourself with the Ronin, he will not be a risk to Akashima.”

The Master General nodded but his expression was troubled. “Good, the King will be pleased.”

***

“Kill him! That’s your solution?” Lakin said as she sank to her knees before the Duke. The ribbon that bound her hair unraveled and the heavy black mass fell free, spilling out across her shoulders to drape, loose, down her back. With soft, trembling hands she beseeched him,” please… the Ronin saved my life.” A long silence came in return. Lakin sighed, brushed back an unruly strand of obsidian hair and saw the dark impenetrable wall in her father’s demeanor.

“You can’t be serious!” She demanded, as horror clutched at her chest and the color slowly drained from her face. The Duke avoided her eyes and she knew with a quick sinking of her heart that his mind was set. Weak and overwhelmed by misery she rest her hands against her thighs, her emotions turning to those of anger and frustration.” Where is the honor in this?” She asked. Her hands clenched so tightly they formed white knuckled fists. Her chambers, that were as bright and hearty as the long swaths of sunlight that burst in through the tall arched windows, now wore a veil of doom.

The Duke looked down at her and this time he held his daughters gaze with his. “I can assure you My Dear, there was no other way. Allowing the Ronin to live for a short time did cross my mind, but I dismissed it as being impossible. It would be just too… dangerous.”

Lakin closed her eyes for a moment against the weight of her father’s words. A constant throb began in her head and rippled through her entire body. Silent, she rose gracefully to her feet and walked away. Lakin held her willful chin in the air, determined to put the space of the room between them.

“My Lord!” …Naomi’s voice came from the shadows of the hallway beyond the arched entrance to Lakin’s private chambers. “Sanzo and the Ronin are in the courtyard.”

The Duke acknowledged Naomi’s arrival with a nod, but his eyes were empty and his body rigid. “It’s best if you remain here, I will return shortly,” the Duke told his daughter, desperately trying to control the tremor in his voice threatening to reveal the true havoc of his emotions. “Naomi, stay with her.”

Naomi nodded mutely, her eyes never leaving the Duke. “As you wish, My Lord.” She bowed after putting down a tray and made her way quietly to Lakin on the other side of the room. Naomi offered her mistress a cup of steaming tea, but cautioned that the brew was very hot; she promised that the herbal essence would soothe and truly make her feel better afterwards.

Behind Lakin, the door closed quietly and her father was gone. She had no intention of complying. Her pacing began anew. With the chilling awareness of reality, Lakin realized that she would have to act now. His life depended on it. She had to reach Taka, to save him. She turned away from Naomi to hide the tears welled in her eyes. “I can’t think of tea right now. I must do something. Surely you don’t agree with my father’s decision?”

Even though Naomi’s heart tightened at Lakin’s blatant anguish, her voice was prim and reproving. “What I think doesn’t matter; the Duke’s word is final.”

The sound of soft-knocking interrupted, drawing Lakin’s attention.

“Rina! Thank goodness you’re here,” Lakin murmured, she blinked hard, driving away the tears. Her face blazed with a sudden radiance.” Bless you Rina, we don’t have much time.”

“What is it? Tell me!”

Lakin informed Rina of her father’s plans. She described her shock and her father’s absolute refusal to consider any other option. The petite young woman listened in horror, her opal eyes wide with disbelief. Lakin continued, explaining that her father’s guards made it impossible for her to leave and went on further, to beg, her new friend’s assistance.

Rina’s eyes took on the same haunted aspect that Lakin had seen on the boat. Dark despair, pain and sadness. Sensation’s that had kept her company for those long, torturous months on the Junyō. It all came back overwhelming her mind. Her voice was choked with emotion as she held Lakin’s hands tightly. “What do you want me to do, of course I will help. I owe the Ronin my life.” Rina told Lakin, feeling suddenly lightheaded as she tried to drive away the pain and piece together her thoughts.

“Will you join us Naomi?” Lakin pleaded, gingerly testing the Nekojin’s loyalty to her father.

Noami shook her head, her expression set. “I can’t do that.”

“If you’re not then please Naomi, move out of our way. With or without your help we’re going to get to Taka.” Rina exclaimed with obvious vexation. Naomi looked deeply into Rina’s eyes before glancing once more at Lakin. Stepping past the two women she moved to the far side of the room and turned her back.

“I can’t leave this room… but you can.” Lakin said exhaling slowly, still not quite believing that there was at least some hint of hope.

Rina shook her head, her mind still a tumult of suffering. “We can’t let this happen… we can’t!”

“Here’s my idea.” Lakin whispered, Rina intuitively moved closer to hear. Moments later, a figure, her face hidden beneath the folds of a low hanging hood and wrapped in the soft quilt of Rina’s snow white cloak slipped out from the room. Her heart beat with gladness; her pulse raced, adrenaline coursed through her veins and her bleak mood evaporated instantly as she past the guards. Hope rode on her hip as the woman fled down the vast circular stairs and out into the open courtyard.

“Stop right there!” voices shouted.

Before anyone had time to react, before they actually knew what was happening she launched herself forward exerting all her strength, she rushed Aein and succeeded in throwing him back a few steps, his jewel studded dagger was flung away from Taka’s neck by the impact. Aein cried out as he was sent off balance, the Dukes honor guard tumbled awkwardly to the cobbled ground with his assailant crashing after him.

“Run Taka, they mean to kill you.” she screamed out over the commotion, clear and desperate as she rolled.

Twenty wretched guards hunkered down in pitiful shelters of a wood and cloth burst out wielding their swords. The early morning frosts had been unceasing for two days now and Dukes men were chilled to the bone, sore from crouching and couldn’t remember the last time they had eaten. Sluggish in their movements and cumbersome at first they swarmed the yard.

From the corner of Hantei’s eye something flashed, like a bolt of white lightning illuminated in a storm of black polished armor he recognized Rina’s great velvet cloak tangled around a writhe form lying against a far wall and ran forward. He roared from around the corner and raised his sword high, showing his intention to his men. The caste reacted immediately; like the wind they swirled in through entries on either side of the Ronin, building a wall of force between their Leader and the Dukes army. The woman opened her eyes to discover the world had gone crazy around her. She was lying on the stone floor crumpled against something hard. Hantei’s gaze darted about; he saw the gleamed dagger in Aein’s hand and saw him move the razor sharp edge toward the hood of Rina’s cloak. Before the dagger reached, Hantei growled and thrust up his sword in warning, prepared to run the Dukes man through.

“Don’t even think it!” He warned viciously.

The courtyard was filled with fighting men, the clang of blades, slashing swords and shouting groaned out. Hantei’s guard steadied themselves, protecting, blocking and defending against their fellow bothers of the Caste.

The hood spilled back revealing Lakin’s face not Rina’s and before a totally stunned gathering Lakin bolted from the safety of Hantei’s grasp; she planted herself squarely in front of the Ronin and pushed the cultured hilt of his wakizashi sword back into his hands.

“Thank you for everything you have done. But now you must go! We will do all we can to keep my fathers men back!”

“PLEASE! GO!”

[Tainted Bushido]

Aein fell in step behind his friend as he closed his eyes, steeling his will. His Lord's orders had been clear, Taka was not to survive this encounter, and after watching the man brutally end Sanzo's life, he knew the Taka he had been friends with, was gone. There was no hope for the man who had once been his friend, who now was nothing more than a beast that followed a perverted mockery of Bushido. He drew the dagger of the Jackal, having been informed that it would give them a scapegoat for the murder, for after all the Kuroi Taiyo was certainly trying to get revenge on the ronin, for the destruction of much of their organization.

As he moved to swiftly end the life of his friend a more frail form hit him causing the knife to jerk back away from the neck of his friend, a neat slit of the throat designed to give him a merciful death that would see him on his way. Instead, he was forced ontot he defensive against some woman who even now was blowing the whistle on the plan he and the DUke had discussed only moments ago. As he growled lowly he brought the knife around in a blow aimed directly at the girl's head.

As soon as he had raised the knife he saw a blade poised right at his heart. The Katana gleaming in the light as Aein's eyes followed the slender curves to the tsuba and onto the hilt before staring into the eyes of Hantei. Immediately the knife was dropped, even as the man growled out his threat if he should have carried out the promise of violence. Everything had gone crazy as the Duke's Eastern Guard reacted immediately to the commotion, only to be rebuked physically and verbally by members of Hantei's command. Swords were drawn and the only one unarmed in the midst of the chaos was Taka himself and Aein. The Samurai looked into the Ronin's eyes, and saw the pain that grew in them. They look immediately vanished as they hardened, the training of a samurai forcing the emotions gone before they could overwhelm him.

To everyone's surprise, the alleged form of Haramura Rina pulled away from Hantei before it pleaded Taka to leave, as it confessed the entire plan. However when the hood fell Aoiko was revealed and she pressed the Samurai's wakizashi into his hand before she yelled for him to run. Aein cursed as he was still caught on Hantei's blade before Taka immediately made a sprint for the gates, even as some of the eastern guard moved against him.

Two guards armed with spears immediately set themselves before the ronin's bid for freedom even as Taka moved at a break neck pace. His eyes focusing before he frowned and moved fluidly, into a slide that saw him move past the shocked guards and into the city proper. As he came up Rengoku sang through the air as he drew it quickly and moved deeper into the city in a hurry. It was at that time Aein slumped slightly his shoulders sagging in defeat as he looked at the Lord Commander.

"He is gone," He admitted softly.

"That he is, and how he will remain. It’s safe to say he has no allies here," Hantei's rather harsh tone spoke, underlining what Aein had done only moments prior. Hantei's anger at the ronin seemed to have evaporated with the return of his bride to be. His disdain of those who would wrong him, seemed to have taken its placed as the sword moved swiftly and cut across Aein's cheek, causing him to clutch his face in pain, barely suppressing the squeal.

"I was under orders Lord Commander, the decision was not mine to make," Aein said between gritted teeth as he looked down at the ground.

"Then I shall have to have a chat with the Duke, if this is how he repays loyalty its no wonder Akashima is in its current state," Hantei hissed as he flicked the blood from his blade. Immediately he bellowed out an order to hold, and even the eastern guard, over which he held no authority, seemed to take pause at the order, giving into it. He then order his men to secure the courtyard and allow no one to leave, if only to give Taka a fighting chance before he spoke, "I shall speak with the Duke, and after this is over with, we shall sort out who wronged who. Until then no one enters or leaves this place."

~*~

"Who are you to order my men?" The duke bellowed with an unmatched fury as his fist slammed against the desk in irritation. The glass objects on the table rattled as the shockwaves dispersed over the wood. His eyes rose to challenge those of the sole occupant of the room, Hantei Jubei. The Lord Commander stood at attention before him, his sky blue kimono still showing not a single sign of dirt as Hantei took the tirade without a hint of fear or remorse. He waited patiently as the Duke collected himself before Hantei stepped forward.

"I am the Rikugunshokan of the East, so appointed by you my Lord. However, I had trouble to believe you would be so cold as to order the murder of one of your most loyal vassals without good reason. The ronin Taka seemed only yesterday to be in your thanks, only to be order executed like a common criminal?" Hantei asked his tone even and patient.

"That Ronin is Tainted, and a threat to Akashima. He needed to be disposed of quietly before he could get out into the public and potentially destroy the peace we've tried to maintain since my ascendancy to lordship. What you have done, is allowed him to escape, and potentially ruined everything for us," Lord Asakari said even as he narrowed his eyes at the General.

"He certainly seemed reserved enough when his best friend attempted to murder him. Were it me, I would have cut the traitor down where he stood. For him to not descend into madness like that shows he is in fact still stable. Perhaps he could find a way to-"

"Is this your professional opinion, or some misguided sense of Pity for him Jubei? Only yesterday morning you wished to vent the rage at losing Rina-san to his incompetence, and now that she's back it suddenly is okay?"

"I admit I was perhaps foolish to try and punish the boy so. He however has proven to be a loyal vassal to this family, beyond roninship. That same Loyalty that you took advantage of, and now that it doesn't suit you to associate with you are discarding like refuse."

"You're hardly one to talk Jubei; I didn't seek to punish the family for the sins of the son. You went into his ancestral home and had it purged of all life. It was you who destroyed the shrine to their ancestors, scattered the ashes and killed the family he cares about. If he doesn't seek your head in vengeance you will be lucky indeed."

"If the time should come that I need face the sins I have committed towards the boy, I shall face them openly. I will not shy away from my responsibilities, and I will take accountability for the deaths he suffered at my hands."

"Pray that day doesn't come Hantei; for I will not hide you from his wrath should he come. For the interim I want the restriction of traffic lifted immediately. I will send my guard after the boy, and if they should find him, they will kill him. He is tainted and a loose cannon waiting to go off. I will not tolerate such a danger to my rule."

"As you wish, my Lord."

Spoils;

Taka is Tainted. The effects of this will be disclosed fully at Level up. The only power that could affect game play being the following;

Indestructable - Taka is immortal. Unable to be killed, should he receive lethal damage, a nights rest will restore him wholly and in a safe position. Death merely knocks him unconscious, beginning the restoration process.

[Ebivoulya]

Alright, before we dive on into this I'd like to appologize for the time this took. Apparently Letho claimed it and never finished before leaving the staff. I noticed that fact, so I went ahead and worked up a judgement for you guys. Any questions can be PMed to me, and I hope you find my comments helpful.



Story: 21.75/30


Continuity: 7.75/10


Tainted: 7.5

In your intro you mention bandages on Taka's right arm, but then say he was using his left for show, and ignoring the pain. Also, the reactions of the Nekojin seemed to shift to more capitalistic when her payment came up, and I later discerned this to play a part in the dialogue between Taka and Sanzo. You mention the name 'Hantei at the start of your second post as if it is a familiar name, yet that was the first time I read it. After all the action on the boat is over, you manage to shed light on the scope and magnitude of repercussions the night led to. Also, I felt like all the reactions to Taka's taint were appropriate given the individual characters.

Lankin: 8

The scene between Lakin and the jackal remains intimidating from Lakin's perspective, but gives the reader a deep gaze into the motives of the men behind her kidnapping. Shortly after that, you refer to someone by name (Po Zhu), though the reader of this thread would have no idea what they look like or who they are immediately. The threads start becomming tied together with Rina's appearance, though. Her last few moments as her father died were appropriate, and really showed her character. Aien's rescue of Taka made enough sense at the time, but their prior relationship was unclear. His saving of Sanzo was also ironic and somewhat appropriate given what the reader knew about Aien at the time. You compliment Bushido's posts nicely, and fill in where he left off in terms of backstory.


Setting: 7.25/10


Tainted: 6.5

Your descriptions of Taka's surroundings generally center around the people, and even then not much about the unimportant ones is divulged, even their skin color or clothing. I never got a good idea of what the 'sake house' looked like. You can occasionally become eloquent in your descriptions, using personification and the actions of the things which you are describing to keep the flow going. However, most of the time your descriptions are either a little too light, or sometimes strangely worded and confusing.

Lankin: 7.75

Your initial description touched on everything from the sights, sounds, and smells of the night, to what information the reader would need to assume the boat she is on is the one the ronin and his friend are looking for. At first I thought the lack of description on the boat was due to the blindfold over Lankin's eyes, but after it was removed you left the room mostly undescribed, and even referenced the Jackal's movements, which she shouldn't have been able to see. Outside of that, though, your descriptions remain well-written, and often times bordering on poetic.


Pacing: 6.75/10


Tainted: 5.75

Your usual prose tends to focus on the characters and people, and that creates a brisk pace which you match with your dialogue. Once you get into the battle, though, your description of the fight scene becomes more long-winded, and at times confusing. Most of the time you maintain an even flow, though, but for those chunky bits I'd recommend breaking them into smaller complete thoughts, rather than touching on two or three different things in the same sentence.

Lankin: 7.5

The level of dialogue in your intro is seemingly overwhelming, but you maintain a smooth flow when you transition from dialogue to what little description there was after the first few paragraphs. After that your description becomes a bit thicker, but so does your dialogue, so the pacing doesn't jump around. It does make your posts feel a little longer, but they're entertaining enough that I'm not just trying to finish it. You pick up the scene perfectly after Taka busts in, moving into the action from the other side of the room very smoothly, and in fact do that well throghought the thread.


Character: 22/30


Dialogue: 8/10


Tainted: 8

The dialogue between the samurai and ronin was very real and appropriate, but I never got any insight into your character's side of things outside of what he says. The final words between Taka and Sanzo before Taka passes out brought some sense of closure. Sanzo's final words were very biting, and they seemed to have an unspoken effect on Taka. Aien's appraisal of the situation also added some depth to the dynamic relationships between them all.

Lankin: 7.75

The various reuinions after most everyone is off the ship held the perfect mood, and I was even drawn into the emotion of the character's as they saw those they cared about. The discussion between Hantei and the Duke revealed much about the underlying plot of this thread, and shed some light on Hantei's relation to Taka. You round off the political side of things nicely with the Duke's conversation with the Master General.


Action: 7/10


Tainted: 6.75

Taka's first attack had so little buildup, I wasn't sure it was an attack. After that the action picks up, though, and for the most part remains suspenseful, save a few times you get sidetracked or too verbose. It seems as though a lot happened during Lakin's post after the fight on the ship had started, and you don't mention any of it. Suddenly, you've got a knife at you, and no mention of how you lost your sword. I also thought Sanzo went down far too easily, and the fight between Taka and he was a little anti-climactic. There's plenty of action to make up for that, though.

Lankin: 7.25

Lankin's struggle against the jackal highlighted her frailty, and your descriptions of the fight after they start felt more fluid and befitting a battle of at least moderately skilled warriors. The turn of Sanzo was somewhat expected after he was not mentioned upon the beginning of the fight, but I thought this part would've been better included in a post with Taka to show his reaction. You really capture the mood and feeling of the fight in your descriptions of it, though, and add another level of depth to them. Your description of the frost's effects on the guards added some realism as well, and you always seemed to be mindful of the environment in which the action was taking place.


Persona: 7/10


Tainted: 7

It took a long time for me to feel like I understood Taka, and while this may be befitting of a man of such discipline, it really kept me from connecting with him. Taka's prayer during battle was pretty cool, though, and added to his samurai feel. The description of Taka's taint and how he recieved it answered a few questions, as well. You brought out Taka's emotions more effectively after he awoke and found out of his taint, and I finally established a connection with him, but I would recommend including some more internal monologue to show the reader how he thinks.

Lankin: 6.75

I feel like a got a fairly good insight into Lankin, but you detracted from that some by focusing on so many other characters. However, in most instances, I feel you did those character's justice, but I still would've liked to have become more familiar with Lankin herself. I must say, though, that Rina and her story kind of stole the show in terms of assisting characters, and I almost felt more drawn to her than your character.



Writing Style: 21.5/30


Technique: 7.25/10


Tainted: 6.5

Your narration is strong, and keeps a good pace, but your physical descriptions seem lacking outside of the obvious such as weapon placement and armor color. The battle scene as Lakin and Rina escape is hurried and ill-defined, but it's oddly befitting of the lack of light despite a few confusing moments. I believe you would do well to try and focus on the more poetic side your prose occasionally takes, rather than sticking with somewhat bland narration for the sake of moving the story along.


Lankin: 8

Your switch from Lakin's viewpoint to Rina's really helped with the suspense during the fight scene which you managed to maintain a steady awareness of, rather than forgetting it like some might. Your prose really shines in your description of the fire, and you give it a life of its own befitting of such a phenomena. Your description of the room in which Taka was sleeping was also very impressive, though you could've done with splitting a few sentences up into complete thoughts with your description of the Duke. You obviously have a well-developed style, though, and I feel like it isn't missing much.


Mechanics: 7/10


Tainted: 6.5

I noticed several instances in which you used sentence fragments, and smashed two or more complete sentences into one long, confusing one. There weren't too many comma or conjuntion errors, but they were there. You obviously have a fairly good grasp of the English language, but should explore some different sentence structure. Try semi-colons (;) to string two complete sentences together, for instance.

Lankin: 7.25

You occasionally leave out conjunctions like 'and, but,' etc when they would ease in the understanding of a sentence. You also occasionally give the first and only verb in a sentence an 'ing' ending, when at least one verb per sentence should end in 'ed,' considering your past-tense prose.They should also alternate unless joined with 'and' or something similar. Other than that you didn't make too many small errors, though.


Clarity: 7.25/10


Tainted: 6.5

Your dialogue is the most easily readable part of your posts, and on the few occasions you branch into esoteric descriptions, you tend to pull them off well. Your general description isn't bad either, but when you describe actions scenes I find myself rereading the same two or three sentences seperated only by commas to figure out exactly what you're talking about.

Lankin: 7.75

In a couple of instances a misplaced quotation mark, or pair of lines from different speakers but with no denotation made me re-read a few lines, but there weren't many for the level of dialogue. I assume the hissing sound that surrounded Lakin and Rina was a lantern going out, but it would've been easier to read if you had actually mentioned the room darkening. Other than that, I don't think I was ever exceptionally confused by your posts.


Wildcard: 7/10

I felt like Bushido played a pretty convincing samurai, and has the start of a unique character on his hands. I also thought that some of Lankin's descriptions were excellent mood-setters, and really fleshed out the thread. It was a very enjoyable read from both of you.


Total: 72.25/100



Tainted Bushido recieves...

615 EXP!

and

285 GP!


Lakin_of_DpN recieves...

565 EXP!

and

285 GP!


In regards to your spoils, Tainted, you are granted your indestructibility as long as it is approved by the mod reviewing your profile upon your next update. Also, please don't abuse it, of course, it's a pretty powerful ability.

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added.