Some stories

By Wareshigo, in L5R LCG: Lore Discussion

Greetings, didn´t really know where to put this, so it ended up here.

Just two short stories which I had the itching to write, maybe someone enjoy them.

An early meeting

The morning clouds vanished overhead, the rain stopped and with a short gesture Dōji Morimi signalled her attaché to remove the umbrella. She looked at the young Kakita, fresh from the academy, sent to her as reinforcement.

Wait here Kakita-san. It will not take long.”

He bowed respectfully, yet seemed worried.

As you wish Dōji-sama.”

She made the first step towards the bridge, the young crane falling from her mind. The next step made the river vanish leaving only the bridge. Her hands pulled the sageo from the saya of her katana and tied up the sleeves of her kataginu , freeing her arms. A samurai in brown and yellow came into view, till now hidden by the bridges´ arch. His sleeves were tied as well. The bridge vanished as well and only the two of them remained. They met in the middle of the bridge about two feet apart. Her stance tightened as did her fingers around the saya of her katana . Her centre was low as her blue eyes met his amber ones, she could see his focus, intent on finding a weak spot. Slowly her hand closed in on the hilt, her index finger resting on the far end, all other fingers were tense, ready to grab and pull at a moments´ notice. Their eyes were still locked, still she could conceive his whole body, he would not surprise her. Without warning both relaxed, stood straight and bowed to each other.

Ohayō gozaimsau Dōji-san, I find you well prepared today.”

Ohayō gozaimsau Akodo-san, thank you, as are you. Just as I expected.”

Would you join me for some tea, Dōji-san?”

I would be delighted.”

The Lion gave a sharp nod and turned around, he gave a short order and the three hundred Ashigaru standing at attention dissipated. Morimi had returned to her side of the bridge and the one hundred Ashigaru on her side dissipated as well, many of them looking very relieved. She didn´t blame them, they were not samurai. The young Kakita untied Morimis´ sleeves and reverently put the sageo back around her sword, which she handed him for that duty. As he returned it to her he bowed deeply.

Forgive me Dōji-sama. Is it wise to drink tea with the enemy?”

Who says that Akodo Mitsurugi is my enemy? He is merely entrusted to guard the Lions´ side of the river, as we guard the one of the Crane. We have no dispute.”

They started walking towards the bridge.

Shouldn´t Daidōji Hachiman be accompanying you then? He is your Yojimbo.”

Akodo-san is a honourable man, we will be safe.”

A young Ikoma awaited them at the other side of the bridge. She was tall for her age and her hair was tied into a samurai knot. She bowed as the two cranes approached, just as deep as it was proper.

Greetings, Dōji Morimi-sama. I am Ikoma Yūko, Akodo-sama wants me to accompany you to his house.

Morimi gave a slight bow in return, just as deep as it was proper.

Greetings Ikoma-san, this is Kakita Ran. Please lead on.”

Ran bowed as well, deeper as Morimi, as it was proper. The young Ikoma eyed Ran for signs of trouble. He returned the favour, then all three started walking. It was not far, but the young lion took a detour along the supply houses of the village. All of them well guarded, there was much activity in one of them allowing the guests from the crane to see how well it was stocked. As they approached Morimi addressed the young Lion.

Ikoma-san. Please tell me of your journey here.”

There was a noticeable pause in Yūkos´ stride before she answered.

It was uneventful and quick Dōji-sama. Thank you for inquiring.”

Morimi let Ikoma off the hook and did not press the matter, if she was relieved she didn´t show. Soon after they had reached the house. Ikoma entered first and opened the door. Ran entered next giving a small nod of thanks, Morimi followed. In the genkan they removed their shoes, Ran seemed unsure if to leave his katana here, but a short look to Morimi made him keep it. Ikoma led the way into a larger room, the left wall was open and the inner courtyard was visible. It was quite simple, with a small pond and two pine trees. In one of them a birds nest was allowed to remain. Two tables were waiting for them. Morimi did not wait and took seat at the larger one, with a good view of the garden. Putting her katana to her right, signalling that she did not expect an ambush. Ran followed suit, Ikoma bowed slightly to them and left. Just a second later a servant brought tea. Soon after the door opened again and Akodo Mitsurugi entered, Yūko followed closely behind. The Akodo was broad shouldered with a hint of grey appearing in his black hair, Morimi and Ran rose, short bows were exchanged and all sat down again. A servant poured them tea and disappeared.

A beautiful morning do you not agree Akodo-san? I must say the new arranged pines put a charming shade onto the courtyard.”

It was a good morning for training, indeed. The early sun drives the weariness from the bones of the Ashigaru. As for the courtyard you are as perceptive as ever Dōji-san.”

Is there any word from your son? Does he recover well?”

Thank you for your concern, he is, I just received word yesterday. Tell me Dōji-san. Who is your new attache?”

With these words the Akodo looked directly at Ran, who had trouble not to squint beneath his gaze.

He freshly graduated from the academy, his aunt is a good friend of mine so I took him under my tutelage for the time being.”

I see. Welcome then to these parts of the empire. Kakita Ran, may you find plenty opportunity to learn.”

Thank you Akodo-sama. I will not waste any opportunity to do so.”

He bowed to the Lion while saying that.

Ha, I like the boy. For a moment I thought you got yourself a new duellist.”

I would not want to pass on our weekly meeting Akodo-san.”

Neither would I.”

They both drank a sip from their tea, Ran and Yūko followed suit.

What story lies behind your young Ikoma, Akodo-san?”

Ha, her parents want her to be a proper bushi, so they sent her to me.”

You have come to the right place then Ikoma-san. Study diligently, there are seldom chances like this.”

The young lion bowed.

Thank you Dōji-sama, I intend not to waste this chance.”

I assume hailing from the Ikoma, your parents did not neglect to teach you poetry?”

Instead of answering Yūko let her gaze wander for a moment.

An open courtyard, no summer wind cools the air, the shadow of pines.”

Morimi inclined a little smile in appreciation.

What about our young Kakita here?”

Ran bowed slightly at Mitsurugis demand. His gaze quickly scanned the vicinity again.

The warm summer air, in the shadow of two pines, nightingales prosper.”

The sound of a nightingale singing made all turn their heads towards the courtyard.

Ha, the boy is attentive. Well done, both of you.”

Both addressed bowed slightly in thanks.

Morimi gave Ran the slightest of looks and memorized how the Ikoma was taking the defeat.

Morimi turned back to Mitsurugi, but a knock interrupted.

Come in.”

The sliding door opened smoothly and a samurai kneeled behind it, he was wearing a brown travelling kimono.

Forgive me Akodo-sama. I am Ikoma Tangen, I was tasked with bringing you these letters.”

Very well, come, give them to me.”

He got up and walked over to the table, bowing to everyone in the room he kneeled again beside Mitsurugi and handed a scroll satchel with both hands. The Akodo took it with both.

Your task is done. Get some rest.”

As you command Akodo-sama.”

He bowed again and left as Mitsurugi waved him away. A little heap of dust remained where he tread. Morimi emptied her tea cup.

Excuse me Dōji-san, I have to cut our meeting short.”

I understand perfectly. We will depart. Will you give me the honour of a match of Go, tomorrow evening perhaps?”

I will, I am looking forward to it.”

Both rose and bowed to each other, Ran and Yūko did likewise.


Not much later Morimi and Ran were walking down the Crane side of the bridge. Leaving behind the young Ikoma. Ran looked back at her with a mixed expression.

Find Daidōji Hachiman for me. You can untangle your thoughts about the beautiful Yūko later.”

Ran almost blushed, bowed and hurried along. Morimi took a pause and looked at her village, it was prospering, surrounded by still yielding fields and secured by a small Shiro in the centre. She turned around and saw the mirror image of her village, just painted in yellow. So far the war about Toshi Ranbo had not reached this province, there still as no outright war between the Crane and the Lion. Yet.

She took some time and inspected some of the peasants´ homes. They all were in good condition, no broken walls were visible on the outside, just as houses in a crane village should look. After that she entered the Shiro and directly strode into her reception room.

Inside were two kneeling samurai, one was Ran the other one was older, with several scars across his face. Both bowed as she entered.

Daidōji-san, are our troops ready?”

Yes, Dōji-san, they are and can be here within less than an hour.”

Troops?”

Blurted the young Kakita. Both looked at him. He bowed.

I apologize.”

You did think that Dōji-san relied on her duelling skills to keep the peace with the Lion? It seems the academy is losing touch.”

Ran seemed to shrivel a little bit.

We must prepare for the worst young Kakita, while working towards the best.”

Ran bowed again in gratitude.

Speak, what troubles your mind?”

I would assume that we witnessed the arrival of new orders during our visit.”

Very likely, indeed.”

What if these orders are to attack at once. Shouldn´t we bring in our troops then?”

Bringing in our troops now would show our hand and only provoke an attack.”

Daidōji-san is right. We can not afford to move on conjecture. We must be sure. Still we have at least one day of respite.”

The young Kakita looked irritated before he adjusted his features properly.

The match of Go.”

Exactly. Akodo-san will honour his appointment with me and will give away if he is going to attack the following morning. Daidiōji-san put everyone on alert about a possible attack in two days.”

He bowed and left. Ran still seemed troubled. Morimi gave him a sign to speak.

Hoe do you know, that he will not attack before your game Dōji-sama?”

Morimi smiled coldly, it was a smile bereft of the joy that once filled it.

Akodo Mitsurugi is an honourable man. He will not risks his honour for a surprise attack.”

I see.”

She dismissed the young Ran and looked at the door behind which her garden was hidden away. She was pondering if her words had been lies or not.


At a journeys end

The sun almost touched the horizon when the shrine finally came into view. Kanga sighed with relief. He urged his steed to a last run towards the tori´i which seemed to be the only identifiable boundary. There was no wall, no nothing. That worried him, put him on edge, just as the peaceful nights out here had done. Everything was so serene, he couldn´t really believe it.

At least two bushi , clad in the orange and red of the Phoenix, blocked his path as he approached the tori´i . It calmed him somewhat. The exchange was brief, he told his name, showed the scroll which granted him passage and was pointed in the right direction. As he wanted to ride inside the two guards tensed. Kanga dismounted and bowed towards the shrine before he entered uncontested. No one seemed to pay him any attention, the monks and peasants he saw were busy with their chores and had no time to deal with an outsider. Any whom he passed bowed politely, but nothing more.

Stopping at a well Kanga hauled up some water to clean his face and hands. He knew that the Phoenix were touchy about entering a library with dirt on you. He proceeded to the largest building on the premises where he gave his horse to a stable boy before entering. The entrance room was small, just a place to leave your sandals, two pairs were there, a stand for swords, it was empty, and two doors on both sides. Kanga sat down to remove his sandals.

What do you mean I can´t enter?”

The voice was close to squeaking and far too loud, Kanga was startled for a moment, but finished removing his sandals and put his katana on the stand, as one of the door opened and a servant appeared. He seemed surprised to find another guest. From behind him more words emerged.

But Isawa-sensei sent me here.”

The servant quickly closed the door and bowed in apology to Kanga.

Welcome Hiruma-sama, I am sorry to not have greeted you directly.”

Kanga was impressed that the man had correctly identified his mon.

No troubles. I am Hiruma Kanga and I wish to enter the library.”

Isawa-sensei will surely have time to weigh your request. I will inform her immediately.”

He bowed again and returned through the door. The volume was lower now, but the conversation from before clearly was still going on. There was a pause when the servant opened the door. Quickly after that the servant returned.

Please follow me. Isawa-sensei will see you immediately.”

Kanga did as asked and was led into a reception room, it was a room of 10 mats with a large tokonoma , which was filled with a large calligraphy of only two characters, adorned with a small ikebana vase in front. He could not identify them right away, they were written in grass script and he never had learned to read it.

Three Phoenix samurai sat in the room, two of them clearly visitors, a young Shugenja, according to the scroll satchel, he had short hair, a small goatee and was clearly at odds with the situation. Next to him sat a woman, armour, the daishō and her demeanour; all radiated yojimbo , she was clearly older than her charge and watched Kanga closely as he entered.

With her back to the tokonoma sat a middle aged woman, the mon of the Isawa worn proudly on her kimono and even hairpin. She showed no sign of anything but courtesy at his arrival. Kanga bowed at the door and the Isawa gestured him to sit opposite of her. He did as asked and now they formed a small triangle. A table and tea was brought for him.

Welcome to this humble library Hiruma-san.”

Thank you, for seeing me in such short time Isawa-sensei.”

It is always a pleasure to entertain guests from our distant friends in the south. These are Asako Haoru, a promising shugenja and his yojimbo Shiba Asami.”

Both named bowed politely towards Kanga, who returned the gesture.

I am Hiruma Kanga, scout and messenger to Kuni Mitsutake.”

He could see how the eyes of the Asako widened by this name. But he restrained himself, most likely because of his recent outburst. Kanga took a sip from his tea, eager to move on through the pleasantries.

It is a long journey from the lands of the Kuni up here. I hope your trip was unobstructed and swift Hiruma-san.”

Indeed it was Isawa-sensei, almost dangerously so.”

How come?”

Kanga was relieved by the blatant statement. He turned to the yojimbo .

The quietness of the roads and nights up here in the north made wonder sometimes. Wonder if I already had died and entered yomi .”

She nodded to that. Kanga felt the tension dropping again. He decided to be brash.

Isawa-sensei, I come with a message from my liege for you.”

If the Phoenix was disturbed by his breach of etiquette she didn´t show. The young Shugenja did though.

Indeed. What is it about?”

Kanga opened the scroll satchel at his side and withdrew a small scroll, sealed with the sign of the Kuni. He handed it to the Isawa. She received it with both hands, before she could open it Kanga opened another satchel. This time a scroll with a Phoenix seal emerged, which he offered in the same way. There was a slight hesitation, before she took it as well. She then carefully read both scrolls. Kanga noticed how the Asako eyed him, he was clearly curious, yet restrained himself.

Very well Hiruma-san, you are granted access to the library at your convenience.”

Thank you Isawa-sensei.”

As he bowed Kanga saw the expression of disbelief of the young Asako, it was barely contained and filled with fury. He quickly recovered though.

Hiruma-san, are you familiar with the structure and filing systems of Phoenix libraries.”

I am not Asako-san.”

May I assume that your mission is of an urgent nature?”

Yes, you may.”

May I offer my assistance then in navigating the library?”

Kanga saw the hidden smile behind that question and the poisonous glance from the Isawa.

My thanks that probably will be most helpful.”

Haoru turned to the Isawa.

Of course, only with your permission Isawa-sensei.”

The woman slowly drew in breath, she clearly was unhappy with this proposal.

As our guest is here under permission from Master Isawa Tadaka, I permit you to assist him in any way possible to fulfil his duty.”

Kanga saw Haorus´ eyes widen in shock as he bowed again. Now the Asako would be to blame, if Kanga did not find what he sought.

I will not fail you Isawa-sensei.”

Hiruma-san I wish you a quick success in your search.”

Thank you, Isawa-sensei. When may I start?”

You may enter the library at your own discretion alongside your guide.”

She clapped her hands and a servant appeared with a small lacquered table, on it was a brush, some ink and a lacquered box. She opened the box and produced three pieces of red paper. With quick strokes she wrote a name on each one finishing with her signature each time. The servant then brought each one to the three guests.

Your room will be prepared, when you return from the library.”

Thank you Isawa-sensei. You honour me with your hospitality.”

She bowed slightly to his bow.

I will not keep you from your urgent business any longer. You may leave.”

The three guests bowed and left the room, finding themselves on the corridor soon after. Kanga was glad to be outside.

The library is this way Hiruma-san.”

Haoru pointed down the corridor, deeper into the building. Kanga noded and walked this way. The two Phoenix followed. They did not speak until they had passed the two guardians at the entrance and stood in the ante chamber of the library. Here they cleaned their hands before entering the vast rooms behind, rooms filled with racks of scrolls, all filed according to topic and of course, availability. Kanga was thankful for his guide.

Thank you for helping me Asako-san, I hope you as well will find in here what you seek.”

If he was surprised Haoru didn´t show it.

I apologize for using you to gain access, but it is imperative to my research to be here. Yet first we should start searching for what your master seeks.”

We should. I am looking for the writings of Isawa Zeami.”

Then I know where to start, come with me.”

The three of them searched racks and scrolls for several hours, outside the sun set and they used lamps to see inside. All were tired, but finally Kanga beheld the text his master was looking for. Diligently he rolled it up and put it into the satchel, which had held his masters´ original message. He found Haoru dwelling over some other scrolls, which seemed to interest him deeply. Asami was standing nearby and looked bored.

Hiruma-san, did you find what you seek?”

Yes, Shiba-san. I did, now I must hurry back south.”

Indeed you must…”

Asami stopped mid-sentence and turned around, her hand on the hilt of her katana . Kanga was awake immediately, even though he hadn´t heard anything odd, but these weren´t his familiar surroundings. She looked at him showing her suspicion, Kanga nodded and drew his wakizashi . No one should be here at this hour. He made a first step towards Haoru, who seemed oblivious so far. A hiss was the only warning, he ducked low and the two kunai embedded themselves in the rack behind him. At the same time the rack behind Asami fell over and she scrambled out of the way, but wasn´t quite fast enough.

Haoru gave a cry of surprise at the disturbance, Kanga sprinted immediately towards the attackers. Two masked men became visible in the cloud of dust emerging from the fallen rack. Kanga jumped at the first one blade first, this surprised the attacker and he barely scrambled out of the way. Kanga rolled to his feet turned and faced the men, both looking at him right now. They both drew katana and stared at him, one circling left, the other one right.

Who are you? Why do you attack us?”

They did not answer, but were focused on him, just as Kanga wanted. Until he saw another pair appear behind Haoru.

Haoru behind you!”

He saw how the Shugenja turned around, but then had to sidestep the straight strike at his head from his left attacker. The rack next to him saved him from the same attack from the right one. He gave ground, both had a longer blade, it was a matter of time, till they killed him. Both advanced swords held chest high, ready to counter anything he might try. Taking two more steps back he suddenly feinted a sprint to the left, the right one fell for it and moved towards this direction. Kanga stopped his movement and hurled his wakizashi . He was too slow to retract his movement and the blade sliced deep into his chest. With a burbling sound the man died, Kanga ran down the hallway between the racks. Now without a weapon he had to find a replacement. The man followed him and he also heard steel ring against steel. The two Phoenix were still in the fight. He turned right at the end of the hallway entering the parallel one, he ran as fast as his feet carried him. Emerging back onto the central hallway he saw his wakizashi still sticking out from the dead mans´ chest. He ran towards it, keeping his head low, a wise choice as his other attacker had waited in the hallway and almost took it off. With a roll he got hold of the katana on the floor, came to his feet and around. Heat suddenly blistered around him, fire had spread at the reading desk, a smashed lamp lying in a burning pool of oil. He saw two people in red still move, so he concentrated on his assailant. Taking a defensive posture with the blade to his right and down, he assessed the other man, who held his blade chest high again. Kanga was not familiar with his fighting style and neither with the blade in his hands. So he made a step back. The other one followed. He saw nothing but concentration in his enemies´ eyes. This was not a random attack, someone wanted to sabotage his master. He made a step sideways swinging his blade in a wide arc aiming at the hands of his opponent. His attacker brought up his own blade to deflect, but this was what Kanga wanted. Turning his swing into a full turn he closed the distance, slashing away the other blade, he let go with his right hand, brought it around above his head and grabbed the neck of his foe. He felt a sting in his side, and finished his turn, bringing down his full momentum on his enemies´ neck. It broke, Kanga landed on his knees and collapsed. He saw a small knife protruding from his belly, his attacker must have had it hidden in his sleeve. Black blood squeezed from the wound, he would be dead soon.

A figure entered his vision, it was Haoru. He was covered in moving stone, which fell to the ground as he kneeled before Kanga. He looked distressed.

Are you alright?”

No, Asako-san. This wound is fatal.”

Haoru looked at his wound.

I, I don´t know any healing prayers. What can I do?”

He appeared to be panicking, Asami put her hand on his shoulder and he calmed somewhat.

Hiruma-san, what do you need to be done?”

Kanga coughed and tapped the satchel.

My master needs this scroll. Please deliver it.”

Asami nodded.

It will be done.”

She raised her katana . Kanga straightened a little and lowered his neck with a smile. The burning scrolls were the last thing he saw, he hoped the empire would not end up like this. Then she cut of his head with one stroke.


Great job on these stories! You have a great sense for the balance of politics where both sides are feeling something out between them. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for pointing that out, will check them out some time.