Kakita Korin stopped his horse and was quickly joined by his (unwanted) companion, the dragon samurai-ko Mirumoto Ruri. He briefly wondered what he had done in his previous lives to deserve this. All he wanted was to perfect his Art, to become Rokugan's best swordsman and duelist. He didn't need distractions like that ! He could swear that girl enjoyed tormenting him ! At least, his control was good enough, he would never show any signs clueing her about his real thoughts.
Ruri had been accepted as an exchange student at the Kakita academy several months ago. Since she arrived, she singled him out among all students as the 'One worthy of her attentions' as she put it that day. Subtle seductive hints, debating which of the Kakita technique and the Mirumoto Niten technique was better, little provocations... She used everything she could to attract his attention. Korin remained stoic, like a true samurai, and waited for the day she would have to go back to her clan.
Two weeks ago, daimyo Kakita Toshimoko gave him his first mission : To go to the crab lands and investigate a disturbing rumor. Hida Ranma, the Crab daimyo's youngest son, had been credited with the killing of an Oni, alone and without help, using what could be Kakita family secrets. The young Hida had never been a student at the academy, making it a matter of concern.
Korin, eager to prove himself, accepted. If the rumors were true then perhaps this Hida Ranma would be a worthy challenge to his skills. The Grey Crane warned him he would have someone else going with him on different business however.
Unfortunately, it was the current bane of his existence, Mirumoto Ruri. He calmly and politely asked why she would follow him to Kyuden Hida. She answered that her Daimyo ordered her to go and that he didn't need to know more. After all, your lord's orders are enough justification for a true samurai. Korin didn't take the obvious bait and chose to depart immediately.
The last two weeks had been taxing for his self-control. He couldn't avoid Ruri's company on the road. She delighted in finding new ways of embarassing him. The 'Let's bath together, we're both samurais after all' and the 'Are you a man or not ? Inkeeper ! Bring the sake !' incidents had been the worst.
They were at last in crab lands and something was bothering him. He knew the Crab clan was on war footing permanently because of the never-ending attacks of the shadowlands. But the troops he saw were training for open-field warfare, something only a compaign in Rokugan proper would need. A Daidoji patrol they met even told him that the Crab navy was on full alert and prepared for troop transport and deployment.
Whatever was brewing, answers would surely be found at Kyuden Hida.
See other episodes by Jamil Nate
(Posted Fri, 08 Nov 2002 11:20)
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