The Fate of the Hantei - A Rokugan Go story

[Hida Tetsuko]

This takes place after the Dragon Clan managed to take the princes from Kyuden Doji, hiding them in the mountains.

---

High in the mountains is a small cave, hidden and secret where the two heirs to the throne have been brought. Neither of the princes look particularly happy to be here, but Prince Sotorii clearly displays his anger, shouting at the stones themselves. Prince Daisetsu chooses to use the time to practice katas.

Togashi Yokuni arrives in the evening. Carrying some food for the coming days, as well as material for teaching.
Prince Sotorii stops in his ranting, pointing an accusing finger at Yokuni. “You! You’re supposed to be dead! What sorcery is this?”
"As you concentrate your chi and extend your suppleness, can you be as a newborn babe? This one can."
Sotorii looks at him blankly. “What?”
"Indeed, that is the question."
Sotorii narrows his eyes. “The mountain air has addled your mind, Dragon. You will tell us why we are here.”
His voice carried the full weight of an order he expected to be obeyed, but it did not seem to affect Yokuni.
"What you do not understand will kill you, young Sotorii. The higher you stand above modesty, the easier it becomes to lose your footing.” He nods to Daisetsu. “It should be obvious young one, your brother already understands."
Daisetsu continues to practice his katas, going into Tiger Stalks His Prey.
Sotorii frowns from the chastisement. “Then make me understand. Why were we brought here? Where is father? Do you have him too?”
"When seeking a teacher, first find those who know what you know, then those who know what you do not.” Yokuni smiles. “Fortunately, most anyone fits that latter description young one”
“Such as me?” The Prince demanded.
"When wisdom is sought it is not found, when it is given it is not heard, how then is wisdom gained? By understanding."
“And answering questions.” Sotorii persisted.
"Shall I give you the lesson of Bayushi-no-kami then? Perhaps Shiba-no-kami?” Yokuni’s eyes were rather penetrating. “I do not think you are quite ready to learn Doji-no-kami's lesson or her sister Shinjo’s—a tragedy given how foundational they are to being a good man."
Sotorii frowned, this time he seemed confused. “You don’t mention the one who was greatest of all, Hantei-no-Kami.”
"That lesson is one not even your father fully understood. To expect a petulant child to...that would make me unfair indeed.” Yokuni shakes his head.
“How can you such a thing?” Sotorii’s anger rose again.
"The truth is always simple, but not always welcome,” Yokuni answered.
“Those words are treason! But given we seem to be prisoners here, what should I expect?”
"How are they treason? To call you by what you are is treason? Is not lying to you also treason? How then would one proceed?” Yokuni challenged. “That is a question I have chosen to return to the precept of Akodo-no-kami, and set lies aside. A samurai knows that there is no room for debate on honesty and justice."
Sotorii kicks the ground in frustration. “Fine words, Dragon, when you refuse to answer simple questions.”
Daisetsu ends his katas and approaches them, giving a nod to the Dragon Champion. “Togashi-san, this is a most unusual day.”
Togashi bows to Daisetsu.
"Very well, since you refuse to hear, I will be blunt to you both. I intend to teach you both to be true samurai and through that revitalize your house. A thousand years your family has ruled, some have been good…
Memories of Yugozohime, Fujiwara, Yamamoto, and others flash by in his memory…
"And others have been such terrible monsters that the house stands still is a testament to the endless love that Amaterasu-no-kami holds for your line.
Iuchiban, Okucheo, Toranaga and others also flash in my memory….
"Across all the Empire great warriors have been stolen, some infected, some not, and when the oni arrived at Shiba Tsukune's wedding, I understood something of the enemy's plan, and so I moved against it.” He looked at the princes. “But so long as they knew where you were, so long as the Empire knew, you were in danger...and it is not yet time for that, the signs are not so that the Hantei should fall if I could prevent it."
Daisetsu takes this calmly, but Sotorii scowls.
“And who are you to take such matters into your own hands?” Sotorii demanded. “I may be young, I may be ignorant...but I do know that interfering with the line of Hantei is a step too far. One that I am sure the Dragon will pay for.”
"One who has seen so many futures that compassion compelled me too,” Yokuni shrugs. “Perhaps I should not, perhaps I should have let your been slain by you own wife. I choose not to, and in the end you Sotorii are not the one who will judge me, I will judge me."
“What?” Sotorii shakes his head then turns to his brother. “You have more patience, tell me later if he starts talking sense.”
“You may be waiting a while,” says Daisetsu dryly.
Sotorii stalks off.
“You must forgive my brother’s rudeness, Togashi-san,” says Daisetsu. “He never had to fight for his place at the table.”
"Well, I imagine that will make his lessons very hard for him,” said Yokuni. “But you...you plot a different path do you not?"
“I must...by necessity I guess,” says Daisetsu with a shrug. “Lady Amarterasu shines so brightly for Sotorii. No one thinks to see beyond what dazzles the eyes.”
"Your eyes deceive you, and your greatest enemy is the one behind them. That is a lesson you both will need to learn,” says Yokuni. “It is always a tragedy when there is a fratricide, and I have no intention of allowing that one to come to be."
“Ahh...so that is why we are here,” Daisetsu says with a nod. “And I suppose wyrms attacking Kyuden Doji are a little better than...some alternatives?”
"Many,” Yokuni answers “There are very few futures where you or your brother rule from the Emerald Throne, as it was in any event."
Daisetsu considers this. “But...they exist?”
Yokuni nods. "Hai, this is potentially one of them."
Daisetsu raises an “Potentially?”
"Potentially. There are branches from here where your brother goes completely mad, and kills you, there are branches where you do the same. Which thread of this tapestry we follow is not yet set. Any choice to evade a prophecy has as much chance to cause it, as to prevent it.” He frowns. “Rare is it I act such...but rare it is that I am forced to say 'surely anything is better than what will happen otherwise.'”
“I think you know what will happen Togashi-san, better than anyone perhaps. Which parts need to happen, and which parts need to be...prevented.” He looks up to where his brother Sotorii is, the young man had found a branch and was swinging it savagely back and forward over some long grass as if he were trying to cut it shorter. “What must I do?”
Yokuni quotes from the Tao of Shinsei in answer.

“He who assists a ruler by means of the Dao does not coerce the world by
means of arms. Consequences come back around like a ring.
Where troops encamp, brambles grow;
After great armies, crops always fail.
The good man is simply resolute; he never employs coercion. Be resolute
without boast, resolute without threat, resolute without pride.
Resolute from necessity, be resolute without coercion."

Daisetsu smiles. “He got the Kami to listen...except one. I’ve always liked that story, Sotorii never cared for that story. He prefers what comes...later.” He looks directly at Yokuni. “Is it happening again? Like it did before?”
"The Day of Thunder you mean?” Yokuni asks. “And Akodo-no-kami did listen...or do you think that Leadership was written on a whim?"
“I know it was not a beatstick.” Daisetsu watches his brother continue to attack the grass.
"...not just a beat stick.” Yokuni looks around. “And we have much to learn it seems, for now though, I think it is time for me to make the evening meal...one hopes he learns to like rice cooked in a simple style. It is all we will eat for many months."
Daisetsu laughs. “I think it will do him well to experience humility. And if not that, hunger.” He looks around. “The air is very clear up here, Togashi-san. I may grow to like it here, if only the circumstances were better.”
Togashi bows again and goes into the cave to cook.
He would trust his son to handle things for a few years....how much worse could things get?
Daisetsu goes to talk to his brother.

[Hida Tetsuko]

Some weeks later, things have fallen into a routine that the princes seem to be slowly adapting to. Daisetsu willingly and Sotorii reluctantly because he has no choice. The lessons never stopped. Meditation, combat training and always and unstoppable the questions and answers, this was not even broken for the humble meals the Dragon Clan Champion prepared himself.
Then one night, the heavens themselves are troubled. Neither fair nor foul, storm or calm, as if they cannot make up their mind, or something has to be decided.
Daisetsu watches the skies yet his expression is unreadable.
Yokuni looks up standing beside Daisetsu.
"It begins..."
Daisetsu looks at Yokuni.
“Can you see how it will end?”
"The Little Teacher once said that fortune favours the mortal man. Everything I have done, everything I continue to do, is because I believe that in my bones...” Yokuni is quiet for a moment. “No, I do not know how it ends, either the Thunders will succeed and the Empire is saved...or...all becomes darkness, and you two brothers become our last best hope."
Daisetsu considers this. “It...may not be best to tell Sotorii yet. He may do something rash...like want to charge down the mountain.”
Yokuni nods. "He is growing, but hai, too eager to be a man without understanding how that means you must sacrifice."
There is a rustling in the trees as if someone approaches.
Yokuni’s voice is as sharp as steel. "Daisetsu, go inside."
Daisetsu looks as if he would argue, but obeys.
A man comes out of the trees. He wears no clan mons and wears a green hooded cloak. He looks simple, humble even, yet purpose was in every fibre of his being. Destiny hung upon him like an aura. When he approaches Yokuni, he bows.
Yokuni bows. "What name do you walk by these days... Heir of Shinsei?"
“None that I tell, it is my role to call and to gather, not to act.” He gives a smile. “They have answered, all seven.”
Yokuni gave a sigh. "Then he has returned as your ancestor predicted...and it is time for me to die in truth."
He looks behind Yokuni at the house. “And what of Hantei’s last? They may be the only ones standing when the water recedes.”
"The end is the beginning...that is the true tragedy of endings,” Yokuni answers. “If you will not stay and guide them, I will summon my son anew for lack of other options."
The ronin thinks for a moment and then nods. “Then you must go in my place where the Thunders gather. Guide them, but they are the ones who must act. The next thousand years are up to them.”
Yokuni looks down at his arm. "Hai...hmm... Kibou...that shall be my name this time....” He looks up at the ronin. “Do watch Sotorii carefully, he walks a balance...but his brother will push him over the edge ill intention-ed or no."
The ronin nods.
Yokuni raises his hands into a muda. His form rippling into a Togashi monk that seems not quite young but not old either, his face marked most by a full dragon tattoo, and glowing eyes.
Shinsei’s Heir gives a bow and walks towards the house.
Yokuni looks up at the sky. "...it will be nice to see mother again."
And with that the centipede tattoo along his back begins to glow, and he moves.

In the Iron Fortress that had risen over ruins of Otosan Uchi, Fu Leng looked out across the lands, a hand to his chin as he beheld the gathering storm clouds.
"We still lack one scroll...." he finally said, addressing his minions in the room.
A twitch of anger crosses Kaiten's brow. “My lord, I was certain I had them all, one must have been stolen. Tell us, what must we do?”
"Find it,” said Fu Leng. “I am not able to take my rightful place until it is opened. Not fully." The Kami looked at Kaiten. "The Isawa would have known where it went. They would have handed it over - to a higher power. A different champion, perhaps?"
The oni lord Ryokaku bows deeply before Fu Leng, getting down on his knees and putting my forehead to the ground. He remains in this position while speaking.
"My Lord, they recently elected a Jade Champion, who may be in possession of the scroll,” the oni says. “I fear they will have it too highly guarded for us to retrieve without an army, which we no longer have. We could perhaps bring the Jade Champion under your will as well, but I fear we will be without the forces to defend against the entirety of the army, which suffered minimal to no losses at our hands."
"Then go and terrorize and burn every village you can find until he shows himself and his precious scroll. For he must show his face to do his duty, and we will be waiting for him..." said Fu Leng. "Now, the Hantei had sons. Where are they?"
"I am not exactly sure my lord,” says Ryokaku. “I believe the Dragon took them."
"Find them,” says Fu Leng. “We will destroy the Hantei line with our first action."
"Would you have them returned before you, or killed where they are?" Ryokaku asks.
"It does not matter, as long as the line is ended,” Fu Leng answers.
"Do you just wish to see them dead, or would corrupting them be acceptable as well?" Ryokaku asks.
"Acceptable."
"Very well my lord, we will see your word realized." Ryokaku stands quickly leave the room.

High in a cave the mountains of Dragon lands, the Hooded Ronin sits, quietly watching the princes practice sparring. They had learned much after leaving the pleasures of the court for the more austere life on the mountain, both from the Togashi Yokuni until he had left and then from the ronin, who had neglected to tell the boys his name though Sotorii asked constantly.
But one cannot change the nature of a man too much, or even, baring that a boy. The elder, Sotorii, his fire and brashness still apparent, covered by a thin veneer of restraint.
His brother, Daisetsu, seems more centred, calmer. Be always waiting, in the shadows, to take the chance fate would give him.
The Hooded Ronin looks up, as if the air itself was disturbed. He looks around, like a bird checking for predators. “Sensei?” Daisetsu has stopped and is looking at him. Sotorii also stops. The Hooded Ronin shakes his head and motions for the boys to continue. Not that it’s nothing, he just doesn’t want to worry them unless it was necessary.
A faint mist seeps through into the caves, dimming the fire. Four figures step up to the mouth of the cave. Two of them are wearing the colors of the Crane, and two more are wearing the colours of the Seppun guardsman. One of the Cranes is recognizable as Kakita Kaiten, the Emerald Champion. The other three are wearing masks and hoods over the heads forming a barrier across the mouth of the cave.
By all appearances, these would be the right people to bring the princes down from the mountain. But…something is not right.
The Emerald Champion gives a bow. "Sons of Heaven, we are here to rescue you from these captors and return you to your father under his direct orders. You are being kept here against his will by enemies of the Empire."
Hantei Sotorii strides forward arrogantly. “About time you came to get us! We are prisoners here! With the Dragon Champion was bad enough...but he leaves us here with this...this wave man!” He dismisses the ronin with a gesture. “And he doesn’t even tell us his name!”
The Hooded Ronin has risen to his feet, watching the group, analysing them carefully. Hantei Daisetsu hasn’t moved at all, he looks between the ronin and Kaiten, his face expressionless.
The ronin spoke, his voice was clear, deep and full of authority. “If you have any claims to securing the safety of Hantei’s line, you will know that it is best if the princes remain here.” He pushes aside his cloak to show his daisho.
"In a cave under the care of an unknown, nameless ronin. I can imagine more secure places, guarded by the Seppun,",said the other crane, wearing a white and blue kimono, bearing the mon of the Asahina family with two sword-grips showing beneath his obi. White, long hair complemented his clothes.
Sotorii turns around to look at his brother. “What are you waiting for? We can finally leave this place!” He turns to Kaiten. “You better kill him for his arrogance.” He then stands beside him.
The ronin blinks, his voice barely a whisper now. “Daisetsu.” The younger Prince moves quickly to stand behind the ronin, the ronin’s hand hovering just over his daisho ready for action.
The two dressed as the Seppun step forward, putting their hands onto their blades. The large of the two speaks.
"If you stand in the way of Our Lord's will then we will cut you down where you stand,” said one.
"Oh please, do it anyway. He has kept them hidden for long enough anyway,” says the other.
They step forward again, drawing their swords.
"Come here Daisetsu,” said Kaiten. “We are here to help. This man serves someone who tried to overthrow the empire."
The other Crane, Asahina Yajinden moves towards Sotorii, carefully.
Daisetsu doesn’t move.
“If you want him, you will have to go through me,” says the ronin, as he draws his katana.
Kaiten attacks the ronin, his Kakita training, further enhances by his embracing of the Taint of Jigoku, is no match for the Heir of Shinsei, well-trained though he is. He takes the blow across his armour, the Emerald Blade cutting into him deeply. Blood flowing prepares his own attack.
“Daisetsu, RUN!! The Hantei line rests with you!”
The ronin’s attack comes nowhere near Kaiten, Daisetsu takes off into the trees. One of the Seppun guards runs after him.
Sotorii laughs. “Run, coward!” he shouts after his brother.
The ronin manages to fend off the other Seppun’s attack, standing in an enlarging pool of his own blood.
Yajinden stands close by Sotorii’s side, making sure the older boy doesn’t get any ideas of his own.
Kaiten attacks the ronin again, cutting him through completely. Shinsei’s Heir, the last of his line, falls dead to the ground.
After the honorable "Emerald" Champion vanquished the evil ronin, Yajinden turns to Sotorii. "Are you well, my prince? Did this villain hurt you?" he asks, his voice calm.
Sotorii shook his head. “No, he wouldn’t let us leave. And said if we tried, we’d never find our way down the mountain.” He grins. “It’s good he’s dead, the baka.”
"Indeed, my prince. Justice has been served,” says Yajinden with a nod. “I hope your brother sees his error in running away. We've come here for your safety after all, not as your enemies."

Down the mountain, the future of the Hantei line runs for his life. Daisetsu runs at a frantic pace. Breathless, stumbling...but a boy of mere twelve can only go for so long. He then comes to a dead end...a precipice that has a sheer drop.
He stands right next to the cliff, looking scared.
The Seppun runs up behind the boy, stopping a few feet short of the cliff edge, where range to grab him if he falls backwards.
"My young prince, I assure you that we mean no harm to you or your brother. That man who took you was one of the people behind the attack that happened on Kyuden Doji where the Emperor's life was endangered, as well as yours. We seek only to reunite our lord's family, and see the wrongs that have been done to him made right.” His voice is calm and measured, a little too calm. “That man sought to see the Emperor, your father's, life ended."
Kakita Kaiten appears next to the Seppun. “Child, don’t be foolish.”
Daisetsu stands defiant. “Do you think we were told nothing? I know about the Second Day of Thunder. I know my father is surrounded by enemies. I may not know everything but I know enough not to trust you.” He takes a step backwards, closer to the edge.
“You should trust no one,” says Kaiten. “But if you wish to live and be granted the empire to do with as you see, you will not throw yourself away.”
Daisetsu takes another step backwards.
“I have sworn to defend the Imperial line” declares Kaiten. “I still intend to see that done.”
Daisetsu stands on the very edge, still defiant. “There are things worse than death,” he says. “You may have my brother, but you will not have me.” He jumps.
Curses! A rare expression of anger crosses Kaiten’s face.
The Seppun attempts to grab the prince as he falls, but the boy slips through his grasp.
Kaiten turns away silently.
The Seppun tears off his robes and armour, his body growing in size, rippling and strengthening with the power of the Taint of Jigoku. Showing the true form of the oni lord, Ryokaku. Then he dives after the prince.

[Hida Tetsuko]

Kaiten returns.
“Where is my brother?” Sotorii demands.
“He made a foolish choice,” Kaiten says. “He would rather die a worthless death and have his body found by animals than return with us. I had no wish to see him harmed, but all men have the choice of how to live, and he choose to continue no longer.”
Sotorii nods in approval. “I never liked him, he was weak.”
“Weakness can be strengthened and the strong can languish,” says Kaiten. “Never forget that, young master. Never underestimate anyone.”
Sotorii nods in approval.

Upon hearing that the young prince has jumped, Shinko Kamiko will take off running into the forest leaving Sotorii with Kaiten. As soon as she is out of eyesight behind the trees she will leave the body of the Seppun guard she is in behind, trying to make her way down the cliff to where he fell.
At the base of the cliff, Daisetsu lies very still, battered and broken, but alive.
“I tried to save him from the fall, but he broke out of my grip,” says Ryokaku. “I am glad you came, I am not able to work magic like you are."
“Yes you are too brute force about it,” Kamiko chastises gently. “I've tried to show you time and time again, but all you ever talk about is how you'll just use your raw strength to overcome everything." She floats down next to the prince, wrapping her organs around me to keep them from scraping along the ground. "He's in bad shape, I'll do what I can but I make no promises.” She smiles. “Hello child, how are you doing? “My name is Shinko Kamiko. Tell me why you decided to jump off the cliff, hmm?”
Daisetsu breaths shallowly, blood flowing into his mouth. “No...kill me...”
"My dear prince, why would we want that to happen?” says Kamiko “You have such a dark and delightful future in front of you. You have waited for your opportunity for many years. It may finally be here, why squander it now? I know you are so young and life is still such a mystery to you. But there is power beyond your imagination just waiting to be grabbed by the right person. It could be you."
“No…” Daisetu gasps.
Kamiko crouches down next to him. "Why not? What is so wrong about us that you would rather die?"
The blood flows into Daisetsu’s mouth, soon he will perhaps drown in it. “You’re...wrong...evil...”
Kamiko frowns. “Must giving a final insult be so difficult?” But of course, her goal as ever is corruption, not mindless destruction. An attempt must be made.
It's not the prettiest Water spell you ever saw, and the technique is certainly still rooted in maho-tsukai ways, but Kamiko manages it. With a tribute to the water kami made in blood - some her own, some originally belonging to others - the pennagolan weaves a slightly less familiar magic over the battered prince.
Daisetsu takes a deep breath and tries to sit up, painfully. He’s still injured, but can move. He then looks up at Kamiko and draws back in revulsion. “NO!”
Shinko grins. "Seems the kami haven't forsaken me after all. Lucky boy."
“Only so you can capture me, but you won’t!” He tries to stand up, but finds this practically impossible.
Ryokaku pick him up, grinning at him.
"There are plans for you yet in this world, child,” says the Oni Lord. “I understand your rejection of our ways, it is deep seated in how you were raised. But the time has come for a new set of beliefs. If we were truly the evil you believed us to be then I would have corrupted you as you lay dying on that floor, and there's nothing you could have done to stop it. Or waited for you to die and raised your corpse. Instead we have saved your life." He looks over to Kamiko. "Thank you. I will handle him from here. Return to your body and the others, meet back with me when you are ready to go."
Daisetsu looks up at him, his face still defiant. Looking as if he would fight. He decides not to. Bowing his head, submitting.