Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XVIII: Peace Talks===
:>Everyone broke up as the mingling and introductions commenced.
:>As usual I just tried to stay out of everyone's way.
:>However some found reason to try and speak to me anyway.
:>Like the old Crab.
:>He didn't bother with finding someone to introduce us.
:>I am Hida Katsuie, and you?
:>He only had one arm.
:>At the age of forty a Samurai is expected to retire. They shave their heads and enter into a monastery to spend the rest of their live seeking enlightenment by contemplating their navels.
:>This idea is abhorrent to many Crab.
:>It's not that Monks don't serve a purpose; they do.
:>It has more to do with the fact that a samurai has a job to do, and we really hate shirkers.
:>So when a Crab becomes too old and infirm to serve actively we find other ways for them to serve the clan.
:>Sensei is one such position.
:>There is nothing quite like being instructed by a one eyed, one armed, one legged man to impress upon young bushi just how dangerous their duty can be, and how important it is to take their training seriously.
:>Military advisor was another.
:>No matter how thick witted a person may be, a lifetime of battle will make them skilled strategists, if only because they are encountering situations similar to ones they faced in the past.
:>I was living proof of the truth of that.
:>Last but not least was courtier.
:>A blind Hiruma that wears a mask because some Oni made off with his face may not be as charismatic or as eloquent as one trained from the outset to be a courtier.
:>But that hardly matters.
:>His gruesome and highly visible injuries will serve as a constant reminder of how much the Crab Clan is owed.
:>I'm Hida Ishigaki.
:>You are not part of my entourage, and I was not told to expect other Crabs to be here.
:>Ah.
:>I pointed out where Naomi was taking with Mantis-san
:>Hida Naomi. Jade Magistrate, and my wife. 
:>She's a water tensai.
:>And Isawa Shoji's daughter.
:>He stroked his chin.
:>Come on.
:>I took him over to where Toshiro was.
:>Kuni Toshiro, Hida Katsuie.

:>They nodded to one another.
:>Toshiro had not taken up any of the standard Crab Clan Retirement Packages of course, despite having a clubbed foot.
:>This was because he was a Shugenja.
:>No one was about to suggest someone who could make enemies spontaneously combust, hurl jade boulders, and provide emergency first aid with the help of the Kami might be unable to do their duty because they couldn't walk very fast.
:>He's also a Jade Magistrate.
:>I see. What brings you all the way out here, may I ask?
:>Heard about the Ogres and bandits?
:>Yes, I did.
:>Well, there you go.
:>Hey, Katsuie-sama
:>I decided I'd better be up front, lest he form some plan that ended up being implausible.
:>I looked around, to make sure no one was looking.
:>Katsuie-sama sighed and handed me his fan.
:>I covered my mouth with it as I whispered to him.
:>Shoji is an ass. He does not like his daughter, so we don't actually have an in in that regard, got it?
:>He nodded.
:>To my relief he didn't push for any more information.
:>He took back his fan.
:>Still, you are much more familiar with our host and his family than I am. May I count on you for advice?
:>I nodded.
:>I can do that much, at least.
:>Very good. Thank you both for your time.
:>I shared a glance with Toshiro.
:>This was the first time I'd been considered an asset in Court.
:>Up until now I settled for not being a detriment.
:>Think I need to get a fan?
:>Toshiro pursed his lips, looking at me appraisingly.
:>Then he clapped his hand over his mouth to keep from bursting out in laughter.
:>Yeah, I thought so too.
:>I looked around trying to see what the others were up to.
:>Monkey was speaking too loudly with the Crane, trying to show off his newly acquired knowledge on the meaning of flowers.
:>She smiled politely at him as he regurgitated words he had only heard once at her, and occasionally flicked 'HELP ME' glances at her Yojimbo.
:>Who returned discreet "what do you want me to do about it?" shrugs whenever she did so.

:>Kitsuki-san had broken off from Amano to speak with the Dragon courtiers.
:>I was a bit surprised to see a bald man covered in vibrant tattoos in the group.
:>If I was right that was a tattooed monk.
:>He wore a sleeveless Kimono, and normal pants instead of Hakama. 
:>Every inch of skin I could see from the neck down was covered in ink, so I could not be certain what was mystical and what was mundane.
:>Mantis-san was also with his clan.
:>Oh, shit.
:>Toshiro and I didn't have to think very hard about helping our clan.
:>And I suspected neither did Kitsuki-san.
:>The Dragon likely wanted peace, since a war and Mantis raids would force the Phoenix to stockpile more food than usual.
:>Rice paddies and mountains are generally incompatible, and the Dragon got a decent amount of rice from the Phoenix, being neighbors and all.
:>But Mantis-san was in an awkward position.
:>His Clan would fully expect him to assist in extorting the Phoenix for as much as possible.
:>I waited until Kitsuki-san finished his conversation, then approached him.
:>I nodded toward the Mantis delegation
:>You think we might end up working at cross purposes here?
:>It's possible, Ishigaki-san.
:>He shrugged. 
:>If it happens it happens. I won't hold it against him.
:>You sure? Doesn't your clan need that rice?
:>The Phoenix are not the only only Clan to produce a surplus of rice.
:>Okay, if you're sure.
:>There was no opportunity to speak with Mantis-san the rest of the day. He was always with someone of his Clan.
:>So I brought it up that evening as we gathered together.
:>He folded his arms and made a face like he had just bitten into a lemon.
:>Yeah, they're pressing me hard for everything I know about Shoji. 
:>And I mean everything.
:>I'm sorry, Naomi-sama.
:>It is alright, Mantis-san.
:>I cannot bear you any ill will for working to serve your clan, nor can I blame you for the actions taken by your Clan's leaders.

:>Of course Naomi would be that way. 
:>But I was sure there were many Phoenix who would not be so understanding.
:>I couldn't discount the possibility of guilt by association blowing back on the rest of us.
:>In the morning Kitsuki-san pulled me aside, along with Toshiro.
:>I have a suggestion for you both. One that should help to dispel some of your worries from the other night, Ishigaki-san.
:>Oh great, He really had mastered Kitsuki's Method.
:>Now I had another mind reader to deal with.
:>I would ask that you attempt to persuade Hida Katsuie-sama to push the Mantis clan to settle for less then they hope to gain.
:>I failed to see how any of this was really Crab business.
:>Toshiro spoke up.
:>He's got a point, Ishigaki.
:>Hah?
:>If the Phoenix can't afford to give as much rice to the Dragon as normal, the Dragon will have to turn to other Clans. 
:>If the other Clans find their surplus in high demand, they'll be able to ask for more in return.
:>Ah, and that's bad for the Crab. Shit.
:>It made sense to me now, why Courtiers insisted that Court was more dangerous than any battlefield.
:>I had never considered that a war on the other side of the Empire could impact my Clan negatively.
:>For one, the Empire was just too big a thing.
:>For another, I was a Crab and a warrior. 
:>I didn't bother myself with matters of court anymore than the average Rokugani bothered themselves with matters of Oni.
:>Certainly, some things had rubbed off due to long exposure to them.
:>And I did seek to know my own clan's strengths and weaknesses.
:>But still, I was a far cry from a courtier.
:>Toshiro nodded to Kitsuki-san.
:>Good idea. We'll give it a shot.
:>So we went out to find Katusie-sama.
:>He was entertaining some Lion and Unicorn courtiers.
:>Not by telling war stories, but by playing a konto.
:>And well, at that.
:>The frantic speed with which his single hand danced across the strings at odds with the soothing tones he produced.
:>I couldn't help but take a seat myself and be impressed.

:>When he finished he spoke up.
:>Thank you for listening to my humble performance.
:>Now I must excuse myself, it would seem some of my kin wish to speak with me.
:>I started first.
:>So, we were thinking it might benefit the Clan if we tried to get the Mantis to settle for as little as possible.
:>Yes, I had considered that as well.
:>Do you have some idea how I might go about that though?
:>I did not. 
:>Toshiro though, had given it some thought.
:>He spoke to Katsuie-sama at length about Shoji's many faults and flaws.
:>Also his strengths.
:>He even told Katsuie-sama the truth of the battle with the Ogres and bandits.
:>Throughout it all Katsuie-sama remained silent, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
:>So, if I am understanding you correctly Toshiro-san, the Phoenix could not have picked a worse host for these peace talks if they tried?
:>That's about it, yeah.
:>I finally caught on to Toshiro's game. 
:>A little late but still...
:>So yeah, any of the Clans who want peace could be persuaded to join in more forcefully once they know Shoji is likely to screw it up somehow.
:>Yes. It will take time to set things in motion however.
:>I must be certain peace is their objective before speaking of such things to others.
:>In the meantime, I can reach out to my counterpart in the Dragon clan, to see if we can combine our efforts.
:>Thank you both for bringing this to my attention.
:>He excused himself.
:>I wondered at the odd turns my life had taken.
:>Here I was, a Crab bushi. 
:>A simple Yojimbo in service to a Jade Magistrate.
:>Brush in hand, the best I could hope for was that my poem would not offend everyone that read it.
:>And yet I was talking part in political events that could affect the entire Empire.
:>Toshiro nudged me.
:>Shoji was planning some to have competitions all throughout the winter court as entertainment for the guests.
:>And first up, was a Sumai tournament.

:>Toshiro arched an eyebrow at me.
:>Uh.
:>Then Naomi came up.
:>You are going to enter, are you not Ishigaki-kun?
:>Wat.
:>A wild Monkey appears!
:>Yeah! You should do it!
:>Do I look like a Sumai to you Monkey?!
:>No, but you're real good at knocking people over, and you've got good balance!
:>Mantis-san smirked at me.
:>I'm going to.
:>I gave in.
:>Of all people, it was Naomi who seemed most pleased.
:>I got registered, changed into a mawashi and took my place in the lineup of challengers.
:>This competition was mostly a chance for the Yojimbo of the various courtiers to strut their stuff.
:>Not a single professional Sumai to be seen.
:>A delicate and willowy Crane.
:>The tattooed Dragon.
:>Mantis-san. Stocky and thick.
:>An Akodo, with a husky frame.
:>The Shosuro had not an ounce of fat on him anywhere.
:>A Shinjo, surprisingly short.
:>And the Shiba, average in every way you could think of.
:>Then I came out.
:>Fans fluttered as a v shaped slab of muscle and scar tissue took his place in the line up.
:>I had been right about the Dragon, he was a giant wall of color from the neck down.
:>It was so chaotic I saw a new shape every time I looked.
:>The first match would be the Dragon, up against the Lion.
:>The Dragon bowed and introduced himself as Togashi Asuma.
:>Do not worry, I swear I will not draw upon my tattoos in this competition. There are plenty shugenja who can stand as witness.
:>I wish for this to be a true match of athletic ability.
:>The Akodo bowed in return.
:>I shall accept you honest desire, and crush you with all I have. To do any less would be an insult to you and our host.
:>Asuma nodded.
:>Well said.
:>First came the stare downs.
:>Then the collision.
:>The two slammed into each other, palms striking chests.
:>Neither gave ground at first.
:>Then the Dragon stepped in, moving his rear leg just after taking a blow from the Akodo.
:>Asuma uncoiled his hips to add follow through to his next shove.
:>The Lion could not resist it and tumbled back out of the ring.

:>Next we would have a bug battle.
:>Mantis on Scorpion action.
:>Well, this should be.
:>WHAM.
:>...
:>Have I ever mentioned that Mantis-san is terribly strong?
:>The Shiba and the Crane were the next to square off.
:>They stared each other down steadily.
:>Then rose up and grappled with one another.
:>I could see them shifting their weight to in response to each other's movements.
:>Their movements and shifts were small, subtle. Each trying to unbalance the other.
:>The Shiba sunk his stance, then let go of the Crane's mawashi and pushed up under his armpits, trying to upset the Crane's balance.
:>The Crane, however, flowed with the Shiba's force, and pulled tossing the Shiba over his hip and to the mat.
:>That looked a bit like something out of Mizu-do.
:>There are three main martial arts in Rokugan.
:>Kaze-do, Mizu-do and Kobo Ichi-Kai.
:>Kaze-do was the first style to be created, created by a monk named Togashi Kaze and first taught to peasants. 
:>It had since found its way into the dojo's of the samurai.
:>It was a style that strove to emulate the wind, so the practitioner moved about a lot.
:>It made use of acrobatic kicks and rapid strikes to wear down, exhaust and knock over one's foes.
:>Mizu-do is the style the Crane practice extensively.
:>In Mizu-do, the practitioner seeks to be like water, fluid and formless.
:>When attacked with force, the Mizu-do practitioner will seek to redirect and control that force, often by pulling his opponent off balance and into the ground.
:>Kobo Ichi-Kai is the last style. Developed by the Crab, and rarely seen outside of our Clan.
:>It is not a way, but a school.
:>It was not born from an enlightened man meditating on nature.
:>But from samurai brawling in teahouses and docks and back alleyways. 
:>From a Kuni learning just how one human body can damage another by treating the injured and performing autopsies on the dead.
:>The other martial arts teach you how to defend yourself when you have no weapon.
:>Kobo Ichi-Kai teaches you how to kill.

:>Which left me facing off with the Chibicorn.
:>A Hida and a Shinjo squaring off in a tournament.
:>It wasn't the first round, but the parallels were obvious.
:>When the Kami dueled to see which among them would become the Emperor, Hida had faced Shinjo in the first match. 
:>Hida lost.
:>Now I stood before my opponent, and to look at us I outclassed him in every way that mattered in a Sumai match.
:>We bowed and took our stances.
:>The stare down.
:>We attacked one another's spirit.
:>I narrowed my eyes, flared my nostrils, and stared at the point just between his eyes.
:>He countered with a self assured smirk that I could see in my peripheral vision.
:>It was a fine move, both defense and counter in one.
:>Showing he was not intimated in the least, he reminded both of us the weight of history favored him in this contest.
:>We sprang.
:>He came up just a hair's breadth slower.
:>Crossing his arms in front of his chest he slammed up into me.
:>The momentum forced me fully upright.
:>I took a half step back.
:>And windmilled my arms.
:>He struck me again driving his palm into me with all his might.
:>But it was not so easy to topple a Crab.
:>My half step had been a brace.
:>The windmilling a lie.
:>Before he could realize what had happened I grabbed his Mawashi, spun my hips and threw him bodily into the air and out of the ring.
:>Every one of the seven founding Great Clans has a story of their Kami meeting Shinsei.
:>Six of those kami gained wisdom from the little teacher.
:>When Hida lost his match to Shinjo he stormed off to sulk alone.
:>While he was brooding a little man with a crow perched on his shoulder came up to him.
:>Why are you so upset, First Crab?
:>I am upset because I am weak, and my strength could not save me from my weakness.
:>The little man smiled.
:>But now you know your own weakness.
:>And by knowing it, you transform it into strength.

:>A true son of Hida is not some mindless brute who charges headlong and recklessly into battle.
:>Nor is he a fool who thinks his own biceps are all he needs to win.
:>He knows exactly what he is capable of, and also what he is NOT capable of.
:>He knows how to save his strength for just the right moment, and secure victory before his enemy knows he has been defeated.
:>If a Hida deliberately places himself at a disadvantage, it is only because someone must be in that position, and he is best suited to survive it.
:>Unless of course, he is just a fool. 
:>We do have plenty of those in our clan as well, I'm sad to say.
:>There was a break between the rounds as Shugenja came in to treat the competitors and ensure they would be fresh and ready for their next bout.
:>Naomi saw to me personally.
:>That was masterful Ishigaki-kun!
:>Monkey pipped up.
:>I thought he had you when he took you off guard at the start there.
:>Kitsuki-san bopped Monkey lightly on the head. 
:>It was a ploy, Monkey. Ishigaki-san tricked the Shinjo into committing when he should not.
:>Whoa, really?
:>I nodded.
:>Mantis-san spoke up from where he was being treated.
:>What about me?
:>I smiled over at him.
:>You'd better win. I wanted to set the Scorpion tossing record.
:>I will win.
:>We grinned at one another, eager at the chance to test our strength against the other.
:>After the break, Mantis-san and Togashi Asuma entered the ring.
:>They bowed to one another.
:>You truly are a raging storm and pounding wave, Mantis-san. 
:>I look forward to testing myself against a force of nature wearing the flesh of a mortal.
:>Mantis-san stretched and flexed popping joints loudly.
:>Let's have a good match, Dragon-san.
:>They took their stances.
:>I saw Mantis-san's eyelid twitch.
:>Then the Dragon was upon him, slap after slap driving Mantis-san back to the edge of the ring.
:>Mantis-san brought his arms up under Asuma's and broke the Dragons rhythm.

:>Continuing the motion, Mantis-san slammed both palms into Asuma's chest driving him back towards the center.
:>They both resettled their stances and came at each other again meeting slightly inside Mantis-sans side of the ring.
:>Again the air filled with sharp sound of flesh being struck and Mantis-san's chest was soon bright red.
:>Whatever damage was being done to Asuma was concealed under all of his tattoos.
:>Then I heard a sharper crack and the referee steeped in between the two.
:>He spoke to Asuma briefly, who nodded.
:>Then declared Mantis-san the winner.
:>Contestant Asuma has sustained an injury and is no longer able to continue the match!
:>So Mantis-san had struck with enough force to crack a rib, maybe even break it outright,
:>A shugenja hurried in to tend to Asuma.
:>The Dragon waved off the shugenja to bow to Mantis-san first though.
:>I thank you for this lesson, Mantis-san. I will remember not to try to overpower the waves in the future.
:>Mantis-san returned the bow.
:>With a little more training you probably could Dragon-san.
:>You flatter me.
:>You almost had me.
:>Togashi Asuma bowed again and allowed the shugenja to take him from the ring and treat his wounds.
:>I entered the ring and faced off with the Crane.
:>Instead of going for the Imma Killya Stare I decided to try out the confident smirk the Chibicorn had shown me.
:>The Crane blinked.
:>It worked.
:>We came up and I shoved a palm at him.
:>He slipped beneath my arm and grabbed my Mawashi, trying to pull me over his hip.
:>Just like he did with the Shiba.
:>I was ready for him to do something like that.
:>I shifted my weight leaning back.
:>Then I spun around.
:>It wasn't a proper Sumai move, I don't think, but this was hardly a professional tournament.
:>He still had a firm grip on my Mawashi, so when I spun it yanked him off balance.
:>He stumbled past me, leaning over heavily.
:>I let him stand up straight and turn around.
:>But before he could fully reset his stance I slammed my chest against him.
:>And sent him tumbling to the mat.

:>Another break before the finals.
:>Naomi and Toshiro came to tend to me.
:>The others went over to Mantis-san.
:>Naomi rubbed a salve on her hands and began rubbing it into my arms and shoulders.
:>It was cool.
:>I wondered why she was doing that though, when she could do the same with a quick spell.
:>Is it just me or is she touching me more than necessary?
:>I looked at Toshiro, who flicked his gaze out towards the spectators.
:>All of the men were leaning over in conversation with one another. I saw some Koku change hands in a few places.
:>The ladies of the court were a sea of fluttering fans, no doubt bored by the barbarity...
:>The youngest ones, those likely still unmarried were all flushed and fidgeting. 
:>It wasn't really that hot in the room.
:>Oh.
:>Toshiro shook his head and chuckled that I hadn't noticed until now.
:>The break ended and Mantis-san and I entered the ring.
:>We bowed without words.
:>There was no need to speak.
:>We took our stances.
:>Neither of us bothered to try to assault the others spirit.
:>We wanted this contest to be of one thing, and one thing only.
:>We came up and our chests slammed together.
:>We gripped each others' mawashi.
:>And we strained with all our might.
:>One of us was going to lift and throw the other.
:>That was the only way this would end.
:>We strained, pushing our bodies against one another and shifting our weight, each subtly robbing the other of the leverage they needed to win.
:>I suppose, to someone who could not see the subtle battle taking place, it would look very boring.
:>But I was dimly aware that there were many courtiers leaning forward with great intensity.
:>Oi, don't get distracted now!
:>I'm not.
:>I sank a little lower, then rose up onto the balls of my feet.
:>Mantis-san countered by leaning forward, forcing my heels to slam back to the ground.
:>I pivoted my hips, letting my left side continue backward.
:>He leaned back.
:>I slammed my chest into his.
:>He tried to counter by matching my force, but his reaction was just slightly delayed.

:>I felt his body give under my assault.
:>I knew his toes had come up off the mat.
:>Now or never.
:>I lifted straining every muscle in my back and shoulders.
:>He sank his weight low, Pushed against my mawashi to counter my lift.
:>But it was too late.
:>With every tendon taut and every muscle on clear display I gave one mighty heave and threw Mantis-san to the ground.
:>My vision swam and I had to place my hands on my knees to avoid falling myself.
:>I sucked in huge lungfuls of air.
:>Mantis-san was looking up at me, surprised.
:>So was I, truth be told.
:>I'll take the fact that you're breathing that hard as a compliment.
:>He grinned as he stood.
:>I nodded emphatically.
:>Good... match.
:>I panted at him.
:>There was polite applause as I was named the Champion.
:>We all headed for the baths to get cleaned up after our exercise.
:>Asuma congratulated us both on our bout.
:>That was amazing. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to witness such a contest.
:>I looked over at the Togashi.
:>Mind if I ask you which ones are magical and which ones are art?
:>Not at all.
:>He showed me. 
:>Mountain.
:>Ocean.
:>Tiger.
:>Bamboo.
:>Crab.
:>So, safe to say we would have had no chance had you used those?
:>If I had used my tattoos, it would only have been fair to allow you to use your tetsubo and armor.
:>The Power in my tattoos is a gift, it is not my own.
:>I strive to master them, and use them to their full potential, but they are no more a part of my own self than you armor is your own flesh.
:>Huh. Like how shugenja don't really work magic themselves, but ask the Kami for their favor?
:>He smiled at that.
:>In a way, yes.
:>Ishigaki-san.
:>I looked over to Mantis-san.
:>I just want to make sure, you weren't faking that panting were you?
:>By Hida no!
:>It really was that hard for me to win.
:>He nodded.
:>Okay then.
:>We'll have to have a rematch sometime.
:>If it was really that close.
:>Yeah, we will.
:>But first, I need something to eat. I'm starving after all that exertion.

:>We went went to get some dinner, and I found myself the center of attention.
:>Time to initiate polite small talk.
:>Much of the talk revolved around my scars and training methods.
:>Oh that one? Ogre with a tetsubo.
:>We train in full armor night and day at Sunda Mizu. 
:>Goblin. Had a few of them climbing on my back and stabling me that time.
:>Running mostly. With a log. Up and down the steps up to the top of the wall. 
:>Oni. It's arms folded like a praying mantis, and it had sharp bones that were as good as blades coming out. Almost killed me, in fact.
:>That last one was the Oni that gave me the scar on my face. 
:>It brought back some painful memories.
:>So I went on the attack.
:>I decided to go for a two pronged assault, one that would drive back the sadness of my lost family and shift the topic from me.
:>So, do you have any children yet? I've got two myself.
:>Oh my.
:>It was the Mantis woman with the cleavage.
:>I would love to have children one day, but I'm not married yet sadly.
:>Ears pricked up all around the table.
:>My mother was a Doji, so I'm certain she knows someone who will be able to arrange and excellent marriage for me one day though.
:>That explained the blue eyes then.
:>How about you Hida-san? How did you meet your wife?
:>We were assigned to work together, and our feelings blossomed over time.
:>I smiled over at Naomi.
:>Eh? Is she your wife?
:>Yeah. Thats Hida Naomi.
:>The Mantis looked back and forth between me and Naomi.
:>She wasn't the only one.
:>I was large, scarred and ugly.
:>She was small, frail and lovely.
:>We were, physically at least, opposites in every way.
:>The Mantis remembered her manners then and introduced herself to Naomi.
:>I am Moshi Aoi, it's a pleasure to meet you.
:>After dinner Naomi went to take a bath.
:>When she came back she was quite red.
:>What happened, Hana-chan?
:>Th-that Mantis... Moshi Aoi?
:>Yes?
:>She's a... she's a...
:>Yes?
:>She's a PERVERT!
:>...
:>...wat.
:>She wanted details Ishigaki-kun!
:>Copious details!
:>She used those exact words!

:>What is it with my wife getting asked about her love life in the baths?
:>What the hell do women do in there anyway?
:>I hugged Naomi close and stroked her hair.
:>I suppose Naomi falling in love and marrying her lover was an unusual thing in Rokugan, but still...
:>At first it was innocent enough, simple things like when I realized I loved you, how you confessed to me...
:>But then she asked about the bedroom!
:>I could see why Naomi was so red.
:>We had been married for years, and had two children. 
:>Yet she still blushed every time we made love.
:>Even when she was initiating it.
:>It was adorable.
:>I loved that sweet innocence of hers.
:>A loud thumpdragging let us know to break our hug before our comrades came in.
:>Save Mantis-san.
:>Toshiro produced a small bottle of sake and set it to warming.
:>Kitsuki-san started up.
:>Kitsuki Takumi-sama was pleased with Hida Katusie's proposal of cooperation.
:>Good, that's good news then.
:>He nodded.
:>Monkey spoke up.
:>Hey, where's Manits-san? Shouldn't we wait for him?
:>No, Monkey we should not.
:>Anything he hears would go straight into the ears of the Mantis delegate.
:>He knows that, which is why he is not joining us.
:>Oh.
:>Monkey looked down.
:>I don't like this.
:>I clapped Monkey on the shoulder.
:>None of us do, but we're not about to ask him to work against his own clan.
:>Monkey nodded.
:>Okay.
:>Kitsuki-san resumed.
:>Amano-san assures me that we can count on the aid of the Scorpion as well.
:>I had to ask.
:>What's the price?
:>I'm sorry?
:>The price, Kitsuki-san?
:>We're talking about a Scorpion here, they don't do anything that isn't beneficial in some way to their own schemes.
:>I fail to see how that's any different from any other Clan.
:>It's different because you're friends with him. You may not be as cautious as you should.
:>I don't think I like that implication, Ishigaki-san.
:>I met Toshiro's gaze, shook my head.
:>I would shoulder the burden of being the asshole alone on this one.

:>Isn't that precisely why Mantis-san is not here in this room with us?
:>Because even though he's our friend we know we would be working at cross purposes?
:>Kitsuki-san sat up rigidly straight.
:>He slowly put down his cup of sake.
:>He looked me right in the eyes.
:>I have known Amano-san since we were children, Ishigaki-san.
:>If he could not help me, he would say so.
:>I know all his mannerisms; he cannot lie to me and knows it.
:>And he would not tarnish our friendship by trying to lie via omission to me.
:>I stared back.
:>You are absolutely certain of this?
:>Yes.
:>Okay then.
:>I refilled Kitsuki-san's cup myself.
:>Thank you, Ishigaki-san.
:>You're welcome.
:>Are you two done fighting now?
:>Yes Monkey we are done fighting.
:>Good. 
:>Kitsuki-san sighed then.
:>Unfortunately, I have some bad news.
:>I had occasion to speak with the Crane during the tournament, and I am certain they intend to sabotage the peace talks.
:>Really, the Crane?
:>Yes. I don't know quite how they intend to do so.
:>I am certain they will pretend they're working towards peace. 
:>But they wish to inflate the value of their own surplus rice.
:>So far Dragon, Crab and Scorpion were working together for peace between the Mantis and Phoenix.
:>The Crane stood opposed, in secret.
:>The Crab and Unicorn often had good relations.
:>But the Unicorn and Crane had better ones.
:>It was the Crane Clan Champion that first recognized the Unicorn as the returning Clan of the Ki-Rin.
:>The Lion hated the Crane as much as the Crab did.
:>But the Lion also hated the Scorpion.
:>There was also some bad blood between the Lion and Phoenix.
:>I could not judge if the Lion or Unicorn would choose to enter this battle or merely observe.
:>Nor could I be certain of the outcome. 
:>If the Crane and Scorpion stood opposed to one another in the court, all hell could break loose.
:>Tomorrow was the painting contest. What would happen then, I wondered?
:>In a manner of speaking, anyway.