Kenson Gakka: The March to the Monastery

After retrieving his son, Akodo Ikare strode directly to the castle garrison, his soldiers following closely behind. He ignored all questions from Matsu Ikoma and others about his intent. The samurai trailed behind the odd and confused party, waiting to see what would happen next. Ikare was a man consumed, very nearly a force of nature.

Upon reaching the garrison, Ikare shouted for a horse and a squad of five Lion cavalry. He did not mention the destination. He handed his son back to Miko and took the reins of his horse. The cavalrymen came forth and their leader noticed Yunosemi in his quietly weeping mother's arms. "Your son is returned, my lord," he said. "Who found him?"

The Akodo bowed slightly to Aramoro in reply, a slight smile on his face. "Arigato," he said, with an obvious sense of relief.

"Well done," Nyoko told the Lion, breaking her thoughtful silence for the first time. "I see that is the secret - to follow people who actually exist." Her smile is wry, but she does not elaborate.

The Akodo guard, turning back to his commander, asked, "And where are we riding, my lord?"

The Akodo's smile fades. Daidoji Handen immediately calls for his own mount, as well as those of his yojimbo.

For his part, Katsu looked around at his companions with a slight grin. "Well, no reason to just stand around here all day. Let's mount up."

The Dragon was confused, a state of affairs she despised. She stopped one of the troops running to and fro and asked, "What is it about that temple?"

"Yaruki Jukko?" the Matsu asked. "Don't you know? It is filled with retired Scorpion. Until the incident at the ceremonies this morning, they were the only Scorpion allowed within the city. Now, not even they are."

The soldier took a glance at the still-nervous Handen and his guard, mounting their horses. "Well, I suppose right now there are also the Crane monks that came with Handen-sama. That is probably why he is riding with Ikare-sama."

An entire building that is filled with Scorpion who have served their clan their entire lives? Nyoko could think of few places more interesting. Or more dangerous.

Aramoro was listening intently to everything around him. He had noticed the general's lack of gratitude and was more than a little curious to find out if he personally had done something to further anger Ikare. But upon hearing of Shinden Yaruki Jukko, Aramoro at once wished he hadn't. He knew his duty to the Empire and his Clan required he offer help to the general again. "Onegai shimasu General-sama, with leave from Jin-sama, I would ride with your men and offer you now my sword as I have already offered you my eyes and ears."

"I believe I shall also follow," the Dragon said suddenly. "Barring any objections, of course. Some of my companions might wish to, as well."

Roshii looked at his yojimbo. "Shall we?" The quiet Asako merely nodded.

Daidoji Handen looked down form his horse at the group, glancing at Ikare apprehensively.

"Come if you like," the general replied, not really looking at any of them, but signaling for more horses, "but do not slow us down."

"It appears there is to be a real battle this time?" Kadokawa observed, taking the steed offered to him.

Handen looked at Ikare thoughtfully. The general said nothing this time. "I pray not, Kadokawa-san," the Crane said quietly, sidling up to his clansman. "I fear that if there is, our kin will be caught defenseless in the middle. I do not trust Ikare-sama's emotions at this point."

Ikare signaled his men, already mounted. "We march," was all he said as he began the procession out of the city. Kadokawa and Jin rode near Handen and his yojimbo, and Nyoko, Aramoro, Roshii, and Shitasu took the rear for the long ride.

"We ride to save the Crane from the Lion, with old Scorpion all around us. May we indeed live in interesting times," Nyoko said thoughtfully.

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