In a time of war, the Chosen of the Empress work throughout the Empire to try and maintain the safety and sanity of her subjects.
Chosen by Fate
By Shawn Carman
Editing & Development by Fred Wan
The Imperial Chancellor, Bayushi Hisoka, strode through the silent hallways of the Imperial Palace. If those few who passed him could see through the high collar that he used to obscure his features, they would see that his countenance was clearly troubled. But of course he would never allow that, and so those rare few who passed him simply smiled and bowed, and he absently acknowledged them in kind. This portion of the palace was reserved for use by the highest ranking members of the Empress’ bureaucracy and, to a lesser extent, the members of the Imperial families. Hisoka generally avoided them because he found the company of the Imperial families, or the Otomo at least, quite tiresome. Today, however, he had a particular need to be here, for the company he sought could not be found elsewhere.
Hisoka finally paused outside of a small, unassuming room nestled in the northeastern corner of the palace. There were no adornments on the outside, nothing to indicate the purpose of the room, but Hisoka knew its function well enough. He stood quietly for a moment, listening to the soft clicking sound of chopsticks from within. Finally, he drew a deep breath. “I apologize for interrupting,” he said. “May I come in?”
There was a moment of silence, then a deep voice simply said, “Enter.”
Hisoka slid back the screen, stepped across the threshold, and closed it behind him. “Thank you for seeing me,” he said quietly. “I know that your private time is very valuable to you.”
Togashi Satsu sat back down and picked up his chopsticks. “I know that you would not come to me if it were not a matter of importance.” He took a bite of noodles and chewed for a moment. “What troubles you, my friend?”
Hisoka was silent for several minutes. “I fear my faith may be… wavering.”
Satsu did not respond visible, but continued eating. “That is a serious matter indeed, then. What exactly is it you wish to discuss?”
The Chancellor rubbed his eyes wearily. “You alone in this world hear the Empress’ voice,” he began.
“Not altogether correct,” Satsu interrupted.
Hisoka glanced at him. “What do you mean?”
“I have never heard the Empress’ voice,” Satsu replied. “I heard it often when she was simply Kitsuki Iweko, of course, but that time has ended. Since her ascension, I have not heard her speak. I am not certain she speaks at all, truthfully.”
Hisoka stared at him. “But… we all believed… you cannot hear when she speaks to you?”
“No,” Satsu said. “When I took my position, the Empress blessed me, as did the Voice of the Jade Sun and the Voice of the Obsidian Moon. Because of that, I assume, I am able to… it is difficult to explain.” He paused for a moment. “I am able to sense her emotions. To feel what it is that she feels. It is this that I put into words.” He shrugged. “Perhaps she speaks to the Consort. At the very least he seems able to sense her feelings as well. But then perhaps he is simply an attentive husband, eh?”
Hisoka frowned and rubbed his chin. “I did not know,” he said. “Still, it matters little in the context of my question. You are perhaps the only one in the mortal realm who can know the mind of the Empress. So it is to you I must pose this question, for I dare not speak it to any other.” He paused again. “It is only because my clan considers you a friend and because I know you are a man of tremendous honor and wisdom, that I feel safe to ask this of you. I wish you to understand that.”
“And I am honored,” Satsu said with a bow. “Speak your mind, friend.”
Hisoka drew a breath. “The Empress,” he said, his voice very soft. “Is she infallible?”
Satsu frowned. “What?”
“Even asking the question would likely result in outrage if not violence were it asked in different company,” Hisoka admitted. “But… with everything that has happened, and that continues to happen, I must know… is she infallible?”
The former Dragon Champion sighed and set his chopsticks down with a click. “I know, without question, that the Empress has been imbued with the power and insight of the Celestial Heavens. I know that she is no longer truly mortal, and that even before her ascension, she was possessed of powers of perception like no man or woman I have ever known in my lifetime.” Here he paused for a moment. “Despite this, and despite the fact that the Imperial Histories are clear that the Hantei line was infallible despite certain evidence to the contrary, I believe that nothing that was ever truly mortal can be completely infallible.” He smiled. “Now we have both said things that would result in our visceral deaths at the hands of the Empire’s more zealous subjects.”
Hisoka shook his head. “I wish more than anything to believe that which I present to others, that the Empress is beyond error, and that she and she alone can guide us through this time of trial. But the enormity of the things that take place now, the trials before us… my faith can waver.”
Satsu closed his eyes. “I believe that it is possible for the Empress to make mistakes,” he admitted, “but I believe she is wiser by far than any other living soul, and that she can perceive things no other mortal can ever hope to understand. Even things that she does that seem, to us, to be a mistake, ultimately serves a purpose we cannot know.” He smiled again. “I know not only that we shall endure this time of trial, but that it is through her wisdom alone that we shall do so. This, and whatever comes after.”
The Chancellor nodded. “Please, forgive me a moment of weakness,” he said. “With all that has happened, the assaults in the north and south, the reports of this mysterious creature that now savages my homeland, and the… the fate of my Champion… I sometimes have doubts.” He smiled sadly. “I am not the man my predecessor was, I fear.”
“And I am very thankful for that,” Satsu said.
Hisoka looked surprised. “What do you mean? Kaukatsu was perhaps the greatest Chancellor the Empire has ever known. He was possessed of certainty that I can only pretend to possess.” He laughed. “Once, in the Scorpion lands, I saw him set upon by a ronin assassin. The assassin was intent on killing him and, for whatever reason, Kaukatsu was without guards at that moment. He simply laughed at the ronin, and spoke to him in a calm tone. He was so confident, so completely assured, that he was in no danger, that his assassin faltered in the assault. The pause was enough for sentries to arrive, which Kaukatsu appeared to know was the outcome. The man who hired that assassin was dead within a matter of hours.” He shook his head. “Kaukatsu was a great man.”
“I mean no disrespect, but he was a monster,” Satsu said plainly. “He commanded the court as if it was his own, and he allowed his presence, his influence, to overshadow those who were his superiors.” Satsu gestured to the other man. “You present a similar façade, but at your heart you are not the same. You shall become greater by far than Kaukatsu.” He paused for a moment. “Again, no disrespect intended.”
Hisoka sighed. “Thank you for your wisdom, Satsu-sama. I hope that I have not intruded upon your privacy too long.”
Satsu smiled. “You are always welcome, my friend.”
* * * * *
The morning sun had not yet cleared the horizon as the man known simply as Susumu walked through the streets of the Imperial City, humming a merry tune as he did so. His yojimbo, a stern and foreboding Scorpion warrior, followed him a short distance behind. The man, Bayushi Jutsushi, had become Susumu’s yojimbo only very recently, and in the wake of the tremendous tragedy that had occurred in the Scorpion provinces. Jutsushi had willingly abandoned his position as hatamoto of Kyuden Bayushi following Paneki’s demise, something he had previously proven unwilling to do. Susumu did not delve too deeply into the man’s motivations, but out of consideration he preferred not to mention the matter at all, much less in Jutsushi’s presence. One could never be too careful, after all.
The estate to which Susumu walked was small and relatively out of the way. It was carefully positioned against the wall that separated the inner city from the outer portions where the common folk conducted their business. It seemed nondescript, but everything about it was designed to ensure increased security. Six guards made themselves visible to Susumu as he approached, and he was sure there were others nearby. A ridiculously large man stepped to the top of the stairs, whom Susumu favored with a smile. “Good morning to you, commander Kurogane.”
Akodo Kurogane did not smile. “It is always a pleasure to see the Imperial Advisor,” he said, his tone completely flat and emotionless. “What business do you have this morning, if I may ask?”
“You may certainly ask,” Susumu replied. It was curious that Kurogane had never used his actual name, instead referring to him by title at all times. It was some sort of slight, he supposed, but its origin was unfamiliar to him. He made a mental note to research Lion traditions in the library. How could he properly insult the man for his conduct if he did not understand it, after all? “I wish to speak with the man you protect, as is my right.”
At the word ‘protect,’ Kurogane twitched as if physically pained, but to his credit he said nothing. “Of course, Advisor. You are of course aware that you are not permitted to meet with the guest unless one of my men is present?”
“You are kind enough to mention it each time, just in case I have forgotten,” Susumu said. “Your vigilance is commendable and I thank you for it.”
“It is my pleasure,” Kurogane said, though it clearly brought him no pleasure at all whatsoever. “Kasei, if you would please.”
A completely average looking Lion samurai, practically diminutive compared to Kurogane, stepped forward. He looked unassuming, but Susumu knew that was a lie. “Kasei-san,” he said. “It is always an honor to be accompanied by a member of the Empress’ Guard.”
Kasei bowed slightly but said nothing. Kurogane gestured to the estate’s doors behind him. “You are free to enter, Advisor.” Susumu bowed his head in a respectful manner and strode past the guard, all of whom had the courtesy to bow, if only slightly, including Kurgane.
The estate’s interior had not changed since the Advisor’s last visit, which had been some weeks ago. He felt it inappropriate to visit too often, given the sort of reaction it provoked. Ironically, he was quite certain that the only person whose opinion made any different to him in this ridiculous city, the Empress, would be the one person who would not care if he visited even daily. But ultimately that was not the point.
The lone occupant sat within the estate’s great chamber at a low table, preparing tea for two. Somehow, he always knew when Susumu would visit. “I see that you have not bothered to acquire any additional trappings,” the Advisor mused, looking about at the largely empty chamber.
Taishuu, formerly known as Mirumoto Taishuu and perhaps in his heart alone known as Daigotsu Taishuu, did not smile. “I do not appreciate distraction. I prefer simplicity.”
“So it would seem.” Susumu gestured to the others. “I would be remiss if I did not introduce my new yojimbo, the esteemed Bayushi Jutsushi, and our mutual security escort, Matsu Kasei of the Empress’ Guard.”
“It is always a pleasure to stand among honored warriors,” Taishuu said.
“Thank you, sama,” Jutsushi said quietly, bowing. Kasei said nothing.
“Do you know why I have come to see you today?” Susumu said, sitting across the table from Taishuu. “I do not know how much information about the greater Empire you receive on a daily basis.”
“I prefer to limit my exposure to the city at large,” Taishuu said, “and the guards who stand watch over my residence are extremely disciplined. I hear little.”
Susumu sighed. “This will sound unusual, even by our somewhat generous standards,” he began, “but it appears that the enemy in the south has unleashed some sort of living weapon against the Empire.”
Taishuu frowned. “What manner of weapon?”
“A creature of some sort,” Susumu said. “It appears to be truly massive in scale, although precise accounts have varied so much that I wonder if its size is not in some way mutable.” He sipped at the tea and nodded appreciatively. “The Empress has received reports from the Phoenix related to the matter. They believe that the creature may be divine in some way, perhaps a remnant of some other pantheon that exists elsewhere in the world.”
“Blasphemous,” Taishuu said. “But interesting.”
“The Phoenix scholar dispatched to brief the Empress on behalf of the Elemental Masters compared the creature to a Fortune whose mind has been shattered and rendered bestial in nature. Imagine if you will Osano-Wo on a mindless rampage throughout the southern Empire and you might have an inkling of the manner of threat we are discussing.”
“I find the notion of such a thing… sobering,” Taishuu said. “I assume that your visit is related to the matter in some way?”
“To some extent, yes,” Susumu admitted. “I know that your function here in the Imperial City is nebulous, but I presume that you have some means of speaking with… associates beyond the city.”
Kasei bristled at the comment, but remained silent.
“If that were the case, I think it would hardly be in my best interests to discuss it. Would you not agree?”
Susumu smiled. “I would indeed agree. However, the purpose of my visit is to merely inform you and make mention of the notion that, should you find yourself in a position to communicate, perhaps you might inquire after any… visitors… who might be able to offer more information.”
Taishuu nodded slowly. “That is an interesting idea.”
“Time is very much of the essence,” Susumu added. “Which I am sure I need not tell you, but just in case.”
“Indeed,” Taishuu agreed. “Would you care for more tea? I generally find that a generous portion assists me in my meditations.” He smiled. “Which I generally conduct immediately afterwards.”
“I see,” Susumu said, rising. “Well, I have no wish to delay you. It is always a pleasure to see you, Taishuu-san. Please, keep in touch.”
He nodded. “Be assured that I shall.”
* * * * *
Moto Jin-sahn, the Shogun of the Empire, glanced around at the dozens of maps and scrolls that covered every flat surface of his command tent and ground his teeth, struggling not to lapse into a fit of rage and destroying everything in sight. He closed his eyes and counted inwardly for a moment, stemming the tide of his fury. “Danjuro,” he said in a voice that dripped with forced calm. “Do you know where the report from the seventh legion is?”
“Hai, Shogun,” his second-in-command said at once. “I believe it is tucked into your obi at the moment.”
Jin-sahn glanced down and withdrew the rolled scroll from his belt with a disgusted expression. “If I were my own subordinate I think I would relieve myself of duty.”
“You should,” Danjuro said. “But only because you have not slept in days. You cannot win this war by yourself, my lord.”
“We shall see about that,” Jin-sahn muttered. He glanced over his shoulder. “What about you, Danjuro? When did you last rest?”
“Do not worry about me, my lord,” Danjuro said. “I died from exhaustion last night.”
Jin-sahn turned suddenly. “Wha… what?”
“Do not worry,” Danjuro said with a smirk. “I rose from the ashes, renewed and reinvigorated.”
Jin-sahn sighed in disgust. “Humor?” he asked. “Really?”
Danjuro shrugged. “It certainly can’t make our situation any worse, would you not agree?”
The Shogun sat the scroll down and rubbed his face with both hands. The characters on the parchment seemed to swim and melt together. Perhaps Danjuro was correct; he could not remember the last time he had slept. Given the situation, however, that seemed like a luxury he simply could not afford. “In all honesty there is very little that could make our situation worse at this point.”
As if on cue, the tent flap parted and one of the Shogun’s guards stepped inside. “My lord,” he said, “the Imperial Treasurer is here.”
Danjuro glanced at the Shogun and stepped forward. “Jin-sahn-sama has much to do. Please inform the Treasury agents that he will schedule time to meet with them at his earliest convenience.”
“Not blazing likely,” Jin-sahn muttered.
The soldier cleared his throat. “I am sorry, my lords, but perhaps I was unclear. There are not agents of the Imperial Treasurer waiting to see you. It is the Treasurer himself.”
Both men stopped what they were doing and stared. “Yoritomo Utemaro is here?” Jin-sahn asked.
“It would appear so,” the soldier said. “What should I do?”
The Shogun sat down heavily. “Show him in,” he said, his voice little more than a croak.
“Should I leave?” Danjuro asked as the soldier disappeared.
“If you leave me alone with him I will have you killed,” Jin-sahn said darkly.
Danjuro stifled a chuckle as the flap swept open again and two figures entered. One was a lithe young woman with a serious expression, and the other a middle-aged man whose face was a mask of displeasure and irritation. “Honor and glory to the Shogun of the Empire,” the woman said, bowing low.
Danjuro returned the bow, instinctively adopting the same formal announcement. “Honor and glory to the Imperial Treasurer,” he returned.
“Very good, formalities observed, all is well with the world,” Utemaro said with a wave of his hand. “What in the Fortunes’ name is going on down here, Jin-sahn?”
“I cannot say as I appreciate the question or the tone with which you ask it, Utemaro,” the Shogun replied, placing emphasis on the Treasurer’s name.
“If we are going to discuss appreciation, then perhaps you should get comfortable, because my list is long indeed,” Utemaro said.
“Well I do apologize,” Jin-sahn retorted. “Is my desperate war against the enemies of the Empire making your life inconvenient? How foolishly inconsiderate of me.”
Utemaro shook his head in disgust. “I have examined your camp and the state of this front since my arrival. I was not always the Treasurer, you will recall. It is clear to me that you lack the resources required to win this war.”
Jin-sahn felt a flash of white-hot anger, but to his amazement, it was Danjuro who spoke first. The Phoenix’s eyes were bright with rage. “You sit in your place of comfort and security in the Imperial City and yet dare to question the work and worth of the Shogun? You have no concept of what he has accomplished, or his worth to the Empress!”
“Well!” Utemaro said, smirking. “Your dog has some teeth, Jin-sahn.”
“Perhaps we should all take a moment to compose ourselves,” Yoritomo Yashinko said, with a very slightly embarrassed glance at her superior.
The Shogun held up his hand. “Enough. We all need a moment.”
Danjuro took a step back and blinked repeatedly. “I… I apologize. I forgot myself for a moment.”
“I find it refreshing, honestly,” Utemaro said. “You have always been too even-tempered for my tastes.”
“Danjuro-sama,” Yashinko said with a smile. “Perhaps you and I might have a spot of tea for a moment, and allow our superiors to conduct themselves as they see fit?”
Danjuro glanced at the Shogun, who nodded, then took a deep breath and smiled. “It would be my pleasure. Come with me, if you please.”
Utemaro watched as the two departed the tent, then turned back to the Shogun. “I meant what I said, however you wish to take it. You lack the resources to win this war.”
“I have the finest men, and exceptional officers,” Jin-sahn protested. “I have all that any commander could wish for in an army.”
“Do not be naïve,” the Treasurer admonished. “What of weapons? Food? Horses? Armor? Are you telling me that you have all you require? Honestly?”
Jin-sahn frowned. “The rate of attrition is significant,” he admitted. “Losses have been severe, and supplies have been destroyed repeatedly.”
“I can give you all that you need. Not what you have been receiving, but what you actually need,” Utemaro said.
Jin-sahn frowned. “In doing so, you would overtax the Empire, exhaust the fields, work the peasants nearly to death. Would you not?”
Utemaro did not blink. “Is that what you need or isn’t it?”
The Shogun spread his hands on the table, lowered his head, and closed his eyes. “Yes,” he said. “How long can you maintain an output level of that magnitude?”
“Not long at all,” Utemaro said. “At least, not without permanent damage to the Empire’s infrastructure. You will need to win, and quickly. Can you do that?”
Jin-sahn looked up. “We shall soon see, won’t we?”
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