An Offer of Clandestine Alliance

Diplomatic action

After the Mōri Tournament finally concluded, the Cardinal Generals of the Hashinara Clan found themselves pulled away for a spate of administrative tasks across their domains. It seemed as though an interminable time passed. Was it days? Weeks? Months? Half an entire year? No, it was but a single hour. At the end of such, each general received an urgent communication from Tōdaisen Nobuhara; a call for a meeting in person at Wakigami Castle. These events were growing less common as Shigeaki Fujino's mental network became more and more the norm for the Hashinara Clan. It followed, then, that whatever Nobuhara summoned them for was likely to be of great import.

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"Thank you for coming on such short notice. I understand that quite a lot has been happening lately." Moments after Fujino delivered the Cardinal Generals, Nobuhara gestured for them to take a seat around the low table within the chamber atop Wakigami Castle. The torches were unlit, midday sun steaming in through the windows from the great balcony outside. Aotsuki Tsukamoto, Ryūzaki Sanosuke, Maxim, and a suspicious person who could only be Matsumoto Ooawagaeri all heeded this invitation and settled into a cushion. At the table's head, Hashinara Kiyowara was already seated to represent the Daimyō. Conspicuously, Shigeaki Fujino herself was the room's only other occupant. Every other seat remained empty. Whatever Nobuhara had to say, it seemed to be for the ears of the clan's most trusted only.   "So, we received a message not long after the last match," Fujino began but trailed off, looking to the clan adviser to continue. Nobuhara cleared his throat.   "It's probably best if I repeat it verbatim. This was delivered to us mentally through Lady Kikkawa no Myōkyū, but the originator is, of course, Daimyō Mōri Motonari."  

"My apologies for delivering this message in such a roundabout fashion. It was important we did not discuss it during the summit at Yakisoba Yashiki, but more important that we were seen by the Shogunate not discussing it at all.   "With the events of this morning behind us, I am forced to acknowledge this is no time for squabbles between neighbors. I would like to therefore propose a clandestine alliance between the Mōri Clan and the Hashinara Clan.   "To show that this is not merely a matter of circumstance, I further propose that we continue this alliance beyond the immediate crisis. Of course, I realize that both our clans are reaching for the same goals and we cannot both achieve full control of this country. I am willing to cede the Shogunate and ultimate authority to the Hashinara, however. That is if, in return, you agree to guarantee the right of autonomous governance for the Mōri Clan and the Oni families of Chugoku and Mount Ōe."

  Such was the message. Naturally, Nobuhara had his own thoughts, but he first opened the floor for the Cardinal Generals to air their opinions.   "This would be a phenomenal first step toward the goal of unification," Aotsuki proposed. "If they are sincere, it can only be a boon to the nation as a whole." Nobuhara nodded thoughtfully at this, as if the young Daimyō's thoughts had echoed his own, but said nothing.   Instead, it was Sanosuke who spoke next. "We've been anticipating this move, although the need for utmost discretion remains. No objections here."   A thoughtful silence fell for a moment, broken when Maxim shifted uncomfortably in his seat. This uncharacteristic motion couldn't help but draw Nobuhara's gaze. "Lord Maxim," he began delicately, "I understand that you recently voiced quite a public disagreement with Lady Motonari."   "I'm sure she would not hold on to any harsh feelings about the matter, seeing as he assisted during the attack on the arena," Ooawagaeri cut in.   Maxim himself was slower to answer, as though he'd mulled it over considerably before giving voice. "This puts me in a bit of an uncomfortable position. I had expected this might happen, so I had hoped my provocation would have been successful. But unless my attempts to publicly humiliate her were enough to appease the requestor, I will end up clashing blades with Mōri Motonari."   No one spoke immediately. It was true that the Wolfpack was only loosely affiliated with the Hashinara Clan. However, Maxim's own allegiances were not much in doubt. If he were to act upon this mysterious vendetta against Motonari, it could very well endanger the long-awaited alliance she now offered. Finally, Fujino spoke.   "Have you considered...not doing that, though?"   Aotsuki nodded in agreement. Regardless of his circumstances, there should be nothing preventing Maxim from simply turning down his requestor's wishes, right?   "I could do that, if you wish for me to," Maxim grumbled, "I can only assume I'll be dragged back to hell and tortured for...I think I was told one hundred years? Although..."   Nobuhara coughed politely. "The threat of being chained in hell for a hundred years is your own individual problem, Lord Maxim, and should not affect matters of the clan. I must ask that you keep any grievances between yourself and Lady Motonari to a strictly personal level."   Maxim waved dismissively, "For the moment I can, but I thought I'd bring the situation up."   "You know you don't gotta do whatever demons say, right?" It seemed Fujino was not satisfied to let the topic go that easily. "If they try to drag you to hell or something, we can just drag you back!"   Maxim remained silent, but briefly felt something tapping him consolingly through his armor. It was Tama, who had slid over from Aotsuki's seat and now looked up at him with an expression of deepest sympathy.   Maxim's own circumstances aside, the Cardinal Generals appeared to be unanimously in favor of Motonari's offer of alliance. Nobuhara agreed for the most part, but yet retained some misgivings about accepting the treaty so readily. First, it would not be surprising if this sudden offer of alliance was in direct response to Alexandria's announcement that their diplomatic detachment would be withdrawing from Japan. Perhaps Motonari had been relying on foreign aid to secure her political position. With those powers now vanishing, she may well see that she cannot directly compete with the Hashinara Clan, especially given their display of martial skill in the tournament.   "Ultimately, I believe Mōri Motonari and the larger Mōri Clan are currently quite vulnerable. We could accept their offer of alliance and strengthen them once again. However...we also have the option of leveraging this situation against them to our benefit. We could press for greater concessions in exchange for accepting the alliance, or even claim their lands directly by force, if we so chose."   Sour expressions rose to the faces of some present. Aotsuki and Fujino in particular seemed offended at the notion of striking away the hand of friendship once offered.   "Taking more than they offer may sour the latter half of the deal," Ooawagaeri opined. It was true that, should they not ally with Motonari now, the Hashinara would not likely be able to count on her support in their eventual bid for the Shogunate.   "Normally I'd be all for that," Sanosuke offered, "Hell, I even pressed their defenses earlier in the tournament. But now, we've got enough going on. I don't like the idea of overextending ourselves. Once all this 'angel dust' settles, maybe we can reevaluate. But for now, we've gotta put the nation before the clan, yeah?"   That seemed to settle the matter, then. At least, so far as the Cardinal Generals were concerned. However, the Hashinara Clan was not entirely ruled by council. It would be the word of the Daimyō that truly determined what path they would take. All eyes turned to Hashinara Kiyowara, who slowly began to speak.   "We proceed with the alliance," she proclaimed.   A silent chorus of nods came from around the table. Each present saw this as the correct way to proceed, but their Daimyō often displayed an unpredictable wisdom beyond what they might consider mundane.   "If the Mōri are as vulnerable as we assume," the sheele continued, "then taking more from them in the future will not be difficult. And...we should look into the matter of keeping General Maxim's soul. I'd rather not have personal problems end the nation while demons and angels are still a threat. Lady Seimei might have an idea."   When it came to Abe no Seimei, only Aotsuki Tsukamoto was truly qualified to speak among those present. He did so now. "She may have some knowledge, along with the rest of the Spring of Wisdom. We'll see what may be able to be done, but Maxim, you will need to speak with us about exactly what has caused this."   "Well," Maxim scowled across the table, "If the Daimyō had answered my multiple requests to speak, he would know. His name is on my list as well, after all."   Nobuhara, who had been rattling off something about Sancta Sedes, stopped dead at that statement. The silences fallen across the table before all paled in the face of the weight of what Maxim had just said. Did this mean that he would, someday, come for the Daimyō's life* as well?   "That isn't unheard of," said Ooawagaeri coolly, "My siblings also attacked him."   "How many names are on your list, exactly?" Kiyowara probed.   "Four," came the answer, then Maxim seemed to realize something. "My comment might have been misunderstood. The names on my list are of people I must help to achieve their vengeance."   A collective sigh of relief seemed to pass through the chamber.   "I see. That is a very important distinction," said Nobuhara.   "That sounds like a nice project for the Wolfpack," Sanosuke cut in dismissively before steering the conversation back to their original purpose. "Now, back to the main topic. Is there anything further to discuss? I suppose if the Mōri Clan wishes to keep this alliance a secret from the Shogunate to avoid reprisal, it would be fair of us to ask for something more from them. Perhaps something related to the entrance to Yomi."   Nobuhara could find no fault with that. Indeed, free access to all their lands might not be out of the question given the circumstances of the treaty.   "That would certainly be convenient, but also something we must be careful of," Sanosuke cautioned. "If word got out that we're doing as we please in Mōri lands, certain parties are sure to take interest." The image of Matsunaga Hisahide, perhaps, flitted across the collective thoughts of those present. Someone like him would certainly notice such a thing, and his allegiances were still unclear, if they existed at all.   "True. Even if such an agreement were reached, it should be used with discretion," the clan adviser agreed.   "Ah," Sanosuke looked across the table suddenly, "Returning to the topic of Samayim: Aotsuki-san, I'm sorry to say it does not appear the Alexandrian delegation had any information to share on that. I'll continue to explore other avenues until you secure an audience with the angels, or whatever."   "I suppose it's about what we could expect." Aotsuki's recent encounter with Sancta Sedes was no doubt still fresh in his mind. The enormity of his task was beyond description, and yet those who claimed to act as Samayim's agents on Earth seemed to wish for nothing more than to gleefully watch as Japan faced ruin.   Nobuhara, then, would deliver their acceptance to the Mōri Clan, along with a request that Hashinara agents be allowed access to their lands without challenge. "As to the matter of these 'Angels,'" he fixed the golden-haired boy across from him with a resolute gaze. "Lord Aotsuki, the Hashinara Clan stands ready to offer whatever assistance you require. Have you determined your method of approach already?"   "Not yet, unfortunately." It wasn't exactly something that he could be blamed for. The expectations of an entire country had been placed on Aotsuki just a few hours earlier. "I had hoped to examine the area and see what could be found out there. 'Attacking' with a force will do little to help with our side of things."   "Indeed. You may contact me if you require any resources or the assistance of any of our generals," Nobuhara assured him.   With that, it seemed the main purpose of their meeting was drawing to a close. However, it had been a very eventful past several days. To be sure, the generals could not be expected to keep up with the minutiae of every matter these tumultuous times threw their way. Fortunately, Tōdaisen Nobuhara worked with Fujino to keep very meticulous notes and was willing to share his advice, refreshment, or elucidation on any current events at the generals' word.   Indeed, it was rare to have all four of the Cardinal Generals and their Daimyō in the same room together at once. Aotsuki recognized this for the opportunity it represented. "It may be prudent to discuss any immediate concerns with one another beyond the issue with Heaven affecting Japan as a whole, to ensure we can assist one another if necessary. Maxim has already brought his issue with Hell up, for instance."   "As you brought it up," Nobuhara noted, "I understand you are expected at the Imperial Archive in the near future?"   "Before nightfall, if I remember correctly." Aotsuki's annoyance was plain. This was not something that came close to representing his top priority when the safety of the entire country was at stake.   "A few of my current threads which might use some assistance include," Sanosuke offered, "In order of precedence: the shrine construction and upgrade project in our surrounding provinces, contacting Sūra Anāhīta regarding 'tensions' in the Lunar Empire, and the arrival of another mysterious foreigner and their entourage."   For all his fine qualities, the Silver General was not known to be wholly up-front with his information. It was therefore not surprising that the majority present weren't well aware of the first two matters Sanosuke brought up. Indeed, Nobuhara cocked his head curiously, perhaps wondering why the shrine upgrade project marked the top of that list when it had been proceeding without issue. That last item regarding the foreigners, at least, was something they could latch on to.   "Oh right," Fujino put a finger to her chin and smiled faintly at the memory of a boisterous knight and his parodic companions. "That 'Waxim' weirdo. He should be arriving in Shimonoseki just in time to see the Alexandrians and Sancta Sedes evactuating..."   "I asked Shibai to keep them occupied as long as possible," Sanosuke noted. "I believe they were pursuing one of the Black Galleons most recently, but someone will have to deal with them sooner or later." If they survive the encounter with a Moonbeast, was the unspoken follow-up. But then, Waxim appeared to have an angel and some other nonsense on his side. It wouldn't be out of the question for him to be just as bizarrely powerful as their own Knight Commander Maxim.   "Fujino," Ooawagaeri slid across the room to the telepath, heedless of the conversation taking place. "Would you mind dropping me and the crescent moon club off outside of Mutsu? I believe we have something to discuss with the Date Clan."   "Hmm." Kiyowara, meanwhile, was considering the implications of Waxim and his crew facing off against the Black Galleon. "A potential ally against the Dreamland interlopers. They have far more Galleons and Moonbeasts than was assumed. Anyone hunting them could be valuable here. Though, the seward rift is not an option to enter. It is apparently swarming with Black Galleons."   "Maybe I'll go check on them later, if I can find that Waxim bunch," Fujino chuckled to herself, then turned her attention to Ooawagaeri and hesitated. "Oh, to Mutsu? Are you sure you want to go there? Things are...weird."   "Perhaps not," Sanosuke answered the Daimyō, "They seemed inclined to help merely because it was a good deed, but if you're looking to enlist some more willing souls, I doubt they'd be impossible to persuade."   Off to the side of the room, Ooawagaeri was taken aback. "Weirder than last time?!"   "It could be," Fujino answered evasively, "I didn't stay too long last time I was there."   Whatever answer Ooawagaeri might have given, it was cut off by Nobuhara, who commanded him with all the authority of a schoolteacher seeing his students rush out of the classroom before the bell rang. "Hold a moment, Lord Ooawagaeri."   Maxim had offered his help to Aotsuki, should he be needed, and received a smile of thanks in return. Then, the young Daimyō returned his thoughts to what his contemporary had said before. "Sanosuke, I'm not certain what help we could offer for your... Real estate advancements? But I have a scouting unit that may be able to examine the land surrounding the areas in question, if it would help."   "I wasn't looking for anything in particular," Sanosuke answered, "But if my plan involving them is to work, they must remain secure. If you'd like to ask your scouts to keep an eye out, I wouldn't decline the offer. However, you in particular may leverage your rapport with Takishita Kamio to see what we might do next. I trust he'll remember what I'm referring to." Aotsuki raised his eyebrow at that, but Sanosuke offered no further explanation.   Meanwhile, at the head of the table, Ooawagaeri had made his way over to Nobuhara. The adviser regarded him with a chilly gaze, then produced a gold-trimmed pink envelope from his robe. "Before you leave, I wished to ask you about this."   "Ah," Ooawagaeri said simply. "That was fast."   "Then my hunch was correct and you are involved with this... "Murder Mystery Party On the Spectacular Flying Casino 'M.'" There was no mistaking the tired exasperation with which Nobuhara pronounced the name. He was, however, momentarily taken aback by Ooawagaeri's response.   "Would you care to attend?"   The clan adviser gave this some serious thought before responding. "...If I can bring a plus one, then perhaps I will. What I am more concerned about is whether this is an appropriate event to conduct in the current...shall we say...political climate."   "Well, it wasn't for us so much as those in shock from recent events. I figured I'd move up the opening night." The erstwhile Black Blade explained this as he took the envelope and slit it open with a single bladed fingertip. A perfumed piece of parchment tumbled out into his hand.  

"A night of mystery and mayhem! Hosted by the Legendary Black Blade and the Masked Bohemian 'H.H.' All members of renown within the Hashinara Clan are hereby invited to attend on the evening of November 18th until the wee hours of the morning, when the sun pinkens the tender horizon. Visit Ago Harbor and ask for the 'Flying Casino' for admittance."   -H.H.

  "It's a good thing it's not tonight!" Kagami chirped. "Maybe we'll be back from heaven in time to attend."   "I hope so," Aotsuki agreed. "I do wonder if our visit to heaven may need to wait until tonight if we can't gain admittance, just to make sure the Shogunate doesn't try to take advantage of the situation."   Without preamble, Ooawagaeri handed the scented paper to Aotsuki. "I think it was meant for you."   The golden-haired Daimyō raised both his eyebrows at this, but Ooawagaeri merely smiled. Or, at least, his eyes turned up at the bottom above his mask.   "Ah, if you have not yet received your invitations, Cardinal Generals, then I would recommend you check with your advisers." Nobuhara called attention back to himself for a moment. "But I fear we have departed far from the original purpose of this meeting. It is hereby adjourned, although you are free to remain if you wish to speak further."   Heedless of what the adviser was saying, Fujino came up from behind Aotsuki to peer over his shoulder. "So that's what people have been gossiping about."   A small pit of dread began to open in the bottom of Aotsuki's stomach. "People? Other people know about this already?"   "Oh yes," confirmed Ooawagaeri with a hint of gleeful malice.   "Well, most people in the clan got one today, yeah," Fujino added.   "I advertised it at the tournament as well," the masked blade went on.   A flower-scented piece of parchment fell out of its pink envelope and tumbled on top of the ever-heavier pile of things weighing upon Aotsuki's shoulders. He dipped briefly under its weight. "I suppose I should talk with Seimei about whether an invitation was received, but... Right. That's for later."   As if in answer to that very thought, Abe no Seimei's voice resonated within Aotsuki's head. She had indeed received a letter for him, but one glance at the fanciful gold trim and she had put it aside to be dealt with later. More immediately, she was at the site of the heavenly rift above Sumiyoshi-taisha.   Given Seimei's experiments thus far, it seemed as though access to Samayim would be unlikely from this side. A powerful barrier was in place, no doubt constructed by the angels above. It rebuffed all creatures not meeting certain criteria. What that criteria might be could only be guessed at; until such was known, it would be difficult to impossible to trick the barrier and allow access. Fortunately, the obstruction wasn't in itself dangerous. Indeed, Seimei mentioned a creature nearby which had relentlessly been bumping up against it like a fly against a window for some time now, without any sign of injury.   In the audience chamber, Aotsuki sighed for a moment before placing his hands on his knees and standing. "I suppose I should at least see this barrier that will need to be dealt with. Nobuhara, I know I've already asked about an expert in demons recently, but do you happen to know of anyone still left who may know more about their opposition?"   "Ow!" exclaimed Ooawagaeri as he vanished with Fujino on the other side of the room. Was his body...stretching like taffy for just an instant before the light swallowed him? Everyone stared for a moment, then turned their attention back to Aotsuki and Nobuhara as though nothing had happened. Dealing with the former Black Blade for any length of time tended to inure the mind to all manner of weirdness.   Oddly, Nobuhara seemed less than pleased with the eyes now back on him. "There is one individual who comes to mind, but they are somewhat troublesome. Sancta Sedes has proven unwilling to aid us, but..."   "Speaking of Sumiyoshi-taisha," Sanosuke came to Nobuhara's rescue, "I'd heard account the phenomenon there may not have originated from the sky, but from the shrine or something beneath it. Has anyone investigated that claim?"   "That would fall in line with the earthquakes experienced before the event," the adviser agreed, visibly relieved to change the subject. Aotsuki, however, would not be deterred.   "Nobuhara, you were saying?"   His uncharacteristic evasiveness pinned before Aotsuki's gaze, Nobuhara finally sighed in defeat. "I am unsure of how much aid she will be, but Lord Sanosuke's retainer Takayama Ukon occurred to me as someone who may be familiar with the lore surrounding these creatures."   The name hung in the air for a moment, as though something dark, terrible, and forgotten had been summoned back into existence. Nothing happened, though, as Sanosuke continued on. "Then it sounds like another task which falls to us. I can bring our generals most knowledgeable in magic and religion to investigate, but I would request your presence as well, Aotsuki-san. If there's anyone in Japan who can pass through this barrier, you're high on the list of possibilities."   "I think Naiku may be specialized to our religious sphere, but she might be able to assist as well. Tokku-hime may also have an assistant who knows many things..."   It seemed, then, that a meeting of minds was called for before any attempts to breach Samayim were to be made.   ...   ......   .........   As the last Cardinal General departed, something stirred in the darkest corner of the audience chamber. A dull steel horn slipped silently from the darkness, followed by a long equine face with fur as black as the shadows that surrounded it. Deep, expansive eyes turned back and forth before the creature stepped lightly to the right side of the table. Four hooves made nary a sound on the hollow wooden floors. When she reached her destination, Kihaku lowered her head and flared her nostrils to sniff at the cushion where Knight Commander Maxim had sat minutes before. She looked then to the horizon out the castle window, vision fixed on something unseen and far away. Her mission. Her charge.   Silent as black velvet, Kihaku slipped from the audience chamber and slid the door shut behind her.