The Yashiki Summit

Gathering / Conference

At the behest of Daimyō Mōri Motonari, many of the leaders from today's tournament arrived at Yakisoba Yashiki for lunch and a summit. Their topic of conversation was none other than the cataclysm which had broken the sky at the tournament but a few hours ago, and the creatures it had released into the world.   Given that this was an event which could no doubt affect all of Japan, Motonari was disappointed to see how few leaders had opted to attend. Ashikaga Yoshiaki, the current Shogun, was at least in attendance, with her adviser Chitosemaru standing slyly behind her. Also present were Aotsuki Tsukamoto of the young Aotsuki Clan and the many other heads of the Hashinara hydra. Even Niiro Tadatsuru, Daimyō of the roguish Shimazu was lazily kicking her feet up on the table, with some manner of Wani whispering advice into her ear.   No representatives of the Hōjō or Takeda arrived, however, and nor did anyone from the Alexandrian detachment visiting the city.   It would have to do.   As Hospodar Mikhail finished writing down their orders in his red velvet notebook and vanished to the kitchens, Motonari began the meeting.

"Our topic of discussion is obvious," the Lady Mōri began, "The rift in the sky above Shimonoseki. Given the power of the creatures who descended from it, and their actions today, I believe it represents a threat to the country as a whole."   The Shogun gave a laconic nod and did not otherwise speak. Instead, Chitosemaru offered a response, "The Ashikaga Shogunate is in full agreement."   "Seeing as how it affects the people of Shima, I am inclined to agree." This was Lord Maxim, the foreigner who had been granted dubious status of Daimyō in Ago. Motonari herself held no ill will towards his appointment, but his actions at the end of the tournament had been insulting. No doubt the Shogunate did not appreciate his awkward political status either.   Niiro Tadatsuru clacked her heels together. "Is it really worse than that other rift up north? We've got so many stupid-powerful warriors down here that we can take on some Elohim or whatever they are."   Hearing the harsh pronunciation the other Daimyō placed on the word, Motonari couldn't help but wince internally. Had she really just called them "Ero-hime"?   Then Fubuki cut into the conversation with quite the revelation. The mysterious swordswoman had apparently been busy following her final bout in the tournament, and had traveled to the base of the pillar lightning that now sprouted north of Shimonoseki. "I came across a survivor and another one of those beings," Fubuki's explanation finished.   Motonari raised her eyebrows, then waved for the swordswoman to go on.   "Rather than provoke them, I judged it was best to return with who I could..."   Before the other could continue, Chitosemaru cut her off with a demand, "Describe this being to us."   To her credit, Fubuki showed no sign of annoyance at the interruption. Instead, a wry smile lit up her lips. "Why merely describe him?"   Blurring for a moment, like an image viewed through stained glass, Fubuki's form shifted and warped. A moment later, a suave, dark-skinned man was standing in her place. The figure's clothing was of an unfamiliar style, but cut from a brilliant white cloth, and a stylish mop of dark-brown hair covered his head. Most notable, of course, were the two luminous wings which adorned his back, nearly filling Fubuki's corner of the spacious dining room.   Yet again, the mysterious swordswoman displayed powers unknown. Still, this could be little more than an illusion, and Motonari had plenty of individuals under her own power capable of such an act. Only Ryūzaki Sanosuke, the famed Silver General, seemed unimpressed. Indeed, Motonari was certain she'd seen his eyes cut more than once toward Chitosemaru in the past few minutes.   "One of them?" a barking laugh shot out. "Those weaklings are harmless."   All turned to see the strange, Wani-like creature that had spoken. This was no doubt some manner of yōkai, but the spirits of the sea were a mystery even to a race with such history as Motonari's. Whatever this shark-woman was, she seemed knowledgeable.   "What you saw was no Elohim," she pronounced the unfamiliar word with practiced ease, "It was a Mercy of Chesed. Not that those words mean anything to you mortals."   At that, Hashinara Kiyowara shifted uncomfortably for just a moment. Motonari could only assume that whoever watched from behind that Sheele's eyes (presumably Hashinara Yoshiyuki), had noticed something unpleasant.   "Regardless, my only goal was the attempted closure of the rift and assisting any injured." This was Fubuki again, finishing her explanation in the smooth voice of the dark-skinned angel.   "We are to assume you did not succeed," Abe no Seimei said, clacking her fan closed to punctuate her speech, "As the rift is still there." The adviser sat to Lord Aotsuki's side, foxlike eyes watching the proceedings before she only now deigned to speak.   "The energy at the base acts as a barrier," Fubuki confirmed, "Preventing one from getting any closer."   "There could be a way to close the northern rift from the other side," mused Kiyowara, seeming to be on an entirely different route of thought, "Which is where I will be headed from within the Dreamlands themselves."   "So that's what you've been doing? A pity you chose not to join us here yourself, Katamoto."   The name Chitosemaru spoke landed in the center of the table like a gravestone. Motonari could not help but frown. Hashinara Katamoto was dead. Indeed, many of her plans for the Hashinara Clan had hinged on that fact. And yet Katsusada Shishauezaemon had shown himself not long before at the tournament, his neck intact despite its removal at the hands of a ninja some weeks ago. Were the Hashinara Clan's upper echelons staffed entirely by ghosts and devils? It seemed that nothing could be taken for granted in that arena; she had been foolish to do so in the first place. Silently, intently, Mōri Motonari altered the course of her plans.   "Katamoto?" she asked, more to give herself time to think than out of genuine curiosity. "I believed that this sheele spoke for Princess Yoshiyuki."   "Yes, of course. But I have no doubt that Katamoto can hear me right now." Chitosemaru's smile was unpleasant, vicious. Motonari would have hated that smile, had it been directed at her. Instead, it was focused entirely on Kiyowara. That, indeed, might be useful.   "Many things are possible in the current world we live in." Kiyowara elaborated no further.   "A question for another time," Motonari swept the matter to the side. Her own plots aside, the celestial rift presented a much more immediate concern. "Could that approach work for this rift as well? Approaching it from the other side?"   Despite Motonari being the one to speak, all of the Hashinara seemed to have their eyes focused on Chitosemaru for the moment. Something passed unsaid between that woman and Yoshiyuki's sheele. Something deep and visceral. Interesting.   "That's assuming this rift also leads to the Dreamlands and not another realm altogether," offered Aotsuki.   Fubuki answered this, "As far as I can tell, the only ones with knowledge of that realm are the Elohim themselves...and Demons."   "'Samayim'?" Sanosuke gave it a name, plucked no doubt from his information network, "I believe Aotsuki-san may have the best chances among those here of gaining entry. That is, assuming it's connected to Takamagahara as I've heard."   "You know quite a bit, for a mortal of this land. Yes, it is Samayim, and we demons know it firsthand." Ah. This shark-woman was a Demon, then. "But many of us, including me, don't want the rift closed. The gates are open. This is our long-awaited chance to strike against the heavens."   "The End Days." Maxim said the phrase with a foreboding weight of finality.   "I just happen to know the right person in this case, that's all. Are we certain, though, these 'Ero-hime' don't expect exactly that sort of response?" Sanosuke said the word so flippantly that Motonari wasn't sure whether to roll her eyes or laugh. She did neither.   "The Elohim were spiritually powerful, but if those three were representative, the demons I've encountered are more skilled as fighters." This was Miyamoto Musashi; Motonari had been surprised to see her at the meeting. Apparently she was accompanying Lord Ryūzaki, but perhaps this, advice on warfare, was exactly what he'd hoped she would bring to the table. "Only one, the smallest of them, had any killing instinct."   "Hang on, hang on." The brightly-clothed Oni standing near Maxim waved a placating hand. Kitsuno. Motonari made an effort not to stare. The other Oni was particularly attractive, and it would do the Daimyō no favors to be caught leering at someone who so resembled her own wife. "Have we completely tossed out any hope of a diplomatic solution here?"   "Nay," said Kiyowara solemnly, "It is not in the interest of mortals to be at war with another realm, in spite of demons' willingness to wage violence. Should the demons lose, mortals shall be caught in their anger."   "I'm inclined to agree with Kitsuno here," Maxim chimed in, "I'd rather not have this land be a battlefield for them."   Now Myōkyū, who had remained uncharacteristically silent for now, spoke up. "Didn't they say something about a 'Divine Council' deciding their next move? Can we talk to them, somehow?"   At that, everyone turned to Aotsuki. If this mortal realm was to have a representative, there was little doubt about who it would be. "That's what we were trying to speak with Sancta Sedes to determine," the young Daimyō said with a hint of bitterness, "But Gualdim was very insistent that the only way of saving ourselves was to pray; that this 'Divine Council' isn't something we can simply call upon."   "They claim judgment over the Kami's land. Surely they or their respective champions might be granted audience should it be requested." Fubuki brought up a good point. It was common knowledge that Lord Aotsuki had the favor of Amaterasu, and Ryūzaki Sanosuke had so recently defeated Susano'o's champion to claim that mantle for himself.   "A conversation of faith," Kiyowara put it succinctly.   "I'm disinclined to believe the whole of what Gualdim-dono told us in any case. He is..." Motonari trailed off. Her true thought on this matter could not rightfully come from the mouth of an eminent Daimyō. Instead, she turned to her wife. "Myōkyū, if you would."   "A self-righteous moron," the other chirped with obvious enjoyment.   "Just so," Motonari continued, "He seemed eager enough about our 'impending destruction' that I would not trust him to help us avert it in any way."   Aotsuki seemed to consider this. "So he could be under the assumption that any divine punishment would decimate Japan's population, leaving him and his safe in their faith and having their choice of our land."   "Ooh, that's nasty." Tadatsuru gave voice to what all were no doubt thinking.   "It is," Aotsuki agreed, "Which is why we need to discuss how this should be handled. I do wish more leaders had shown up so we could present a unified front, but we have to work with what we're presented with."   "Shame you missed your chance to talk to a member of the Council yourself," the shark-demon laughed darkly as she pointed a claw toward Fubuki. The swordswoman still wore the shape of that handsome angel. Could he have been a member of this "Divine Council"? It seemed unlikely that someone so eminent would be idling at the site of the catastrophe.   "If we assume that Lord Aotsuki's theory about Gualdim-dono is correct, it might explain why none of the foreign dignitaries chose to attend today," Motonari mused, "As for the other leaders, I believe most were simply too far away or involved in their own local affairs."   "I hear that the Takeda and Uesugi are really duking it out over there now, and the Date Clan's been pretty quiet ever since their Daimyō got evaporated in the tournament." Tadatsuru chuckled as she voiced the last.   "Indeed. As the Shogunate is well aware, those present here represent a majority of major factions in the country today." The ice in Chitosemaru's voice suggested that this was not an ideal state of affairs.   Aotsuki nodded slowly. "Correct. And I agree with the diplomatic option. I don't know if those beings were simply messengers or their idea of grand generals. Either way, conflict must be avoided. It can only lead to our people suffering."   "I do not believe an agreement can be reached," Chitosemaru said simply, "Given Samayim's apparent disposition toward demons. We are willing to try, but be aware that the Shogunate will be preparing for war as an alternative."   Motonari could not help but notice as Aotsuki bit back some manner of retort to that.   "We are, mostly, in agreement then," she said in an attempt to graciously draw attention away from the other Daimyō, "The question remains how to communicate with the Divine Council."   "I have a question," Fubuki raised the angel's hand. "Are the Elohim able to differentiate between a demon and an oni? I have been referred to as such, as well as a Night-gaunt, whatever that is."   "I've been wondering that too," Myōkyū agreed, "Didn't they say something like that about us?"   As though surfacing from deep thought, Abe no Seimei answered, "It is not impossible that demons and oni share a common ancestor."   Aotsuki frowned, perhaps at the implication that not only demonkind, but all of the oni in Japan could be seen as an irredeemable sin by their very existence.   "I suppose attempting to destroy the barrier could be considered an act of violence." This was Maxim, who knew well about destroying barriers. "Maybe a peace offering left at the rift?"   Sanosuke had been quiet for some time as well. Motonari caught him carefully watching Shogun Yoshiaki as the other mechanically ate her meal.   "They never did say how long it would take for their council to reach a decision, but having a couple more individuals investigating the barrier couldn't hurt," Aotsuki offered.   "We should assume that they will grant we Oni no quarter," Motonari concluded with resignation, "In light of this, I would like to nominate lord Aotsuki Tsukamoto as our representative."   "I propose we delay their decision for as long as possible and not close the rift," As was in character, Kiyowara gave her own opinion rather than responding to Motonari's, "Closing the Heaven Rift could be considered an act of provocation. Should another rift open elsewhere, they could consider mortals as having aligned themselves with demons."   Tadatsuru clicked her tongue impatiently. "So what are we going to actually do? Tie a letter to a pigeon's leg and fly it through the rift?"   "What does the King of these lands think would be the right move?" The word Maxim spoke was unfamiliar, although not totally unknown to Motonari. He was looking directly at the Ashikaga Shogun as he spoke. However, it was again Chitosemaru who answered.   "I believe the Shogunate has made its position clear."   "Still, if we leave it open..." Kiyowara mused, "The demons will do what they want and drag us to war. On that end, I propose we guard our side of the rift to prevent demons from entering their realm and inciting war."   Yoshiaki nodded, vacant eyes dipping downward.   "If you agree with Motonari, I will represent Japan and its people in this manner," Aotsuki expressed his dedication, "I would like to see if I could have a specialist in law join me, maybe to navigate any strange systems or rules they have in place."   "That seems wise," Motonari agreed. She and the other "civilized" Oni lived in a gray area between how the law treated humans and yōkai, so they had reason to study it well.   "I would advise you not to forget any other appointments you might have, Lord Aotsuki," Chitosemaru said pointedly, "The Shogunate's patience is not without limit."   "The Shogunate can wait while Japan itself may lay in mortal peril." The young lord's reply was uncharacteristically venomous.   "I believe the fate of Japan itself takes precedence over petty squabbles," Lord Maxim agreed.   "So long as you are prepared to accept the consequences of such a decision." Although none would be so rude as to say it, almost everyone in the room could be seen to be visibly irked by Chitosemaru's needling.   "We have someone willing to represent Japan now," said Maxim, rubbing his head in annoyance, "But how do we get them an audience? That is the biggest problem we face."   Myōkyū answered, "It seemed like Aotsuki-san was planning on going right through the rift. Is that right?"   "We'll attempt some tests to see if it will immediately kill anybody," Aotsuki ventured in response, "But yes, I'm hopeful that we'll be able to approach and enter."   "If not the rift, then surely someone in Takamagahara knows something," Sanosuke suggested.   The decision was made for Lord Aotsuki to attempt contact on behalf of Japan, and with that the meeting began to wind down. It was not long, however, before Myōkyū brought up one last concern.   "Actually," she began, "Something's been bugging me. Why Sumiyoshi-taisha? Was the shrine involved somehow? It seems like a big coincidence if not."   "indeed," Motonari voiced in support of her wife, "And the lightning seemed to come up, out of the ground from beneath the shrine. I recall feeling the earth shake moments before."   Had Fubuki just smiled? No, that was surely her imagination.   "As a place of worship itself, I doubt the location is a coincidence," said Seimei.   "I will order an investigation," Motonari decided, "So far as safety will allow. Are there any other comments before we adjourn?"   Lord Aotsuki had one. "Only that I hope these are the beginning steps toward a truly unified Japan. It's a shame that conflict brought us together, but it is better than nothing."   "You've got my help too, and the Shimazu, if we're any use," Tadatsusu gazed out from beneath the brim of her unusual, wide hat, "Just say the word and I'll kick some information out of this bitch too."   "This bitch" turned out to be the shark-demon, who merely grinned. "I'd like to see you try, mortal."   As the two half-grinned, half-sneered at each other, Fubuki spoke up once again. "It won't be of any significant help, but I can somewhat obscure the pillar of light from the public's view."   Motonari shook her head. "I fear that it's too late for that to be of much use. EVeryone at the tournament saw those events, and I have little doubt they will appear in this new 'Akegata Shinbun' soon."   "True enough. I shall abstain, then."   "Then we are dismissed," Motonari said, standing, "Please inform me when you are ready to begin, Lord Aotsuki."