Black and Crimson, prologue

  
 
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Otosan Uchi.
Capital of the Empire. A bustling metropolis where members of every Clan and every walk of life gather in the shadow of the imposing Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace and the seat of the Hantei Emperor, the most glorious Shining Prince of Heaven. Famed in song and fable, its name whispered in reverent tones by samurai across the Emerald Empire.
Shiba Kuroneko's first view of it was of the tops of buildings peeking out from a thick fog that had come in from the sea. It looked surreal, magical, unknown and unknowable.
She realised that she had stopped, and that the others had stopped with her. For many of them it was their first visit to the city, and the others had presumably expected a brief wait. She turned to look back at Isawa Tatono, an elderly courtier and shugenja who was the reason for this trip. He was watching the city with a faint expression of pleasure, like a man watching his daughter perform a particularly difficult dance in public. As the other young Shiba were released by the city's grandeur the party began to approach it once more, the sounds of their steeds' hooves strangely muffled by the mist.
The memory of her first approach to Otosan Uchi came to mind often during her time at Kyuden Doji. In the early spring mist would flow in from the sea, smothering the beauty of the Crane capital in featureless fog until the warmth of Lady Sun drove it away. This morning she was sitting on a balcony eating breakfast and looking down on the gardens, having risen early to enjoy the view. Her long dark hair flowed down over the thick padded kimono she had put on to resist the cold: unlike that of her Doji hosts and cousins it was not bleached white.
Finishing the light breakfast that had been brought to her by the servants, she stood and leaned on the rail of the balcony, practised eyes following the swirls of mist as they flowed gently through the garden. She almost missed the sound of the door sliding across, so intent was she on the beauty of her surroundings.
"Kuroneko-chan? Ah, there you are!" The voice of another young woman came from inside the room.
"Heiko-chan, good morning. I hope you slept well?" The Shiba's voice held a tint of amusement. She had expected her friend half an hour before. "A little too well." She smiled. "I'd better grab a bite to eat before kenjutsu training."
"And I had better change into something more practical. I shall see you downstairs!" Taking her leave of Doji Heiko, she returned to her rooms. The Doji palace was surprisingly warm given the chill of the air outside - or maybe it only felt that way. Whichever, by the time she reached her room her cheeks were flushed and she was only too glad to divulge herself of the heavy winter kimono. Soon she was on her way to the dojo, swords at her side.
The Doji Magistrate school was not large, but for its size it accepted many students who had passed their gempukku at another school. The vast majority were Cranes - many from the courtier school that shared the same buildings. The chance to practise against different styles was a strength of the school: her own use of the Shiba style contributed in a small way to the training of her friends, just as she learnt to oppose their various techniques. All learnt the style taught by the Doji as well - making each student especially careful to note their opponent's moves when training. Switching styles mid-bout could easily grant victory against an unwary opponent: thus, all magistrates were trained to be vigilant. Idly, Kuroneko wondered if the diverse intake was a deliberate move on the part of the school.
Morning training carried on till lunch, and by noon a number of exhausted samurai headed for the canteen to eat and relax. The afternoon was set aside for personal development, which usually meant free time. Kuroneko and Heiko headed into the central areas of the court to see if anything interesting was happening. They made an interesting pair, the slight dark-haired Shiba and the tall, white-haired Crane, and several heads turned to watch as they walked through the corridors and halls of the palace chatting. Kuroneko had changed to a kimono of brilliant orange, and wore an obi emblazoned with the mon of the Emerald Magistrates. Heiko looked every inch the perfect Doji courtier, every aspect of her clothing carefully tailored to enhance her appearance. In the court of any other Clan she would have had admirers hanging on her every word: in the courts of the Doji, however, she was one among many. It was Shiba Kuroneko who most eyes were drawn to, her dark hair and bright clothing attracting notice. But most eyes turned away quickly, back to their conversations and negotiations.
As they entered one of the minor halls overlooking the gardens, however, one pair did not turn away. While the two shared a joke, they were approached by a lone Doji courtier, his appearance every bit as exquisitely tailored as Heiko's. As the three exchanged bows, he introduced himself.
"Doji Tokano, recently returned from Otosan Uchi. I believe that you, ma'am, would be Shiba Kuroneko, and that your companion would be Doji Heiko?" He smiled warmly at them. The pair exchanged glances.
"Your information is not wrong, my lord," Kuroneko answered. "Heiko-san was showing me some of the highlights of your family's magnificent home."
He appeared to be listening intently to her words, almost as if he was looking for some secret within them. "I hope our humble estates meet with your approval, Shiba-san?"
"Why Doji-sama, they are beyond anything I have ever seen. Even the majesty of the Imperial capital lacks the quiet elegance and sincere beauty that surrounds me here."
He nodded slightly, as if she had given the correct answer. She found herself wondering if this was some sort of test. Glancing at Heiko, she saw that her companion was trying hard not to laugh. Unable to question her, she turned her attention back to the Doji as he carried on speaking. "I must congratulate you on your appointment to the Emerald Magistrates, Kuroneko-san. It was an appropriate reward for the considerable service that you performed in Otosan Uchi." His tone was carefully neutral, leaving no hints as to his intentions.
"I did only my duty, my lord. The Emerald Champion in his wisdom rewarded me beyond that which I felt my capabilities dictated." Where was this going? "You question the Emerald Champion's judgment?" His voice took on a slightly amused tone. A snigger escaped from her companion.
"Of course not, Doji-sama. The Emerald Champion has allowed me to come here, that I may become worthy of the honour that he has bestowed on me. At the feet of the Crane I may learn that which I did not learn with my own Clan." He smiled broadly. "Excellent, Shiba Kuroneko. I wish to make you an offer. You will clearly make an excellent Emerald Magistrate, and as part of your duties you will doubtless make many appearances in the courts of Rokugan. In court intelligence and wit are not always enough, one must also know how to control one's body and mind to make one's case as persuasive as possible." She nodded mutely. Where was this going?
"As a token of loyalty to the Empire and the Emerald Magistrates, I offer to give you some private instruction in the ways of the court, that will empower you to perform your duties to maximum effect."
She smiled at him, now knowing what the game was. "My lord, your loyalty to the Empire is without question. Surely there is no need for you to waste your time tutoring one such as myself?" She doubted how much tutoring he intended to do. Still, the Doji were indeed fine orators and courtiers, and any hints that he could share with her would doubtless be of use at some point.
"But Shiba-san, I have a week here before my next assignment can begin. It pains me not to be able to serve my Emperor with my every breath. I beg you to allow me to continue my service by assisting one of his magistrates." He bowed slightly.
"Why not choose a magistrate from your own Clan, Doji-sama? I believe that Doji Oroga-sama is also present in the court this week. Surely to be able to serve your Clan and Emperor at the same time would be preferable to serving the Emperor alone?"
"A truly loyal samurai will serve his Emperor regardless of Clan loyalties, Shiba-san. Consider that my first lesson to you, if you will."
She smiled gracefully and bowed low. "I would be honoured to accept your instruction, Doji Tokano-sama. When would you wish to begin?"
"I believe that your sensei wishes to speak to you before dinner, yes?" She nodded. "How about after dinner. In the Plum Blossom garden, where we may speak without being overheard. I don't want to give my secrets away to anybody who happens to be standing nearby!" He favoured her with a genuine smile before taking his leave with the appropriate exchange of bows.
As Tokano left, Heiko burst into a fit of giggles. Kuroneko settled down on a nearby couch, drained after the conversation, and Heiko took a seat nearby.
"Well, that was the smartest invitation I've ever received," Kuroneko began.
"Trust a Doji to perform with style."
"Thank-you, Kuro-chan. Do tell me how you get on with his, ahem, 'lessons'. He offers invitations to a select few, and the course is rumoured to be hard to pass. Most selected do not complete it." She turned to her friend, her eyes sharp and serious under her amused expression. "Watch yourself."
Kuroneko sighed. "Of course, Hei-chan. His instruction could be genuinely useful, but I won't exactly encourage him!"
Heiko smiled. "That's what every girl says. You'd be surprised how difficult it is to refuse a Doji."
"I think I shall find out soon. Still, maybe I should be making a note of who shows interest. My parents have had problems finding me another suitor among my Clan."
Heiko laughed. "So you're going to try and trap a Doji? Good luck, Shiba Kuroneko. You're more likely to catch a cold chasing after them before one lets you trap him."
Checking that they were alone, Kuroneko stuck a tongue out at her and they both burst into laughter. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Heiko. Why don't you try and help me instead of dashing my hopes?"
"Seriously, I am trying to help. If a Doji is interested in you, he will come forward. If he's not, nothing you can do will help. Please don't try to push things: I don't want to see you lose face."
Kuroneko nodded. "You're right. And marriage would interfere with my duties - I don't intend to give up my position just yet."
As the conversation moved on to more mundane matters, she turned over Heiko's words in her mind. Two Doji had come forward now - Tokano was probably interested in nothing more than some distraction, a light dalliance to fill time before his return to the capital. But Doji Okayo... he was a puzzle. It had been his manipulations that had given Kuroneko her position as an Emerald Magistrate, after a comparatively minor service to the Throne. It was he who had arranged for her to study here, in his family's dojo. And yet she had exchanged no more than a few words with him... he was a puzzle. A puzzle that maybe only time would reveal.
The chill touch of the night air was a shock to her system after the warmth of the canteen. As she walked through the grounds towards the Plum Blossom garden, Kuroneko considered the situation. Whether she liked it or not, by accepting Doji Tokano's invitation she was accepting a favour, one that would have to be repaid. Still, to refuse would have caused a loss of face, and she did not wish to insult her hosts.
Sometimes she wished she were back in Shiro Shiba, away from the incessant politics that characterised her current environment. Back home, everybody was more relaxed... or maybe they just didn't seek to involve the daughter of the castle's chief magistrate in their games. She had more influence there, certainly, but she couldn't hide behind it forever. Coming to Kyuden Doji - where her only defence was the seal of the Emerald Magistrates that she bore - certainly left her exposed to the machinations of any courtier who wished to practise their skills on a naïve Phoenix. Still, hopefully she would learn to understand the court as a result - and nothing too bad could happen to her here. After all, the Doji were not the Bayushi: their Clan and hers were friends and allies, and there was no reason for the Crane to do any more than play with their guest. And besides, she could count on her friends to support her if one of her hosts overstepped the bounds of courtesy.
Telling herself all these things, she stepped into the Plum Blossom garden, pulling her shawl closer around herself to ward out the cold. Doji Tokano was waiting for her, sitting on a bench just inside the garden. Rising to his feet as she approached, he bowed impeccably. "Kuroneko-san, I hope your dinner was as fine as one of your beauty deserves?"
She smiled politely back at him and returned the bow. "Tokano-sama, the meal was far beyond the worth of this humble Phoenix."
He took her arm in his and gently led her deeper into the garden, towards an elegant gazebo that rose above the greenery like a mother amidst her infant children. "You have a lot of potential, Kuroneko-chan. Might I enquire how much of your instruction has been managed by your esteemed mother?"
"I attended the Shiba School, Doji-sama." She replied to his familiar address with a touch of added formality. "My mother instructed me in forms of address, letter writing, and the organisation of the Courts when I was able to spend time with her."
He nodded, his eyes showing genuine interest. As they reached the gazebo, he opened the door for her and followed her in. A bowl of hot coals sat in the middle of the floor, and the walls provided shelter from the breeze of the garden, making the gazebo a little warmer than the garden outside. She was grateful for that.
"So your mother did not have the chance to teach you how to influence the court?" Tokani enquired politely as the two of them settled down onto cushions. "How to adapt your voice and body language to take account of those around you?" She shook her head, and he continued. "A pity. You have a lot of your mother in you: I think you would be good at it. No, I know you would be good at it."
She blushed slightly at the compliment, despite the cold, and he smiled warmly at her. "So let us begin. I want you to pretend that you are asking me for news or rumours. You want me to tell you as much as I know: to persuade my tongue to be as loose as possible. I am a young male Doji who you've noticed watching you for the last few days."
She nodded, and tried to sound persuasive. "Doji-san, could I persuade you to spend a few minutes advising an ignorant Phoenix on the goings-on in the court?"
"Not bad. But you can do better. Put more sugar in your voice. Pretend you really want to see this man, that you're looking forward to spending some time alone with him. That's what he wants to hear, and that's what will persuade him to tell you all he knows. If he notices what you're up to, he will admire you all the more for your mastery of the ways of the court, and will try to impress you with his own. That is, unless he considers you a threat." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. She listened carefully, thinking about the relevance of Tokano's words to her recent time in the court and finding her observations fitting very well with what he said. Noting that she appeared unfazed, he carried on. "There are two ways to succeed in the court, Kuroneko-chan. One is to have everybody fear you, to have every man, woman and child in the court unwilling to offend or obstruct you for fear of your retribution. The other is to have everybody think of you as a valued friend, to have all think that being your friend is more valuable to them than being your enemy.
"These two approaches are typified by the Bayushi and the Doji, but individual members of each family and each clan vary. You must decide which approach you wish to pursue - for it will shape everything you do in the sight of others." He stopped again, watching her face. She thought about every person she had ever met in Kyuden Doji or the capital, and tried to find one who she could not say that she either liked or feared. Failing to do so, she nodded in assent to her new mentor.
"I will leave you some time to think about which approach you wish to use, Kuroneko-chan. Until then, let us speak of other things." She watched his gaze sweep over her. "Such as the Emerald Champion's excellent taste in choosing such a beautiful representative of the law. Even the most dour Unicorn or Crab could not fail to appreciate the benefits of... working closely with magistrates to ensure that our laws are upheld."
His pleasant gaze held a glint of desire within, though whether it represented a chink in his composure or was placed there deliberately she could not say. Doji Tokano was not an unpleasant man, but she began to tire of his suggestiveness.
"Doji-sama, your conversation has been most enlightening," she began politely, "but my sensei has requested that I put a little more work into my kenjutsu this evening. Unless you would care to join me, I fear that I must take my leave."
He nodded. "Of course, Kuroneko-san. I would be honoured to join you in the dojo: my own kenjutsu is certainly in need of improvement, and I am certain that watching you will be an education."
A possibility came to mind: if his kenjutsu was indeed weaker than hers, she could repay his favour in kind. But no, that was too risky. If she made the offer and he turned out to have been modestly understating his ability, she would be left highly embarrassed. As the two of them made their way to the dojo used by Kuroneko's class Tokano came up with something completely unexpected.
"Your mother was indeed a rare treasure, Kuroneko-san. Did you know that Doji Hoturi-sama himself is rumoured to have pursued a relationship with her, before she was promised in marriage to your father?"
"I had not heard that, Tokano-san. I know very little of my mother's life here among her own family: I believe that my father was keen that I should think of myself as a Phoenix, and not a Doji."
"And do you?" They were still alone, with nobody to overhear. His voice was friendly, curious yet understanding. Telling herself that she would regret it, she decided to tell the truth.
"Yes, I am a Shiba. That is certain to me; however, I do feel close to my mother's family. I love being here, seeing the life that my mother must have lived. Yet I still feel like an outsider, as if the Doji do not feel close to me." She stopped and turned to look at him. "Do you know what I mean?" "I do. When you have had more experience with the Crane, you may begin to see why. You see, we Crane each know our place. Each family contributes to the Clan's success: each is an essential part of what we are. Each individual knows where he or she fits into that bigger picture, knows how their own tasks complement those of other Crane. Each of us knows that excellence in our assigned duty brings the Clan as a whole to new heights. "You do not fit into that system. Your mother does - for all that her name has changed, she has still performed a duty for the Clan by marrying in a way to cement diplomatic ties with our allies. Any Crane would look at her and see another Crane, one who performs their assigned duty to the best of her considerable ability. Her duty in this case is to be loyal to your father, to be a Phoenix and to raise you as one.
"You are joined with us by blood, but separated by duty. You are a valuable friend and ally, one we know we can rely on - but you are not a Crane. Does this make things clearer?"
It did. It explained a lot about the way that the Crane had treated her - with kindness and in some cases friendship, but never true acceptance. She felt a pang of regret that she would remain distant from her mother's bloodline, and a vague hope that one day she might become a part of that web of implicit trust and understanding. Of course, that would mean becoming a Crane - and there was no way she would abandon her Clan unless that was what the Phoenix wished.
As if reading her thoughts, Tokano took her hand lightly in his. "You are a beautiful, intelligent woman, Kuroneko-chan. The longer you stay in the lands of the Crane, the more chance that your parents will receive an offer that they deem acceptable." His touch was warm, gentle and sympathetic. One corner of her mind wondered how many other women had felt it.
"Kenjutsu training," she managed, pulling her thoughts back to the here and now. "I don't want to disappoint my sensei." As arranged, Heiko was waiting in the dojo and running through kata. After half an hour of kata, practise duels and hitting the mat repeatedly, Doji Tokano took his leave of the two samurai-ko.
"Well? How was it?" Curiosity and amusement mingled in her friend's voice. Kuroneko returned her bokken to the rack and sank down on to a bench at the edge of the room.
"Interesting, but exhausting. Tokano-sama is a good sensei, even if I began to tire of his constant approaches. He taught me a lot about the Crane and the court, in a short time."
"I hope you're not generalising from one lecherous Doji to all of us!" Heiko's face was split with a broad grin. "As I warned you, Tokano-sama has something of a reputation."
"I know, I know. He made me wish I was a Crane, actually."
"Really?" The Doji arched her eyebrows. "He really must have been turning on the charm then. I do hope you'll wait for your parents' permission before doing anything rash." Kuroneko looked up sharply at her, and Heiko burst into giggles. "No, seriously, what do you mean?"
"He just told me things that I should have seen for myself, which made it all the more persuasive. Your Clan is like one big family: you can confide in almost anyone, go to anyone in a time of need."
"And yours isn't." Kuroneko supposed that Heiko's instruction would have covered the conflicting views and styles of the three Phoenix families. "You wish that the Shiba and Isawa were equals, or that the Asako and Isawa didn't feud constantly?"
"Shiba swore to serve Isawa, and I strive to emulate him. I just wish that the Isawa were more gracious in their acceptance of our service, rather than arrogant and condescending. A few are gracious, of course - but by no means all. And the Asako/Isawa split is just petty: powerful men, mainly, arguing about whose toys are better." Catching herself, she stopped suddenly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be saying this."
"It's fine, Kuro-chan. I am sure you are not the only one who thinks like that."
"Still, that doesn't mean that I am right to think that way. But you can see why I envy the Crane."
"I can, Kuro. But you serve the Emperor and the Emerald Champion now, remember."
"A lonely duty, policing the Empire."
"You're miserable this evening. Come on, let's go and find some entertainment to brighten you up."
Kuroneko allowed herself to be guided down to the lights and sounds of the court, pushing her worries from her mind. After half an hour of watching a kabuki, she felt a lot better.
Part 2