Kenta gives a short bow of acknowledgement before turning back towards his companions. Staying in clear view of the other men, he ushers the others forwards. To those that choose to come forward: "We have found those we seek... but all is not as it seems. I have asked for us to speak under peace-bond so we can fathom their intent and reasons. You are welcome to join us if you can stay your hand from your blade"
Chkaia waits for word from Kenta on how to continue. He meditates silently in the shade until the Nagaji returns.
"What is it to be... War or Peace or the Chaos in between?" He says as Kenta approaches, not opening his eyes.
He stands at Kenta's request, making certain his weapons are well bound, then moves forward with the rest of the group.
"It seems you are a strong voice for us, Kenta. Reach inside yourself, and see where your true power lies. Do not rely on religion, but upon the faith in the self, which is the strongest and truest form."
He reaches his hand out, and chants a brief syllable with his eyes closed once more. Kenta glows with a palpable aura of light and inner strength.
"And do not forget, the life of the Cosmos flows through you in all things. Not only matters of voice and faith."
They seem to be acting cautious and moving slowly as Kenta reported. Their actions are mirroring his words.
Tan shrugs, unstrings his bow, and makes his way over the tree line.
Swaying a little, he slurs, "Stories? Talk for a bit? Sounds good to me. Do you know what goes well with talk? Ju."
Take 10, get 20.
Jiu is the Chinese word for alcoholic beverages. Ju is the Korean word. So... am I Tien and slurring my words? Or am I Hwan?
Once I realize that Kenta managed to make peace with the strangers. I join him when he goes to speak again. Observing the group I have a puzzled expression on my face. "This isn't at all what I was expecting. Whats going on?
As the rest of you get closer to the gathering, you can also make out the 'humanitarian' patches on the Bachuan soldiers. Those of you familiar with the region know the other group has Hwanggot flag patches on their uniforms. The same man who spoke to Kenta earlier steps forward again.
I'm glad you agreed to meet in peace... I assume you were sent on behalf of the Empire. We knew there would be someone sent to investigate, your group made it a littler earlier then was expected. As I said before, we will not return with you, I would rather die free here in the wilderness than live in service to the Grandmother. As long as that is understood, we may speak if you wish, or you can return to where you have came.
Jianguo scratches his head. "Aren't we supposed to be paid for these patches?"
I begin to pace clearly confused. I start talking to myself. "This doesn't make sense. If this is suppose to be destiny than why isn't this panning out as it should?" After thinking a bit I look at the group. "We all became imperial soldiers just the other day. Honestly I am very confused by this turn of events. We were draft as junk soldiers to come out here and bring back your patches and other belongings. The boss guy made it sound for certain you were all dead but your not. Now our quest still remains but I feel I should point out I have no real loyalty to the Grandmother. Hell I don't even knkw what she does. I came on this quest as the same with those around me, due to fate. Fate has brought us here but the annoying part is that fate is never clear on what it wants from us. First off I feel honor bound to complete my job but on the other hand I don't think it is honourable to start a fight with men who want peace."
I put my hands on my head clearly frustrated. "Why is it ones path in life is always so damn hard to see!"
I slump and look around at the others in the party. "I am not going to fight these guys unless you do. I will wait for your choices."
"If the path of life were easy to see, few would follow it."
Chkaia surveys the situation, but he remains still for now. He waits to see what Kenta will do.
"If something was taken from the Grandmother, or something promised to her, perhaps it is best to see that it is returned."
The other soldiers seem a little more relaxed, as you all seem to be peaceful in your intentions...
My name is Veno, and I am glad to see there are some honorable people left serving the Grandmother...
We have no intention of stealing from Her, nor do we intend to get you killed by failing one of Her foolish missions. You can have the patches from our uniforms
What else were you sent to retrieve?
I sigh and introduce myself. "My name is Kenji Masada. I am not a native to Bachuan nor do I truly owe the grandmother my allegiance. Specially since she hasn't done anything note worthy for me. I took this job as a sign of purpose but it really has nothing to do with her. My master taught me that honor is important but so are my beliefs.....which I don't have any that I know of." I look puzzled. I then look back at Veno. "Supposedly you all were carrying, ah what was it? Relief supplies? Something like that. We were simply suppose to recover everything you had on you. If we found anything else we were to give thirty percent to Grandmother as some kind of donation. Which is strange since we are doing all the work. The guy who sent us out here said we were expendable. Truly I do not know how I feel about that. I'd rather not be done in for it though. What "supplies" do you have that the G-mom wanted so badly?"
Jianguo looks at Veno, his party, the Hwans, and at the forest line. Counting patches, he adds, "This is everybody?"
Relief Supplies? Uh.. ha!
Vino and the others in Bachaun uniforms start nervously laughing.
Kenji, my friend, we carry no relief supplies. We were sent to pose as humanitarian workers and infiltrate the Hwanggot border as spies for the Empire. And yes, this is 'all of us.' And we have came to the following consensus.
We are leaving the Empire, Kenji. We have served for many years, 'earning our thirty percent' while the rest was given to the Grandmother. Killing in her name. Not just soldiers, but any, regardless of age or prowess, who oppose her. We can do this no longer. You can return with our patches and tell whoever sent you that we are dead, that we deserted, whatever you wish. Though I caution you from years of service to Empire, unless you can convince them we are dead, you will likely be killed.
If you will excuse me for one minute friend...
At this, he turns and huddles with the other soldiers, they look back at you from time to time while discussing.
Bai-Yin, silently contemplating matters, finally pipes up to his fellows. Keeping quietly out of the rogue spies' earshot. "Well now, this poses one hell of a conundrum we're in, gentlemen. I'm all for letting them leave. But I'm a little concerned about something. The Tiger Guard had to know EXACTLY who these people are." Bai-Yin looks at each of his fellows warily, speaking in low-tones. "Why would he send a bunch of nobodies from a backwater village to go hunting after spies? Especially spies who have failed to report in? I may just be being paranoid, but has anyone considered that this may just be a test for us? To gauge if they can or can't trust us? Some of you have lived in Bachuan far longer than I. How do you join the Tiger Guard or even the Imperial Army exactly?" He glances over his shoulder at the men. "Do we even know if they're telling the truth?"
Chkaia listens to Bai's suggestion, and nods silently to say he understands the concept.
"Our task, according to the soldiers who recruited us, was not to prevent them from escaping. Only to bring word (and proof) of their fates, as it was assumed they would be dead. We can do so now. But if we are expected to show greater loyalty to the Grandmother than was originally requested of us; that thought is a heavy matter."
"We have been obedient. But shall we be more than that? In my contemplation of such matters, I do not suppress grander emotions and nationalism... but I am not a native of this land, nor do I feel any strong emotion for the Grandmother. I do, however, wish to remain alive. If this is a trick or a test, our lives would be in danger should we follow my conscience."
Veno finally turns back to you
I have another offer for you, you are under no obligation to accept it, but I would not feel in good conscience if I withheld it from you.
As I have said, we are not returning, we are leaving and joining the Hwanggot Dynasty. These soldiers have agreed to extend the same offer to you. You have said that you have no personal allegiance to the Grandmother, so you are welcome to join us, and escape her tyranny. She will have you killing innocents and getting blood on your hands if you stay to serve her. You can come to Hwanggot and be honest soldiers.
When we arrive across the border, we will enlist, there is bonus to joining, and you will get to keep all of it, not the 30% you will get as a reward if you aren't killed when you return.
Chkaia approaches the stranger.
"I thank you for your offer. We must contemplate on this matter well, though. Some of us face uncertainties and fears that prevent our actions at this time. When one is in darkness, it helps to embrace the shadows, and then at least be in fitting company."
I seem just a tad confused by the offer? "I thought a soldier's job was to get their hands bloody? If it isn't then what is?"
Getting hands bloody is one thing, getting hands bloody from children because their parents weren't "loyal to the Empire" is another. The Grandmother is not as benevolent as her name implies. Soldiers should be distinctly different from murderers. We will no longer commit acts of genocide in Her name.
Kenta weighs the words of the defectors and their contacts heavily while also mulling over thoughts in his mind. Coming to a mental decision he speaks evenly and warmly "Your offer is heard and received... but my tao lies here in Bachuan. The tao behind me comes from the Kingdom of Flowers, and thoughts and memories of it are carried with me" tapping his chest "but there are two reasons why I cannot forsake my duty and follow. Firstly, my word has been offered to the Empire that I would see out this task. I cannot forsake it, and must therefore return with at least the patches from your uniforms. Secondly, as the eye in the storm I can do more when surrounded by the darkness rather than peering out into it from the light." the smile on his face belying the hard note to his eyes and steely resolve.
"You have my blessing to depart Bachuan for Hwanggot, and I would also not stand in the way of my companions if they were to go also... but I will stay." nodding slightly as his mind is made up. "I would hear your stories of your time in service if you will tell them? To hear of what you have endured may help guide me to where my presence is most needed."
Diplomacy (with Touch of Glory and Guidance):
You are welcome to follow your own path Kenta, and I can respect your bonds to duty.
I will not relive the past, those are events are put away, and my life will begin anew in Hwanggot, but I will tell you what our real mission was. We were to pose as relief and humanitarian aid to a small village on the Hwan side of the border.
Once we were in, task one was to murder the town guards. We were then to poison the town's water supply to kill everyone in the village. We were to use the soldier's bodies and belongings to make it look they murdered their own village. The hope was to cause internal strife and turn the Hwan people against one another to weaken defenses against a Bachaun invasion. We were one of three such teams with the same task. I do not know what has happened to other two, our hope is that we can work with the Hwan and prevent the killing of innocent people. I can show you all the proof I have of this...
Veno slowly motions for one of the other Bachaun soldiers to bring him a pack, moving very slowly and cautiously as to not provoke aggression, he opens it up and pulls out a couple large glass jars with a clear liquid inside that could easily be confused with water.
You are welcome to look more closely at this, though to all but the highest of trained eyes, it will appear as nothing more than water. If you were to drink it, you would die a very slow and painful death before the next sunrise. As such, this poison is known only as Deathnight.
We can also let you know that we carry only enough humanitarian supplies to round out our disguise, no where near enough to provide relief to an entire village.
He shudders and spits, and looks at the other Bachaun soliders, Regardless of what you decide you can have these He rips the patch off of his uniform and tosses it at your feet.
Chkaia examines the glass jar with an eye for truth.
Kenta's heart and eyes grow heavy as he hears of the task the soldiers of Bachuan were asked to perform. Clasping hands with the soldier as the liquid is passed to Chkaia for inspection Kenta responds "I thank you for your candour and hope that your future of light can help to leave your dark path behind and forgotten. I would have you keep the supplies that you have, so to put them to honorable use. I also hope that you are able to stop the other two groups from achieving their own missions."
Kenta then retrieves two gold coins from his belt pouch "Take these and offer one each to shrines of Shizuru and Tsukiyo when you are able, I will pray that both the sun and the moon will watch over your path."
Chkaia, yup it is poison
"He has spoken true. The glass jar contains poison." Chkaia says calmly, but the conundrum had yet to be solved.
"You will pardon me, as I meditate on our circumstances once more. I will face my inner demons, and return more certain of my actions."
Chkaia withdraws to a quiet space, and meditates, stilling his mind to contemplate the nature of their problem.
First, he regards the words of the Bachuan soldiers, their facial expressions, their intonations, and considers the nature of all mental possibilities.
Next he considers the nature of the Bachuan government, its tools and methods, and its likelihood to create a false flag to attract and trap any potential defectors.
I nod approvingly at what the sabatours explain. "That is a very nice invsion tactic. The Grandmother must be a very clever person. Have your enemy tear himself apart and move in and take him down. Only problem is her choice of people for the assignment. Good natured people are fine and all but war is an ugly business and people who can't stomach these kinds of missions shouldn't be sent on them. Too much to risk. Clever tactic, but foolish choice for the job." I shrug.
"Doesn't matter. You don't want to do it. On her for making a poor choice. I wouldn't be a good choice either as I have issues with authority. Too long have people tried to control me and I am not about to serve another ruler who things she can control me. Once I finish this job I will resign and move somewhere else." I look at the Hwan soldiers.
"Hey how bout you? Is your homeland a neat place to explore?"
On of the Hwan soldiers replies to Kenji: It is sad to see capable and honorable soldiers retire. I love my homeland, and I can not stand by while your Grandmother threatens it.
I look puzzled. "Retire? No I wouldn't dream of retiring as a soldier. Thing is, I got all excited over destiny and have a purpose, but if what you say is true, then I would rather give destiny the boot than do something I don't want to. I am not big on killing people who don't deserve to die unless I need to for my own survival. That seems to be the kind of senarios this Grandmother, whom I know so little about mind you, would have me do. Best way to avoid a doing something you will reget is to not be there when it would happen. If what you say is true, then I need to find a new purpose and as soon as possible. One thing is for certain, if I don't want to serve G-mom, then I need to move or be ready to fight for my life. Both of those options sound far more exciting this simply taking orders anyways." I grin widely and look at the others. "What are your thoughts fellas?"
Kenta listens impassively to the words of Kenji before speaking when his opinion is asked "As I have said already, my tao lies here in Bachuan. If you wish to leave to the Kingdom of Flowers then you may do so with my blessing, but I must remain."
Chkaia returns from his meditations.
"I have determined, for myself, in order to pursue the true freedom of the mind that I believe is necessary to understand my mortality, and the relationship between myself and the Cosmos... I will accompany you into the Hwan territories. My fate is not so concrete that I will not pry it up with a stick of curiosity from time to time, and this seems like a perfect opportunity to make those necessary changes."
He nods to his companions. "Where you go from here, my friends, is up to you. I embrace change as change challenges the soul. Hardship will challenge the mind and body, but the greatest fear of the soul is that it will become lenient and passive in the darkest times."
Chkaia offers out a hand (talon?) to those defecting across the border.
"There is no greater moment of potentiality, than in ending one life-long project and pursuing another."
Bai-Yin listens to the others, noting Chkaia's testing of the jars. As everyone voices their opinions, he joins in. "This is not an easy decision to make. On the one hand I agree with Kenta, we had a deal with the Tiger Guards. One which, despite their attitude toward us, I would normally honor. On the other hand, Kenta, they told us that this was a mission of mercy to rescue poor souls that were doomed if we did not help them. It is, at this point, obvious that they lied to us brutally."
In icy look crosses Bai-Yin's face. "I do not like people who lie to me, Kenta. Not one bit. As far as I'm concerned, whatever agreement or deal we had with them is void and we are free to do as we see fit here. Plus, Grandmother and the Tiger Guards seem like tyrannical sons of b&!@@es who need a good stomping. I for one would relish the opportunity to put my hero skills to the test against such a foe."
He looks at the nagaji goodnaturedly. "Come on. All that sneaking around, trying to save people and still look like a jerk. Do you really think you can do that and NOT get your scales in a bind?"
Bai-Yin steps over with Chkaia and the rogue spies. "I say we go with them and screw this nonsense. I hate games when the rules are all one-sided and it looks like Grandmother Pei has all the rules working for her. Let's go be heroes! Real heroes!"
I shrug and accempt the patches. "I will take these. Now I think it is time to finish what we started. Afterwards, we must each seek out the path we want to follow. Mine won't be in the G-mom's service but this job needs to be done." I look over the others. "I'm heading back now." I look to the humanitarians and the Hwan. "You guys take care. We may meet again but when we do, trust and believe I will not be in grandmother's service."
I begin to start my way back the way we came. "So whose coming with."
Deep thought creasing his brow Kenta contemplates for a few moments before speaking "There is still the matter of the other two groups sent with water of death into the lands of Hwanggot. Our best means of finding out to where they were bound is to seek it from the mouth of Guava, he who sent us here. We shall return with your patches and the water to put before him and see what words spill from his mouth. If we can, we will find where the others were sent. If we cannot... then perhaps Guava will be convinced to drink..." leaving the threat trailing off unfinished.
"At any rate, we may be returning South of the border in time. Would you be willing for us to use your name when we do? - in case any are in need of convincing of our trustworthiness?"
"I would not be so eager to suggest death, my friend. Even to those we assume to be deserving. Death comes for us all, that is true. But those with lives and consciences should have the opportunity to allow the one to influence the other."
"I am tempted to purge the jar of its poison, lest it accidentally fall into hands unknowing of its deadly nature."
With your deliberations winding down, and a plan seemingly decided upon, Veno, rounds up his team's patches, and a jar of poison.
I wish you the best of luck friends, though I fear if you return and confront a tiger brigade leader, you will likely meet your demise at the end of his sword. If you make it out alive, we are in a small village Danmar right across the border from this point.
Smiling and proffering a bow by way of thanks Kenta replies "We thank you Veno, and will do what we can. Our tao may well take us to Danmar shortly"
4
Chkaia nods as he joins the others on their way back to Guava. "Destiny is as fickle, sometimes, as a maiden's love." But he understands the meaning and importance of honor, in both a personal and an impersonal sense.
Bai-Yin glances about in confusion, then shrugs his shoulders. "Screw it. If you guys are set in this, then I'm not going to let you hog all the glory or take all the fun!" He bows lightly to the Hwangs and the rogue spies. "Well then, I suppose we'll see you another time. Good Luck."
Bai-Yin turns back to the others. "So you think there'll be any giant ants again? Maybe this time we won't have to fight them in THE FREAKIN TWILIGHT! Stupid buggy....bug things. How's a guy suppose to look heroic when he can't even see?" he mutters as he moves off toward the trees.
I look at Chkaia. "A maiden's love? Never had one of those either. Heard it is worth it though. Howssat old saying go? Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
I turn to Bai-yin. "I say bring em on ANY time. Those ants stood no chance against my awesome skills. Day or Night."
Having farewelled the Hwangs, Kenta begins to start the long walk back to Guava.. where his tao is still shrouded in shadow and not yet visible. After they are out of the earshot of the deserters Kenta queries Chkaia for his guidance "My thoughts at present are to give to Guava the patches saying that the bearers fell and we took them from their corpses. If he queries the humanitarian supplies should we put the jar of poison upon the table to gauge his reaction?"
"Wait a sec," Bai-Yin looks at the nagaji with a bit of shock. "You want to talk to the guy? Hell I'm very tempted to just walk up to him and start punching, repeatedly, until I get that wet sticky sensation from all the blood and bone covering my hands. Their's no legal authority we could bring him to for justice and the only moral one I can think to give him to is the villagers.....which now that I think about it does hold a certain heroic appeal to me." He brightens up at that thought. "Forget the talking. Let's just kill this a$@~%~$ and set fire to his stuff, you know, like heroes!!"
"It is doubtful that the villagers would respond violently, nor, I think, should we. We do not have the power to face an army of Grandmother's soldiers."
"An army of Grandmother's soldiers? That would be so wasteful! I'm sure just one, maybe two ninja would be all it takes."
Tan sways a moment before completing, "So I say that they defected. They took off their uniforms, and tried to swim across to Shuidao to Hwanggot. The river is dangerous, and... they drowned in the Shuidao."
Posing strongly, oar across his shoulders, he finishes, "If only there was a ferryman."
Kenta weathers the storm of Bai-yin's words before acting to soothe his fire "To act with fire would gain us nothing. If we flow with the subtle currents of water we may learn more. Remember the other two groups that were sent out, if we act against Guava we have no chance to learn of their targets and potentially save more lives." adding in thought alone regardless we do not know for certain of Guava's guilt yet. If he confronts the water and moves to drink then he may not be involved.
To Tan "Your words have weight, perhaps a marbled truth would be more apt in this circumstance."
I listen to Bai-yin and then the other two. I nod. "I agree with the two philosophicals. Fights should be for self defense. Not payback. I had to bury a lot of grudges in my life. It is not worth it to make people pay for wronging you or anyone else. Justice will come and your roll is to keep improving and getting start. Help where you can and stay true to your beliefs but don't jepordize them out of anger. I am sure the lying snake will get his. Be awesome if it was at my sword but either way, I am peace with it."
The town you left all those days ago is a different place. Soldiers have moved in, and a feeling of gloom sticks to the air. There are two guards standing outside the Hidden Tiger, along with a makeshift sign that reads "Tiger Brigade Headquarters."
Bai-Yin looks around in mild shock, his mouth open, one eye cocked.
"Oh yeah. This right here? This is going to go great." he says sarcastically in an aside to the others.
He looks over at the nagaji. "Can we do the heroic thing and kill him now, please?"