Shodai had a talent, of course he was a very able assassin who was raised as a prodigy in the clan, but that was not something he actually cared of. No, what interested him was the literature world; and his talent for research. And Shodai was quite pleased when he realised ,he had a flare for the written word. His favourite pastime was to browse through all sorts of fascinating mythologies or read ancient textbooks of just about anything. He was even more please when his inquisitiveness was sated as he happened across the Senju Library, aged Elders had long locked it's doors, deep within the Elder Pilgrimage, till no one remembered it existed. Young Shodai had pressed his blood against the crusted seal and prayed for a miracle. And it had opened for him, like thief amongst gold ,he drank in the sight of scrolls. Even then, he had a curiosity of the world outside Senju's walls, it certainly helped that he was able to creep back and forth, interchanging books. It was there, that Shodai discovered the history of Senju's descendants was written. Thousands of names and story's written in chakra blue where only the decreased 's page may be turned. And it was there Shodai now headed, only he didn't creep.
Shodai paid no mind to respects the Senju Elders paid, as he walked through their Pilgrimage knowing they dared not criticize him for it. He ignored their reproachful gaze, as he strode without pause through the complexity of it's walls. Through archways and great halls, with sky reaching ceilings, painted in golden patterns. Every bare wall covered in gold tilted displays, that stilled the eye and fascinated men. The silver crafted tree, in the centre of another great hall, mockery of the ashen tree that thirsted in it's tainted leaves- did the Elder's know what it signified ? or had they merely accepted it as part of the decor .Shodai turned away from it, ignoring the feeling of contempt. The emotion that raged inside his breast, the want to demolish everything in sight. The urge to burn the entire building till it reflected the ball of anger in his chest. Watch the flames lick the ash in cold hope, that he would understand -why. Why did he want to die? He couldn't understand the wheels that turned to produce that desire. Did the ashen tree influence his decision, Shodai mentally dismissed it, Nadaime will was far too strong to fall under it's greed. In addition, he had bestowed his protection through the Senju seal and Nadaime hadn't bluntly slit his throat over it's roots, as of yet. No. The golden designs weaved through doorways and corridors in images of forests and tulips. Shodai whisked past them without a thought. It was something deeper, more in tuned within Nadaime, so embedded within him that Shodai knew what he looked upon. Shodai bit his cheek in frustration, and tasted blood. Was it too late…? Shodai refused to acknowledge the answer, and walked faster in haste. Shodai brushed past the corner and paused at the centre of the corridor, there corridor was a deadlock that led only to a unopened window. Here it was.
The rich sunlight fell upon the mahogany doors with golden radiance , the tall broad doors sealed with a single design upon it's surface. The Senju Seal. And none had noticed it's alluring scent in favour for more extravagant workmanship. They had walked past it's beckoning potential, it's hidden sway and in their petty minds, forgotten it's worth. Here, here lie his answers. Shodai placed a adoring hand against it's frame and it opened without request. Shodai stood there as it whispered it's promise through the rustle of the doors and the smell of parchment and ink. Shodai stepped past the doorway and listen as it closed behind him.
It was a well lit hall, solely due to the crystal glass that soared high above and curved in a arch, allowing natural light to fall in it's domain. But from it's ceiling descended chakra blue lights ,that touched the top shelves in a circle, mirroring the bookcase designs like a reflection upon water. This particular design was useful at night, as Shodai found it tiresome holding a chakra ball when he was so enticed into the written word. The bookshelves reached high ,and was at least 13 metres long, it was divided into 5 parts that spanned the length of the room and curved inwards as such ,it faced the centre of the room. The 5 gaps provided a meter-width, paved walkway, each led to the centre where a expansive, curved mahogany table sat, with but five chairs. Shodai had guessed, even then the library had not been used frequently. In the centre of it radius, fell a large chakra light, which Shodai had discovered, was intense enough to light more than just the table. There were 7 rows of bookshelves, each lager than the one in front which formed a broken circle, double sided with 17inch wide shelf's, running for miles before a gap. And encircled around it , embedded into the walls sat the eighth shelf ,reaching till it touched the glass edge above. Great chakra-interlaced ladders climbed the steps of the shelves, adjusting to the user so they had simply to climb the first step and it would grow, this was rather efficient and Shodai had often sat upon the step and read unafraid from it's heights.. However there was a minor fall back to the quality of the library ,it was administrating such a large collection of books. Shodai could never remember where to return used books and guiltily stacked them in the centre of the mahogany table. Those of which he did remember, were impossible to shove into their crammed shelves, as the weight of three thousand books bore down at him. He could hardly risk using chakra to aid him and risk the sheets of old parchment withering in his hands. So he had childishly yet understandingly ,never returned a book to it's proper place. Perhaps he was misusing the library with his lethargic exploit, but there were so many scrolls, parchments and books that he hardly made a dent in it's reign of parchment and knowledge.
Shodai walked briskly, his shoes tapping on the mahogany wood as he all but ran, upon the walkway. Another fault, Shodai found ,was that it simply took forever to reach the centre of the room, especially for a impatient and eager boy. Indeed research and generally movement within this library was physically exhausting, books were deceivingly dense and hefty, and navigating it's subcategories took skill and determination. Which Shodai had in pages, he merely did not have the patience.
When Shodai finally did reach it, he stared disgraced at the pile of books gathered over the years and wondered remorsefully, how he was ever to find it. For Shodai had ungraciously piled book over book, scroll on top of scroll in the most randomist fashion ,it was only now that he realised his blunder. Groaning he leaped on to the surface of detailed, engraved table and strolled upon it uncouthly. Having reached the borderline, he slumped cross-legged and idly picked the nearest scroll. Truthfully, there had been some order to this disorder, that being the oldest books in the centre and new books shoved into the edge. It had been nearly 6 years since he happened across the intriguing 'Senju's Descendant Cycle' so that must mean, it was nearer to the centre then to the edge, Shodai crawled up and shuffled through peril of stacked of books. Now- he remember it being bind in a deep sage green, thick as his arm with golden tilted pages, Shodai gaze a quick search but glimpsing nothing ,begin running his fingers upon the spins of books. There weren't many dark coloured green covers with golden pages, the books mainly covered were simple black or reddish brown. The uncovered ones were age worn white and all had thin white sheets. A useful feature of all the books he had happened across so far, was the fact the ink was in lined with chakra, preserving the words where the parchment failed. Shodai skipped the pile of scrolls and turned to the next stake of books. Six years ,he murmured, so I was dabbing in herbology during the first months but those were mainly scrolls. But I stacked the scrolls near the pile, so.' Shodai fiddled with his twin Esiphyni sheathes in concentration, he vaguely wondered to the left glancing around him. Grumbling, he crouched at another load of books which appeared to be his browsing material of 5 years ago .'I swear, I'll sort this all out once I'm finished. 'he growled. He glazed at another pile and another ,until he happened upon a Biome Atlantic in one pile, hmmm, so the stack of scrolls would be round here. Shodai quickly uncovered the scrolls under a parchment that he had forgotten to tie, absently rolling it, he gazed around for sight of a sage green cover. Shodai felt a smirk break his face, as he caught sight of a golden flash in the sunlight, to the left of him. Shodai dumped the parchment on top of a pile and hastily dived into the base of a particularly large stack. Aahh ,there it was, larger than he remembered but the same seal upon the dark green spine. Shodai glanced at the of the pile which weighted down like shackles, it balanced rather hesitantly and Shodai could sense a mountain of patience approaching him. He eyed the sage green cover with a twitch, or he just do this. Taking a deep breath, he yanked it with speed only a seasoned assassin could. Shodai balanced the awkward novel in his arms and watched the pile tilter, but remain up right. Shodai felt a sheer of triumph and he grinned remorselessly at the mess ,strangely finding no obligating to sort it now. He strutted past the mass of parchment till he broke free onto clear ,open mahogany space. Walking to the edge ,he leaped of and sat on the chair, the sage green cover presented in front of him.
There was no title engraved, but Shodai opened the cover and upon the first page , written in the Chakra blue spelled 'Senju Decedent Cycle' and under that, for those lost in battle. It had a aged feel to the golden page and Shodai resisted the urge to lick his finger to turn the page. Instead he gripped a handful of pages and turned, the page numbered 1,Shodai turned another handful, page had discovered early on, that the page number signified the years that had passed, and through it was an interesting read ,there were a hefty number of stories recounted , a single person warranted a double page which would remain unturned until their death. It was ordered in time of birth, so realistically Shodai knew it would take a bit of time to reach. Shodai growled, but he gently and patiently flicked through the pages. After 10 minutes of this, reaching barely number two. Shodai decided to do what he deemed was justified in such a situation. He closed the book and balanced the bulky book upon it's spine and released it, the cover swayed without support but slowly tilted in each respectable side and fell with a boom against the sturdy table. Shodai winced at the sound, as dust fell languishly from it's depths, but oh, how the silky pages fell on either side, like a water fountain. Till at last, the final golden page fell and rested open in from of him, page number 967. Shodai grinned, only 16 years off target and he hastened his speed as flicked foward. Finally the name of Roseline Senju, written in blue greeted him.
Senju stared at it, before he sat down an began to read. Till darkness fell and chakra light fell upon the golden page. He sat memorised , as treason and deception enthralled her life, murders and war more vicious, swept her from her home and centred her world in the midst of choas. From daughter to murder, warrior to wife, mother to cursed. To wonderer of the wild. Shodai chocked as he read of her strained life, her cursed life, her long drawn suffering, as she lived isolated from people as she tried to control her curse. Her constant denial that her daughter was dead. Until finally Nadaime's name entered her tale, dieing in a pool of his own blood and she had stole it. Shodai breathed softly, he finally understood. The white ash sprinkled upon Nadaime was her bones, the impenetrable wards he could not break that surrounded the Nadaime had slipped so easily through. The jewel that symbolised hope. The scroll written in the Gods tongue, but Shodai could not read. The 200 hundred year old cat, Shodai remembered the condescending look ,when he first had laid eyes on it. The scroll in it's mouth, as it crouched in front of Nadaime and glared warningly, the cat had known far more than him. Shodai felt his heart twist at the memory, Nadaime lying in a pool his blood in darkness ,his face held trails of tears, but his heart beat, furiously and Shodai had breathed. The women's blood must of mixed in with Nadaime's that he hadn't recognised it's scent, at the time, reassuring Shodai. Shodai laid his heartbroken mind upon the pages of her tale, but this women had cursed his brother. This wretched women had saved yet afflicted the worst kind of life. Nadaime had fallen further then he could reach him, far more burdened then Shodai own curse. Would his little brother suffer as she had, toil as she did, would he fall into insanity with the long years. Until finally unable to die but wrenched to live, bequeath the curse to another -killing himself with guilt and hate. And Shodai could do nothing, there was not a thing he could do. Shodai pressed a hand against the page and stood. The night shone through the glass, and Shodai lifted his head to view the stars. The curse was a mystery still, he had seen the affect of it upon her life but it in it self was not revealed. His fingers found the worn parchment in his cloak, and held the scroll that seemed so ordinary in it's ancient clasp, up above in contrast to the night sky. Here lay the cause written for it's bearer, with the gods watching him from their skies. Shodai dropped the scroll in the open page of the book and with a loathing glance, turned to walk to the far exit. There was only so much he could take, before he would break. Only so much. With grieve heavy in his heart he sped past the book shelves and through the mahogany door. There ,out side the broad doors, he sat, kneeling against the doorframe, his hands holding his head. Until he mastered the strength to gather himself and walk numbly through the corridors of the Elder Pilgrimage. But as the sovereign of the Senju Clan, peace was not an option for Shodai, just a hope.
Shodai had hardly past the corridor before a messenger appeared and knelt before him. Nixon,
he recalled impassively, due to soon be sent to battle in another six months yet hardly older than Nadaime. Shodai resisted the urge to bypass boy to see his brother now, to hold him, comfort him and promise everything would be okay. But as Shodai knew, life was cruel and things were never okay 'Report' he commanded dully. If the boy Neaxon, noticed his indifference ,he didn't comment.
'The Elders have gathered in the Sacred Momentum and await your presence, Shodai-sama'
Shodai eyes sharpened, they dare…
'Who summoned me' he questioned curtly .The Elder's dared to summon him like a dog. How dare they challenge his authority and gather the court for a official meeting, to scold him like a waylaid child. Shodai felt the grieve and fear melt in his heart to reveal the anger and utter rage that lay underneath his pain. His discipline and patience had almost been expired and here, here was an opportunity to vent this drowning emotion. He could think no one more deserving then those blood thriving Elder's.
'Elder Pidenne, Shodai-sama' Shodai felt a malicious satisfaction at the name, one of the man who had plotted in Nadaime's death, oh this would be gratifying. Old Pidenne ,boosted by his numbered days of rein, dared, dared to defy his rule. He would savour the humiliation and defeat in his crinkled eyes, then perhaps when all his disputes and allies had fallen at his feeble feet, Shodai would crush him.
The boy uneasily glanced at Shodai as he sensed the turmoil of bloodlust and rage, but sensibly remained silent on his knees. It wouldn't do to be killed before he set foot in battle.
'What is your status' the detached timber questioned. Neaxon froze in shock. Was Shodai-sama inquiring about him, a low messenger who ran back and forth. Was this a good thing? The atmosphere was heavy with his anger and it weighed down in impatience. Neaxon felt his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth, his voice was caught but Shodai-sama was waiting and he struggled to formulate a decent report. But nothing connected, Neaxon fought to even his breathe as his panic over rode his basic self-control. He couldn't do this.
' Name: Neaxon Senju son of Gradhi. Rank: 2. Skills: Art of Needles, fire dynamite and mid-range attack. Medical History: clean. Experience: Minor conflict at borders, highly recommended, therefore deliberated to be sent to Mistifoln in the next 6 months. However ,judging by your lack of discipline, your unadulterated fear .It may have to be set at a hold' the cold voice noted. Neaxon drew a soft ragged breathe, squeezing his eyes, praying he would simply be dismissed. This was the third time he had delivered Shodai-sama a message and each time he had been unreservedly ignored. What had he done he merit Shodai-sama's notice. Why could he not control his fear. Neaxon felt the shameful stain of a tear fall, and bit his lip but didn't dare to wipe it away. Shodai-sama had surely seen it.
'But every men matters in a battle, no matter their lack of experience. You ,Bromin and Nadaime will be sent to Mistifoln with Fraction Seven. Notify Bromin , your primary mission is to protect Nadaime. Any other orders is secondary, do you understand? Your duty is to safeguard Nadaime.' Neaxon nodded, hiding his shock under a submissive mask, his confusion overriding his fear. Protect Nadiame? What of the war? What exactly was Nadaime position in this scheme. Did he have some role to play?
'Do not inform Nadaime of this decision.' So Nadiame was not aware of this, what did that mean. He could not imagine Shodai-sama playing the loving, protective brother. Surely his untouchable heart was made of ice. Even so, why send him into battle? Neaxon felt his knees twinge under the strain of the hard marble floor, but remained still. His mind screaming questions that he knew he would not dare ask.
'Also remind Bromin his mission has not expired, he is to fetch him as soon as he wakes.' the impassive voice concluded, dismissing him like air.
'As you ordered, Shodai-sama' Neaxon croaked quietly, forcing his voice to obey. But Shodai-sama had already walked away, he could hear the strict, controlled footstep echo the marble floor. Neaxon lifted his head and watched ,the auburn curls that fell softly but messily upon his head, the lean muscles that fitted his frame and his strong stride that radiated confidence and assurance. Neaxon could see why he was considered handsome, why many of his cousins swooned and chattered behind closed doors. But it was only when that head turned and he was pinned with those impersonal , calculating eyes that he realised why so many followed him. Why enemy's tumbled at his feet and dared not rise. This man, this person was winning the war single-handedly, and his soldier had only to watch humbled as they witnessed great fortresses fall in front of their eyes like flower chains. He was unreachable, an immortal among man. And in his cold eyes, he knew this.
Neaxon felt the judgement in those seething azure, calculating, reading into his very being as if searching for something. With an impassive face, his eyes left him and turned the golden corner. Neaxon heaved a sigh as they released him, he shivered. He better find Cousin Bromin, maybe he would understand this a little better than he.
Nadaime eyes fluttered as his eyes accustomed to the light. A cool midnight breeze blew against the white curtains and Nadaime flesh prickled at the cold. Shodai hadn't stayed. He rolled and ducking his head under the blanket, revering in the warmth it emitted, trying to ignore the empty pang that echoed his chest. Only to find a purring inky cat with lazy half open eyes. Nadaime felt a smile curl his lips ,he would have thought cats detested covers but this one clearly delighted in this privilege .The cat sprang up and arched his back , yawning in such a manner that it remained him of Shodai. It padded gracefully over and run his fur under Nadaime's hand , butting his head for him to raise. Nadaime obliged and sat up with the cat purring in his lap. The blank white walls stood passively but someone had switched on the night lamp on in the left corner of his bed. Nadaime raised an eyebrow at Bromin. Bromin had never actually blatantly revealed his presence, he usually kept a distance and Nadaime generally pretended he hadn't noticed him. But here Bromin sat oddly silent and grim, with the night lamp lighting his features.
'How are you feeling, sir? The man shifted uncomfortably in his metal seat. After a few moments, having failed to find a comfortable position, he perched on the end of his seat and looked up expectantly. Nadaime groaned mentally at the man's antics and the cat meowed in agreement. Nadaime rubbed it's ears in approval.
'How are you feeling, Bromin?' Nadaime questioned softly, he had pumped a large doss of ammonia in his system, after all. Not to mention, abandoned him in a dingy inn with a over friendly innkeeper, not that Nadaime wasn't satisfied that he hadn't. Besides, there wasn't any lasting effect.
Bromin eyes crinkled when he caught Nadaime meaning and he grinned slightly, as he leaned forward, arms braced on his knees. 'Honestly, I feel awful. But it was to be expected, having sedatives running through your veins instead of blood and all. Not to mention having to explain to Shodai-sama, why you weren't with me in Sunlifean.' Bromin flinched but grinned as his light brown eyes met his questioning ones. Nadaime considered the man. So Shodai had personally been involved, then why send Bromin at all? What of the council, surely the Elder's would notice his absence?
'Why was Shodai in Sunlifean' he demanded softly. Bromin drew a deep breath and blew through his cheeks and turned his eyes to the floor. 'The same reason he had me follow you, I'm guessing.' he replied evenly, 'Except, he had cause to this time' Bromin eyes remained calmly on the floor, but Nadaime felt the disapproval in his tone. Hokage nipped his fingers and Nadaime glanced down into it's emerald gaze, it meowed and licked it's bite soothingly.
'He was furious.' Bromin said as a way of explanation. He started to twitched his leg in agitation, Nadaime silently noted it. 'Wasn't to pleased with my tactic of distraction' Bromin sent a apologetic shrug at Nadaime, which would have given Nadaime the impulse to throw a dagger at the time. 'See, I was intentionally attracting enemy ninja's by the end. In a bid to actually slow you down for more than 3 seconds. But that didn't sit to well with Shodai-sama, turned out he was a day travel behind us. Didn't go too well with the ninja's tracking us down, that's for sure.' Nadaime frown deepened, he hadn't sensed any ninja's tracking them, let alone Shodai. Anyway, what was he thinking. Nadaime had been confident that Shodai would not actively prevent him. Not when the war hang heavy above him, he was the sovereign, Shodai was needed at all times. He neither had the right to interfere in a administered mission or personally intervene. 'Well, turns out Shodai-sama was delayed by them, and lost a track for a day or so.' Bromin gave a deep groan and slumped back on his seat 'Me ,I woke up the next day, bribed a farmer to smuggle my doped self into Sunlifean, reported to Shodai-sama and passed out. He thought I was drunk. One of the most eventful moments, I think' Nadaime lifted his head and was mildly surprised at his grin despite Bromin's hollow tone. 'Nothing compared to your adventure, I'm sure. But it has a worthy knock to it' Nadaime said nothing, and silence gathered until Bromin stirred form his seat, lightly moved to the window and closed it.
'How are you feeling ,sir' It wasn't voiced as a question, but quiet patience. Nadaime laid head on the pillow behind, Hokage padded to the end of the bed and stared at Bromin's figure by the window. 'Fine' Nadaime murmured. He didn't want think, didn't want to feel right now. Didn't want to delve into the thin crust that he stood upon, to afraid to know what he wanted or what he needed. Was there a difference anymore? Where was Shodai?
'Does fine include nightmares' Bromin replied evenly. Hokage hissed on it's feet, back arched and it's lips raised warningly, Bromin eyed the cat warily but didn't question the sudden hostility. Nadaime raised himself ,leaning on his elbows, his eyes scrutinising Bromin expression.
'What nightmares?' Bromine took a few steps closer till his hands gripped the wooden foot board of Nadaime's bed. Ignoring Hokage ,that crouched close to Nadaime.
'The one that you screamed in a different language, sir' Nadaime raised an eyebrow, Bromin remained unaffected but continued 'You wouldn't stay put until they injected a stabiliser. You don't feel it.' Nadaime considered this, but flexed his fingers checking for numbness or stiffness. Nothing. Nadaime glanced up to analyse Bromine face yet found nothing but sincerity and annoyance. He seemed to be staring Hokage down in a attempt of dominance. Hokage looked through narrow eyes ,staring him down to defeat. Bromine huffed but blinked and Nadaime prayed for his sanity.
'That cat can't be normal' he grumbled with candour. Nadaime considered this 'It's a cat, Bromin' Bromin fingered tapped the foot board 'I can see that sir .What I'm saying is that it's a sneaky one' Nadaime stared in disbelieve at Bromin, was Bromin actually hold grudge against a cat. 'It belonged to someone who died. I'll be caring for it now' he cautioned.
Bromin caught his eye 'Your kidding' but his eyes widened at what he saw 'You can't bring that aberration to war' pointing at the cat. Hokage flicked his whiskers at the man, and Nadaime couldn't help but be amused-….….war?
'Am I being sent to the field, Bromin' he inquired calmly. Nadaime stroked Hokage's fur and the cat meowed sweetly. Bromine looked out the window over the village, in concealed sorrow that Nadaime could barely see.
'I've been ordered, 6yrs is too long and Shodai-sama knows this. As for you, only Shodai-sama can decide' Bromin brushed a hand through his chestnut hair. 'Only he knows what goes on that head of his' he breathed, his brow pinched. Nadaime gave a small smile of understanding and Hokage purred under his finger tips. 'Now, since Shodai-sama's banned the nurses from dawdling in your room, would you be needing anything. That does not include milk for that cat,' Nadaime tilted his head in disapproval but shook his head silently. Bromine seemed satisfied ' But,' Nadaime spoke softly 'Do not tell Shodai of these supposed nightmares' Nadaime lifted his eyes to Bromin 'I will know if you do' Bromin grimaced but didn't respond, as he turned to walk out. Hokage licked Nadaime cheek and fixed Nadaime with an affection stare. Like a kitten, he mused.
Shodai sat upon the traditional mahogany throne, tilted in golden patterns. It had belonged to the head elder before him, and he had felt a undiluted urge to burn it in the past. But it had grown on him some what, mainly because of the position of it gave him. It was coincidentally that exact chair that he had sat upon 11 years ago, when he had entered the Elder momentum defiantly. It was positioned right in the centre of the great table and from here, Shodai could see the meek faces of his most despises subjects. He had sat for more than two hours listening to the drivel that spilt from their mouths and honestly, after facing his rampage, they had all slipped into spineless toad mode. Elder Pienne was the most disappointing, he had sat there without a word and accepted his public humiliation and set down, with dignified silence that left Shodai irked. The other Elder's hadn't raised a word since, and they docily discussed battle formations, as if Shodai would actually follow their divided purposes and advice. As if they hadn't planned a power take over before he had entered the Momentum in wrath.
These were warriors once, it had saddened Shodai once. They had gained their status through dedication and unwavering loyalty; politics had changed them, greed had wrapped their intentions and here they schemed. In seats that once had value, they had lost faith and courage. Shodai tried to find the motivation to listen, but the most he could mange was to look impassively on the marked maps. One of the Elder's was disagreeing strongly upon some point, rising from his seat and stabbing down upon the table. Majority looked with disgruntled. When was Elder Hadsfade due? He wondered, surely Hadsfade had at least been informed of the mutiny. At least the man wasn't pursing a hidden gander and was frank upon his opinions, at least the man could look him in the eye. These elderly man, hid their deceit through wise voices and wrinkled fingers as they manoeuvred puppets and beckoned support with ill promises. As if Shodai could not see their ploys when they spoke in such compassionate and well weaved words. Shodai felt himself sag, this week had been taxing and he could feel the lines drawn on his already scarred heart. He was but one man; in this bloody wave of war, would he stand alone against it's bloodshed or will he fall wounded in it's crimson depths. War, it was vile.
Shodai jotted from his reminisces, when he sensed a well-acquainted presence enter the Momentum and felt a spark of thrill in his veins. Just the distraction he desired with a dot of amusement. He was going to relish this.
Bromin appeared by his chair, his head bowed with his hands stiff by his side. 'Report' he commanded bluntly, smirking in glee at the silence that fell like rain from the heavens.
'Shodai-sama. Nadaime-sama has woken' Bromin stared resolutely at his feet but Shodai could see his ears redden and internally smirked. Shame consumed him in fire and Shodai paused to watch enlighten. Shodai had grown to respect and trust the man, but he and Bromin knew, this was punishment. He had pondered long and hard over the week, short of killing him, this was his solution. Shodai had Bromin report as soon as he was conscious and he was not impressed. Which respectable assassin manages to get intoxicated with his own medical supplies. In doing so jeopardising their mission and losing their target, Shodai was not impressed, he was infuriated.
'Observations' he inquired coldly. Nadaime was awake. Shodai felt a quiet peace wash him, silently chastening himself at his ungrounded relieve. Silently he contemplated upon his immediate absence. Would he be able to leave right now, without raising the Elders suspicions. Should he dismiss the council-
'Lord Shodai-sama!' a shrill voice rose in the silence. Shodai turned his head and studied his advisors, majority were still in shock but a few looked murderous or affronted. But it seemed Elder Gorathi was the first to react and stood on his feet, his chest heaved in anger. 'Why is he within the Elder Momentum!' he demanded, his voice wavering in age and falling self-control. Shodai met his eyes impassively and swallowed the Elder's minute shudder with satisfaction.
'Because I chose to' he replied coolly. The hall of Elders stirred but none yet had gathered their wits to speck yet. 'This place is sacred, withhold for only the worthy who earned their right. That boy is not authorised to set foot in this council.' Elder Gorathi all but roared. 'This tradition has never been broken. Never, never been broken in the history of our clan.' Shodai resisted to roll his eyes ,ahh , the source of his domestic problems-tradition. It was tradition that prevented him to dismiss this council, tradition that the Elders followed like a holy script. 'No one. Not even you may break this.' Shodai smirked internally at the self-righteous tone, he did so enjoy their ire.
'Is it not my right, to relieve reports from my soldiers anyway I deem necessary. In which case, are you questioning my judgement, Elder Gorathi?' The Elder grit his teeth, his face had taken a purple shade as he sat down and faced the wall rigidly. 'I merely thought -'
'You clearly did not think when you spoke, Elder Gorathi. However, I do not take offence, age makes us all forget' Shodai silently chortled at the normally aggressive man. The hidden insult however did not sit well the old man and Shodai could hear him grind on his teeth, from the far left of the table.
'Lord Shodai-sama, I couldn't help but agree with Elder Gorathi. Tradition does speck of the momentum held only for the chosen, no other can enter.' Elder Demanxi rationed. Shodai sighed in his mind, Elder Demanxi had a special regard for traditions that bypassed any other. This man could argue till his lips turned blue and his opponents fell with the incessant speech, that Shodai now sensed approached. 'If he were to be accepted by all in the council, then this may be over looked but as you can see -'Shodai made a haste break at Elder Demanxi's pause.
'As I recall, this tradition was set by Lord Theithmn at the time of peace, when the first council sat under his choosing. But as we all know ,war now threatens us and as your Lord, it is only I who can abolish this absurd tradition.' the under voice of muttering shook the hall, words such as 'absurd?' 'dishonour' 'authority' was heard in distinctive voices ,Shodai merely raised his eyebrow and waited till another dared to speck. It was Elder Evenha, an elderly women who hardly ever debated that spoke. Her presence was always in the council but she was always passive to crashing waves of others and the only one, Shodai recalled, that hadn't wanted war 'I strongly advise, Lord Shodai-sama, not to follow this course .If you were to disrupt one tradition, one that has been respected by the people by generation, then there will be uncertainty, instability in the law and your word' Shodai turned his eyes to her weathered form, she sat upon her seat leaning against a mahogany stick. On her face sat a grim line, so, solely she understood Shodai's intentions. Only she felt the earth shake as the roots of tradition was lifted from it's soil. Shodai lifted his eyebrow in mock surprise as he deliberated this.
'Are you distrustful of your Lord, Elder Evenha. Do you doubt my decision, have I yet failed in my duty as Lord of Senju?' Shodai queried almost mockingly. Elder Evensa did not answer
'There is no distinction between the law and my commands, rest assure Elder Evensa. But traditions must be updated to suit the purpose and needs of the people. Was not the tradition of 'Child Sacrifice' abolished due to it's unreasonable demands. I ask you, what reason is there to forbid entree into these chambers?' there was once again the upheaval of voices ,but of course there was none which they knew of. They had followed the footsteps of those before them, willingly and blindly, till all forgot. Shodai of course knew, it was rather simple in fact, to prevent clan secretes from falling in foreign hands. But the only threat of exposition Senju held, was in the hands of these very man, bribed or for their purposes. Shodai had concluded the whole concept was null, in the face of these truths.
'Shodai-sama' a voice by his side drew his attention, Bromin had turned an interesting colour during the brief time. But his eyes never left the floor and he held his head ridged with discipline, which Shodai admired. While others would have fled, this man had stayed, he had the courage to came and the strength to remain. Loyalty to him rather than the pages of history .It was why he had chosen him to overlook his brother, Nadaime. Shodai nodded a silent head for him to continue.
'Nadaime-sama suffered a violent nightmares for 3hr and 3minutes. Time 1.15 to 4.18, he showed signs of unnatural sleep and spoke in an unrecognisable tongue. I injected a neutraliser ,through this succeeded to stop his movement he still showed signs of distress. When questioned, he did not recall either the nightmare or the origin of the language. The neutraliser also seemed to have a negaliable affect after he woke. 'Bromin hesitated, unnerved by the intensity silence that reined. The Elders scrutinised him keenly but Shodai-sama seemed unaware of this, his emotionless face gave nothing of the thoughts beneath. Should he tell him of that unnatural cat? But it was only suspicion that clouded his objection. Reporting his opinion was rather imprudent.
Shodai felt blankness. There was a door in his mind, one that he dared not open. Questions laid behind it layered in, insecurity ,anxiety, apprehension ,fear, uncertainty, unease ,agitation. Layer upon layer they rose, till his emotions swayed with his sanity. Only so much. It cried, only so much till we fall. Shodai acknowledged the distant truth , only so much till I break, but he shoved this and focussed his mind to reality. This had been parallel in Rosaline's case, lack of sleep. But did what Nadaime dreamt of a result of his own troubles or was it due to the curse .Should he send Nadaime in this state to war, would his mind survive the raw brutality. Shodai was suddenly aware of the silence and he snapped from his thoughts and regarded the council warily. Elder Pienne studied the marble table, his thoughts silent as his face, but the others stared intently at Bromin and the information that he had revealed hang in the air. Heavy in opportunity and suggestion. Shodai growled to himself, he hadn't intended such vital information to leak form his palm. He cursed his lack of foresight and petty revenge when the thing that he truly wished to protect suffered. Shodai had little choice now, he must distant Nadaime from the council. And if that meant exposing him to war, then he would.
'How goes my grandnephew, Bromin' Shodai didn't bother identifying the voice, it was the voice of the council. The unasked interest and implication, Shodai felt the returning fury at their boldness. The Elder dared to ask of Nadaime's health, when half plotted his death upon their pillows and the others had watched it unfold. But Shodai had to keep his control, if they knew of his attachment to Nadaime, it would give them leverage. Leverage that would result in control.
Bromin did not respond. He was no fool, he knew this was a battle of domination, one Shodai-sama played with. Bromin respected the Elder's but he also knew Shodai-sama was at odds with them, and where Nadaime's welfare was concerned he knew Shodai-sama was devastating in retaliation. Besides, he had never reported in front of an audience let alone Elders, there had been a sure reason for it. So Bromin trusted his instincts and remained silent, thankful he had not risen his face nor been dismissed yet. In the eyes of the Elders, he was still under Shodai-sama's command.
Shodai watched his court of poisoned snakes with a glint of anger in his eye but he remained passive as ever, Bromin bowed silently beside him and Shodai mentally applauded Bromin's ploy. He did not want, under no circumstances, details of Nadaime's condition known to the Elders. He would die before they turned him into a war weapon. Die and take all these bastards with him, to hell.
'Nadaime, is understandably affected by his recent mission. It is not uncommon for untried soldiers to suffer due to first bloodshed' Shodai replied in a cold mechanic voice. But he knew someone would try to dig for more. Sure enough ,it was Elder Lihaye who tried.
'Ah yes , through it is his first mission Nadaime should have the maturity to preserver. But, I was not informed on the details of his performance as of yet. Would you please enlighten us' I'd rather slay my tongue and sew my lips, Shodai thought. No, he would cut his ears from that head than whisper it darkly into his eardrums. Cut the artery in his throat then ask, was it worth your life in knowing. Was it worth the little scheme for power, that you sent little Nadaime to that cursed mission. Was it worth every bone in your body broken because of your corruption, your immorality, your selfish cause. Shodai's eyes hardened as bloody thoughts washed through his mind in desire. Control, he throught, control yourself or face the consequence.
'That is classified. However I have been debriefed and understandably, because of it's mythical nature and the affect it may have on morality in my soldiers, deemed it unnecessary to open.' Shodai cut his last word as warning to any disagreement, through knowing their nature, the Elders would try to uncover this little mystery in a more subtle manner. Shodai cared little for there little network of spies and gossip, nothing important would drop through that hive, it was their own sources and legitimate power that troubled him at the most. If there was a written document filed.
Shodai eyes flickered to Bromin and with a distant hand dismissed him. He couldn't fight the compulsion to see Nadaime any longer, but in order not to stab himself any deeper, he would need to slip away unnoticed. Even in old age, the Elders were quite sharp.
'Elder's, I thank you for your time and advise. Your insight have raised some issues that I must attend to immediately. Due to this, I call the meeting to culminate. May your blade 's never stain and your shadows silent as your steps.' Shodai nodded briefly and walked away swiftly. Ignoring the gloating voices that whispered behind him. With clearer will and sadness in his heart, he walked heavily to his brother.
