Chapter 6: Forging of an uneasy alliance
I don't own L5R or Rwby: they go to their rightful owners
After overhearing the conversation of Azolum and Azura, Ruby could not sleep. She kept her lamp by her bedside dimmed and paced endlessly back and forth around the room. She was thinking about leaving Beacon, the only home she had ever known, the only place she'd ever known. At the same time, she hated it, the constant work and high burdensome taxes on her and her family cause her to grow resentful. The idea that the samurai that burdened her and her family so much were going to use everything they took from them on a pointless war made her much more resentful and angrier.
Though she had decided she wanted to leave, two things came up she had to address. Firstly, was leaving her family. She had hated living in Beacon, but it was made tolerable by being with her family. Especially ever since her mother left, they had helped her through hard times. Yang, Tai and Zwei were always there for her and to leave them was nearly unthinkable. But then something came to her she never considered.
"Am I a drag on my family? I never come close to producing the same amount of money as Yang or Dad… Am I really that worthless?" Ruby thought in sadness, and the more this thought about it the worse she felt
If she didn't start feeling depressed, then the second thing that needed to be address would. She then had to think of a way out of Beacon. Only the samurai caste or above could leave freely, and even then, they needed a reason to. For a peasant you needed authorization from a samurai patron, something she wouldn't get from any of Azura's family. Azura was one of the greatest people she had ever met. He was kind, supportive, strong, and a great protector. However, he would never let her out into the world on her own, and he was the most likely candidate for a samurai commission.
"This is hopeless… How am I going to get a samurai to get me out of this city? Especially with the possibility of Cao finding out I know about his operation…" Ruby said under her breath in
Meanwhile in the Scales of the Carp warehouse
The day had finally arrived. The special visitor arrived with a surprising amount of guards and a similar sized wagon to Cao's. He was an older samurai with a world worn kimono and his white hair in a top knot. As the large crates were moved into the warehouse, he gathered all Ronin into the same area, and ensured the entire area is secured.
"I thank you all for your time and attention. For this is a very secret mission given to us by the Daidoji Family of the Crane clan." The old samurai said, and hushed words began to be exchanged from the crowd
The Daidoji were the main military family of the Crane clan, the clan that contained their masters the Yasuki. What caused the surprise was they were being given a mission by the main Bushi family of the clan. Though the Daidoji did have a reputation for somewhat questionable conduct on the battlefield, like ambushes or sabotage, smuggling wasn't in their wheelhouse. This rumormongering stopped when the elder bushi continued.
"This information does not leave this room. Anyone that is found to be speaking of the details of this will be found and killed on site. This is of extreme importance to remain secret for the safety of the Daidoji name." The Elder samurai said, causing hushed tones of concern and dread in the crowd
"Please continue Daidoji-sama." The lead ronin said solemnly with a nod of respect
"Thank you. Your unique talents for secrecy, social manipulation and smuggling will be used to smuggle a shipment Gaijin Pepper out of Beacon to a secret location." The Daidoji bushi said as everyone went silent, and the silence in the room of hardened criminals became deafening
Gaijin pepper, or gunpowder to the uncouth masses, was the most illegal substance in the entire region. In a divided and distrusting region, it was the only source of unity. The reason for its universal illegality was due to hundreds of years ago a massive gaijin invasion from the west, where they used the explosive poser to fire devices known as cannons. These great and fearsome weapons reaped a terrible toll on the battlefield and presented an existential threat to the order of the samurai and society. If replicated in mass, and the creation of new modern weapons, samurai would be wiped out by simple peasants. The question became why did the Daidoji want this horrid stuff.
"This is a big ask and a great potential risk to both your honor and your lives. My masters and I understand this risk and understand why many would not wish to undergo such a journey. This is completely voluntary. However, whoever who undertakes this task will be adopted by my clan, regardless of past deeds and heritage." The elder bushi explained, and even still the room stayed eerily silent
This offer of reward did not change the mood away from fear of the risk involved. To be found by any magistrate would mean immediate death on site. No trial, no change of defense, immediate death. Cao thought long and hard on this risk reward scenario. This was above anything he had ever attempted, but if he succeeded, he could accomplish his dream. This was a once in the lifetime scenario. It was now or never.
"I volunteer for this great task Daidoji-sama." Cao said loudly and firmly
"Are you sure young man? Do you understand truly what I ask of you?" The elder samurai asked Cao firmly and sternly
"I am sure. I will complete this task, even if I die trying." Cao said, with no loss of volume or firmness in his voice, causing murmurs of respect from the crowd of ronin
"Very well. I will provide you with the details in a private location. Come with me." The elder samurai said with a nod and lead him into a small, quaint office
"Do I get to ask questions?" Cao asked
"Yes, you do. Stop me if you have any questions. Nothing will be kept secret from you for this mission Cao-san." The elder man replied as a servant brought a tea set in for them to have morning tea
"Thank you Daidoji-sama. Please proceed with the details." Cao said politely as he poured tea in the proper fashion for the senior samurai
"You will take this shipment out through your wagon up the old Sotora march way. It is not patrolled, and you will likely be harried by monsters and bandits. However, compared to other routes it is not as infested as others. There is no set due date for the shipment to arrive, however it cannot be overly stressed that the sooner it is received the better." The Daidoji explained, then took a deep sip from the teacup
"Will I be receiving better horses to ensure I can make that travel?" Cao asked, before taking his own sip
"Yes, you will. You will also receive the finest rations and other supplies that will pose as market goods to get past the gates without suspicion
"What kind of containers is the gaijin pepper in? The last thing we need is for it to explode and take me with it." Cao asked
"They are sealed in containers that will prevent it from being exposed to sparks and heat. We spared no expense in this regard." The Daidoji answered solemnly
"One more thing. Where will I be heading?" Cao asked the all-important question
Instead of answering audibly, the elder man pulled from a small lock box an inscrolled map. He then gently handed it to Cao and was sealed with blue wax and the symbol of a crane. After breaking the seal, he looked over the route, and saw the location. It was firmly deep inside Daidoji family lands to the north, where climates begin to become into the cooler temperate zone. He then noticed words where the destination was, Daidoji Harriers dojo.
"What is the Daidoji Harriers dojo?" Cao asked with a very confused tone
"The headquarters and training grounds for the most elite warriors in the crane. The ultimate saboteurs and guerilla fighters in the farthest east. It is their sacrifices that keep the crane safe from its innumerable enemies." The old man simply replied
"Hence why they would want Gaijin powder. For sabotage…" Cao said in realization
"Its ability to make explosives is legendary. It is rare and very highly sought after until we can figure out how to make it ourselves." The old man said with a nod
"I swear on my honor and my life I will not fail you or your family Daidoji-sama." Cao said, bowing his head almost to the floor
"I hope so Cao-san. For your sake." The old man said ominously as he stood up, bowed and left
Cao's heart was close to beating out of his chest. This was it, the day of his dreams. If he could pull off this one mission, then he would become what he always dreamed of. A real samurai.
Later that day- Sotora Residence
Ruby remained uneasy all day. All she could think about was what samurai could she use to get out of the city and keep her safe for Cao. Yet every single one she thought of would not fly. No Sotora would ever help her in such a task, and probably throw her in jail or kill her. She couldn't trust a Ronin to save her life. As she paced about Verdant walked in to see her doing this.
"Are you okay Ruby? You've been pacing all day." Verdant said as she walked in
"I'm sorry Verdant… Somethings bothering me, and I can't figure out what to do." Ruby said, choosing her words carefully
"Do you want to talk about it dear?" Verdant asked
"I need to do something Verdant, but I don't know what. Everything I could do wouldn't work." Ruby said with frustration
"I see. And what would happen if you didn't choose to do something?" Verdant inquired, not pushing, but trying to figure out her thought process
"I just don't know Verdant. I don't know what to do!" Ruby said loudly
"Perhaps you are going about it all wrong. Or at least attempt a different thought process." Verdant said inquisitively
"What do you mean by that?" Ruby asked
"Sometimes the best option is the option you think might never work out. The most unlikely of options." Verdant answered
"Really?" Ruby said in a flabbergasted tone
"Yes. It can throw people for a loop and broadside them." Verdant continued
"Thank you so much Verdant!" Ruby said with a sudden snap of joy and hugged the older woman
"Glad I could be of help to you. Now go out and enjoy this beautiful day." Verdant replied with a smile, satisfied with Ruby's change of mood
"Oh, I will!" Ruby said as she bolted out of the door, and damn near ran over Azura as she rushed out the door
"What was that?" Azura asked in confusion
"Ruby." Verdant answered
"I see. Well I'm off to bed mom. I got gate duty tonight." Azura replied before heading to his room
"Sleep well Azu." Verdant said with a smile before heading off the garden
Later in the heart of Beacon
Ruby weaved her way through the crowds of people as she headed towards Cao's stand. It was close to noon, meaning he would be away from the stand to get lunch. This was the perfect time for her to find him. What Verdant told her gave her the spark she needed to come up with a solution. Find Cao and make him smuggle her out of the city. Soon she found him walking towards a tavern and tapped him shoulder.
"Ms. Rose. This is a pleasant surprise." Cao said with legitimate surprise
"Hello Cao-san. Do you have a moment to talk?" Ruby asked
"Indeed, I do. What is it?" Cao replied politely, but cutting to the chase
"Do you know any ways out of Beacon?" Ruby asked him
"I might know a few but that's an odd question to be asking a simple merchant…" Cao said with a confused tone
"Well after seeing your crew unloading packages in the middle of the night, I thought you would…" Ruby said till Cao grabbed her and pulled her quickly into an alley
"What did you see?" Cao said in a much firmer tone, now clearly acting with concern and fear
"The containers of drugs that you smuggled in." Ruby said, not backing down
"Son of a bitch…" Cao said as he turned his head a bit
"Now that the cats out of the bag, how about we make a bargain?" Ruby asked
"You spy on me, confront me on my lunchbreak, and then have the gall to blackmail me?" Cao said in a flabbergasted tone
"Yes, I do. I want out of this city, and your going to do it. And I know your not dumb. You know what I'm going to do if you don't." Ruby said, pushing Cao off her firmly
To her surprise, Cao didn't attack her or berate her. He began muttering, pacing, and panicking. Ruby could sink him and his chances of becoming a samurai. His dream. Getting Gaijin pepper out of that gate would be one thing but adding a human being on top of that is a new challenge. He had never smuggled either things before in his life, and yet tonight he was going to start the trip. Things were too far in motion to change course now.
"You swear on your honor you will not tell if I smuggle you out?" Cao asked as he turned, his voice with hardly any of the confidence she had seen from him
"I promise Cao-san." Ruby said with a gentle nod
"Meet me by a building on the main road at 10:00 tonight. The guards are in a tailspin looking for another organization so there are less patrols there." Cao said with a defeated sigh
"My house is on the main road. I'll be able to flag you down." Ruby said with a nod of acknowledgement
"Good. When I pick you up, you are going to follow my instructions to the letter. I have enough problems on my hand right now, and you are the least of them. Are we clear?" Cao said with hands clasped together
"I understand. Thank you." Ruby said as she started to walk away
"You really have a way of asking something from a guy. You know that right?" Cao asked with an indignant tone
"Sometimes the best options are the ones people least expect." Ruby replied as she walked away, leaving Cao to his thoughts, and wonder what the hell did he do to deserve this level of shit
10:00 PM- Main Road of Beacon
Ruby stood in an alley by her house as she waited for Cao. She had a couple bags full of various things needed for the road. She left a note in her room to tell everyone that she left and why, but little in the way of details so they could not track her down. Then she heard the distinctive clops of horse hooves as Cao showed up. Ruby then flagged him down with a red handkerchief.
"Did you have to choose the easiest to see color in the world!?" Cao said in a loud whisper
"Its dark out. What was I supposed to do, show my ankles?" Ruby whispered back
"Whatever get in here with your stuff. Don't breathe loudly, don't move, don't make a fucking sound. We get caught; we are both dead on the spot." Cao said as he opened a secret compartment for her
"How many does this thing have?" Ruby asked
"A lot. Now get in!" Cao said in a harsh and hurried tone as he helped her with her stuff into the compartment
Once loaded and locked up in its normal disguised configuration, Cao continued towards the gate. His heart pounded harder than it ever had in his life, and it took everything he had to keep somewhat calm. As he approached the gate, he simultaneously was both a bit relieved and concerned. Only Azura stood at the north gate tonight, and he was clearly not in a good mood. He hated missing out on sleep due to guard duty. Cao's gambit with the magistrate worked out in the end, now he required more smooth negotiations that he wasn't sure he could pull off.
"Halt. What are you trying to do going out this late?" Azura asked in a grump and irritated tone
"I am terribly sorry Sotora-san, but my guild requires this shipment as soon as possible. I merely wish to get a head start to cut down my travel time." Cao said, not technically lying, but leaving out the details
"Fine. Let's make this quick. Off the wagon so I can inspect it." Azura said frustrated as he moved to the wagon
"Of course, Sotora-san." Cao said as he climbed off the wagon and walked away
As Azura walked around and inspected the wagon, Cao tried to keep a poker face. If everything went well, the hard part would be over. He had spent over an hour setting that wagon up so it would pass inspection, and if it didn't then Azura would get a chance to take his anger out on something.
Inside the wagon Ruby was not much better. In Cao's haste he put her in one of the smaller compartments. Though she was secure in there, it was cramped, hot and uncomfortable. She heard the noises outside of someone inspecting the wagon and tried to remain as quiet as possible. Covering her mouth and locking up, she waited for the cart to begin moving again, signaling freedom.
"Alright. Your good. Safe travels." Azura said after 15 agonizing minutes of inspections
"Thank you, Sotora-san. May your shift go by swiftly and without incident." Cao replied with a slight bow, returning to his wagon
"Whatever." Azura replied as he returned to his post
Soon the two large horses jarred the wagon into motion, and they exited the gates easy as pie. As soon as he was away from earshot from Azura he sighed in absolute relief. Now all that stood before him and his dream was the open road. As for Ruby inside, she was overjoyed, and the cramped conditions didn't really bother her anymore as she settled into for sleep. She was finally out of Beacon, and could finally enjoy true freedom, and a new life.
The open road begins for Cao and Ruby. Things are going to escalate quickly as they wouldn't be the only ones of the road for long. But that's for the next chapter. See you all then and have a great day.