Fox Under Maple: Chapter Seven
Kazumo's limbs ached as he pulled himself higher on the lighthouse. Despite his burning arms, he had to move slowly to avoid making a sound. Kazumo thanked the Kami for the misaligned wooden beams on the lighthouse, which gave him an easier grip. Kazumo also prayed with every bit of his being that no one walked towards the edge of the planks, in which case they couldn't help but notice him. As Kazumo reached the top, he slowly slid himself into where the light should be. In its place was an empty chamber of broken glass, the moonlight barely giving Kazumo an outline. Kazumo gave himself a moment to rest his limbs, for he knew he would need to climb a lot more before this was over. Kazumo eyed the edge of the planks once more, as if he got spotted it was his only path to escape through.
After resting for a moment, Kazumo went back into a crouch to keep himself low. He carefully slid his hands across the floor, to feel around on the floor, hoping to find a hatch. After a few tense minutes, Kazumo's hands found a handle attached to the floor, and a quick survey around it uncovered the edges of the hatch door set into the floor. Kazumo pulled on the handle to test it, but to his dismay the hatch was stuck fast, and he knew forcing it would cause too much noise. He risked a quick peek out from the lighthouse to see if anyone was aware of his presence, but so far no one was even looking in his direction. Even so, Kazumo could tell the people were on alert. Lanterns had been lit around the lighthouse, and he could see the goons keeping watch and patrolling. His heart raced within him, and it took all his will to not panic. He focused on his breathing to slow his heart down, taking long, deep breaths. Then he leaned his back against the wall of the lighthouse and crossed his legs. He knew he needed to wait an hour or two until things calmed down and people went to sleep. He looked up at the moon, slowly soaring over the sky. Even while he tried to meditate, he could not help but worry about his siblings. A quiet fury raged within him, and he found himself imagining all sorts of ways he would avenge himself on the Black Tuna Gang should they harm a hair on any of their heads.
Kazumo examined that thought for a little. He had only known his new-found siblings for a couple days, yet here he was risking his life to rescue them. It was ridiculous to him that he should care at all about them, he could not even be sure they cared about him. Acting on such a hair-brained scheme simply for virtue was a good way to end up dead in Kazumo's mind. Kazumo stared out over the rest of the harbor and contemplated sneaking back out and leaving. They were samurai after all, the gang was unlikely to harm them at all. The gang would ransom them back to Susumo for the coin.
Unless they wanted us for something else.
Kazumo thought about it, and remembered that the thugs from the capitol were specifically looking for people with their scarlet hair. This indicated someone wanted them, but Kazumo could not figure out who. Their estranged mother came to mind, but it did not quite make sense. If Chiharu's plan was to trap them, then why be so vague with her message. There were a million other lies that would have made it much more likely to capture them, not to mention, why wait until they were all together. Why not capture them one by one on their journey to the capitol? If Chiharu was planning this, she would have relayed such information to their captors. Kazumo could feel a headache coming out trying to understand Chiharu's plan. So much of it hinged on circumstance that it was a wonder they met at all.
Kazumo pushed his mother's plan out of his mind and focused back on the issue in hand. Upon further examination, he understood he was less driven by virtue, and more by practicality. Without the rest of his siblings, another one of Chiharu's clues may be indecipherable. His status as a peasant would also make him an easy target by Susumo, who might want bloody vengeance after letting his niece get captured. All and all, it was the most logical choice to get them out, both for his goals and his own safety. Kazumo nodded to no one but himself at his logical conclusion. To risk one's life just for the sake of family he met two days ago now appeared silly in his mind.
Well…maybe I'd be a little sad if something happened to Kenji. Kazumo admitted to himself.
As time passed, Kazumo listened carefully to the people around him. Slowly but surely, he could hear them slow down, and suspend their searches. As the sounds of yawns and snores began to fill the night, he knew the time was right. Kazumo gently pulled his bag off of his back and pulled out a small leather flask. He slid the cap off and oil poured out from the flask. Kazumo gently poured and rubbed the oil into the edges of the hatch. After a few minutes, Kazumo sealed his flask again and placed it within his bag. He tested pulling on the hatch once more, and found it more willing to give. Only the sound of slight scratching came off of the hatch as he lifted it. Kazumo turned his ear towards the ocean and listened to the waves. At the sound of a wave crashing into the coast, he pulled the hatch open with a slight pop. He froze and perked his ears up, but heard no signs of alarm. Kazumo opened the hatch door completely and gently laid it down upon the floor, before peering down into the opening. The hole was almost pitch black, with the top of a ladder barely visible. He rubbed his hands across the ladder, and found it worn and loose. Kazumo sighed, knowing that the ladder would likely make too much noise if he climbed down it. He paused as he made a quick mental measurement of the lighthouse, if he was correct then the drop in front of him could be no more than fifteen feet.
Just roll as I hit the ground. No problem, right?
Kazumo tried to psych himself up looking down below, but the empty space appeared to him as a gaping maw. His mind raced in search of a safer way to get to the bottom without jumping, but every alternative led to a dead end. He knew if he messed it up, hitting the ground would cause a ruckus, and that is assuming he did not cry out in pain. Worse still if he twisted his ankle on the landing. Kazumo breathed deeply through his nose and calmed himself. It was his only option. He just had to get it right.
In a single motion, Kazumo dropped himself through the hatch, and pulled himself into a roll as he hit the wooden floor. With only the sound of his clothes rustling in the wind to mark he was there, Kazumo quickly pulled himself to the nearest wall. He strained his ears to hear if anyone was approaching, but no sound came. Now that he was in the room, he could see a door that led deeper into the compound.
Kazumo slid his head towards the edge of the doorway to listen, but he could not hear any movement. Sensing an opportunity, he quietly slid the door ajar and peered into the room. Beyond the door was a long foyer with a large set of double doors in the middle and a hallway near Kazumo. Kazumo could still hear people laughing and talking from behind the double doors, and saw the faintest trial of smoke escape past the doors.
The opium den.
The toothless greeter from earlier and another thug sat by the double doors with candles besides them. At first Kazumo thought both of them had gone asleep, but the toothless man groaned and rubbed his neck.
Hope it hurts to breathe. Kazumo fumed, surprising himself with how much fury he felt upon seeing the man.
The sight and sound of the knife striking Azumi replayed in his mind, even though he knew that she was safe. He could not help but imagine that knife piercing flesh and seeing his sister falling lifelessly in front of him. Kazumo shook the idea from his head, and focused back on the situation. His siblings needed his help now, he could not afford to dwell on what ifs.
Kazumo stood silent and waited for an opportunity. He knew the key to success was patience above all else. Each minute felt like an eternity, but finally an opportunity arose. The toothless man started coughing violently, which woke the other guard and he turned to cuff the toothless man irritably, which started the two arguing with one another. As the two were distracted, Kazumo slid the door open just enough to squeeze past, and then closed it behind him. His feet padded lightly upon the floor as he quickly made his way into the hallway.
The hallway was a tight fit, and was lined with doors leading to both the smoke room on the left, and others on the right. Kazumo stared at the doors trying to discern which one could lead to his siblings. Then he spied upon a door markedly different from the rest at the end of the hallway. It was sturdier, constructed of thick wood rather than washi paper and with a large lock hanging off of its handle. Kazumo zeroed in on that door and shuffled his way towards it. As he got close, he heard a familiar voice from behind a screen door.
"You really should eat Kuni-san. I'd hate for one of my honored guests to go hungry."
Kawabata Dai
Kazumo's curiosity got the better of him, as he leaned closer to the door to listen. From the screen door he could recognize the silhouette of his sister, with two figures flanking her.
"Lost my appetite." Azumi growled.
"Isn't it great disrespect for a samurai to refuse the food of their caretaker?" Dai asked cheekily.
"Yes." grunted Azumi. A pause followed, and Kazumo grinned.
"Well, I suppose fasting is trendy, and much needed." Dai spat out.
"Get to the point?" Azumi asked.
"Whatever do you mean Kuni-san?"
"Ransoming us back to my uncle won't work." Azumi replied dryly.
"Oh ho ho, you think I'm trying to ransom you back?" Dai replied with his cheer returning to his voice. "It appears someone is not in the know." Azumi remained silent as Dai continued.
"Oh no my dear scarlet headed samurai. Someone is very interested in you."
"Who?" Azumi demanded.
"You'll find out soon enough I'm afraid." Dai returned, confidence returning to his voice.
Azumi growled and stood up, causing the guards to grab onto her shoulders. Kazumo felt a pit of fear in his stomach as he watched.
"I'd remember your companions my dear Kuni-san." Dai said, his voice sharp, "If you lash out, who knows what will happen to them."
Kazumo held his breath as he watched Kuni standing still, likely contemplating her next move. He prayed to the Kami that Azumi could be patient for just a little longer.
"Look I can at least promise that whoever wants you is paying well enough to get you all unharmed, though it is a missed opportunity." Dai mused. "I would be willing to look the other way for you since I have the three others, so long as you put a good word for me to your uncle."
"A good word?" Azumi seethed.
"Oh you know the simple stuff, promise to no longer interfere with my business, a few land rights. You know maybe this ransom thing isn't such a bad idea. I'm sure the others would understand. What do you think of that?" Dai offered.
"I'd rather die." Azumi grumbled.
There was the sound of a fist slamming into a table in frustration, "And I can very well make that happen." Dai roared. There was a pause, and when Dai spoke again it appeared his temper was back under control, "Take her to her quarters." He snapped. "And please remember, if you try to escape, I can no longer guarantee the safety of your companions."
The two guards pointed what appeared to be spears from the silhouettes, and Azumi got up to leave the room. Thankfully they went towards a door opposite Kazumo.
Kazumo turned his attention back to the locked door when he heard Dai speak up again.
"Go get me something to drink!" He ordered. Kazumo returned his attention back to the door as he noticed another silhouette walk in front of it and come in his direction. Reacting fast, Kazumo scanned his surroundings for a place to hide. The tight corridor had no corners to conceal himself, and he did not have enough time to make it to the end of the hallway without running. He could not risk going into a room, as there could be someone within them. As he searched around, he noticed the ceiling of the hallway was taller than the door frames. Using the tight hallway to his advantage, he gently pressed his limbs onto the walls and shimmied his way to the ceiling. With the speed of the wind, Kazumo climbed up to the rafters, using his arms and legs to push against the walls to keep himself up. As the person opened the door, Kazumo took a breath and held it. Kazumo watched as a servant walked underneath and past him. Kazumo's heart felt like it was trying to burst out from his chest. Kazum stared at the servant as he made his way down the hallway before turning into one of the rooms. As the servant left the hallway, Kazumo finally breathed out, and shimmied his way back towards the floor.
Thank the Kami of the wind that people do not look up.
Kazumo crouched back on the ground, and immediately turned his attention to the lock. He would need to open it before the servant came back. He examined the lock and tested it with a small tug. The lock was sturdy, but he noticed the hole it was put through was less so. The lock was only keeping the doors together with a small piece of wood fastened into the door. Kazumo fished a knife from his backpack, and pressed the blade's edge against wood. With a forceful shove, he managed to pull the point out with a small pop sound. Taking a quick look around to make sure no one was approaching, Kazumo slid the heavy wooden door as carefully as he could. There was a slight creaking noise, but nothing that could carry past the hallway. Kazumo only opened it enough to slide past, and then worked from the other side to fasten the lock back into place. A couple of tugs on the lock bent it back into position. Kazumo knew that any close inspection would reveal it was broken, but it would not look out of place from a distance.
Kazumo then turned his attention to his new location, and found it dimmer than the rest of the building. Only the barest of light shone through some of the wooden planks, making it difficult to see what was in the room. As Kazumo's eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could only make the barest outlines of the walls. Kazumo opted to stalk through the room carefully, relying on his senses of touch and hearing to guide him. As he walked, he could hear mumblings of frustration that then abruptly exploded into a shout of rage. Despite the shock and noise of it, Kazumo's heart lifted as he recognized the voice.
"I cannot believe they have us in these cages!" Kyou shouted out. "It's impossible to sleep in these things."
"No it's impossible to sleep because someone keeps shouting." Tatsuya groaned out. "I was sleeping just fine."
"Please do not argue, beloved siblings. We must remain calm." Kenji spoke.
"And now Kenji's awake too." Tatsuya sighed.
"I had never gone to sleep." Kenji replied.
"See! Just because a vagabond can sleep in these things, doesn't mean a proper samurai can." Kyou argued.
"No need to be concerned for me Kyou-san, I can sleep when I wish, but I am choosing to stay awake." Kenji explained.
"Why would you not want to sleep?" Asked a very tired Tatsuya.
"I want to be ready when Kazumo-san comes to aid us." Kenji replied as if it was obvious. Kazumo could hear both Tatsuya and Kyou sigh.
"Kazumo-KUN is not coming to help us Kenji-san." Kyou explained as if talking to a child.
"Yeah, he's probably not even in Slow Tide Harbor anymore. If I were him, I'd book it." Tatsuya added.
"Kazumo-san is family, he wouldn't abandon us." Kenji argued.
"Kazumo-kun Kenji, we talked about this. He's still a peasant." Kyou exasperated.
"If he is risking his life for our well beings, then he deserves our respect." Kenji said adamantly.
Kazumo could feel his heart strings being tugged at by his brother's faith in him. He also wanted to admonish his other two siblings, but could not deny that it certainly would have been wiser for him to run and leave them to her fates. For the first time it occurred to him the sheer insanity of all he had done and had to stifle a laugh at the absurdity of the situation before he continued downward towards the voices.
"Kenji-san." Tatsuya started. "He's a peasant with no weapons or training up against a massive gang of opium addicts. You understand that risking his life for us would be foolish. Do you think Kazumo-kun is a fool?"
"No…" Kenji replied with a bit of sadness touching his voice. "He's smart enough to figure it out. He will aid us." Kazumo could not help but slow down his pace to hear more of the conversation.
"Kenji-san, you've known him for only two days. I want to believe you, but the bonds of family are not so strong to peasants." Kyou sighed.
"Do not worry Kyou-san and Tatsuya-san, I know it in my heart to be true." Kenji affirmed.
"Oh really? And where is he now then? Is he going to glide on in here like a ghost and set us free?" Kyou finally snapped a little.
"No, I just walked in." Kazumo answered.
Kazumo could hear Kyou jump a little and hit the edge of her cage, causing a slight rattle. His brothers also adjusted in their cages at the noise. Kazumo flinched a little at the noise it generated, but could not help but smile a little.
An orange glow materialized in the room and provided a bit of light. Kazumo wiped away his grin and turned to see Tatsuya with his right hand glowing with fire. As the room illuminated, the three siblings turned their attention to Kazumo.
"KAZ…" Kenji started to shout, but Kazumo brought his finger to his lips in a shush motion.
"Oh sorry… Kazumo!" Kenji whispered with as much excitement as he could as he shook his hands in glee. Kazumo turned his attention back towards the entrance hoping no one had noticed Kenji or Kyou's outburst. Kazumo then took a moment to examine the cages. They appeared to be large iron cages that looked like they were meant more for large fish than people. They were barely large enough to fit his siblings. A bedroll had been placed in there, but he could not help but agree with Kyou on how difficult it looked to sleep.
"What are you doing here?" Kyou demanded.
"He's rescuing us!" Kenji added, causing Kyou to groan.
"How'd he even get in here?" Kyou continued.
"I walked in." Kazumo explained.
"There's no way. Tell us the truth." Kyou ordered.
"I mean, it is an opioid den and it's late at night. He probably did just walk in." Tatsuya offered. Kyou crossed her arms and simmered.
"Fine, just get us out of here already." Kyou demanded.
"Not yet, I need to check around the back, for a way to escape, and scout around for weapons."
"No, you need to open up these cages now." Kyou hissed. "You do not get to deny the order of a samurai."
Kazumo scratched his head in frustration. He wanted his siblings free just as much as anyone else, but knew if he released them without a plan, they'd just get caught. He looked to Kenji desperately. Kenji had a pensive look on his face. He could tell that Kenji trusted his plan, but could not disagree with Kyou. Then Kenji's face lit up, and he turned to Kazumo.
"Kyou's right. Everyone must heed the word of their superiors. Kazumo-kun, I order you to check around back for a way to escape, and scout out for some weapons."
"At once my lord." Kazumo replied as he shuffled away, leaving Kyou flabbergasted.
"What about my order?" Kyou whined.
"I'm the eldest here, and therefore of higher status." Kenji answered firmly.
Kazumo searched the rest of the area, but could not find any other entrances into the area. The wooden beams placed around here were better put together than the lighthouse, so it would not be feasible to bust out. That left the previous entrance as the only way out. Kazumo tried to imagine getting all of his siblings out unnoticed back the way he had come and then immediately discarded the idea. Not only did it depend on them all climbing as well as he could, they still needed to find Azumi. A person who was as stealthy as a landslide. Kazumo knew he would need to adjust his strategy.
There was no way to get out unnoticed, so they would need to make a fight somewhere. The closest set of weapons would be close to the room that Azumi was being interrogated in, which was likely close to where they had taken their katanas.
Kazumo formed a loose plan in his mind, and then returned to his encaged siblings. He found them waiting silently, with Kyou pouting.
"Anything?" Kenji asked.
"The only entrance to this room is the main door, and I couldn't find anything to improvise as a weapon." Kazumo admitted.
"What is the layout of the rest of the building?" Kenji asked in a stern voice. Kazumo quickly detailed to his three siblings the general layout of the opium den as he saw, and where he saw who. The three listened, and even Kyou calmed down to listen carefully.
"I think I have a plan though." Kazumo finished.
Kazumo's mind went back to the main room where Kawabata was, and realized they would have a direct path to him. Tatsuya's monk training would make him capable of fighting bare-hand even against blades, which would allow him to easily defeat a couple guards. Once they were armed, the three could easily overwhelm and capture Kawabata. Once he was their hostage, they just needed to pick up Azumi, who could easily restrain Kawabata in her grip. Kenji and Kyou could then guard Azumi from any would-be rescuers, and they could escape. Even if they could not formally arrest Kawabata, they would at least be safe. Kazumo was about to explain his plan, when Kenji cut him off.
"Do not worry Kazumo! Leave the planning to us." Kenji said with confidence.
"But…"
"If you can open these cage doors, then you have already done much more than one of your station is expected of. Take comfort in that it is now the Samurai's duty to see this through." Kenji instructed... and Kenji could tell the samurai thought he was being comforting.
"I think I have a…" Kazumo interjected, trying desperately to reason with his brother.
"I have already asked too much of you Kazumo-san. Please open the cages, and we shall bring Kawabata to justice." Kenji ended with a surge of gravatas to his voice.
"I'll grant that you are brave Kazumo-kun, but you've only gotten this far by luck. It'll need a samurai's wit to finish this." Kyou admitted.
That samurai's wit didn't stop you from getting caught earlier.
Every fiber of his being wanted to argue, for Kazumo knew how to escape with the skills available. With a deep breath, Kazumo relented to his siblings. He was, after all, just a peasant. He prayed once more to the Kami that his siblings would make a similar plan, as trying to fight their way out would lead to their capture once more, or worse. Kazumo looked between his siblings, before stopping at Tatsuya. Kazumo had noticed, but did not give his burning hand a second thought.
"Tatsuya-sama?" Kazumo asked with barely a whisper.
"Yes?"
"May I ask about your right hand?" Kazumo asked with growing curiosity. As he asked, the other siblings also turned their attention to Tatsuya's fiery palm.
"What of it?"
"How exactly are you doing that? Is it only producing light, or is it actually hot like a flame?"
"I can channel a Kami of flame into my hand through Kiho," Tatsuya explained as he waved his hand towards the edge of his cage. Kazumo leaned in closer, and could feel the heat from Tatsuya's palm as it moved.
"Are you able to use that to break through the cage?" Kazumo asked with hesitation, as if he was about to speak some insult, or cross some terrible taboo.
"I mean, probably, but it would be easier with an earthen Kiho to strike at the lock…" Tatsuya explained, and Kazumo saw a passion he had never seen before in the man light up in his eyes as he spoke of Kiho.
"You could have broken us out of here at any time?" Kyou rasped while trying to invoke as much rage as possible while staying quiet. Kazumo watched the spark in Tatsuya's eye disappear as his facade of laziness returned to him.
"It's not like it would matter," Tatsuya mumbled as he lost interest in the conversation.
"And why would it not matter for us to break out?" Kyou demanded like a stern mother scolding a child.
"Because we're samurai… they're just going to ransom us away or something equally boring. This is what happens when you get kidnapped," Tatsuya spoke while talking down to Kyou.
"He's not going to ransom you all." Kazumo spoke with a tinge of urgency in his voice.
"Why not?" Tatsuya asked.
"I…" Kazumo started but stopped when he remembered he overheard the conversation in secret. He paused, he knew Tatsuya might not care, but if Kyou and Kenji knew that it had been an overheard conversation ostensibly meant to be in private, then their samurai honor would dictate that they ignore it and any information contained therein.
"Kawabata Dai-san was speaking to Azumi-sama." Kenji spoke, as an idea came together in his head. "And as Azumi-sama's faithful servant, I made sure to listen in, as she would assuredly want to pass this message along to her siblings." Kazumo finished and eyed his siblings. Kenji and Tatsuya simply waited to explain further, but Kyou narrowed her eyes at him. Kyou eyed him with suspicion before speaking.
"Then please relay our sister's message to us." She said, resignation in her voice.
Kazumo gave a small sigh of relief before continuing.
"Dai-san told Azumi-sama that someone was particularly interested in red haired samurai, and paid a hefty sum for our capture. He explicitly said he would not ransom us back to Yasuki-sama"
Kazumo watched a look of alarm appear on Kyou's and Kenji's faces, but Tatusya remained nonplussed.
"So he's still not going to do anything to us, and trade us off to someone else. It's no different than being sold to Azumi-san's uncle." Tatsuya said with a slight shrug.
Kazumo was amazed at the lack of care his brother showed, and a quick glance around the room affirmed that his other siblings shared the same reaction.
"Tatsuya-san, does this revelation of a mysterious buyer not disturb you?" Kenji asked gingerly.
"Not at all." Tatsuya replied as he laid his head back down to sleep. "I mean, if you guys want to break out now, I won't stop you, but I'd rather get some sleep."
"Then you can rot here, while we go and do something. Kazumo-kun, open the cages." Kyou ordered.
"We need him…" Kazumo tried to argue, but was cut off.
"If he's not going to help, then we will have to figure out something else. Now open the cage, I will not ask again." Kyou spoke in a stern tone.
"We cannot force our brother to act, Kazumo-san. The two of us will have to defeat the gang and release him and Azumi-san once it's safe." Kenji spoke gently. Kazumo turned his attention back to Kyou, his eyes pleading with his sister to see reason. Kazumo knew in his head that Tatsuya's unarmed fighting was the only way to take out guards safely. Kenji and Kyou might be able to do it, but there was a much greater risk of one of them getting wounded, or worse.
After a few tense moments staring into Kyou's eyes, Kazumo could see her resolve soften. Kyou grimaced and turned her attention away from Kazumo and pulled her hand up to her chin to ponder. She then took a deep breath and released it alongside her anger. Kyou said her head back up, and her face was now the model look of a samurai; pure and without emotion.
"I take it it's not the first time you've been ransomed?" Kyou asked.
"Oh yeah." Tatsuya responded.
"Please forgive my behavior as I have not experienced this before. I should show more respect for your experience in the matter." Kyou stated flatly, causing Tatsuya to shake his head in confusion. Kazumo had noticed the transition, but in truth it was fast enough that anyone not paying as much attention as him would find her now stoic expression startling.
"Kenji-san, given Tatsuya-san's experience with the matter, I think we should trust his judgment and wait. Afterall, he's never been in danger when captured previously."
"Well, I wouldn't say that." Tatsuya admitted.
"Oh?" Kyou politely asked.
"Yeah, there was one time, my captors were promised some koku, but never got paid. It was a whole mess, and I ended up in a sake barrel for two days to escape."
"No samurai should suffer such indignity." Kyou assured Tatsuya.
"Eh, it ended up being fine, so don't worry about it." Tatsuya brushed it off.
"So as long as our captors are paid, there is no risk of us being harmed?"
"Exactly!" Tatsuya smiled while pointing at Kyou.
"That does ease my concern, for I was worried something might happen as we are delivered, but it is good to hear that no such misfortune will befall us."
"Well…
"Oh?"
"One time two groups of people who wanted to ransom me got into a fight, so I had to sneak my way out of that. Spent a whole week in the woods hunting rabbits before I made it back home."
"Then it's good to hear that there was no trouble after being delivered." Kyou said.
"Well…" Tatsuya sucked in air through his teeth as he contemplated his next words.
"Oh?" Kyou pressed further, as Kyou's game became obvious to Kazumo. Much like their talk with Susumo, Kyou was playing dumb to elicit information out of Tatsuya. It dawned upon Kazumo that he was not the only one who recognized Tatsuya's tendency to correct people and now Kyou was taking advantage of it.
"I did have this one uncle who was somewhat unpleasant, and thought he could bully me into agreeing to some nonsense." Tatsuya explained.
"Thankfully it was no worse than some hurtful remarks." Kyou stated.
"Well…" Tatsuya grimaced, knowing what he was about to say would hurt his own case.
"Oh?" Kyou replied once more with perfect samurai etiquette.
"It was a lot more than remarks, but it was definitely hurtful. He thought having me would automatically grant him some land, and found out the hard way that wasn't how it worked. I ended up hiding in a geisha house for a week to escape from him." Tatsuya spoke in a low tone while rubbing his neck in discomfort.
"My apologies then brother. So as long as our captors are paid, nothing or no one interferes with us traveling to our new captor, and our new captor is happy with the results, everything will go well and none of us have any concern that we might be hurt." Kyou spelled out in a way that was perfectly polite in speech, but was absolutely condescending.
Kazumo could only watch on. In these brief moments of calm, Kazumo could not help but be amazed at his sister's tact. When she put her mind to it, she was a skilled courtier that would honor her heritage as an Ikoma.
Tatsuya could only sigh in defeat.
"I just want to go to bed." Tatsuya admitted in desperation.
"Then get your sleep Tatsuya-san. We will most certainly need it in the morning. I just hope Azumi-san is safe." Kyou feigned.
"Why wouldn't she be? They're not hurting us." Tatsuya asked, and Kazumo could spot the barest of smiles on Kyou's face. In an instant, Kazumo knew Tatsuya fell for another of her traps.
"I know, but Azumi-san is related to lord Yasuki-sama who is an enemy of our current captor. I pray that whoever is paying him needs us alive and unharmed, but who knows what lurks in that wicked man's heart. That's even assuming he needs to deliver all of us." Kyou spoke in a sad tone and looked to the ground. Sensing an opportunity, Kazumo spoke.
"He did mention that he didn't need to hand over Azumi-sama to his benefactor. He offered to still ransom her back to her uncle in exchange for favors. Azumi-sama of course refused the man which infuriated him. He was quick to remind her that he could have her and us killed."
Kyou gave a feigned gasp of shock, as Kenji gave a real gasp of shock. Tatsuya cringed in his cage before speaking.
"I mean she'll be fine."
"I'm sure she will brother. Go ahead and get some rest while you can. In truth, what really prevents me from sleeping is my concern for our sister." Kyou looked into Tatsuya's eyes with a tinge of sadness in her face, as Tatsuya's face grew ever more concerned.
"There is a shadow in my mind that can only imagine horrors. I envy your ability to ignore such intrusive thoughts and sleep soundly without knowing if our sister is safe. I cannot help but imagine what would happen should I awake and find our dear sister…"
Kyou was interrupted by a sharp sound of metal breaking. Tatsuya's left hand had covered itself in stone and dirt like a craggy gauntlet, and in a single motion he snapped the lock on his cage. Tatsuya exited his cage with a groan. Once free, he stretched his arms and limbs as his bones popped in response. He turned to each of his siblings before sighing.
"I'm never going to get any sleep around you all." He said with a scowl.