Fox Under Maple

Chapter One

It was a shining day as a young man strolled across the uneven road, kicking a rock along his path. The young man's journey was silent save for the crunching of dirt beneath his steps and the clattering of the rock each time it was kicked. The trees were vibrant with the color of fall, their red leaves drifting through the air. The air was a mild chill, contrasting the sun's heat beaming down upon him. The young man carried a pack over his shoulder, and wore a wide straw hat over his head. He was sharply featured, with brown piercing eyes. His skin was a mild tan that honored a working man. He wore a travelers robe, both thick and worn, and wooden sandals on his feet. His robe waved behind him as he strolled. He stroked his hand through his short hair and let out a sigh. Although he was surrounded by picturesque nature, his thoughts always returned to his quest. Doubt set in his mind, as he wondered what he was doing, and where he was going. He reached a hand into his robes to pull out a white letter with red lining. The letter was handwritten, and decorated with a drawing of a fox resting by a maple tree. The note was wrinkled and worn after being pulled out of his robe and stuffed back in so many times.

Kazumo my dear child,

I know we have never met face to face, and you have no reason to trust me, but I am your mother. I write to you now in my hour of need, as I am hunted by vile forces. I had hoped my absence would keep you free of my struggles, but destiny has chosen for me. I wish nothing more than to see you again, so please come to the capital. I have a safe place for you to finally meet with your long lost family. On the north side of the capital lies a quiet inn called the Sparrow's Nest. Everything will be explained once you arrive. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me, even if I do not deserve it. Although I could not be there for you, I never stopped holding you in my heart.

With Love, Chiharu

Kazumo took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Every part of his mind was screaming that this journey was pointless. His mind was at odds with itself over something that should no longer matter. He had never known his mother, she had left when he was but a baby. It made no sense why he should care, or even why he should trust it. The only thing he had going for him was this letter and his father's word that it was real. Yet, he had to know. He had to know who his mother was.

He clenched fist around his bag, and forced his eyes to look ahead. With a solemn nod to no one but himself, he marched forward, determined to find answers. He travelled down the dirt road, placing every step with purpose, kicking up the dirt as he walked. So determined was he, that he had almost failed to notice a samurai yelling at a tipped cart.

"DAMN YOU!" cried out the samurai.

Kazumo's concentration was destroyed by the outburst. He stopped, stunned for a moment, as he examined the individual. The man was tall with a strong frame and chiseled features. His hair was a dark red with white highlights tied up in a knot atop his head. He wore a fine silken blue and white kimono, denoting a samurai of the Crane clan, although the robe has gotten covered in dirt. A crest of an iron crane emblazoned across his back. A Daidoji. The man was pressed against a fallen cart, which had gotten stuck in a ditch on the side of the road. His sleeves were rolled up his arm, and his muscles tensed with struggle. An old horse waited patiently down the road, grazing on the grass. With great strength, the man heaved the cart upwards and slammed it down onto the road, causing a wheel to come flying off.

"By my freshly baked bread." the samurai lamented, watching the wheel roll to the other side of the road. "Kami spare meee….." He trailed off as the samurai took notice of Kazumo. The two stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. The samurai then sprung into action to set his clothes straight. His arms waved about to dust himself as he adjusted his robes and hair. After tightening his silken sash, he forced out a greeting. "Hello Traveler.

Is it not a blessing of the kami?

To have such fine weather for travel,

for weary men to walk calmly."

The man did his best to maintain a face of calm eloquence during his sudden improvised poetry, but the look of embarrassment was unmistakable. Kazumo carefully stifled the desire to grin at the sincerity of it. I am a peasant, he told himself. I need to be careful around samurai.

"You honor me with such honeyed words." Kazumo spoke calmly, as he bowed before the samurai. "May I offer my aid?."

Daidoji replied kindly, "Oh, you do not need to trouble yourself." as he retrieved the wheel. However, after examining the cart and the wheel once more, he turned to amend his statement. "However, it is right for a peasant to help his superiors in such times. I would be foolish to not accept such aid." Daidoji's face scrunched up, struggling to maintain his facade.

Kazumo nodded calmly and fished some simple tools from his bag and walked over to take the wheel. With a sigh of relief, Daidoji lifted the cart once more as Kazumo set the wheel back into cart itself was quite large, at least ten feet in length and half as wide. Kazumo could only imagine why a man would need such a large cart, but, given that he was a Crane, it was probably spare clothes. Focus idiot, less your demented humor be the death of you. One bad joke is all the excuse a samurai needs to cut you down. Kazumo thought to himself. Kazumo's hands smoothly worked to hammer the wheel back into its socket before Daidoji's strength gave out. The wheel popped back into place as Daidoji carefully placed the cart down with a grunt.

Daidoji let out a sigh as he wiped his brow with his hand. "Thank you." he nodded to Kazumo, before turning his attention to the horse. "Roba!" he shouted as he went to retrieve the horse. As the horse was led back, Kazumo tied it back to the cart. "You are too kind to be a stranger! What should I call you?" Daidoji smiled at Kazumo. Kazumo was unnerved by how friendly the samurai was. Most samurai, especially Crane, hid their emotions behind a mask of stoicism, and could not even be bothered to be near a peasant, much less talk to one. Then again, there are no other samurai around, it's not like I can shame him for a lack of proper etiquette.

Kazumo bowed once more before saying "My name is Kazumo, Daidoji-sama."

"Ah, you recognize the mighty crest of the iron Crane." Daidoji nodded pleasantly surprised, as Kazumo swore silently. "Are you traveling to the capital?" Daidoji asked, pointing down the road.

"I am, honored samurai, to visit family.'' said Kazumo quietly.

A quiet that was shattered by Daidoji exclaiming "ME TOO!'' as his face exploded with joy. "I Must insist that you travel with me." Daidoji leaned forward in excitement, causing Kazumo to stumble back. "Onward, Roba!" Daidoji shouted as he pressed the horse to start moving. Kazumo regained his balance and adjusted his clothing. At least he is a friendly sort, thought Kazumo. Hopefully his eccentricities end there.

The two continued their journey once more. The Daidoji walked with his chest puffed out and a light smile on his lips. Kazumo shadowed a few steps behind, and examined the samurai more closely. What struck Kazumo most of all was the samurai's hair. Although the white highlights were common amongst the Crane, having dark red hair was not. Stranger still, it did not appear to be dyed, and what bothered Kazumo most of all was that it matched his own hair color. Kazumo had never seen another person with his peculiar shade of hair. Black hair was almost universal among the inhabitants of Rokugan. Anyone who did not have black hair might as well have been a literal unicorn. Kazumo felt lucky that he was wearing a hat to cover, as he got used to hiding his hair color from those who would jeer at it. If Daidoji saw it, Kazumo mused, he might very well assault me in his joy.

The two continued down the dirt path, inching ever closer to the capital. For the rest of the trip they remained silent, save for Daidoji humming to himself. As the two marched, the sun faded until they were forced to stop as the air went cold. Daidoji lifted a woodman's axe from the cart and ordered Kazumo to gather kindling. Daidoji set forth to hew some branches and gather wood, while Kazumo stalked the woods for small twigs and scraps of bark. Before long the two had built up a great pile on the side of the road and set it ablaze with a stroke of flint. The two warmed their souls by the blazing fire, before deciding on dinner. Kazumo retrieved a stale piece of bread from his bag, while Daidoji excitedly picked through his cart. Daidoji muttered to himself about what he would prepare for tonight. Kazumo chewed away at his meal watching the samurai prepare himself a stew. It was nothing complicated, just some miso soup, but Daidoji applied himself passionately. Each ingredient was placed carefully into a bowl over the fire. First the miso paste, then some crushed spinach, and finally a chopped onion. As Daidoji chopped the onion, Kazumo watched his handiwork carefully. The samurai handled the knife with practiced ease, and no doubt his skill with a katana was even more fearsome. He is certainly a fool, thought Kazumo, but a well trained one. As the water boiled, Daidoji uttered prayers over the meal with the same devotion one would show at a temple. As the soup finished cooking, Daidoji grabbed himself a bowl and utensils and ladled himself a steaming hot bowl of miso soup. He took a moment to breathe in the smell of his meal before digging in. Kazumo could not help but enjoy the strong aroma as well, though the comparison made his piece of bread feel like a rock in his hand. The smell made him reminisce of the cooking back in his home. All at once, Kazumo felt homesick, and wanted nothing more than to return home and eat a warm meal with his father. Kazumo centered himself. Life is a hardship, and I will endure. He thought to himself. He cleared his mind, and focused on his goal, letting all else fade away. He would not return home until his quest was complete. Kazumo closed his eyes and worked the bread methodically. Nothing will stop me from getting answers.

This exercise of resolve was interrupted by a wooden bowl being tossed into his lap. Kazumo opened his eyes with a start and looked at the bowl then Daidoji. Daidoji shrugged and replied "I made too much, and better you have it than the dirt" before helping himself to another bowl.

"But I am a peasant, which is lower than dirt." commented Kazumo.

Daidoji gave a wry smile and responded "You're in luck, as the dirt has stained my robes, so I have sworn vengeance on it."

Kazumo felt a grin spread across his face, to which he quickly wiped away with his hand. "Thank you, Daidoji-sama." spoke Kazumo after a moment before cautiously filling his bowl. Daidoji only nodded in reply, and continued his meal. The two ate in silence while the campfire died down. Kazumo was grateful that he had something to soften the bread. Once Daidoji was done, he tended to his horse and tied it off to a tree for the evening, as well as feeding her some grain. As the fire was reduced to embers, the two laid themselves down to sleep. They put themselves out of vision of the road to avoid unwanted visitors from the living, and prayed to the kami to avoid unwanted visitors from the dead. Before long, the two fell asleep as the night carried on.

As the sun broke the sky, Kazumo woke from his spot under the trees suddenly and looked around. To his relief, the only things around him were trees and a snoring Daidoji. Kazumo silently packed his things, and examined the samurai. In his humorous instincts, Kazumo decided to intentionally crunch some leaves beneath his feat, just to see if the samurai would react. To Kazumo's surprise, Daidoji awoke and reached for his blade. He launched upwards ready to defend himself.

"My apologies Daidoji-sama." spoke Kazumo as he bowed deeply. Daidoji's smile returned to him once more as he stood up.

"It is just as well, I hope to reach the capital today." Daidoji stretched as he walked to his horse to get ready. Kazumo looked down the road, and calculated the distance remaining in his head.

"Even if we hurry, we may not make it until nightfall." speculated Kazumo.

Daidoji cheered loud enough to make Kazumo jump. "Then we have no time to waste!" From any other person, Kazumo would have thought such behavior mad, but something about Daidoji made it endearing. The two hurried back onto the road and set out. Daidoji pressed the horse into moving quickly, and walked alongside it. Daidoji's long legs made it no issue to keep a fast pace, although Kazumo had to almost run to stay with them. The two would stop occasionally to either catch their breath, or fill up at a well placed alongside the road. After a few hours, the capital city was in sight. Its shining magnificence appeared just out of reach, which only motivated Daidoji to walk faster. As the hours passed, the city only inched closer and the sun began to sink. The two emptied their water skins as they pressed themselves forward. Even Kazumo could not help but be excited. Daidoji was a constant stream of motivational speeches to both Kazumo and the horse. As evening approached, the two began to jog down the road sweating and huffing as they traveled. As they hurried, they managed to frighten more than a couple travelers. More than a few gave Kazumo a dirty look, but Kazumo would gesture to the samurai, and no peasant would dare risk offending him. Kazumo had to cover his face to prevent himself from laughing at all the merchants too scared to question the Daidoji happily running down the road.

As the gates came into view, Daidoji finally let up, allowing Kazumo to catch his breath. The hours of pushing himself had suddenly caught up with Kazumo, causing him to wheeze and clutch his chest. As Kazumo rested, a change came over Daidoji. His stance shifted, and he carefully adjusted his robes. Then he pulled a mirror out of his cart and handed it over to Kazumo. Kazumo stared at the mirror in confusion before remembering that despite his bold disposition, Daidoji was still a Crane, and looks were very important to them. Kazumo held the mirror in front of him as Daidoji fixed his hair. With a sudden delicateness, Daidoji adjusted the mirror and fixed his robes, occasionally grabbing ornaments and jewelry out of his cart and trying them on. He swapped out his travel robes for some finer garments, embroidered with swaying patterns to mimic the ocean. "Should I wear the earrings and this bracelet?" Daidoji directed the question at Kazumo, who took a few seconds to realize that.

"You're asking me?" asked Kazumo, even more confused. Daidoji only nodded in response as he tied his hair into a knot. Kazumo scanned him quickly and almost responded with a "you look great my lord", before taking another look at the bracelet. It was a wooden bracelet embedded with common gemstones that did not match. It looks like a child made it, thought Kazumo, and desired to tell the samurai just that. That would be a fast way to get myself cut down, thought Kazumo as well. Kazumo decided a more tactful approach was in order. "If you wish to make a powerful impression, I would keep both, but, if you wish for a more simplistic beauty, I would only wear the earrings." Kazumo explained.

Daidoji, nodding as if he had heard a sage's advice, opted to remove the bracelet to Kazumo's relief. Daidoji stood before the mirror once more, testing out poses and greetings. It was suddenly clear to Kazumo how much Daidoji wanted to be a proper samurai to his peers. His friendly nature was pulled back behind a metaphorical mask.

"Nothing in Hidari shall offend the Emperor's eye, and I shall be the same." murmured Daidoji. Kazumo looked towards the gates into the city and thought to himself, The Hidari district, also known as the Emperor's Road. Built by the Crane to be the finest of the outer districts of the Otosan Uchi, the center of Rokugan. The soft lights of the district beckended the two from afar. As Daidoji psyched himself up, Kazumo felt a twinge of sympathy for the samurai. Kazumo knew the look of a man who spent his whole life trying to prove himself.

With one last deep breath, Daidoji walked towards the entrance. The sun had settled into dawn, casting large shadows on the two as they approached the capital. Before them stood a massive gate flanked by the outer wall of Otosan Uchi, with jade arches resting above the gate. Daidoji honed his face into a mask of calm and grace. His walk morphed from a bold bravado into a controlled walk, as if he was walking across a rope. Kazumo, in contrast, trailed Daidoji like a shadow. He kept his movements simple and bowed his head to avoid attention. Although not as fancy as a Crane's walk, hiding in plain sight is its own art, thought Kazumo. Before long the two approached the gate, just as the two guards finished checking someone in. Two samurai in green and white armor stood at the gates. "What brings you to the fair Hidari?" one of the guards politely requested. "Destiny!" responded Daidoji with a stoic face, before quickly coughing and amending his statement. "Ahem, my apologies, I am visiting family."

The guard politely nodded before requesting "May I see your travel papers?" There was a brief moment where Kazumo began to panic internally, before Daidoji pulled his papers out of the cart and presented them. At this point, Kazumo was convinced Daidoji's cart was a portal to another world. The guard looked them over under candle light, writing notes down upon a scroll. "Your name?" asked the guard.

"Daidoji Kenji," Kenji answered. Kenji whirled around to Kazumo and said "And this one is with me as well."

The two guards were shocked to find another person behind Kenji. The other guard spoke first. "Do you have your travel papers?" He asked Kazumo accusingly. Kazumo hesitated, as he did not. He had hoped to enter discreetly.

"Kazumo-kun is under my service, my travel papers should cover for him as well." offered Kenji.

The first guard gave a reluctant look as the papers definitely did not, but relented. "Do you take responsibility for this peasant?"

"Happily!" Kenji calmly replied.

The Seppun guard shrugged lightly to his counterpart, who still glared at the pair of them suspiciously, but finally nodded with some reluctance. The first guard wrote something extra down on a scroll and the travel papers before handing them back. "I wish you and your family a warm stay Daidoji-san."

Kenji bowed deeply as he accepted the papers and replied "Thank you Seppun-sama." A wave of relief came over Kazumo as he followed Kenji into the city.

The two were bathed in the soft glow of the Hidari District as they entered. Candles and lanterns illuminated the roads as the sun died down. The road was lined with marketplaces, selling every comfort imaginable. The smell of fried dumplings and steamed rice filled the air, as women danced, and merchants bartered. Every building was elegantly crafted, with tiled roofs, stone walls, and paper screens. Murals adorned the stone walls, and made the whole district look like a painting. The two took a moment to breathe in the atmosphere before Kazumo turned to Kenji. "Thank you Daidoji-sama, but I must go meet with my family." Kazumo bowed.

"Of course Kazumo-kun. I wish you the best of luck, and hope our paths will cross once more." nodded Kenji.

"I will never forget your kindness, Daidoji-sama." responded Kazumo before walking away, as Daidoji turned his attention to his horse. Despite himself, Kazumo found himself enjoying Kenji's companionship, and would miss his cheery nature. Kami willing, maybe our paths will cross again.

Kazumo snaked his way through the alley ways. Kazumo finally had the chance to focus on his mission once more. The Sparrow's nest would be found in the northern district of Toyotomi, probably the closest thing to slums the capital had. Kazumo hurried to make it there before the sun had completely gone down. The benefit of peasantry was that no one noticed Kazumo as he marched across the capital. Kazumo was truly thankful of Kenji's kindness, but knew better than to assume other samurai would act similarly. Kazumo pushed the enchanting sights and smells of the capital out of his mind, as he narrowed in on his goal once more. Before long, the gilded streets and samurai gave away to worn buildings and humbler folk. The light had almost faded entirely, but a lantern Kazumo had snagged from the Hidari district guided him. He scanned every building and every sign, until he came across a worn down inn, so unremarkable it was hard to notice. The Sparrow's Nest read Kazumo on its sign. Kazumo sighed as he pondered once more. Will I really find my mother here? Kazumo thought as he stared at the decrepit inn. Only one way to find out, he concluded before entering the inn.

The interior was better kept than the outside, with wooden tables and plain mats on the floor. The place was illuminated by some well placed candles. A paper screen separated the general area from the rooms.

A hostess greeted him from a chair near the entrance "Welcome to the Sparrow's Nest. How may we serve?" She was a meek middle aged woman, clearly tired, but forcing a soft smile regardless.

"Just need a night to rest, and a meal." explained Kazumo as he pulled some zeni to pay.

"You're in luck, we still have some hot noodles left over. We also have plenty of rooms, so feel free to grab one that's empty." spoke the hostess gently.

"Thank you kindly." replied Kazumo as he handed over some zeni. The hostess yawned as she counted the coins, but nodded as Kazumo passed. Kazumo walked into the main room, and looked around. The place was empty, except for one person who immediately caught Kazumo's eye. There a thin woman with long crimson hair across her face rested against the wall. Kazumo felt his heart stop as he stared from across the room. Was that really her? Kazumo asked himself. His pulse was pounding, and he forced himself to approach her. Kazumo could not help but feel nervous as he approached her. What should I say? What is she like? Kazumo's mind races trying to find the best words but all he could say was "Chiharu?" The woman awoke and brushed the hair out her face, before looking up. Kazumo was immediately crestfallen as he looked at her. This woman was younger than he was, there's no way she was his mother.

Kazumo sighed in disappointment, which caused the woman to shout out. "What are you looking at peasant!" The woman arose and got into Kazumo's face. "Was my presence offending you?" spat out the woman.

It was at this moment that Kazumo started noticing the katana resting at her hips, denoting a samurai. Worse still, her robes were a mix of yellows and browns, denoting a Lion. And as if that was not already something Kazumo did not want mad at him, he spotted a large axe resting against the wall next to her. Matsu! Of all the things I could've gotten mad at me, I angered the berserker. The woman tried to stare down Kazumo, but, given that she was shorter than him, only made Kazumo want to laugh. He felt his smile creeping up his lips as he struggled to maintain composure. This, of course, only aggravated the samurai further, as Kazumo internally cursed his own sense of humor.

"You lowly little peasant think you can look down upon me? I should cut you down for such insolence. How dare you be disappointed in me. I was the finest warrior in my school, and the most beautiful poet. To think how much you peasants rely on us samurai for protection, but have the gall to be anything but grateful. You should be on your hands and knees thankful to even be in the presence of someone like me." The woman ranted in a dramatic style, as if putting on a play. Kazumo pulled off his hat, dropped to his knees and bowed. "My deepest apologies Matsu-sama, I meant.."

"I am an Ikoma." she interrupted. "Ikoma Kyou, You speck of dirt! How dare you not call me by my father's name. You think I am not good enough to represent the Ikoma?" yelled Kyou. Kazumo opted to stay silent to avoid aggravating the samurai any further. Kyou paced around Kazumo while belittling him in every way imaginable. Her speech went on for a while before the paper door slid open. Another man wearing green robes stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

"Some of us are trying to read," said the man sleepily as he rubbed his eyes.

Kyou fixed her posture and pointed towards Kazumo. "This ungrateful little stain on the floor dared to disrespect me, an honorable samurai of the Lion!" explained Kyou.

The man gave a sympathetic look to Kazumo "I'm sure he didn't mean anything Matsu-san."

"THAT'S IKOMA-SAN TO YOU." roared Kyou and began hurling a series of horrific invectives at the man. As Kyou attention was focused on the newcomer, Kazumo began to shuffle away from the two, curiously examining the newcomer. He was a lanky man wearing dusty green robes. An elaborate tattoo of a kirin rested on his arm, denoting a member of the Togashi, Kazumo concluded. Well he would assume a Togashi normally, but after meeting this Ikoma he wasn't sure. He could at least be sure he was a member of the Dragon clan. His head was covered in wild curly hair that was...a dark shade of red. Kazumo stopped to rub his eyes and reexamined the two once more. They both had the same red hair as his own. He had thought meeting one person was a wild coincidence, but now he had met three in two days. Kazumo's mind raced trying to explain it. There was no way this was accidental. Why here, why now? Could it be? Kazumo pondered as Kyou berated the exhausted Dragon.

Before Kazumo could say anything, the screen door was launched into the room, barely missing the two samurai. A menacing figure stepped into the room pulling a tetsubo back onto her shoulder. Heavy dark blue robes hung from a samurai taller than even Kenji had been. A hood was raised over her head, and a white mask painted with a fearsome expression hid any features. A Kuni, just what this mess needed mused Kazumo.

A dark feminine voice growled behind the mask. "Where is it?"

The others looked at each other for a second before Togashi spoke up. "Where is what?"

"The demon." said the Kuni dourly.

"There's no demon Kuni-san." replied a confused Togashi.

"I heard mad screams that only a demon could make. Now tell me where it is." explained Kuni in a hurried tone. As the realization of who she was talking about struck them, Togashi snorted and Kazumo had to cover his mouth to avoid laughing. Kyou's face was one of embarrassment and shame.

"It must have been a fearsome, little, demon then." snickered the Togashi. Kyou's face instantly turned to stare daggers at Togashi.

Kyou had started shaking with rage once more as Kuni spoke up. "Yes, where is it? Do you know Togashi-san? How about you peasant?" Kuni turned to Kazumo who shook his head while covering his grin with his hand. "Do you know Matsu-san?" Togashi and Kazumo both mouthed "No" in a vain attempt to stop Kuni, but they were far too late.

"IKOMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" Exploded Kyou as she began running around the room kicking over tables. A panicked Kuni stepped back and fired a blast of green light at Kyou from across the room. The light washed over Kyou, leaving her unharmed. Kuni slowly rotated to the Kuni before asking in a strained tone. "Did you just cast a spell at me?"

"It was Jade Strike," replied Kuni.

"You tried to kill me!" screeched Kyou.

"It only harms creatures of the shadowlands." explained Kuni.

"Do I look like SOMETHING FROM THE SHADOWLANDS?" roared Kyou leaning forward with her fists clenched behind her.

Kuni paused for a few seconds before responding. "You sound like one." Kyou shook her fists at the three of them and growled before sitting down at one of the tables. After a deep breath, she burst into tears and sobbed into the table. Kazumo took a look at the mess around him. At least this night can't get any stranger, Kazumo wrongly assumed, as another man entered the Inn.

"Hello! I am Daidoji Kenji, looking for a room to stay in this fine establishment." announced Kenji to no one in particular. Kazumo could only cover his face and groan. This was going to be a long night.