Usagi Kinotu walked through the halls of Otosan Uchi. He had expected his first visit to the imperial city to be more somber, but this was no wondrous occasion. The Scorpion clan had been actively practicing on the borders of the Hare clan territory, and his father had sent him to entreat the Empress for her assistance against their ambitions. It had been over twenty years since a young, idealistic Scorpion shugenja had protected them from assault, but things had changed.

Less than a year ago, the reluctant champion - Soshi Shinryu - discovered his wife dead and things in the Scorpion clan changed overnight. Usagi magistrates told stories of Scorpion spies and saboteurs, and now their troops were "training" only a few days from Usagi Shiro.

Some whispers in court told of a despondent Scorpion champion who would soon retire, while others told of a betrayal from within. "The Scorpion can not even trust their own" whispered certain Crane courtiers.

As Kinotu approached the guilded doors to the throne room, he was not worried about why the Scorpion had suddenly changed - such things were the providence of courtiers and fools. His only concern was for his clan. The Hare could not survive an assault from one of the great clans, and his father knew it.

Only the Empress could protect them now.

When the Seppun Miharu that guarded the Empress' presence swung open the doors without even asking for his identification, Kinotu realized that someone was expecting him. As he entered the Imperial sanctuary, he realized that it was not just Empress that was expecting him. Soshi Shinryu, Bayushi Kachiko, Bayushi Aramoro and Kachiko's son Dairu were there as well as the usual courtiers. Against the wall was a small selection of Seppun shugenja - just in case someone were foolish enough to try anything.

Kinotu bowed politely to the Empress and the Assembly and waited for permission to speak. He had heard interesting things about her. His father said she was trained among the Dragon and Phoenix, and carried with her a mystical aura, but even that warning did not come close enough to the truth. Kinotu was glad that his face could only be seen by the floor, as perhaps his embarrassment would be concealed. Even at her age, the Empress' beauty was more than he was prepared for.

"Rise, Usagi-san."

It took all of his will to straighten himself and face her like a Samurai should. As the youngest son of a minor clan, most treated him little better than a ronin - but here he was entreating the Empress herself. Her tone was soft, while still being regal beyond that he could imagine. Even as he was facing the marbled tile he imagined that she was reading his thoughts - examining his heart.

It was entirely possible, he reminded himself, that she could be doing exactly that, and the thought gave him an odd sort of strength. If she knew his heart, then she knew that he was an honorable sort - and that he bore the truth.

"Why don't you tell us why you have come here, Kinotu-san" she continued in a soft tone.

It took Kinotu a moment to recover from the shock of hearing the Empress speak his name, but he did so gracefully and addressed the assembly.

"Your majesty", he began, "my father sends his greetings and wishes for your continued health. We hesitate to importune her Majesty, but the hour grows late and only the Emerald Throne can assist us in our need."

Kinotu was keenly aware of the whispers of the courtiers, and began to become self aware. Had he said something he shouldn't have? Was the form of address proper?

"Our magistrates have caught Scorpion spies within our lands, and now their armies are less than a days ride from Shiro Usagi. My father is concerned for his can, and wishes to entreat her Majesty for aid."

Kinotu was keenly aware of the silence that had descended upon the inner chambers, as the courtiers were wondering what the Steel Shadow might be planning. Was he testing tactics that he might be using against their clans?

"Your Majesty", responded Shinryu, "I assure you that we have no desires to annex the Hare to our numbers."

Kinotu's youth caught up to him, and for just a moment he forgot his place. "If you do not wish our farms for your own, then why do your armies and spies harass us!?!" He knew his mistake as soon as he had spoken, but it was too late. The courtiers gasped, and Lady Kachiko showed a slight smile beneath her mask. Shinryu straightened perceptibly, and even beneath his mask the court could see that he was visibly insulted.

"I assure you little hare", Shinryu replied, "if I wanted your lands I would have them and there would be no one left to testify against me."

Kinotu's heart sank as he remembered the Shinryu he had met twenty years ago. That Shinryu had given him a painting of a small rabbit to remember him by, and assured him that nothing would happen to his clan, but this one looked different somehow. The courtiers began to whisper among themselves once again. Shinryu was noted for his tactical genius, but was this true? Could he destroy the clan without even a single survivor to testify?

"Shinryu-san", interrupted the Empress, "you seem a bit testy today."

"I apologize for my outburst", interjected Kinotu, "I fear I may have shamed my clan ..."

"Think nothing of it", replied Kachiko almost as quickly, "I'm sure it was just the harrows of the journey speaking."

"Lady Kachiko covers for me", responded Shinryu in turn, "But I take full responsibility. If her majesty would accept my retirement, I'm sure that Dairu would make an excellent Scorpion Champion."

Kinotu suddenly had the feeling that he was an actor in a Shosuro play. Was he set up by the Lady? Was all this a plot to allow the Junshin to step down for a more "traditional" daimyo? What would happen if it was?

"I agree that you need a change", replied the Empress, "but I am not ready to accept your retirement quite yet."

Kinotu noticed the sly smile that had grown on one of the Crane courtier's lips. What was he up to?

"In fact", the Empress continued with a smile, "I have a gift for you. I have arranged for you to marry one of my cousins."

Only Shinryu showed any emotion - it was clear that he did not approve of this new match. Back when Shinryu's wife was still alive, Kinotu had noticed how much in love they were and for the first time that night he felt sorry for his erstwhile nemesis.

"With all due respect, your majesty" answered Shinryu, "I can not accept such a gracious gift while I am still mourning the passing of my wife."

So they game began, but this time it was different. Shinryu seemed to genuinely hate the idea of being remarried. Perhaps it would be better for all if he were retired, but Kinotu knew that the Empress' would not give up so easily. Kinotu noticed that Kachiko had betrayed no emotion at all - 'appropriate for the mistress of lies', he thought to himself.

"But the days of mourning are almost over", replied "the Empress, "and I wish you to marry soon so that you will serve me much better."

Could one offer such a gift and insult the receiver at the same time? Perhaps the Empress' had been studying with the Crane.

"I wish that I could accept such a gift", replied Shinryu, "But I do not wish to disappoint her majesty any further. Please accept my regrets."

The Empress smiled once again. "But I already told Tomi-chan what a dutiful husband you would be, and she was so looking forward to it."

As if on cue, a young and very beautiful Seppun shugenja stepped forward and Shinryu's jaw dropped. This was something he was evidently unprepared for, and for just a moment his face showed it. Bayushi Kachiko was not so unprepared however, and addressed the Empress for him.

"My Lord is speechless with appreciation, your Majesty, and he accepts your tremendous gift. We will hold the ceremony as soon as the time of mourning has passed."

Kinotu noticed the smile widen on Kachiko's face, and the smile on the Crane's lips turned into horror. Had they all been but a pawn in a political game? Were the trials of the Hare merely a ploy to provide an imperial wife for the Scorpion champion? Anger began to rise in Kinotu, but then he noticed Dairu. He was surprisingly quiet and calm for one who had just been denied his life's ambition.

What had they gotten involved in?

"In time", the Empress continued, "I'm sure that you will make a fine champion, Dairu, but today is not that day."

"I appreciate the Empress' confidence", Dairu replied with modesty.

Now Kinotu was certain that Dairu never intended to take the championship for himself. His mother was plotting something, and he was helping her with it. A quick glance at Aramoro confirmed his worst fears. They were up to something, but what? A shiver ran through Kinotu's spine as he realized that they wouldn't know until it was too late.

His father must know.

Kinotu didn't wish to spend any more time in Otosan Uchi than he needed to. Two years ago, he would have enjoyed an opportunity like this one, but now his duty called him elsewhere. He was about to speak when the Empress addressed him.

"Kinotu-san, it is most appropriate that my magistrates should investigate these problems. Please inform your father that I will send a team at the earliest opportunity."

Kinotu was very relieved at this pronouncement. Not only was his clan going to get help, but she had just given him an excuse to excuse himself early.

"Thank you, your Majesty", he replied sincerely, "I will do so immediately!"

As soon as he turned to leave, Kinotu heard the throng behind him turn to congratulate the new couple, but he was more interested in following through on his commitment. If he had looked, he might have noticed Aramoro and Dairu slipping out, but he didn't - and neither did anyone else.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kinotu stood on the deck of the Mantis vessel watching the sea. He never quite felt relaxed, but the sea breeze helped to calm his nerves a bit. Normally, Kinotu would have traveled by land to get to the capitol, however with all that was happening with the Scorpion his father insisted on the safer route. Kinotu would be glad to get home.

"Does my lord require anything?" Kinotu immediately recognized the soft voice of his father's most trusted servant. Kinotu turned to her, and for a moment got lost in her chestnut eyes.

"No, Kasumi-chan, I will be fine."

'but thanks for asking' was left unspoken. Kinotu sometimes wondered if there could ever be anything between them, but he long ago realized that they were both too honorable for that to happen.

"In fact", he continued, "I was just about to retire for the evening."

"Then I shall bring my lord his evening meal." True to her word, Kasumi escorted him to his cabin, and then returned with the evening meal. Kinotu dove into the food that she had brought with the tenacity of a starving man.

"Be careful my lord", said Kasumi with amusement, "you do not wish to make yourself sick!"

"On your cooking?", replied Kinotu with a smile, "how could I?"

Kinotu blinked when he saw two more figures in his room - a man and a woman. Perhaps he had eaten too much. Just then he felt dizzy, and he went to call out but his voice refused to answer. As he began to slip into unconsciousness, he heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Did he eat too much of the poison?" came the voice.

As he heard the second voice, Kinotu's blood froze. "Of course not. He'll just be out a little longer, that's all." It was his beloved Kasumi's voice. Had she betrayed him?

When Kinotu awoke, he was in an unfamiliar room with Kasumi hovering over him. 'Of course', he thought to himself as he began to come out of it, 'It was all a dream.'

"How are you feeling, Kinotu-sama?" came Kasumi's voice.

"I'm fine", he began, "I think I just ate ..."

His voice trailed off when he noticed her kimono - she was wearing the Scorpion colors, with the Shosuro mon on her shoulder.

"You?" he stuttered. "Yes", came another voice from across the room, "Shosuro Kasumi is one of our best agents."

Dairu.

"She'll keep you happy and healthy", Dairu continued, "while we deal with a small ... problem. When we're all done, you'll be free to go home."

As Dairu rose from his seated position, Kinotu sat up and reached for his daisho only to find it missing. The Scorpion had thought of everything - he was trapped, and his father would never be the wiser. He glanced out the window and saw mountains surrounding him. Undoubtedly they were hidden somewhere in the Spine of the World mountains. The Hare would be absorbed by the Scorpion, and there was nothing he could do. Nothing except pray that the Imperial investigators the Empress promised would get to Shiro Usagi on time. In either case, things were not likely to go well with him.

"Until we meet again", Dairu said with a smile, "why don't you relax and enjoy our hospitality." Kinotu watched Dairu leave, and noted that other than the guards outside the door, he was now alone with Kasumi.

"Feh! Why would I want to enjoy Scorpion hospitality?" he asked with disgust. He felt something silky against his neck, and angrily grabbed it. Pulling it over his shoulder, he noticed with a chill that it was her kimono - and that she was no longer in it.

It was going to be a very long imprisonment.