The Crane stood peering into the cool night sky. Patches of dark ominous clouds blanketed the heavens, but the large full moon was free of cover, and he gazed at it, pondering it's beauty. The slight breeze pushed a lock of his white hair into his face, and he hooked it back behind his ear without a care. On the small outcropped hill of dirt, rock, and grass that he stood on he could see the blacker than night horizon to the south. It seemed to be actually swallowing up the dark, night sky. And to his flank the beautiful, twinkling lights shined from Otosan Uchi. A smile played across his lips, even though he knew of the storm that was coming. He didn't know why he smiled. It just happened. It was his way. Then his smile broadened as he heard his friend approach by horse behind him.
His horse whinnied as the rider pulled back on the reigns of his own steed and brought it to a halt next to the Crane's. The man was older then him. Four years older to be exact, but they had both always considered the other to be an equal. The rider dismounted and pulled back the hood of his fine cloak, letting the moon light dance upon his dark golden hair.
"So happy you could make it", the Crane said with his arms resting inside the other's sleeves, "Toturi-san. ...Or perhaps I should say ‘sama', or even just ‘Emperor'! Tell me! Which will do?", he said with a playful grin on his lips as he bowed.
Toturi glowered slightly, "You jest me, Hoturi-san, old friend! Please, do not!" The Lion seemed truly agitated.
Straightening he held his hands up in an attempt to settle him, "I'm sorry, my old friend. I should be more thoughtful. You have a lot to worry about now, and here I am making light of the situation."
"When have you not?", a slight smile finally crossing the Akodo's lips. "But come and tell me why you wanted to see me alone way out here in the middle of no where."
"I did not want our conversation to fall on the court's ears.", he said, "Besides, it's much too formal for the likes of us in there... And it is such a beautiful night."
Toturi huffed, "Is it? I had not noticed. I suppose it could be said."
Hoturi's eyebrows furrowed in concern, but he did not speak of it. Instead he went on, "You know, the Crab are losing the wall. Daidoji Uji has gone there with an army of bushi, but they are falling. The Shadowlands have a strength and purpose to it like none has ever seen. With many of the clans still in disarray, I was thinking that maybe you should call off this hunt against the Scorpion. They..."
"No!!", Toturi said lividly, "They've caused no end of trouble, and finally we will be rid of them!"
"Perhaps they are trouble, but they were just being loyal to their lord!", Hoturi's eyes seemed filled with compassion, "Don't make them all suffer for one man's failing."
"The Wasp are being called back for now, anyway, to help ready against the Shadowlands. But I have decreed it! The Scorpion must be destroyed!"
Hoturi shook his head ever so lightly, and stared into his friends eyes, "Have you thought, old friend, that maybe you are wrong?"
"Watch your mouth, Hoturi!", Toturi glared coldly, "To say your Emperor is wrong is nothing short of blasphemy!"
The Crane only stood there with a bewildered look on his face. He was very relieved he hadn't done this back at the palace now. For his friends sake.
"What has happened to you? You are not the Toturi I grew up with. You have changed!"
"I...I have...not...I...", Toturi stammered.
"Yes. Yes you have.", Hoturi said cooly, "and I'm afraid for the man I once knew." He strode over to his horse and mounted it in one graceful gesture.
"I can see there is no sense in talking to you now. I will take my leave of you, my Emperor, to make sure the Crane stand ready to the defense of the Empire. Good eve."
Before Toturi could say anything, Hoturi was gone. He stood on the hill, the cool evening air breezing past him, and he scowled. He's wrong, he thought. Perhaps I have changed, but it was necessary. And I am right in this. The Scorpion must be destroyed. Their sinister machinations must be put to an end. He mounted his horse and looked to the Crane riding off into the night, his shape still visible by the bright moon. Toturi sighed.
"What will happen to us, my old friend?", he mused. "I'm sorry, but it must be this way." Then Toturi kicked at the sides of his steed and headed back to Otosan Uchi, leaving the hills to the sound of the grass swaying in the wind.
