Bukōshōgendaizenmon's Request

Life, Organisation Association

Coming out of his meditative state, Maxim felt the fruits of his efforts. He had attained a greater level of influence over Hostimentum, the infernal armor that sometimes girded his form. He could not yet say, however, that it would produce any concrete effects in battle. Haures was sitting nearby, staring at the wall placidly, but that was not what had disturbed his rest. From the intermittent splashing in the entry tunnel and the looming sense of resentment that washed over him, someone dangerous was approaching.

Haures told him to be ready, but Maxim was already on his feet, hand on Hokkuken's hilt. When his visitor stepped out from the waterway's mouth, however, she was not immediately hostile. Garbed in a fine cloak that hid most of her form, she bore a golden naginata strapped across her back and a fierceness of bearing that rivaled Maxim's own.   The woman introduced herself as Bukōshōgendaizenmon, but understood that such a name might be too much for a foreigner. She instead allowed Maxim to simply call her "Tomo." Indeed, it was because of Maxim's foreign origins that she had come to him first. She had a vengeance she wished him to carry out, and on behalf of the Black Ocean Soceity, she was here to make a formal request.   Maxim's new instincts flared at Tomo's words. They told him that not only was the vengeance grown from a deep and powerful grudge, but that it ran in the supplicant's very blood. Some form of familial relation was involved.   Wary, but interested, Maxim asked to know more about the request. A name, at the very least, would be required before he would give any affirmation or rejection regarding Tomo's terms. She hesitated, but eventually consented. Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the target to be slain. Nor would it be an easy task. Yoshitsune was a hero legendary and beloved by the people of Japan, and she was rarely without her formidable bodyguard, Musashibō Benkei. No sane Japanese Samurai would agree to such a target, and so Maxim had been chosen instead.   Although concerned about what effects such an action might have on his relationship with his allies in this land, Maxim had other interests to consider as well. He accepted.   Obviously pleased, Tomo declared Maxim a Samurai, and her his Shogun. The meaning of this was lost on the swordsman, but seemed of great importance to Tomo, whose imperious bearing only increased now that he was officially serving her. The task could be undertaken at his convenience, and she would not expect him to accomplish it alone. Tomo herself would lend her aid in ending Yoshitsune's already long life. She went on to say that other members of the Black Ocean Society could be convinced to join in as well, should Maxim consider himself unequal to the task.   Having given his assent, Maxim promised to pursue this vengeance sometime in the future. In the meantime, Tomo said, she would be in hiding, lest Yoshitsune's allies recognize her. Should he wish to speak with her, the masked man in the depths of Wakigami Castle could facilitate such a connection.   With that, Tomo departed, leaving Maxim alone with Haures. The duchess expressed her joy at such an abundance of vendettas to pursue as, with only a bit of struggle and complaint, Maxim picked her up and exited the waterway.