Fires of the Phoenix

Fires of the Phoenix is a fiction written by Shawn Carman. It is the eighth of ten parts from the Dawn of the Empire promotional ccg set. 

Annotated Story
Previously: Defenders of the Empire.

Kaimetsu-Uo is becoming impatient with Unmei's stories, wishing to hear more about the Day of Thunder. Unmei explains that the past must be remembered to learn its lessons. Unmei begins to tell the story of Isawa.



A servant's voice draws Isawa's attention away from his work, and irritated he asks whet the servant want. The servant announces that news has arrived from the southern villages of the approach of lord Shiba. Isawa asks when his tribe began referring to Shiba as lord, and the servant apologizes. Isawa points out that he has earned the leadership of his tribe. Shiba has done nothing to earn their loyalty, and he and his siblings expect obedience and loyalty simply because of the circumstances of their birth. There is no way of knowing that they are who they say they are. The servant is visibly shaken and Isawa inwardly chides himself for being to quick to anger lately. He would rather be studying his work at Gisei Toshi, but the repeated presence of Shiba and his followers meant Isawa would ahve to remain in this village for now. Isawa tells the servant to show Shiba to an empty house when he arrives, and Isawa will meet him at his own leisure. Until then Isawa does not wish to be disturbed for any reason.

A few hours later Shiba arrives, punctual as always. Isawa was certain Shiba had some positive qualities, but the kami's serenity was just plain maddening. Isawa has no use for serenity, and would wait an appropriate amount of time before meeting with Shiba. It wouldn't do to have the Kami believe himself more important than any mortal visitor. When Isawa finally enters the building where Shiba awaits, he sees Shiba sitting relaxed by a small shrine to the Seven Fortunes. Isawa is slightly annoyed at the small shrine, which Shiba had erected during his first visit, but couldn't remove a shrine dedicated to the gods of his people. Shiba thanks him for meeting with him, knowing he has many responsibilities for his people. Isawa points out that his people are called the Tribe of Isawa or Children of the Earth, and Shiba may call them the Phoenix Clan when he speaks to outsiders but in private there is no need to disguise it. Isawa is only a member of Rokugan because he has no intention of moving from his land. He appreciates Shiba's support of him and his people against [Emperor]] Hantei, but believes they do not require Shiba's protection. Shiba shows no sign of irritation or anger, and merely asks if Isawa knows why he has come. Isawa had hoped it would be about another matter, but knows that Shiba will make the same proposal as before and Isawa will have to decline again. Shiba points out that the attacks to the south are intensifying, and Hida and his men are struggling. Isawa is sorry for them, but it is not his concern. Shiba points out that there have been incidents further north, in Shinjo and Togashi's lands. Shiba is certain it will not be long before creatures find their way to Phoenix lands also, and urges Isawa to join the fight now. Isawa declines again, claiming they will handle any attacks here on their own. Shiba asks if Isawa feels no obligation to others in Rokugan, and the thousands dead and even more that will be killed. Shiba has sent many men to aid in the war, and Asako has sent many healers. Isawa intends to defend his home, but Shiba cannot understand that he would distance himself so from others who share his world. Isawa think no-one can protect everyone, and for the first time Shiba appears irritated. Before Shiba can respond there are shouts from outside. Isawa's daughter, Isawa Akiko, enters and tells them something has happened in Toshi Tetsuharu to the east. Smoke rises in the distance and Isawa turns and asks Shiba if he has had something to do with it. Shiba says Isawa is a fool if he thinks he would harm his own people. Shiba says they must travel there at once and try to save as many lives as possible. Isawa orders Shiba to leave, having had enough of him and the other Kami. Akiko suggests Shiba can help them, and Isawa turns to snap at her but changes his mind. Isawa promises to help but only if Akiko remains here. Akiko promises and Isawa calls for Asako Sagoten, Akiko's betrothed. Sagoten arrives and Isawa orders him to gather Isawa's finest students to leave immediately.

Not long after in Toshi Tetsuharu. The Iron Crane City was named for the unusual coloring on the local water-bird which would hunt fo fish on the nearby coast, and while hardly larger than a village the people there prided themselves on the amount of fish caught and traded. Toshi Tetsuharu is under attack from creatures rising for the sea, impervious to physical attacks and draining moisture by mere touch. By the time Isawa, Shiba, Sagoten and the other students arrive many have been killed. Isawa strides straight into battle, incinerating three instantly. Sagoted and the other students begin systematically destroying the other beasts. Sagoten was the strongest of them, but his water magic was the least effective. Forcing more water into the creatures' forms he shattered them from within. Shiba moved through the city with a speed to rival that of Bayushi, slicing the creatures into too many pieces for them to control. Isawa hovered above the city now, sending massive tendrils of energy out, seeking the creatures throughout the city. Within moments of their arrival the creatures had been decimated. The city was in ruins however, and the fires started by the creatures had destroyed too much before they were put out. Shiba prays for a moment for the dead, before attempting to persuade Isawa further. Isawa conceedes that few will be able to stop this threat and he will offer his finest students to aid in the fight, placing Sagoten in charge of them. Isawa himself will remain in Gisei Toshi however. Shiba cannot allow Sagoten to take part, as his father Asako Yogo is already committed to the force and he cannot ask Asako to risk both her husband and son. Isawa will find someone to take Sagoten's place, but he will not offer any more aid. Shiba thanks him but points out that Isawa will not be able to remain neutral for much longer in this war. Shiba needs Isawa to stop this before it reaches his lands, but Isawa will not help someone who would fail without him. Isawa leaves, and Shiba is left standing in the rain.

To Be Continued in: A Gathering of Thunder.

Characters

 * Kaimetsu-Uo
 * Unmei
 * Isawa
 * Shiba
 * Isawa Akiko
 * Asako Sagoten

Not Present, But Mentioned

 * Hantei
 * Hida
 * Asako
 * Shinjo
 * Togashi
 * Asako Yogo
 * Bayushi