Chapter 10

A/N: I am still ill. Because of me cleaning gunk/crust out of my eye, I've rubbed the skin raw. It's very remniscent of Prince Zuko's scar. I am on the mend, however. I expect to be completely healed by this Sunday.
P.S. I've decided to change the story and make Sparrow a girl! It's an idea I tossed around a while back, and eventually rejected. But I've decided to institute it, and what better time than the rewrite of the series?

Chapter 10 - Last Words

How Things Work: The 12 Nobles (Cont.)
Rebasu is the Noble in charge of building cities and such. Thus, he keeps careful track of the population. He enjoys his job, and doesn't involve himself in politics, or even morals. He was appointed because he is a brilliant engineer.
Hebimaru was recently promoted to be Irakura's advisor, a new position created for him. He is a flatterer, but only cares about his job with the Prince. He would throw Irakura under the bus if a regime change came, so long as he remained where he is. He enjoys being comfortable and socially above others.
Beruze is the youngest Noble. He is very inexperienced, so he will normally go along with Chika, and the rest of the majority. Beruze is at his core, good, but insecure, and he always gives into peer pressure.
Hendo is the Noble in charge of maintaining the Norean Navy. Currently, the Navy is not a high priority since the war in Dracoa is completely land-based. He has little power. He is trying to get growing room for the Navy, but is mostly unsuccesful.
Baku is the Noble in charge of maintaining schools and their curriculum. Because of this, he has a close relationship with Irakura and always takes notes at meetings. He is very wise and is in charge of opening universities. He is good.
Kikuya is in charge of distributing supplies to villages in need of them. He only does this because it is his job. He'd rather have a different one, and everybody knows it. He is evil. He often suggests withholding supplies as a punishment for those who rebel.
Zen is a Noble in charge of mail. He is not ambitious and only wants to serve the people. He is good, and travels like much of the Buuda Clansmen.

Act 1, Scene 1 [Koraga's Home]
Koraga: I have two 'children' in a manner of speaking. You and Irakura. Your 'brother' is going down a dark path. He has lost faith in the people. You must never lose your faith in Norea. It is up to you to stop Irakura. I hear you're already working on that, and so far I'm proud of your adventures. It's your charge to change the world. Norea is trapped in a cycle of hatred and we have to break it. I'm too old to get out there anymore, but I do what I can. I know you do too. Irakura won't go down easily though. It may take a lifetime... but I trust you! I know you have it in you to break this cycle! Come tomorrow, and my role will be finished. I'll rest easy, knowing you're still out here... and that you're my daughter. I love you, Sparrow.
Sparrow: I love you too... father.
[Aside] Koraga: Should I tell her about her real father? ...no...

Scene 2 [Dattegoru Town Hall]
Datte: What does it look like from the top?
Soldier Bepo: Not good, my Lord. The Kachyu have control over the city. Any of our troops outside this building are either dead or captured. It looks like battering rams are being constructed in the road below.
Datte: How long will the doors hold?
Bepo: Several hours, no more.
Datte: Maybe I can parlay...

Scene 3 [Outside Town Hall's Doors]
Sanyuta: Father! Datte wishes to parlay.
Tuma: Very well... I accept.
[Enter Datte]
Tuma: What is it that you're parlaying for?
Datte: My life. I want to keep it. I'll give you everybody inside Town Hall, anything you want in Dattegoru.
Tuma: You are their Noble! If anything, you should be trading your life for theirs!
Datte: No deal then, I take it?
[Tuma punches Datte.]
[Exit Datte]

Act 2, Scene 1 [Koraga's Home]
[Enter General Hanzo]
General Hanzo: I am General Hanzo, of the Kayuchi Clan. My soldiers and I arrived in preparation of the Prince's arrival tomorrow, and found a city at war. My men immediately began a counter attack, but we experienced fierce resistance. I am in need of more troops, so a Dattegoru draft has been initiated. Every able bodied man is expected to take up arms, or be imprisoned. Which will it be?
[Aside] Sparrow: Atsura! The Prince... is coming here...

Scene 2 [Town Hall]
[Kachyu and Kayuchi are battling outside]
Bepo: It looks like Hanzo is here, with the army!
Datte: Really?
Bepo: Yes! It looks like he's winning!
Datte: Now's my chance to live! Open the doors! We're attacking!
[Datte and his remaining troops join the fight.]
Datte: We can win this!
Tuma: I have an offer for the Kayuchi! Give us Datte, and this war ends! We will forgive you for your atrocities, and we will let the Prince settle this dispute!
[Some of the soldiers back away from Datte, then everybody stops fighting, waiting to see what happens.]
Datte: Stop! I am you Noble!
Tuma: He told me he would trade all your lives for his own!
Sparrow: Why should we support a Noble like that? You're supposed to serve your people!
[More people back away, until Hanzo and a few people are the only ones supporting Irakura.]
Datte: Don't leave, Hanzo... we're friends, remember? You can't abandon me! Remember, you helped me plan Meruchi's death? And discredit the Kachyu? When Sanyuta was moving the villagers of Aka and Meda?
Sanyuta: Enough of this! Make your choice! Wipe your slate clean, or fill it with blood!
[Hanzo turns his back on Datte.]
Tuma: Do you have any last words?
Datte: I see how it is... my wife wouldnt have abandoned me... Jin would've stayed by my side... But... since she's not here... These are my last words.
My last act as Noble of the Kayuchi Clan is to declare the soldier Bepo as my successor.
Sparrow: Can he do that?
Hanzo: I don't see why not.
Tuma: Very well. I look forward to working with Bepo.
Datte: I challenge you, for my life! A fight to the death!
Tuma: That's fine with me. I'll enjoy this.
[Tuma fights Datte. Datte fights back for a short time, then Tuma quickly outmatches and dispatches him.]
Tuma: This war is over!

A Quick Look At ~ Bepo
Bepo is one of Hanzo's footsoldiers. He was never anything special, until Datte named him his successor. The reason for this choice was because Bepo showed him kindness during Town Hall's siege. Bepo is very loyal, to everybody. He looks up to Hanzo, but is ready to grow into his own person. He is very good.

Next time, Irakura arrives! Koraga's fate is sealed?? What is to become of Tuma, who started a civil war?!