Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 16, 2011 12:39:34 GMT -5
This thread is intended to be the sequel of the following threads: Bitter Return and Homecomming (Toku Torid-E), Ties (Kyuden Doji) and A Destined Meeting (Kyuden Isawa). Summary: An old and famous Kakita duelist, Shinoburo, was found dead at Mantis shores, after a taipan that would suppose to have shipwrecked the ship he was with other Crane fellows. His only daughter, Mitsouko, came to attend his funeral. She is victim of a slow action poisoning by an unknown enemy, and is alone, with few days of life. She gave up searching cure for herself in sake of making a proper funeral to her father's soul. Meanwhile, Toku Sanjuro is searching for an antidote at Scorpion Lands, but seems her mother, an Isawa Tensai, has another plans for her future that includes neither the Toku Champion nor Mitsouko's death, and involving the new Void Master, Agasha Shodai as well. Anyone with a reason to join in, please be welcome, just please PM me first.
The last thing Mitsouko remembered of her neverending travel through the few miles that separated her to her family's home, she was almost falling from the horse due the diziness, and throwing up all she could force herself to swallow at the feet of the ji-samurai who welcomed her at the gates. Now, lying on the futon of her home, she can't understand how she would stand until Sanjuro come with the antidote. She looked at the room, where Mimiko and Mei were sleeping. Probably they were watching for her. That's a thing she understood from Mimi, but not from Mei. The concubine of her now dead father. Mimi opened the eyes and saw her lady awake. Mitsouko did a brief gesture with the head, pointing to the formely geisha in full sleep. Mimi whispered: "She was suffering, poor woman. The lord was very good to Mei. And she was worried about you, of course. She insisted in watching over your sleep, Mitsouko-sama." "I must carry on, Mimi. Let's wait my beloved Sanjuro-sama to bring me the cure. "Sorry,milady, if I am too daring to suggest this option... But you still have a mother. She is a shugenja. And she loves you. Please, Mitsouko-sama, don't be so proud. It's your life. You should ask her." Mitsouko seemed confused for a while. This idea never occurred to her. She opened the satchel where Haru-san had put the vials with the potions she should take to keep the forces. “What?” She turned the content of the satchel over the futon smooth surface, but only 3 little vials were left. “Where…ARE THE VIALS?” Mitsouko put herself on her feet, conjuring forces from her fury. Mimi shrunk and Mei awoke, surprised. Tried to restrain Mitsuko's anger, for her own sake: "Mitsouko-san, what happened? You can't..." "Shut up! One of you are a traitor! Are you plotting to destroy my family? Are you vassals of our enemies?" She reached her katana in two movements, kicking the futon away. Mimi was on the floor, kneeling and crying, Mei ran to a corner, shrinking herself with fear. She ran the eyes over the hall, breathing with difficult, trying to get rational, and trying to figure out it could happen. "Yojiro!" As Mitsouko said it, Mimiko shifted her head: "He said he saw something strange, Mitsouko-sama! Please, I would never hurt you! I adore you, milady, I love to serve you! He said he would try to find whomever came to our havings during the travel, milady!" "I don't think so!" "I know this man, Mitsouko-san. You are right. He was acting strange when you came last night. I should had be more attentive about it, but I became very concerned about your health!" Mei said, from her corner. "Please don't do us any harm. We are your friends." Mitsouko took a deep breath, the bitter of wrath and deception in the mouth. "Where are him?" "Maybe... maybe at men's quarters, Mitsouko-sama." "Make him come to me." "Mitsouko-san, it's dangerous, you are not in your plenty health, please..." Mei tried to argument, but a glance from the taller woman made her shut up and go in search of the man. ... At the yard, Yojiro tried to deny, faced by her, but finally admited that he had poisoned Mitsouko. " I was poisoned myself at Ryoko Owari. So one night a man with no mon came to me and said he would get me the antidote if I'd follow his orders... So I did." the young man sweated a lot, and Mitsouko could notice he suffered the same symptoms she had. She grabbed tight the hilt of her blade, with a sight. "What dishonor you brought to our house, Yojiro. Unfortunately, your life is not mine." The pale man's face showed his deep emotion, and Mitsouko knew what a dishonored cornered samurai like him would do in the sequence. She sighed, in disgust, even before Yojiro howled charging against her. When Yojiro touched the hilt of his sword, she shifted her weight over the left foot and drew hers. That was the way. Three swift moves. One to draw out, one to get the blade at the ear’s height, the last one making a gracious arc and slicing the enemy in a diagonal cut, upwards down. Precise. Mitsouko breathed again, watching him falling with the sword in his hands. Dead. He chose so. She turned away, trying to hide her panic in knowing probably Sanjuro would not come in time…
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2011 8:48:01 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai and Isawa Tisuke found themselves landed in the garden of Kakita Shinoburo manor, while the ionized and electric chill of Air Spell was still dimissing around them. “Even for me, it’s an indeed quick travel, young master. Thank you for the experience." The Isawa lady bowed once she checked the location and safety of where they currently were. The manor was situated in a plateau in a neighbor hill the imponent Kyuden Doji was installed. Instead the sea shore, the manor limits came to the skirts of the Eye of the Needle Forest. In fact, the exquisite garden, with trimmed bushes and trees, was artistically crafted to not emule the most famous Crane Gardens, but to express its own tamed yet still luxuriant natural beauty. The house was at a good position in the steep terrain to have a better vision from the Doji castle face and by east, the rocky seashore. Stone stairs were everywhere in the terrain, as well as a giggling brook ending at a natural rock pool, in front of what the pair landed. From their point of view, they were able to see the roof of the private tea hall and the family’s shrine, surrounded by another garden. The overall appearance was of luxury, more often seen at Otomo or Seppun houses. Tisuke gave a scanning glance at the scenery, for a moment: “This manor was a wedding gift given long ago, by the Crane Champion to a Seppun Bride, an ancestor of my daughter." The Tensai lady explained. As soon as they arrived, the shugenja pair could easily notice the funeral rites had taken place not long ago, because the incense odor and smoke was in the garden air. In a moment, the Phoenix duo could see through the artfully placed bushes and trees the procession leaving the small shrine. Behind two monks, two women dressed in white. Behind them, a cortege of friends and relatives. Of the pair, one was an exquisite woman with gleaming blue eyes and silky raven hair. Her face was in the purest and classical style of rokugani beauty. The other Crane woman, taller and paler, was the one with the white hair and golden eyes, a sort of untamed beauty, not so smooth and refined like the first woman. The shugenja pair felt the Air Kami touching and swirling around them, and then the gaze of the taller woman came to them, immediately. She stopped. “Mother.”
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 17, 2011 10:09:16 GMT -5
From the moment that Tisuke had mentioned the phrase "Seppun Bride," Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu felt an odd familiarity wash over him. Though he knew he had never been to this manor before, at the same time he felt like he somehow knew the place inside and out. He walked respectfully - a step behind and to the left of the Water Tensai, as was appropriate for Jinjutsu's lower station.
"Mother."
Agasha Shodai turned to the voice... And felt his heart flutter in his chest, like he was a teenager again.
The girl from Shodai's memories had grown into a woman of beauty. Kakita Mitsouko had dyed her previously dark hair white as the newly fallen snow in the mountains that seperated the Phoenix and Dragon clans. Her green/gold eyes glimmered with repressed tears and, though she had not gone to the extremes that her blue-eyed companion had, was a stunning natural beauty.
The disguised Void Master bowed respectfully. "Condolences on the passing of your loved one, Kakita-san."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2011 14:52:53 GMT -5
Kakita Mitsouko bowed deeply to her mother, then to the Asako samurai with her. "Thank you very much for your concern." The other woman followed with the cortege to the main house, even though the arrival of Isawa Tisuke had brought some tension and hidden comments behind the fans. There was tension between mother and daughter as well. "I was not expecting by your arrival anymore, hahaoya-san. Sorry if we could not wait longer." " I know. Anyway, I am here, for you. This is Asako Jinjutsu, a friend." She turned her eyes to him, for the first time paying actual attention in the newcomer stranger. A vague sense of familiarity made her feel strange, even if the Asako samurai was wearing a menpo, he had an uncommon feature in those unpaired eyes. To her, the image of Ottonangu and Amaterasu in the same sky, the yin and yang in the same person, was what her mind recorded. "Eclipse..." she muttered to herself. But she knew many people would be very bad impressed by the "evil eye". Maybe he could feel uncomfortable by Mitsouko be staring for so long. "Sorry, Asako-san, I wish I could meet a friend of my mother in a better occasion. But you are welcome. Please, come with me. Come with me, haha-san. You can refresh from the travel...or whatever." She remembered the pair hadn't come by usual means. She showed them an alley through the garden. She tried to hide her trembling hand, the sweating forehead, from the attentive eyes of her mother. But the older woman caught the daughter by the arm with a tight grip. "Why you are hiding from me you are sick, Mitsouko?" The Crane maiden stared at her mother, shrinking a little. But said, after a moment, with eyes low: "Is there something you cannot know, haha-san? It's not a problem anymore. There's a person who will bring me the cure." "I will not take chances. Jinjitsu-san is here to cure you." Tisuke said with a stern voice, loosening her grip. Mitsouko blushed a little, fighting against her feelings. Tried to not lose the necessary spirit,though the deep emotion making her temble more perceptibly. She had no choice now. Mitsuko knew how Sanjuro would be disappointed for her not had waited for him to bring the antidote. But she had now only one vial of the revigorating potion left. But she probably had two or three days of life without the potion, and of course Sanjuro could not be in his way back from Shosuro lands. She could not take chances as well. At least, she would still be alive to get his forgiveness. "Very well, haha. Your help is much appreciated." Mitsouko turned again to the man she just had met, but seemed uncomfortably familiar to her. "As your help is appreciated as well, Asako-san."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 17, 2011 16:32:42 GMT -5
As they walked, Asako Jinjutsu used his carefully honed healer's eye combined with the reservoir of knowledge that Shodai had discovered over the years, quickly narrowing down the list of slow-acting poisons that Kakita Mitsouko had been affected by.
"It is a pleasure to help others in need. Given that you are still standing, I assume someone has been able to give you an elixer to treat, but not cure your condition... May I?"
Shodai gently took Mitsouko by the hand, feeling a pleasant electric surge course up his arm. He felt his cheeks warm slightly, but fortunately his lacquered mempo hid his emotions. The Kakita's hand was clammy and the pulse of blood flowing through her wrist was in starts and surges... The poison - Blue Nightshade with a Scorpion clan poisoner's twist - was significantly advanced as the divination he'd had had revealed to him the night before.
The healer nodded as he gently released the female warrior's hand. "Your condition is dire, Kakita-san. The treatment that you had been receiving was merely masking the detrimental effects of the advancing poison; not slowing it a bit." He turned to a servant and asked for a cup, a pot of hot water, and two water-tight wood sake boxes. "Fortunately, this is a poison I have not only encountered before, but one that I have the means of making a cure with me; I always keep a supply for emergencies."
He reached into his bag and pulled out a mortar and pestle along with a number of jars before he found the one he was looking for. Emptying the contents of the desired jar into the mortar, Shodai began grinding at the dried herbs and leaves. The servant returned with the instructed materials. The disguised Void Master dumped the cure into the cup and then poured in the hot water.
"It will take some time for the hot water to steep the dry ingredients enough to effectively reverse the damage that has already been done. In the mean time, we will improve its effectiveness by eliminating the bulk of the poison that has been introduced."
He turned to Tisuke. "Isawa-san, I know that as a Water Tensai you know the Purify Water spell. We will use a variation of it to purge your daughter's body of the bulk of the poison so that the cure will not have to fight as much."
Shodai's gaze returned to Mitsouko. "Kakita-san, for this to work we must make the poison flow 'downhill' as it were. To accomplish this, you will need to lie flat on your back with your arms over your head and your hands in the sake boxes. Like this..." The Void Master raised his arms overhead, fingers pointed towards his back with the sake boxes hiding the tips. "I know it looks silly, but, what will happen is that as your mother and I channel our magics through your feet and force the Blue Nightshade poison from there, up the length of your body, and into your hands. The poison can then be forced out through your fingers and into the recepticles. After the poison is out, you will be able to dring the antidote that I have prepared and your life will be saved. Will you agree to this?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2011 18:54:13 GMT -5
The samurai-ko looked at her own fingertips, considering the idea for a moment. Exchanged a glance to her mother, and Tisuke nodded to her. "I promise you it don't hurts, Mitsu-chan." The lady said with a sweet smile, in a better mood right now. "You remember the last time we used magic..." "Just obbey, Mitsouko. I assure that will not happen again." The Crane then first layed as asked in the futon a servant provided, composing herself as commanded. For a moment blinked staring at the face of the disguised Void Master, that she only knew by his Asako identity. I think I know this man. I am sure I saw him in some place across the Empire. She closed her eyes, trying to be calm and confident. But she knew, in her heart, from the beginning, her destiny was not being killed by this dirty poison and coward method. I will die by sword, gods, I know. Such certainty lived within her since she was a child. As if her body craves for the taste of the blade. With eyes closed she spoke gently, reaching peace in acceptance. "Jinjutsu-san, thank you by saving me for my true destined death."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 18, 2011 0:30:48 GMT -5
"You are very welcome, Kakita-san. But let us save thoughts of death for another time... I suspect that Destiny has far more in store for you than to depart this life for your next incarnation in a honorable blaze of glory. As samurai, it is expected that we willingly lay down our lives for the Empire, but there are times that our destined course takes us away from such duty." The corners of his eye scrunched up as he smiled at Mitsouko. "I have learned that it is just as honorable to live as it is to die... After all, only the living can bring about the next generation or teach them how to be the honorable men and women our Empire's future requires."
Shodai sat cross-legged by Mitsouko's dainty right foot. As he removed the wooden geta shoe and the white stocking to expose the woman's bare foot. The foot contained the central connection points for the lay lines of chi that ran through every human's body. The Void Master rubbed his hands vigorously together, warming them up, before placing them on the top and bottom of the Duelist's exposed foot.
For a moment, the world around him blurred. He heard a woman's voice - similar to Mitsouko's but not quite the same - giggle in amusement. "Eeek! Miya Shokujin, your hands are cold! Why do you delight in teasing me so?" The woman scolded playfully.
Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu blinked his eyes briefly and was then back in the now. As much as he wanted to pursue the odd vision, there was a more immediate concern. He coughed briefly to recover his focus and he noticed that Isawa Tisuke had taken a similar position. He nodded to her. "Let us begin."
He took a deep breath before both he and the Water Tensai began the chant for water purification, she repeating just a step after him to catch the changes he made to have it work on a human body. "Water Spell, Body Purification spell."
As the spell began, Shodai could feel his chi caress Mitsouko's as their energies connected. He could feel the vibrant pulse of the Duelist's own gift at Water magic connect with the five perfectly synchronized elements within him. Depending on how in tune Kakita Mitsouko was with her magical talents, she would likely realize that he was more - a LOT more - than what Asako Jinjutsu appeared to be, but since they had never bonded like this before, it would not be enough to place him.
As the connection finished stabilizing, Shodai was instantly aware of just how sick Mitsouko had become... His prior estimate of a day or two had been a gross over-estimation; without this effort, the duelist would have passed before sundown. The Void Master's hand pushed at the bottom of Mitsouko's foot and in his mind's eye his chi pushed THROUGH her foot, the toxin being forced up the woman's leg. When the poison had been completely forced "downhill" to the junction of leg and hip, Agasha paused, waiting for Tisuke to finish the left leg.
He was not long in waiting.
Shodai formed an interwoven "mesh" with Isawa's chi, ensuring that the poison could not slip out from their combined hold. They forced the poison up to where Mitsouko's upstretched arms joined her torso. "Focus on maintaining the net, Tisuke. I must change positions to ensure the poison cannot maintain a foothold in your daughter's head." The Water Tensai nodded.
Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu gently lowered Mitsouko's foot to the ground, taking great care to not lose direct contact with the Kakita's body. He slowly traced his left hand up the curves of the woman's side as he moved up to the bushi's head. Shodai smiled around his mempo as he reached under Mitsouko's fine white hair to cradle her skull with his right hand.
"Nearly done, Kakita-san." Agasha said as he pushed what toxins were there down the duelist's graceful neck and into her torso before pulling the bulk of it towards him and into Mitsouko's right arm. He glanced to Tisuke. "Now, move up just as you saw me do, Isawa-san. Do not break contact with your daughter's body." The Water Tensai nodded and repeated Shodai's method. "Now, take your daughter's arm and imagine you are squeezing water out of a wet cloth. Push slowly towards her fingers and the poison will drip out into the sake boxes."
The five Element Tensai gently lowered Mitsouko's head back onto the futon and lightly gripped the bushi's arm at the shoulder. His hands caressed the Kakita's muscular limb; forcing the poison down and out. By the time it was finished, both boxes were half filled with a murky grayish substance. Deciding to take no chances, Shodai repeated the same technique he'd used the night before to eliminate the Tainted blood and banished the boxes of poison into the Void where it could harm no one.
Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu reached over with his left hand to collect the steaming cup of Blue Nightshade antidote, which was now a pleasant shade of tan, though it smelled horrible. He and Tisuke helped the young woman into a sitting position and then handed her the cup. "The treatment was a complete success, Kakita-san. Drink this and it will get rid of what your mother and I could not purge by ourselves and restore some of the strength that the poison will have sapped from you."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 18, 2011 11:38:43 GMT -5
(This is after Homecomming, so Hirotomo is a full samurai.)
Hirotomo fidgeted with the nape of his kimono. He hated formal wear, it felt like a noose. He rode with his small party to the Crane lands, his father at the head. "Don't play with it, Hirotomo. You'll ruin it." Hirotomo smiled and stopped. "How did you know, Father?" He said ruefully. "Because you've been playing with that damn thing for the last two days." Kenpachi said over his shoulder.
Hirotomo rather enjoyed his time with the Crane. The Daidoji were excellent warriors and he was honored to be taught by their sensei. He was actually supried that his father asked him to acompany him on this trip. His first outside the Toku lands since his gempekku. This was a serious matter. Mitsouko's father passed. Death was a samurai's constant companion, he thought grimly. There was another matter, far more delicate, as well. Sanjuro-dono asked his father to become his envoy. To speak on his behalf to Mitsouko's family and lord for the honor of her hand. It was a honor to be asked. Hirotomo noticed that his father got irritable before something important. His mother said he was getting rid of his irritation before he met with anyone. Mitsouko's mother was an Isawa, apparently. It must have been an ill marriage for her to keep her family name. Hirotomo heard idle Doji gossip about her. If it was true he did not relish the thought of spending any length of time with her.
Hirotomo was entrusted with the gift that would be presented to her. He sincerely hoped it would be to her taste, so much rode on the introductions. They would arive very soon, and Hirotomo's heart began to race. Some of the Crane made snide remarks about the quality of life in the minor clans. His father proved them wrong at Winter Court, which brought a warm glow to Hirotomo's heart.
As Hirotomo became more nervous, he noticed his father became more cheerful. When they arrived at the gates, his father was practically beaming. "Greetings, please inform the masters of the house that Toku Kenpachi and Toku Hirotomo are here." Kenpachi said getting off his horse. Hirotomo took a deep breath. He was never the diplomat like his father, but now was the time to learn.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 14:41:27 GMT -5
The guests for the funeral, only close friends and relatives, either returned to their houses or had been housed as honor guests in the manor, and yet, Mitsouko and the Phoenix pair were at a room, closed doors. Mei was truly anguished with Tisuke presence in the house, she never had met Shinoburo wife before, but the servants said much about her and her intempestive behaviour. Would her claim rights?
And of course, Mei was truly preoccupied about Mitsouko. She thought the samurai-ko would mistreat her, but in fact, Mitsouko was able to understand Mei very well. And besides, Mitsouko was poisoned. About to die. When the concubine met the now grown up Mitsouko, all in the Crane maiden made her remind the good moments with her dana, Kakita Shinoburo. And being the only daughter from the man Mei ever loved, made Mitsouko important to her. She felt like Mitsouko's big sister, responsible for her.
Then, the gate man sent message that a Toku small retinue was at the gates, asking to be received. Mitsouko said nothing about her journey to Toku Torid-E but Mei was a smart woman and was able to read within the lines in the conversation between the bushi and her servant Mimi. Mitsouko was expecting a message from the Toku daimyo or such. Maybe even the antidote for her poisoning!
Having been the true lady and administrative mind of this property in the last four years made Mei choose do not wait for Mitsouko's or Tisuke's approval.
"Let them in. We should welcome the Toku friends of our lady Mitsouko." she commanded the servants.
The beautiful former geisha was now in a plain black kimono, with a white obi, and no sign of red in her body, a symbol of celebration. And formally met the retinue at the porch of the luxurious manor.
" Please, Toku-san, be welcome to our humble house. You and your companions are a glad visit in these days of sorrow. Come in, honor me accepting the hospitality of a Crane house while Mitsouko-san is in reunion with her mother and a Phoenix healer. My name is Mei." She bowed with her natural grace and refinement, smiling at the dignified and shy way a woman in mourning would do.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 15:16:42 GMT -5
When the Phoenix man touched her bare feet skin, Mitsouko felt him shudder for a moment. And herself was aprehensive, of course, because her last experience with magic was not a good memory. Her mother was trying to make the recurring nightmares Mitsouko had since child disappear, but they bursted in a horrible night of pain and visions. Fortunately, the scenes she fighted against disappeared from her mind for a long time. But no wonder she was afraid of her mother's bigger interventions. When the chants began, Mitsouko held the breath then expired, trying to relax, eyes closed. The flow of energy was not hurting, but was anguishing the same way. The cold of the poison giving place to the warmth of hot water. She felt the Air Kami trying to communicate, trying to touch her mind. She tried to avoid the contact, as always, but now, in connection with the powerful Element channelling the healer and her mother were performing, she could not resist at the embrace of the Kaze-no-kami, and its whispers into her mind, inducing and seducing. But it was a bit confusing too. Laughs, joy, intrigues, and truth... He is hiding himself...he knows you, Mitsouko, he knows you and you know him... look at him and you will see... Remember? Do you...remember? He's so alike the boy you used to swear to your parents it was real...the eclipsed eyed boy that used to whisper to you when you were just a girl, at home, the older serious boy that used to visit you when you were a child... To tell you things... can't you see? The boy you asked to never come back, and indeed you ask your mother to make him go away... They are lying to you, Mitsu-chan. Look truly at him and you will see your groom-to-be..." Mitsouko glanced at the man wearing menpo while he made her drink the infusion. That was right! She was exactly like the boy she used to think was real. Grabbing the cup with both hands, she turned from him, embarrased. Groom-to-be? No! So, they were lying to her. The Asako was someone else than a simple healer. Mitsouko pondered what to do. She owed her life to him. And if he presented himself as Asako, he should have reasons to do so. She should tell nothing, for cortesy. She would try to figure what was happening there, but with no confrontation. She owe them her life. Putting the cup aside, she gave them the best smile she could get at this time. "I truly thank you, Asako-san. And you, haha." She turned casually to the man."Do you perform this things often? I know my Mom doesn't."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 18, 2011 17:10:23 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai gave a gentle nod of acceptance of her gratitude. "It is always a pleasure to help another, Kakita-san; doubly so when they are as beautiful as you are.
To answer your question... Yes, I do heal people quite often, both with and without magic. It is a necessity, especially when operating on and sneaking through the front lines of the Yobanjin conflict on the far side of the lands of the Unicorn. I'll admit, though, slow poisoning is not something I need to deal with very often... For speed's sake, we were lucky I had the cure in my supplies, but it wouldn't have prevented us from saving you. The air is even more my ally than water is: your mother and I saw the sun rise in Kyuden Isawa this morning... If I'd lacked the necessary curative, I could have traveled to Kyuden Bayushi, collected the ingredients, and returned before a man on a horse would have reached the Kakita Dueling Academy."
He shrugged slightly; he wasn't trying to brag - merely stating proven facts.
"It is strange though... Scorpion clan poisoners don't use this poison anymore because it's slow and treatable... In your own case, we were almost too late: your life would have faded with the setting sun if we hadn't learned of it in time."
As he looked at her, he could feel her apprehension and embarresment - it was clear Mitsouko had spent more time on the battlefield than in the courts - but even still, Shodai was impressed by the young woman's determination to live. "You did well to last this long, even with medicine to help you, Kakita-san. You are a credit to your Clan and your Family: fewer than one in one thousand would have survived to this point. Just one last thing to check..." Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu raised his hand and gently placed the back of palm to her forehead, checking for fever.
As when he touched her foot, a vision forced its way to the front of his mind. It was of a female samurai wearing the lacquered armor of the Seppun Hidden Guard - or rather a style that had been replaced more than a century ago - carried on a bier, eyes closed in death. The woman resembled Mitsouko, but she was different at the same time. The Seppun warrior that carried her approached the manor in which they now stood. As they looked towards him, the jaws of several fell open.
"Miya Shokujin?! But you... You're supposed to be..." They held up a bloody letter, the woman's blood, Shodai - or Shokujin as he was being called in this odd vision - knew. "You were reported dead! She couldn't focus during battle and died because she thought YOU were DEAD!! What do you have to say for yourself?!"
A fire began to seethe through Shodai's veins as he approached to take the letter. He recognized the handwriting! "That sadistic wench!" He howled in outrage as he grabbed the dead woman's sword, scabbard and all, and ran off.
Agasha Shodai pulled his hand away from Kakita Mitsouko's forehead. These visions were very odd... Who was Miya Shokujin? Why did the dead woman resemble the white haired duelist before him?
And why in the name of the 11 Realms was he seeing these things?
The Void Master raised his hand to cough away his disorientation, but his mempo brought his hand up short. "Ano... It looks like the treatment is a complete success, Kakita-san. Do you know how you came to be poisoned?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 18, 2011 17:58:25 GMT -5
Kenpachi took the lead in the plesantries. Mei was quite disarming. There was a great amount to prepare for. He noticed Hirotomo clutching the silk that held the gift as though his life depended on it. Kenpachi resisted a smile. It was a small thing to entrust his son with the gift, but Hirotomo took the responsability very seriously. It was a good sign for his future. He had heard of Mitsouko's condition. It bothered him very little. Not out of ill concern for her person, but due to unwavering faith in his Champion. He would emerge as a decendent of Toku, with valor and the hight of honor.
They were allowed to wait before being presented to the greving family. Kenpachi was keenly aware of the loss of a spouse. He sat drinking tea while Hirotomo paced and spoke to himself. "Which was owned by Shiba Takata, which was, that was, was once?"
Hirotomo was completely preocupied with his first impression. He wanted to dazle the family so to best serve his Lord. He reminded himself that this was in fact a funeral. He ran his fingers through his hair. How could his father drink tea calmly? He wished he had his father's composure. He left a lingering thought back to Rinko. Her face calmed him a little. He sat and joined his father. Taking a cup, he noticed the sweet flavor of the tea. It was quite good. Mitsouko's father was family to him. He knew very little of him, having only met him perhaps once before. He carefully took out his last words to the man. I wish I had the chance to get to know you better. It was simple, and personal. In the room, the two Monkey samurai awaited thier introduction.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 18:19:12 GMT -5
No, but I will discover soon. I believed I hadn’t enemies till this point, but it was proven wrong. This person, or persons, probably wants me to suffer and to die far away from where I was poisoned. And it means Ryoko Owari Toshi. But I had no name to blame, until now, so I can’t speak irresponsibly. She gave her voice a grave and sour tone, but it was melodious the same way. So the man is a powerful shugenja, I know is not so common making travel through the air… She stretched her limbs, feeling herself in her full stamina again. Cured. Alive . Her eyes watered in emotion, the shock now gone. “Please, Asako-san, you are my guest. I don’t know is an air traveler gets tired or not, or if you have more important things to waiting for you in the other side of the Empire, but please consider my hospitality. I think you know I am in mourning and can’t be a great company, but I would be greatly honored.”
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 18, 2011 20:02:14 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu smiled behind his mempo. "For a shugenja, using magic is no different than the kata that makes you an effective bushi. Just as you had to condition your physical muscles to wield your katana to deadly purpose, I needed to do the same with muscles that one cannot see with the naked eye. In the case of an extremely complex spell, we harness the might of a local kami, just as a caravan yokes an ox to haul a heavy burden.
As for my schedule, I travel wherever duty requires or interest takes me. At the moment, my duty as a healer is complete and I must admit that I do find you to be a very interesting woman..." He playfully winked his green eye as he gave her a heartfelt compliment. "I would be deeply honored to accept your offer of hospitality, Kakita-san, and if there is anything I might do to help ease the pain of your loss, I would be more than glad to. It is a task that I have been called upon many times for the loved ones of those I could not keep in this life."
He rose to his feet, pausing for a moment in thought, before deciding that it would be safe to let some of his true self appear. The Void Master preferred to tell the truth whenever he could and minimize deceit when he could. "Rather than stand on formality during the time I am here; let me tell you something about myself. Sho was the name I started this life with and took another later in life. While I am your guest, I would be honored if you would call me Sho-san rather than by my family name."
Agasha Shodai smiled as he lowered his hand in an unspoken offer to help Kakita Mitsouko to her feet.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 21:22:04 GMT -5
Sho was the name of the ghostly boy! she was sure! Sho, like in Shokujin… But Mitsouko would not talk about this right now, when she knew or remembered so little. She accepted his hand and when on her feet, bowed to the disguised Void Master.
And when he blinked at her, she couldn't help but blush, and even this was a bless, because moments ago she wasn’t enough health to even react like this. Mitsouko's excitement in discovering what was happening overcame everything else. Anyway, the Phoenix shugenja was acting very strange, with shudders and odd reactions. Maybe on effect of some potion or spell? Or just the way some of them got when in contact with the kami and unknown forces? And she promised to herself she'd make the things clear as soon as possible. Would manage to get him alone and interrogate him about... Mitsouko felt like if part of her mind was numb and as erased. Maybe the magic that made her forget and stop to have the nightmares, so many years ago, had something to do with this odd sensation in front of this man. Her mother would likely know what was happening. She brought the man Mitsouko dreamed of when was a child. She would make her remember.
"I’d appreciate your kindness in stay and making us company…Sho-san. And Haha-san, I’d like to talk with you later, please. We have too much to talk…”
She nodded to Mimi, that slided the door so the group reached the inner yard. A small font giggling in the middle of a pleasant bonsai garden. Then she noticed the newcomers Toku Kenpachi and her cousin Hirotomo, sitted at a open room, enjoying the garden freshness while sipping tea. Her heart shined, maybe Sanjuro had come with them...
But Isawa Tisuke seemed to have another plans for the rest of the day. "Daughter, I unfortunately am called to Firebird Falls. I delayed way too long my return. But I promise you, I come back to talk with you further. I got here to you not to forget I am your mother and want the best for you. Always."
Mitsouko would not argue with her mother in front of people. "Will you come soon, my mother?"
"Tomorrow, Mitsouko. When I failed you?" She caressed the face of the daughter, the first sign of affection during the day. Mitsouko knew her mother could not travel through the air, as the "Sho-san" claimed to do, but with help of the Water kami, was able to be the fastest person in the Empire, save probably, the Phoenix Water Master Himself.
Then both women bowed to each other, simultaneously. "Make me proud, Mitsouko."
The younger woman nodded, trying not to think in what her mother implied with this phrase. Tisuke bowed to Sho-san as well, and Mitsouko noticed the exchange of glances they shared for a moment. Then the Isawa lady returned down the garden in the direction of the pool.
Mitsouko turned to her guest Sho-san. "I think my friends would be honored in know you, Shok...Sho-san...Please, join us for a cup of tea." She tried to be gentle and sincere, but now her heart was full of doubts and fear.
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