Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Dec 30, 2011 6:43:37 GMT -5
Saiko's eyes narrowed, possibly in amusement, though it would be difficult to tell. His face was emotionless for a moment, his body tense as Battou went for his blade, but a grin cracked his icy exterior. "Very well, Battou-san, I'll oblige."
He scanned the Kakita's posture, slowly taking in every feature of the man. The daisho of the man, as well as the other katana, interesting to be sure... From head to toe, Saiko studied him, staying completely still for several seconds before locking eyes. A moment passed, and he was moving, slowly, into position.
His left foot slowly drew back before locking into place, his knees bending ever so slightly. His hands moved to his side, his right grasping the handle of his katana, but his left moving further back than was normal, and rested on the hilt of the wakizashi that sat there in an unorthodox fashion.
Once settling into his stance, his body seemed like a young oak amongst a river, iron still and yet flowing, ready to move at a split-second. His pale green eyes seemed to glow with their inner fire once again, a slight breeze tugging at his short-cut, messy black hair....
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 30, 2011 7:02:38 GMT -5
Battou regarded Saiko's stance as he slowly, methodically moved into it. For those who knew such things, one could see the Saiko was an aggressor. A fighter that preferred attacking his target relentlessly. While he might wait to make it a counterattack, he wouldn't stop thereafter.
Battou's left leg was already behind him, but it moved a little further back and he bent his forward knee, but locked his back knee. With his right hand he pushed the katana on his right hip backwards into a position that made it parallel to his back rather than sideways across his hips. With his left hand he gripped the sheathe of the katana on his left hip and then he moved his right into a grip at the tsuba of the katana. His eyes were also almost glowing, but they were a deep deep blue. And whereas the wind seemed to stir around Saiko, it did not seem to move around Battou. It was as if he had achieved a sort of center with all things around him.
For those who knew such things, Battou was a defender. His aim was to end a fight as quickly as possible. And true to his Kakita heritage he never wanted to make more than one strike against any opponent. He did not want to move an inch. One strike, One Kill. That was the Kakita Method and speed was his ally.
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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 Dec 30, 2011 7:15:57 GMT -5
"I... I am very honored by your kindness and offering... " Tomoko was speechless and betrayed her emotion, but neverthless bowing deeply as the ocasion demanded. "Though must be a better timing to discuss your bold and untraditional proposal, Naetaru-tono." She conceded, feeling her cheeks going red. For her lucky, though, both Kakita Battou and Mirumoto Saiko didn't resist the appeal of their training, and she stepped back to Naetaru's side, as observer.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 30, 2011 10:21:21 GMT -5
Mai could not shake the feeling of trepidation she felt as she crossed the threshold into the pristine palace of Kyuden Doji. It had been a year since the last time she had taken advantage of the hospitality of the Crane. So much had happened since then. Could she not, for once, look to the future instead of the past? But the feelings remained that something was wrong, despite her best efforts.
Her room was simple and private, and the washbasin prepared with hot, fragrant water was quite large. Mai lowered herself in until she was nearly submerged, closing her eyes in an attempt to calm herself in the soothing waters.
She thought of her estate on the border between Bikami and Akami, in the northern reaches of the Utaku lands. The terraces against the mountainside, the nearby plains that went on forever, the hard-working people her family had safeguarded for generations. No perfume could match the smell of the wildflowers in the summertime or the hay after the harvest, and no statue could ever capture the raw majesty of the mountain. She imagined herself walking in this dream state, taking Ren through the town, listening to the music of simple lives intertwined.
As her dream-self walked, though, the dream itself changed. The vision of her homeland twisted. The plains were barren, the mountains cold and imposing. Women and children screamed as they were cut down by looming shadows. Horrified, she charged at it with all the speed she could muster, the shadow not seeming to care. Finally as she readied her spear to attack, it looked up at her, its porcelain face staring blankly back at her, and grew until Mai herself was no taller in comparison than a child. More shadows appeared until she was surrounded...she readied a stance to fight them all and they only laughed coldly, green eyes opening behind their white masks...they plucked the weapon from her hands with no effort at all, and pressed in around her...pushing with all her strength, Mai could only feel hard walls closing in on her, pressing in on her pounding chest...
Mai gasped, back in the washbasin that she had never left. She crawled out of the confining tub, slippery and vulnerable, feeling nothing but the weight on her chest, the walls closing in on her. Her breathing was shallow, fast, and rasping; useless for actually replenishing her lungs with air. She tried to will herself to calm down, not daring to close her eyes but staring at the tatami on the floor, hoping the simple lines of the mats would her something to focus on. Dizzy from hyperventilating, she saw only spots before everything went black. Eventually, after a long, painful moment, Mai could see again: she was mostly dry if cold, the walls had retreated to their original places, and the weight on her chest had dissipated.
It had been so long since her last episode...since the throne room of Toshi Ranbo, but this was surely the worst attack she had suffered to date. In the open fields, or in the tent city of the warcamp, her claustrophobia could be kept in check, but now until the end of winter she would be surrounded on all sides by walls and courtiers. She needed to face them head on, not sit here naked and shivering. Slowly, she managed to get up and make herself ready, trying to forget the porcelain faces of her nightmare.
-----
If Sojiro had waited an excessively long time for Mai to appear, he hid it well. He would see the battle maiden dressed for a Crane court for the first time, in a silk kimono of lavender and blue, cut in an older style, but the effect was elegant rather than out-of-date. Her hair was arranged simply, with parts of her long black hair intertwined toward the back while the remainder hung loose. It served to frame her face, which was was clean and even a bit paler than usual, though she wore no cosmetics. The mons of the Unicorn, Utaku, and her mother's family were displayed proudly, an act reading to Sojiro as more than a little defiant considering her last interaction with the head of the Utaku.
Mai walked toward him with a slow, practiced gait, pulling her fan from her obi and opening it slowly. The ways of the Crane court were no secret to her, but she performed them in a way that was practiced rather than natural. She trembled slightly, but hoped Sojiro wouldn't notice, or if he did, would attribute it to simple nervousness rather than weakness.
"I hope this will do." She said, sweeping down her front with her fan. "It belonged to my mother, when she was an ambassador to the Crane." She looked back at him to gauge his reaction, noticing that he seemed put off by something. "Is anything wrong, Sojiro?"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 30, 2011 10:30:01 GMT -5
Naetaru's gaze shifted from the men that were comparing their "stances" to the woman that had just snuck beside him, he drew his fan and covered his mouth yet he whispered to Tomoko without flinching...
"Tomoko-san, whatever the situation you will accept. I won't back down from rewarding whom I want to whenever and wherever I want to as long as they're worth it." his voice sweet and mellow as always.
He didn't wish to provoke or terrify her. Tomoko was soft and sensitive, a think that he gave him memories. And all this was but a soft "wake-up" call he could offer her with words.
"Lest everyone in here gets the opinion that Doji Naetaru speaks in an improper situation, promoting his aides in unfitting a fashion. Would that be the truth?" he took the fan away closing it without a snap, turning his gaze at her. He was displeased.
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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 Dec 30, 2011 10:45:00 GMT -5
"Of course dono. I never meant otherwise..." She stared at her own fan to conceal her watered eyes. She was comoved and confused. Tomoko wasn't ungrateful but she knew very well the subtle war of influences she would face after accepting the position, starting by Lady Kaori and her retinue. And a lot of resentful Doji artisans. "I expressed myself poorly, forgive me, milord. Your decision of course will cause some 'frisson' and I thought you'd like to discuss it, it's all..."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 30, 2011 19:20:58 GMT -5
Sojiro's head was still sort of whirling from Mitsouko's letter, so he didn't really notice the time Mai took. He did notice when she came back out, though. The whirling in his head stopped.
For all the pomp and primping and gaudiness he had seen courtiers display in his lifetime, it had always amused him how many of them never realized the beauty in simplicity and elegance. It was obviously a lesson that Mai had learned though. She wasn't seductive like the scorpion courtiers, or cold and pristine like many of the crane. She was just gracefully, naturally elegant and pretty. She seemed a bit unsure of herself as she walked towards him, but that was most likely just nerves.
"You look... beautiful, if I may say so, Mai-san. Just try to relax a bit. I can see the nervousness in your steps, and I can assure you that there is no reason to be nervous here."
He sighed when she asked what was bothering him, and wordlessly handed her the letter Mitsouko left for him.
"To say the least, this was unexpected."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 31, 2011 15:08:33 GMT -5
A rather genuine blush rose up Mai's neck at the compliment, though she managed to hide her face behind her fan after a slight hesitation. She was eager to take the proffered note to deflect attention away from herself. "Congratulations, Sojiro-sama. The Lady Kikita seems to have a good estimation of your worth." She spoke sincerely, though her usual smirk began to resurface. "What shall be your first act as the Voice of the Kikita, then?"
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 1, 2012 13:40:30 GMT -5
"My first act, I think, will be to find Doji Naetaru, the Doji daimyo, and figure out where our Champion, Daidoji Fitsu is. It would also be an excellent time to introduce you to Naetaru-sama and whoever else is currently in Kyuden Doji. After that, we make arrangements to travel to Kyuden Otomo for winter court, which is most likely where Fitsu-sama is, and I inform him of my new positions, as well as Hitoshi-san's."
He spoke of Hitoshi as if it was a foregone conclusion that he had survived, like the thought of Hitoshi dying while facing the oni was so improbable that it didn't deserve mentioning.
He smiled at her when he noticed her blush. "After that? Who knows. Winter Court is an adventure that I am playing by ear." he offered her his arm, so as to properly escort and introduce her.
"May I?"
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 1, 2012 18:41:46 GMT -5
Mai's eyes go wide at the prospect of seeing such high-ranking members of the Crane clan and for a moment she entertains the wild notion of turning around and going back to her room, but she nevertheless takes his proffered lead. The small touch of the duelist's strong arm seemed to ignite something in her that had gone cold. She smiled, becoming more comforted with each step toward their goal, to the point where her self-assured Utaku mannerisms began to reveal themselves at long last. The thought of meeting the ruling figures of the Crane seemed almost trifling.
"This shall be an adventure to remember, at least."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 2, 2012 17:28:43 GMT -5
Sojiro escorted Mai out into the courtyard and came upon a sight that he definitely wasn't expecting to see. On one side, in the traditional iaijitsu stance, was his student Kakita Battou. Opposite him, in a stance that many didn't recognize but Sojiro knew very well, was his cousin Mirumoto Saiko. One look at their faces was all it took for Sojiro to know that they weren't serious - this was a duel for fun, not for blood - but still, such things could turn serious quickly.
He leaned over to Mai and whispered, so as not to disturb the two men. "The one on the left, wearing mostly black, is Mirumoto Saiko, my cousin, former student, and the only other master of my kenjitsu style. The Crane on the right is Kakita Battou, a very gifted student of mine from the academy. Opposite them," he nodded his head to indicate Naetaru "is Doji Naetaru, although I don't recognize the woman he is with."
He smiled as they approached the group, keeping his voice down. "Let's see what my student has learned since our separation."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 3, 2012 1:57:58 GMT -5
The air in the courtyard seemed quiet and still, except around Saiko, where it fluttered with a gentle breeze as he stood opposite his opponent. The cool air brushed his cheeks as he stared coldly at Battou, his eyes like frozen emeralds amidst a winter storm, and he almost allowed himself a small grin. So that is how you want to play, eh?, he thought to himself...
His thoughts were very nearly interrupted as two new presences entered his field of conscience. One he saw without a glance was a Unicorn maiden that he did not recognize, but the other... The other he knew very well indeed. In the presence of his old sensei, Saiko felt a rush flow through him. Was this some desire to perform well in his old master's eyes? He quickly shook such thoughts away. Only the present mattered, until one or the other gave in.
Saiko exhaled slowly, focusing himself, becoming one with his surroundings as he had been taught so long ago. It was a skill that he would admit that he had not practiced in some time, long ago finding that in a true battle his emotions could be his greatest ally. This was not such an occasion, however, and he allowed his training to take him where he had not been in quite some time.
The air rapidly slowed around him, resting in an almost unnatural stillness, the chill settling on everyone present in the courtyard. The skies seemed to almost darken for a lack of movement, though there were no clouds in sight, and amidst this storm of silence, Saiko stood like a beacon of exquisite tranquility, awaiting his perfect moment...
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 3, 2012 2:13:16 GMT -5
Battou watched his opponent carefully, as he had been trained to do for the slightest movement or twitch that would give away an opening or opportunity for him. Even in stance checking, a duelist knows that their honor is on the line; and if not honor, then pride. Battou was unmoved and unchanged. Even as Sojiro entered with his companion, Battou's sense of calm determination never wavered. And as Saiko adjusted and found his center, the rift between them was palpable.
Oh, that's just my game.
The thoughts of the lady that he was attempting to impress and his instructor who he was attempting to impress, doubly so in the face of this having been another of his former students; and one who had mastered his peculiar style to boot, should have entered his mind. But long ago in the training, he found that mastering "no-mind" was easy for him.
However, one thing that he had never found to be easy, nor would ever be easy for him was mastering his own confidence. In the face of the experience that Mirumoto Saiko no doubt had, a person less sure of their abilities would have already bowed out to what they perceived as a superior duelist. Battou was not that type of person, however, and so he held his ground.
One thing that changed with him is that he made sure he had caught Saiko's eyes with his own. And then he winked.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 3, 2012 4:53:04 GMT -5
Sojiro's interest in the contest was quickly turning into genuine concern. He couldn't place it at first, what he was feeling. And then he noticed the darkening sky, the way everything around Saiko was completely still.
He's using his magic?!
Sojiro found it hard to believe, but it was true. His arm tightened around Mai's as he reached out to the air kami around him and confirmed his suspicions, and his eyes widened slightly. He was quick to mask it, but Mai would have noticed, as would either of his students, had they been paying attention to him. He whispered quickly to Mai, "Hold on, this may get a bit cold if I don't do it right."
The two duelists stood underneath the bare, snow-covered branches of a cherry tree, one premature blossom somehow peeking out underneath a blanket of white. Sojiro concentrated on those branches.
Wind swirled around him and Mai as the air kami went to work, sprinkling the two of them with powdered snow and ice as the brunt of the energy Sojiro expended hit the branches, shaking them suddenly and violently.
A moment later, both Battou and Saiko were covered in a thick, white, cold blanket of snow. Doji Naetaru and his companion, standing only a few steps away, were completely untouched.
Sojiro smiled, covering his true emotions as he spoke. "Are the two of you done showing off, because I would love to share a bottle of saki with you both while introducing my friend, as well as share some news with you all." He bowed deeply to Naetaru. "Naetaru-sama, it is a pleasure to see you again. I believe this may interest you, as well as Daidoji Fitsu-sama." he handed Mitsouko's letter to the Doji Daimyo.
Out of the corner of his eye, Sojiro noticed something standing out against Saiko's white coating - the lone cherry blossom, completely out of season, had fallen with the covering of snow, landing in his hair.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 3, 2012 6:24:05 GMT -5
Doji Naetaru turned over to see Sojiro and his companion.
"Ah! If the heavens know how to treat a man they do so graciously! Kakita Sojiro-san, it is most magnificent to see you again!" Naetaru seemed excited.
And how could he not be? The last time he saw him and Saiko was at the night of their departure, in the fever of the war.
"I trust that the Kami have treated you well? Is everything fine?"
He motioned over at Tomoko. "You must already know Kakita Tomoko-san, prime artisan of the Doji palace and my aide." making the proper introductions he turned over to Utaku Mai, with a smile and a gracious nod he bid her.. "Lady Utaku-san, I bid you most welcome in the halls of the Doji" his offer sincere accompanied with his mellow voice. Heavens! He couldn't believe how beautiful the Utaku maidens were. They were surely living up to their reputation's namesake.
Looking over to the message, scanning its contents quickly he resumed his position and said... "I see" he admitted as his mind kept on racing.
He awaited for the proper introductions to be done, before resuming over to a casual talk.
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