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Post by Shoju on Jan 4, 2012 10:18:00 GMT -5
In his room in the Inn, the man fell over onto his side. In the dreamscape he had fallen apart. His emotions proved more unstable than he thought. As he opened his eyes, he saw that the candles he had used in the ritual were burnt through, suggesting several hours had passed. As he stood, he wrapped himself in his Kimono, left his room, walked through the front of the Inn, and stood outside watching the town.
Shoju's thoughts turned round in his head as he looked out at Far North Village. What a wretched existence. These people live out their lives here because their loved ones are exiled, punished for the deeds of another. They have had their lives stripped away from them by the same Empire that had stripped his own. This village is just another example of the brutality of an Empire that thinks itself better than its own people.
As he thought, Shoju realized that his desire to destroy this town was slowly turning into a desire to forge this town into a weapon of vengeance. He knew not all would welcome what he offered, but he knew there were some here, that would agree with him. The Empire had wrongly persecuted them, wrongly destroyed their lives, wrongly forced them to suffer. And now, it would be time for them to suffer.
Yes.... This village has all the tools I need.[/color] With that, He turned, walked back into the inn, and prepared for morning. There were many things to be done.
As morning rose, the Innkeeper knocked lightly on the door. I... I just wanted to tell you that we will have food for you soon.... I... uh... as he stammered, the door slid open, and Shoju looked down at the innkeeper.
Thank you, but I don't think I'm hungry this morning. The innkeeper looked up at Shoju, fear and terror in his eyes, and Shoju looked back at him. The look in Shoju's eyes was murderous, yet... not directed towards the innkeeper. After you and yours have had your fill, have your boys find the magistrate, and get the townspeople assembled outside. It's time to introduce myself... properly.
The innkeeper shuddered at the thought of what 'properly' could mean, but bowed, and went to eat with his children.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 4, 2012 15:10:40 GMT -5
The innkeeper's son, tracked down Saiten, who was wandering the streets, and conveyed the desires of Shoju to speak to the entire village. They worked together going home to home, and shortly before midday, the village was gathered outside of the Inn. Shoju could here them gathering, and was preparing to go outside as the meak voice from the hall called S..s...s..sama... They have gathered and prepared...
Shoju slid open the door, wearing the garments that the fine young tailor had finished for him, with the Daisho Saiten brought him at his side. He looked refreshed, even though the Innkeeper knew he hadn't rested much. The look in his eyes was fierce. Thank you. Shoju walked by him, and out the front of the Inn. As he did, the crowd turned and looked at him, and a silence descended over them.
As he walked towards them, a woman broke free from the crowd, screaming WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER! SHE CAME TO SEE HER AND NOW SHE IS.....
Shoju caught the woman as she charged him, and held her close. And now she is missing. Shoju nodded as he held the woman in a tight embrace. Yes, she chased that poor boy from The village... Oh... what was the name of it...
Shoju turned towards The undead Unicorn Magistrate, who simply said Bikami.
Right... Bikami... That's where that boy was from. Shoju held the woman out at arms length. Do you want to know what I did to your daughter? The woman nodded. Well, I simply gave her the ability to be what she had always wanted. A fearsome[/i] warrior. [/color] Shoju let go of the woman and she staggered back. I would offer you all a gift beyond your imagination.
Shoju nodded and pointed at Saiten. I have already granted my gifts to Keiku, and Saiten-san here... Sadly, I fear the boy from Bikami spoiled Keiku's gift.... Shoju shook his head a sad expression on his lips, and then looked at the small crowd of villagers. People of Kibukito. I was once a Magistrate in the Emerald Empire. I was once a revered Samurai, in a large city. My Master stole that away from me, and left me to ROT. But I wouldn't leave it well enough alone, and I found solace with others. I found love as well. Shoju nodded, a faint smile on his face, and a tear in his eye...
And that vengeful master of mine... Do you know what he did? DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE DID!? He hunted us down, and killed my love, and my child. He had left me to rot, just as the Empire has done to you.
Shoju nodded sympathetically. That's right... I know why you live here. I know why you suffer in a village like this. Shoju scanned the audience for a moment. See, my lord, left me to rot, the way the empire did you, and when I was able to rebuild a life for myself, he destroyed it. Shoju looked at the village. At the inn. At the homes. What do you think the Empire would do if they came and found that you outcasts were not just surviving, but... building a village?! Prospering?! Trading goods with another town!?
But they know of our town! Someone shouted from the back.
Shoju looked towards the back.Why? Because they have a.... Unicorn outpost stationed here? Shoju scoffed. The Empire looks at the Unicorn with almost as much disdain as they look at you. Shoju's expression was hard, and solemn. So the question you have to ask yourself is this; Will you join me, and give the Empire a taste of the suffering and despair that they have heaped upon us? Will you..... give them the agony they have thrust upon you? Shoju turned and looked back towards the innkeeper who stood scared and fearful behind him in the entryway of the inn.
Or will you stay here, secluded in the mountains, and waste away as the blight to their society they so truly believe you to be? Shoju watched as the crowd murmured for a moment.
After a moment, A young man, in armor walked towards the front of the group and knelt. I will join you. My mother died here... an empty husk of what she once was, after my father was banished to the Burning Sands. There is nothing for me here.
Shoju looked down. The man was strong. He reminded him of himself when he was younger. Well, welcome aboard. Shoju looked back at the rest of the crowd of villagers, and smiled. I will give you the day to think about it. But I promise you, this is a one time offer.
Shoju turned, put his arm around the young man, and began walking back towards the inn. A scream erupted from the crowd, and a middle aged, slightly overweight samurai came barrelling towards Shoju, and thrust his katana at him. LIAR!
Shoju dodged to the right, grabbed the Samurai by the throat, and closed his eyes. Tears of blood began to fall from his left eye, and the man in his grasp began to scream, grabbing at the arm holding him in place.
He held him tight in place for a few more seconds as he screamed in shear agony. As his eyes and mouth began to emit smoke, he dropped the man to the ground, his body smoldering and smoking as he hit the ground. Shoju looked down at him, and a few seconds later, his skin began to catch fire. He looked back at the crowd. A simple.... no would have sufficed.
He turned back towards the inn, and the young man, and Saiten followed him inside. The crowd was shocked and stunned. They slowly began to dissipate, a few trying to save the man who was now dead, lying in the street.
From inside the inn, in his room, Shoju, and his new young Yojimbo watched from the Window. How long would it take for reinforcements to make it from Bikami?
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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 5, 2012 12:23:50 GMT -5
Not soon enough.
Haru made it home, filthy, exhausted, and shaken. Part of him wanted to crawl into his bed and pretend it never happened. But his hurried trip home, and the absence of the old farm horse and cart could not possibly go unnoticed.
With a bit of prodding by his mother, the story came flooding out of him: The murder of the town magistrate, the wild-eyed man who killed him, and the strange behavior of the woman who chased him down the mountain to her death. He hoped that once he told her everything that would be it, but as the day stretched into sunset, he ended up repeating himself over and over again to different people, eventually different crowds, until he had gone nearly hoarse. He was constantly being asked to recount details, to describe the events as closely as possible, and to remember and re-remember everything that he had gone through. While Haru was known as a daydreamer, he could not possibly have kept up the lie after so many retellings, and so the town believed him, and began to look up at the mountain with fear and trepidation.
The village elders convened for several hours, trying to decide the best course of action. The town was full of women, children, and the elderly: hardly the types to stand up to a murderer in a town such as Kibukito. The men had all gone to war, to follow their samurai. Finally, a course of action was decided upon.
Haru rose with the dawn the next morning, unable to find comfort in his bed through the nightmares, and made his way out of the hut, hoping the daily grind of his chores would wear away the memory of his experiences. He was stopped on the way by three figures: Koji, one of the village elders, carrying a soft bundle; Yuna, the Lady's stablemaid; and the third...
"Harukun, we need to deliver a message to Lady Mai, with all due haste."
Haru looked in horror at the steed being led behind Yuna...the Utaku steed. The fine grey stallion was geared and ready for travel, and looked down on him with what Haru could swear was condescension.
"Grandfather, you can't...I'm not allowed to even touch one of these horses!" They all knew the penalty he would face for his audacity, but they didn't seem to notice. And then his stomach sank even further when he saw the unwrapped purple bundle...
"You will need to wear these on your journey, Haru."
"Ojii, please...don't make me do this." Tears streamed down his face. The clothes bore the mon of the Unicorn, suitable for a scout. A samurai scout. The taboo of it overwhelmed him, and he tried to back away, but found his mother behind him, her eyes also full of tears, taking off his peasant's garb to almost nothing out in the complete open, leaving him shivering int he cold air while she dressed him. Riding leathers, layers of kosode, and a fur coat that was far too large for him. She tied the obi around his waist in an effort to tighten it in and gave her son a final embrace before running back to the hut, sobbing.
"Haru, the elders have decided that this is the only way." Yuna said. "You're strong enough to withstand the journey, and Sanzo here is the fastest horse we have, and gentle besides. A peasant is a target, but a samurai can ride the plains unmolested. The Lady will understand, and show compassion and mercy." She looked doubtful at her last statement, but nevertheless helped him into the saddle.
"Stay in the plains as long as you can, don't talk to anyone, and avoid the imperial roads. It will be faster anyway." With that, Yuna slapped the backside of the stallion, causing him to tear with a speed Haru had never before experienced. To his credit, he managed to hang on, hugging against the beast with his whole body.
In all of his wildest dreams he would have never imagined riding the finest steed of the unicorn in the trappings of a samurai, but now it just seemed a continuation of his nightmare. He sped toward his goal, contemplating his demise at the end of his journey, hoping and praying that he could deliver his message before his fraud was discovered.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 5, 2012 13:58:21 GMT -5
Shoju resigned to let Saiten watch the movements of the villagers while he took to teaching his new pupil. The young man's name was Kiga, and his parents had been part of the defense of Otosan Uchi. His father had ordered a retreat in spite of his Taisa's desires. The Taisa blamed his action for the losses, and when the city fell his father was denied the right to seppuku, instead, he was banished. Kiga was a young boy, and didn't understand why his mother and he were sent here.
Now he did. After watching his mother waste away and die, Kiga hated two things. His Father, and the Taisa who had ruined his mother's life. Shoju convinced him it wasn't just the Taisa who was to blame, but the Empire. The Empire had fostered the idea that honor, and face were more important than lives. The Empire looked at people as fuel.
But then, so did Shoju.
By Dinner, Kiga was learning rudimentary maho incantations to help him in battle. At first, the Maho had made him uneasy, but Shoju was quick to explain that the blood was a tool. The Corruption was a tool. Everything, was a tool for Kiga's revenge on the Empire.
As the sun began to set in the early evening, The snow had begun to fall. Saiten moved from his post at the window, and walked towards Shoju and Kiga. No one else has come sama. Several families have begun to fortify their homes. Others look to be planning to make a move towards Bikami.
Shoju stopped what he was doing with Kiga, and turned towards Saiten.I don't remember leaving being an option. Go to them Saiten. Let them know that if they attempt to leave, they will regret it. Shoju walked towards the window, and looked at the snow beginning to fall. Though, I'm unsure if I would even need to intervene.... As I remember, these mountains see significant snowfall. Shoju walked to the door, and headed out towards the innkeepers quarters.
He gently knocked on the door, and one of the children opened the door. Shoju knelt down to be on their level and smiled. Hello there little one. Tell me, is your father available? The little girl nodded and ran off. A moment later, her father returned.
Ye... yes... sama? What can I do for you? The innkeeper looked troubled. The first person to stay in the inn in some time, and this is what happened. Oh... how he wished this man had never come.
Shoju smiled at the Innkeeper, and and held out his hand, dropping a small bag, that the innkeeper scrambled to catch. This is all the money I have. It is yours. I know it wont pay for much longer, but I promise to be out of your hair soon enough. Shoju chuckled a little. You know, your petrifying fear of what is happening may be the only thing that lets you live.
Shoju turned and began walking towards his room. In the morning, there would be another town meeting, it would be the final chance to join him.... willingly.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 6, 2012 9:30:46 GMT -5
The rest of the evening was uneventful. A few people moved, but not too many, Saiten carried the message from Shoju to the people who looked to be preparing to leave, and Shoju worked the young man into exhaustion. He had collapsed on a cushion several hours ago, and Shoju now stood watching out the window. The snow was falling fairly heavily, even for this time of the year, and even for being in the mountains. good, maybe the reinforcements will never make it.[/color] Shoju thought as he watched.
As the night waned on, What Shoju couldn't see through the snow, and the darkness, was that some of the Ronin in the village had banded together. The area around the inn was being quartered off. Some people were not going to join him, and they were going to die with honor trying to make sure no one else could join him.
It was agonizing work in the snow, and cold, and needing to work under the cover of dark. Fearing that the Magistrate, who was clearly under the man's sway, would be patrolling, they worked in small teams, doing what they could, while another group would serve as a distraction. Neither side, realized what the other was doing. Instead of patrolling, Saiten had returned to his home, and the home of the young man, and retrieved light armor, the young man's Daisho, and his own Yari. Shoju was sure that not all the villagers would join him quietly.
As dawn came, the work of the previous night was starting to be seen. Shoju scowled as he looked out the window and saw makeshift cover in the streets. some people were going to make this difficult[/color] Shoju thought as he prepared himself. He roused Kiga, and The three of them donned armor, Daisho, and Saiten took his Yari. They left the room in the inn, and walked out into the snow. A healthy dose of it had fallen through the night. Travel, would be brutal.
[ooc] more to come.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 6, 2012 14:35:07 GMT -5
As the three men stood looking out, it was obvious that some of the villagers had truly been busy the night before. They had established a perimeter around the Inn, and there were defenses on each of the streets that led away, as well as men standing guard, in armor, Armed with both a standard daisho, and some even sporting long arms.
Well now, isn't this.... Quaint. Shoju mused. Saiten and Kiga both took defensive postures as a Samurai clad in Phoenix armor entered the square.
You are no longer welcomed in Kibukito. You have disgraced our town, and our magistrate, and our way of life. We don't know who your quarrel is with, but we are not a part of it, and are giving you the opportunity to leave. Now. Unharmed. The Samurai looked past towards the other two. You two can rejoin us, with no disgrace. The Samurai stood tall, a Naginata in his right hand, placed firmly on the ground.
Shoju clapped slowly as he stepped off into the snow in the street. It reached just under his knee, and helped drive home the dramatic nature of his advance towards the Ronin. That's fantastic. You think you and your ronin can tell me to leave? Shoju chuckled a little. You think that this Shoju gestured at the defenses they put into place is an option! Shoju stopped just out of the slicing range of the Naginata. Do you think that the Empire is coming for you? Do you think, in this weather they are going to save the day?
Shoju smiled. Are you sure that everyone is with you? Shoju made a gesture with his hand, and then began to speak again, this time, his voice carried on the wind for the whole of the village to hear.Kibukito. This is your final chance. Join me, avenge your sleight at the hand of the Empire, or rot away. Do not think that you can stand against me. Shoju leveled his gaze back on the former Phoenix standing in front of him. Opposing me, will lead to a fate worse than death. If I catch you attempting to flee, You will suffer.
Shoju stood motionless for a moment, and slowly, out of the corner of his eye, two more men pushed through the snow, walked towards Shoju, and knelt. Well now. That's more like it. Shoju grinned at the "leader"
Rise. Stand behind Kiga-san, and wait. The two ronin did. The expression on the former Phoenix's face never wavered.
That makes five. Five against a village full of ronin, and weapons, and planning. We are prepared to die for this place if we need to. The Ronin looked defiantly at Shoju.
Why must you people always think that death[/i] somehow is the end of servitude. What makes you think that We wont fight beyond death? What makes you think we aren't already?[/color] Shoju laughed slightly, and flicked his right hand forward, Saiten moved forward, standing next to Shoju. The beauty of fighting beyond the grave is that things like this! Shoju turned, drew the katana at his hip and ran Saiten through the gut.
Saiten uttered no reaction, his knees didn't buckle, he exhibited no response. Shoju nodded. as he looked back at the former PhoenixThings like that, are less than a minor invonveneince.
[ooc] more to come. Updating this slowly, as time permits.
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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 8, 2012 23:11:30 GMT -5
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Post by Shoju on Jan 9, 2012 10:12:13 GMT -5
The Former Phoenix Clan Samurai paled. TSUKAI!!! FALL BACK! As he issued the order, men could be seen withdrawing from behind the makeshift battlements that had been placed in the streets. There weren't many of them, but there were enough to realize they were prepared to attack this morning, and overwhelm the trio if need be.
Behind Shoju, Kiga was preparing for battle. The sight of the men withdrawing had made him anxious. As Shoju withdrew his Katana From Saiten, The undead drew his own katana. The two new 'recruits' behind Kiga were in a state of shock. They had been unprepared for what this was. One of them attempted to back away.
Kiga-san, Why don't you take the new blood inside, and help them get comfortable. Shoju spoke without taking his eyes from the ronin. Kiga obliged, and began to corral them. The one who was backing away turned to Run, And Saiten lept, , landed, and grabbed the man. Thank you Saiten. Prepare him. He is going to need to be... coerced.
Saiten picked up the man who was still trying to free himself and get away, and carried him into the inn, With Kiga, and the other man. The screams were still audible inside the inn.
Shoju grinned as he watched the Phoenix. I'm not just some random Tsukai. The sentence had a biting irritation to it. I am so much more than you think. Shoju walked closer to the Phoenix Clan Samurai, directly into range of the long weapon he held. The samurai stood his ground, not giving into his urge to flee, but not possessing the courage to lift his armament against him. Throughout my lifetimes, I have had my destiny, my love, my family, and my honor taken away from me. Now, I've tired of the petty trivial nature of the Empire, and I'm going to take what is rightfully mine, and punish those who took from me. Shoju leaned in towards the Samurai's face. Whether or not you are dead when you serve me is ultimately of no consequence to me. Shoju smiled wide. But in the end? You. WILL Serve. Me. Shoju leaned back and started walking towards the inn. If you want an honorable death fighting for this town, so be it.
Shoju withdrew a vial of blood and began to pour it into the Snow as he walked back towards the inn. The blood seaped down through the snow, and the ground began to heave. Shoju stopped and turned around, and brought his arms up in a motion as if he were lifting a boulder above his head. The ground gave way, and a wall of earth, the color of blood began to rise around the inn. There was no discernable break in the wall. I will see you soon, for now, I must ready my force. It seems the numbers are stacked in your favor.
And with that, Shoju entered the inn.
The Phoenix was left scared in the streets. As he turned and walked towards the battements, Ronin were looking at him, fear in their eyes. The Phoenix Samurai had gripped the minds of the villagers with his tales of fighting the Bloodspeakers, and rooting out cells. Now, they all looked to him. This one, he is no mere Tsukai. He is not some petty power hungry madman. We must pray that the boy made it to Bikami. We must pray that they will aid us, We must pray that He is wrong.
Inside the Inn, Shoju took a mental note of the men he had seen in the streets today. Roughly two dozen armed Ronin, peasants, and young men. They weren't a polished fighting force, but... They would be enough to trouble Shoju if he wasn't careful.
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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 10, 2012 0:16:44 GMT -5
The soldiers, a few dozen of them, arrived in the evening. Such a small number compared to those who had left all those months ago. Many had fallen in the explosion of the gatehouse of Toshi Ranbo, and numerous others had decided to stay with the Shogun and fight with the Lion at Swift Sword, having taken the cause of the Toturi to their hearts and being loathe to abandon their brothers-in-arms. Haru came in, walking beside the fine stallion into town, surrounded by grown men, including his brother Taro, who would occasionally ruffle his fingers through his hair as he would before he left for war.
In their path was Utaku Mai, causing most of the men to come to attention. Haru was frightened at first, but Mai was calm, and smiling, though there was an edge of sadness that prevented her smile from reaching her eyes.
"Master Haru, would you please join me for a meal in my home this evening? There is much for us to discuss." Mai had arrived early that morning herself, and had spent most of the day interviewing escaped refugees from the city when she would have much preferred to lose herself in her futon. With sleep pulling at her from all sides, she nevertheless called Haru into her presence for a hot meal and private audience. The lanterns in her audience chamber remained burning all through the night, and the sounds of them talking could be heard by the house servants through the paper walls until the first beams of light made their way over the mountains. The next morning Mai called for some of the leading figures among the refugee samurai and village leadership to present themselves to her. While hardly the level of Kyuden Doji, the Bikami estate did have a small courtroom with a short dais, big enough to hold a few dozen people and the seat of leadership for the town. It had windows that opened directly outside, allowing the room to stay bright and airy. With her eyes heavy, Mai dressed in another formal kimono of her mother’s, decorated with white swirl motifs in a sharply creased purple silk. She did not usually adhere to so much formality, but she knew how much it was owed this day, that the vision of Bushido was maintained even as far as Bikami. She took her seat in the raised chair, rubbed her eyes, and called the meeting to order. “I have called you here today to discuss a matter of no small importance. Haru will present himself before me at this time.” There were more than a few gasps at the sight presented to them. Haru marched forward, wearing a fine hitoe and hakama of white silk, embroidered and dyed with a myriad of motifs in purple and gold, unicorns frolicking among the clouds. His face was polished clean, his hair was combed and slicked back into a fashionable top knot, and he wore a fashionable cloth hat tied around his chin. He was a vision of a young, perhaps even entitled, member of the samurai caste, though the villagers could still see in him the young boy who always dreamed of adventures. “Haru has proven himself worthy of a very high honor today. At great risk to himself, he was able to escape the pursuit of the madman of Kibukito, a man calling himself Ken’o, who has long ago sacrificed his soul in exchange for the power of Jigoku. Haru was as brave as any man I have ever known – not only in his execution of one of Ken’o’s tainted servants, but in his diligent quest to find me, that I might exact the justice of the Unicorn upon the murderer that has plagued our lands.” "For this good work for the cause of Rokugan, I am awarding Haru the opportunity to swear fealty to the Utaku, that he and his family may forever bind themselves to this family of the Unicorn.” There were several gasps as Haru knelt down before her to speak aloud his oath. His voice was steady and sure, so unlike the quivver of the frightened boy who had crawled in the snow, and hid in the log. “I swear this day, service to my lady, Utaku Mai. I swear service to the Unicorn Clan, and the ideals of the kami Shinjo. I swear service to the rightful emperor Toturi Kaneka. I swear service to the unyielding code of Bushido, to the virtues of Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honor, Loyalty, and Compassion.” Mai looked down on him solemnly. “I hear and accept your oath, and declare you now a vassal of the Utaku. You will be given land adjoining my estate fitting your new station, and your family..." at this, she gives a nod to Haru's weeping mother, and his brother Taro, "will want for nothing so long as you and your descendants honor the oaths you have made this day. Rise, Utaku Haru, and accept your new calling in the Celestial Order.” There were more than a few shouts from the villagers, though it quickly petered out as propriety was remembered. She helped him up and, after the manner of the Unicorn, gave him a warm embrace. She put her nose in Haru’s hair and smelled the sweet perfume, shedding a silent tear into his hair. She pulled back and looked into Haru’s face. His eyes were keen, bright, and attentive. In them she could see a limitless potential. She wanted so badly to end the assembly in that sweet, triumphant moment. “There is another important matter to discuss today, one that also involves Utaku Haru-san." There were a few quizzical looks around the hall, and Mai was tempted to simply heap more honors upon him. She spoke again in a voice well-used to giving commands, and silence once again befalls the room.
"Haru-san, you stand charged with a heinous crime against the traditions of the Utaku. When you were but a heimin, you stole an Utaku steed, absconding with him for a period of no less than three weeks, riding within sight of an open battlefield, taking upon yourself an honor reserved only for the shiotome and the emperor himself." She took a final beat, emphasizing her final part to this preamble. “The penalty for such a gross disregard for the celestial order is death.” There was an outburst of emotion from the crowd, and Mai desperately wanted to take it back, to bow down and beg his forgiveness for her audacity, but instead raised her hand slowly in an effort to silence the crowd. Koji and Yuna threw themselves at Mai’s feet and pleaded on his behalf. “He took the steed only because I told him to!” “He did it to save the village!” “Take my life instead, I am responsible!” “Have mercy, he is only a boy!” Mai gave the two of them a penetrating, imperial stare, and they quickly silenced themselves. It was all she could do not to join their chorus. “Enough, both of you. Utaku Haru-san is a samurai, and will do what honor demands.” She turned to face Haru, hardly bearing to look him in the eyes. “Utaku Mai-sama, the allegations are true. Not only did I commit this crime exactly as you say, I did so knowing full well the consequence of my actions.” Haru spoke in a clear, pure voice, with no wavering or doubt. More than one eye in the hall filled with tears at his bold proclamation, and few were dry by the time he finished speaking again: “I beg your leave to cleanse the stain of dishonor I have put on your house.” Mai wanted to scream, to tell him to run away and never look back, that there would always be a place in the empire for one with so much courage and honor in his heart. In this hall she was put to shame by one who, as a boy, stooped in the rice paddies, but as a man, gave his life to serve those he loved. Mai hated herself for what her duty compelled her to do. She removed her arms from her robes as if to embrace him again, but instead revealed a wakizashi – the same one he carried when acting in her name – and held it out to him, hoping against hope that he would still make the choice to refuse, but finding that last shred of hope denied her as he carefully accepted the blade. “The honor of seppuku is granted to you. Make your preparations, and please…allow me to act as your second.” Mai would trust no one else to the task, not when she could spare him even one second of unnecessary pain. Almost forgetting that everyone else was there, Mai turned to the assembled crowd. The air was electric. Many of the refugees felt a stirring in themselves of their lost lives, this moment of a samurai's pure expression of self, their greatest test. Many had forgotten, or perhaps felt such feelings were too sacred for them any longer, but there was no doubt that Haru-san had passed this unspoken test, that he was a samurai as truly as if he had been born to the privilege.
Mai rose from her seat, and took her katana from a proferred servant. “Justice is served. Everyone please…go to your homes, enjoy the comfort of your families, and pray for the blessings of the fortunes as we ready ourselves to take back the city of Kibukito.” No one made a move to leave. There was only a slight movement on the dias, as Haru positioned himself.
"I am ready, Mai-sama." ----- While Haru could neither read nor write, he had learned, along with a great many other things, some of the forms of poetry in his long talk with his lady, and was able to dictate a simple piece, preserved on a square of tear-stained rice paper: Such a hard burden Now I also understand Honor binds, yet frees
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Post by Shoju on Jan 10, 2012 9:47:31 GMT -5
Time Lapse
It takes some time for Haru to get to Mai, and Mai to get back. This is a brief description of the events that unfold after The meeting with Shoju and the former Phoenix, and 'current' time, as it pertains to this thread. Shoju will be spending a night in deep meditation early on, for a conversation that takes place in another thread.
That first night in the inn had been tough for the new recruits. The one who had tried to flee ended up killing himself. It didn't matter. He was a dilligent Undead Guard, and for the next few weeks was an ardent sentinel on the wall outside of the inn. The other man, Rochuzo was a more than willing student, and while he wasn't adept as Kiga, He picked up enough simple maho incantations to make himself a worthy addition.
The first week was spent drilling, and training, and learning. The undead guard at the wall had wounded several who had dared to come too close, and killed one. That was when Shoju and his followers realized that on the other side of the wall, they had been preparing as well.
On the outside of the wall, the villagers improved defenses, and men were positioned on rooftops with Yumi, pitch, and Arrows. When the man at the wall fell, his body was met with a flaming arrow, and the fires began consuming his body.
The former phoenix wasn't in the mood to give the Maho Tsukai any more men.
After the first week, The innkeeper had come to see Shoju, and begged that he and his children be let to leave the inn. Shoju was hesitant to allow it, but the small children had a way of softening his heart. It was the 8th day when Shoju moved part of the wall to allow the man and his two children to leave.
The Villagers inspected the man, and the children in the street outside of the inn, going so far as to use a finger of Jade on them, to ensure they werent' tainted. When they were found to still be pure, The Former Phoenix looked back, and saw Shoju standing on the wall. It was hard to make out in the evening light, but it was almost as if there was a tear trailing from the Maho Tsukai's face.
The winter in the mountains turned harsh, and as the hope of relief coming to the village waned, they grew desperate to be rid of the menace. Against the wishes of the Former Phoenix, a Small group of 5 men planned an assault on the Inn. They didn't think they could kill the Tsukai, but they were confident they could destroy some of his followers, and possibly any food left.
They were woefully unprepared. Under the cover of night, they scaled the walls, and entered the compound. The Guard sounded the alarm, his eyesight, better than theirs. The skirmish that followed was brutal, bloody, and quick. After a few moments, 4 corpses were tossed back over the wall. The man who had led the incursion, could be heard screaming for days inside.
As the second week gave way to the third, the villagers began to prepare their final hope at destroying the inn, and those inside. The hope, was that they could destroy the compound with fire. The archers on the rooftops, Men armed with pitch scaling the walls, and every citizen who was capable working to get as much flammable items near the walls as possible.
Throughout this time, the Villagers had been able to spirit away most of those unwilling, or unable to defend the town of Kibukito. It was hoped that even though they were forbidden by imperial law to re-enter Rokugan, the village of Bikami would have mercy on them in their hour of need.
On the inside of the walls, Shoju had tortured the newest occupant of the Kibukito Inn tirelessly. Proving that indeed, some fates were worse than death, Shoju had used his Maho to keep the man alive, only to continue to torture him. He had used techniques he had learned from all parts of his life. Simple Shinobi tricks learned while a Scorpion Magistrate, The brutal efficiency of the Lost in inflicting pain, and even a skin peeling technique he learned from one of the Bakemono who had served under him in his march on the Yobanjin.
The agony he had inflicted upon the man, was more than Shoju thought any man could endure. He was beginning to enjoy the resiliency the man showed. When the man was nearing death, Shoju prepared him, and performed the Ritual of the Khadi on the man. A Lockbox from the innkeepers home served as the final resting place for the newly minted khadi.
With the Khadi ritual complete, Shoju's small force began preparing for the final confrontation with the villagers of Kibukito.
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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 10, 2012 20:49:28 GMT -5
Jade. The estate had a few pieces, mostly gifts given to Mai's mother and ancestors over a period of several generations. It was all collected in a small anteroom notable for its polished wooden floor. Mai had gathered most of them herself, her eye only seeing their potential new life: the model elephant that could be as many as ten arrowheads; the inexplicable full-size set of jade horseshoes (did some artisan expect them to be functional?) that could be broken into spear tips. She let the stonecutters and carvers work out the particulars. A refugee woman who was a Crane in her former life seemed uncomfortable at the destruction, but her deft hands contributed to the work without complaint. The floor was swept often of the resulting dust and scrap, to be ground into powder and stored carefully in pouches. In the end, the difference was slight -- a few dozen arrows, a handful of augmented weapons -- but the sacrifice was made for whatever advantage could be had.
One piece was spared. Mai had found a pendant in one of her mother's private rooms, wrapped carefully in a silk cloth: a round disk with a relief image of a unicorn and a crane, the wings of one encircling the other as if allowing the beast to share in its flight. She surmised it must have been a betrothal gift, given to her mother from Kuzon. While Mai never knew their marriage to be particularly happy, Yun-Li seemed to look on this piece with great fondness for some reason. Instead of being thrown in the pile, she slipped it over her head and covered it with her kosode layers, letting the image of the Crane rest against her own heart.
----- The path up the mountain was treacherous. Snow had fallen, packed, melted, and frozen again in the weeks since winter started, but waiting for better weather was not an option. villagers ran ahead, beating at the ice with farm implements, trying to stir up gravel to provide traction. Their efforts paid off, and the squad of soldiers finally approached a small clearing adjoining a sparse forest, each carefully leading a horse behind them. Mai called them to a halt.
"This is where he ran," she said softly. She didn't have to specify who. In a moment she had dismounted, and brushed snow away from a rock formation with her own hands. She called for more rocks to be brought in, to set at a ring around its base. She took a small knife and carved a name on the flat side facing the road.
"On this shrine we will forever honor Utaku Haru, who sacrificed his life to save Bikami and Kibukito. His memorial, at this halfway point up the mountain, will bind our two villages forever. No longer will our contact involve a yearly shipment of table scraps. This road will always have people coming up the mountain, to offer trade and assistance to our brothers and sisters. Even in exile, they too are Rokugan, and they will never again doubt our compassion in their time of need."
"This is the only offering worthy of Utaku Haru-sama."
While there was no priest to bless it, Mai did what she could with her own prayers, prepared as she was to make her own offering.
-----
They made a fireless camp in the woods, the men huddling next to their horses for warmth, making their final preparations under the full moon. A scout returned with the news of the maho-tsukai's barricade and the townspeople's failed attempts at seizure. Their numbers were dwindling along with their hope. Mai instructed him to send a message to the leader of the rebels: Ready yourselves to attack at sunrise. Find some way to get them out in the open. Help is here.
Utaku Mai had answered the plea of Kibukito.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 11, 2012 9:24:02 GMT -5
Inside the Inn, Shoju watched. It had been quiet this week. No new attacks had been made. He towered over the map of the region. The villagers had obviously sent away refugees. Their visible numbers had dwindled every day.
No matter, Shoju thought. Those that were left would make fantastic undead troops. Obutsu, as he had come to calling his new Khadi, was milling about. He hadn't a magical bone in his body, which was a shame. He failed at even the most mundane of Maho attempts. Shoju figured that at least he could be the first one to engage the enemy when the time came.
The Undead guard could be heard milling about on the roof of the inn. The Villagers had fallen back throughout the night, and he was looking for a sign, or a trace of them.
Kiga, and Rochuzo practiced. It seemed whenever they weren't sleeping, eating, or fighting, they practiced. They were becoming quite the pair of Tsukai, and quite the impressive swordsmen because of it. They both desired vengeance, though Kiga wore his plainly on his face. It was obvious that it had consumed him.
Saiten stood next to Shoju, making notes on a crude map of the village. If they were going to sieze control of this town, it would have to be through a focused assault.
Senzo, a new recruits, was busy using whatever he could in the inn to fashion flaming projectiles. He wasn't a skilled swordsman, but he was a great hunter. Skilled with a bow.
The men worked throughout the night, preparing, for an assault they planned for the following evening. As soon as night would fall on the next day, they planned to begin their charge.
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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 11, 2012 13:32:36 GMT -5
As the sun began to rise over the mountains, Mai and her cavalry squad hid in the shadows of the woods, watching and waiting. Taro was at her side, at her insistance. She had never had an opportunity to speak with him privately; he was stoic and silent as Haru's ashes were released in a beautiful little field next to Mai's estate, the site of the future residence of Taro and his mother. She wanted no more words left unsaid, however, and risked a small whispering to him as they stood in the saddle, awaiting the perfect time to charge.
"Taro-san," she said, testing out his new honorific for the first time. "There is something important you need to know..."
"What is it, Mai-sama?"
The words suddenly left her, realizing how inadequate they were. She tried a different tack. "Taro, there are some who claim that no Utaku man may ride an utaku steed. This is usually spoken by those outside the clan who don't understand our ways, meant to demean the men of such a staunchly matriarchal family."
"It is completely false. Utaku men hold the secrets to breeding and training the steeds that the shiotome ride, thereby holding the key to half of the power behind the force of the Battle Maidens. Riding is a necessary aspect of that tradition."
Then Mai took his rough hand, and placed it in the long hairs of Ren's mane. Ren, for her part, shook her head slightly but did not protest the touch. "They never ride them into battle, Taro, but it's important for you to know, now that you are my vassal, what your responsibilities will include, and what you are now entitled to. Is that clear?"
Taro did not speak, but his eyes shone with understanding.
"Taro--you will survive this fight, so that your daughters may be trained in the ways of the shiotome, and your sons in the way of the Utaku men. That is...if you wish it." Mai had no idea how Taro would take this -- she could hardly blame him if Haru's death made him hate her and everything she stood for.
But Taro, Utaku Taro, ever a man of few words, swallowed hard and faced his lady.
"I am honored to serve the Utaku, Mai-sama, with my life, and even my death, if needed."
And Mai was once again put to shame. -----
The sun rose over the mountain in a brilliant display of purples and golds, heedless of the sorrow present where it shone. The The last few days had been particularly sunny and dry, causing the white blankets of snow to give way to grey rocks and dirt, and an ever-present grime that needed to be washed away.
The innkeeper's youngest son, no older than five, made his way to a particularly fine pile of dirt in the courtyard outside the inn, and began to play, stabbing the earth with a small stick, seemingly looking for rocks or other precious baubles. His father must be going mad looking for him, but could not imagine the danger he was in at this moment.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 11, 2012 14:41:33 GMT -5
Inside the inn, it was quiet. Shoju and Saiten were relaxed, not resting in the way a human would, but enjoying the quietness. They had spent such a large amount of time on the battle plan for the evening, that letting their minds drift and enjoy some serenity. Kiga and Rochuzo had worked themselves into exhaustion practicing their maho and sword play, while Senzo continued to prepare his incendiaries, and Obutsu tried his hardest to master a simple maho incantation to cause blood to burn.
Outside, the Undead noted the innkeepers boy poking at the dirt. He lept from the Roof of the Inn, to the wall, and looked down at the boy, and let out a noise. Shoju rose from his chamber, flanked by Saiten, and began making for the front door of the inn. As he reached the outside of the inn, Senzo was right behind them, bow in hand. Kiga and Rochuzo heard people moving about, and began heading towards the front, but they were still inside the inn.
Shoju noted the innkeepers boy with a stick in the dirt, poking at rocks, and for a moment was lost... It was the first time he had let his mind wander towards Tenshi, and the child she had carried for several weeks.
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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 11, 2012 15:05:04 GMT -5
The boy looked up, his eyes going wide at the sight of the undead sentinel. He stood up, his fists full of dirt, and pointed toward his pile. "See my wall? I built it, just like the Crab, to protect us."
The sentinel looked down at the pathetic little monument and gave a cruel laugh. With one motion he brought his foot down on the ground and smoothed over the 'wall' until it was completely level with the rest of the ground. He brought his head down low until he was eye-to-eye with the boy. "Your wall...is weak. What are you going to do now?"
The boy smiled. "I will do what the Crab do. I will fight!" and with that, he threw his handful right in the sentinel's eyes and ran away from the inn.
The sentinel screamed in pain, tried to clear his eyes but only found the sensation of burning moving to his fingertips, the fine powder nearly smoking as it touched his tainted flesh...
"JADE! How DARE you! You pathetic...you think you can escape MY wrath?" He found his blade and, still half-blind, gave chase to the boy, who only managed to close a short distance to the safety of the makeshift fort. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, but the sentinel would surely catch him before too long.
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