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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Aug 28, 2011 21:19:47 GMT -5
She woke up in the early afternoon of the next day. She didn’t recognize the place and didn’t remember lying down. Last thing was… walking with the shugenja, he was talking to her, but about what? Didn’t remember. She tried to move around to check were she was but her body was heavy and numb. Only once before she felt like that. She nearly died then and the aftereffects still appear. But she shouldn’t be in that bad condition after what happened the day earlier. The wounds weren’t life-threatening. She turned to the side and tried to sit when noticed a little mirror she was holding all the time. It was thoroughly polished and decorated with a beautiful painting of flowers and a crane. She put the mirror on the side and sat. She felt a little dizzy but it quickly passed. She checked her leg and found yesterday’s wound carefully bandaged. The same happened to all other cuts and scratches. One of the women who were taking care of the wounded noticed the girl woke up and came to her. You should lie down and rest. You are in no condition to stand. The stitches will break and your wounds will reopen.Bring me something to drink. Water or white tea with ginseng. Her voise was hoarse. Even ginseng won’t give you strength to walk now.Please, just do it. The woman looked at her hesitantly and walked away to satisfy her request. While waiting samurai-ko found a new set of clothes near her lying and reached to take them. She was half dressed when the woman returned. My lady, you shouldn’t be doing it. Just lie down and rest.Thank you for the tea she said taking the cup and drinking the content in small sips. Thank you, I fell better now. Can you help me dressing? I can’t tie the obi properly. Woman reluctantly helped her. Samurai-ko took the mirror she woke up with and looked at her reflection. When finished she hid it behind obi. Thank you for your help. And your sisters for their care. She bowed Now tell me where I will find the man who brought me here yesterday and cured me. He was she frowned her forehead trying to remind his name Asahina Yukko?Asahina Yuuto-sama corrected the woman quickly. I’m sorry, of course Asahina Yuuto-sama. So, where can I find him?I don’t know samurai-san. He has many duties.She thought for a moment. Is he often coming here?Nearly everyday. He will surely come today, he wanted to check how your body cope with the poison.Samurai-ko turned suddenly to the woman. Poison? You are saying the arrowheads were covered with poison? She was talking much louder than before. Other women present in the room looked at them, but samurai-ko didn’t notice their gazes. The older woman was surprised with her patient reaction. Yes, Asahina-sama said it was poisoned. He used much strength to stop and undo the damages this poison did to your body.Samurai-ko looked astonished when she heard the news. She sat back on her lying thinking deeply. She didn’t listen to what the woman was saying. Poisons are very treacherous. You may feel well for many hours after taking them and then die in a minute with no chances to prevent it. So it would be better if you stay here.Samurai-ko nodded slightly not even looking at the woman. As if her thoughts were far away. The woman returned to her duties. Samurai-ko sat for a few more minutes. She will wait for Yuuto-sama. She must confirm if the arrows were truly poisoned. And recover from this poison effects. It would be meaningless death. [OCC: Yuuto-san great description. I could nearly smell the hospital ]
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 29, 2011 0:52:45 GMT -5
Rain pounded against the Tsuruchi as wind violently kicked mist and fog to blind, and atmosphere conspired with mud to beat him from his balance in hand and stance. His resolve remained, those emotionless lenses honing ever in sync with Yuuto’s shadowed movements. Grip would not loosen, string yawning for release. His heart pounded, as lighting cackled above and thunder resounded, air kami screaming for him to end his opponent before his opponent ended him.
Leather strap lapped in the wind, and Yuuto’s desperation found its escape, wind turning from its attack on Bentoni to more mundane leather quiver strap. As wind delivered its alternative solution, Yuuto glimpses his image in lenses and arrow finds its mark – a crimson streak finds canvas on cheek.
Yuuto jolts from his slumber as Miga-san’s demure expression imposes itself into his vision, greeting his face with soapy water, “I do not remember ever needing to bathe my previous Gunso,” she chastised, “much less having to wake one on active battlements!” She works his face over once more, wet cloth etching now missing scar, before turning to his filthy hands. He muttered, “Bentoni,” a recoil of fear and confusion finding his apprentice’s eyes, “you do not plan to settle the score do you?” His eyes focused on his hands fumbling in pocket, cheek and abdomen tingling the wisdom he earned from the last encounter, palm soon producing the distorted arrow head he removed the night before, “something is not right in the world, and the kami are begging my attention on the matter. Let us return to our duties.”
As the two begin their departure, a disinterested archer soon finds need to scramble to attention, seizing the discarded shakuhachi, “do not forget your muse sama, war drums may bring rhythm,” the young soldier bowing, “but they do not inspire!”
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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 Aug 29, 2011 12:45:40 GMT -5
OCC: Sorry for my absence, I know Chad is right now doing more important things somewhere else. Anyway, I’ll just finish politely and we can exchange messages from our camps! Hahaha)Yes, I see. That’s exactly my point. I don’t know what they are trying, or if they will or not be outnumbered by other Kaneka allies in their ranks. If this man can be at our side, of course we will have an unexpected ally.She was hopeful, she knew Sanjuro's, now Masamoto, heart. He acted like a true Toku! Trying to act in the defense of people, and not moved by seek of glory or status, or even, reason. Maybe the clan that adopted him (and Mitsouko surely was curious to know why he didn’t come back to his home afterall) was too divided right now; but he was a very inventive and full of resources person. She would talk with Masamoto as soon as possible, but not tonight. She exchanged a glance to Yasuki daimyo, saying: I know your pain. Having family and friends in opposite sides is never easy. But, we must do our duties. I know you wish to go my friend. Your men wait for you. Just be sure we have a way to communicate. Hope to see you again… In Bon festival maybe.The honor to ancestors surely would not make sense for people like Kaneka, able to defy his own father’s hard work in the War of Spirits. But for honored people, keeping one’s ancestors’ deeds and honor alive is important. In the fall, when the war should be finished, with some luck, maybe the Bon can be performed and people can regain reason. After the formal bows, Mitsouko saw the Yasuki daimyo departing. Surely a difficult position when a clan is divided and one wants to keep alive the loyalty a samurai swears in its gemppuku. ….. Occ: I meant to find you two in the Infirmary, if you don’t mind. Anyway, I can change it.By the sunset, Mitsouko entered in the hospital. She woke up from nap in the tent, after 26 hour fully awake, feeling dizzy and tired, but a quick bath and a cup of good tea made her feel really better. Thank the Fortunes the Crane Clan's Rikugonshokan was the brilliant Daidoji Fitsu; and the first Shireikan of Kakita family, the brave Alesha, so Mitsouko had other tasks than battlefield tactics. After dispatching and commanding what was needed to be made, she had time enough for a quick meal and then; when finally Mitsouko heard that the messenger from Permission City was awake. She had heard of Asahina Yuuto, a compassionate shugenja with a splendid talent for poetry, but had never met him before. He was chosen for the leading role of the shugenja of Crane clan in the capital, while Yukihime was sent as ambassadress to Phoenix lands. But Mitsouko was warned about a Daidoji messenger that was under his care in the Crane hospital. She would like to know Yuuto-san, and that was a good opportunity to check the Asahina infirmary quarters as well. Probably not a nice place, but Cane always had a way to make things look better than it really was. And when Mitsouko arrived, she was not wrong about it. Yuuto-san, is good to meet you finally! Mitsouko has a natural loud and deep voice, unusual for Crane woman, suiting a Lioness better. But her tone was smooth and playful. War was already bad enough to depressing speech. If you are busy, it means our enemies’ strikes are not so effective. Thank you for taking care of our clan. You will save many lives I am sure. And lives are important for us.You… Daidoji-san, are feeling well? I doubt our hospitality in these dire times are in the standards we would like to offer to a guest; but I am sure Yuuto-san and the others made the possible to make you feel better.Edited: Wasn't sure if I understood well. Sorry! My typos will remain, though!
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 29, 2011 21:02:33 GMT -5
OOC: Maybe we should append the events so that our guest has to be found. We can set this meeting after I've just returned from the wall.
Yuuto rummaged through the damaged armor cut from the bruised body of his latest work the night before. Every hole, split, and exposed crevas of the armor is fingered and examined in detail. The ruffles of splintered fletching is soon found, but greeted only with dissapointment, "hmm, this may not be enough."
Quiet contemplation and rhythmic sounds of the building are quickly disturbed by the boastful declarations of Mitsouko's prideful strut. Yuuto quickly jumps into formation, bowing, "Mitsouko-sama, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," his hands shaming the arrow head and fletchings behind his back.
Yuuto takes her compliments in stride, as he leads her through the interned soliders in recovery, their faces perking up in admiration and loyalty to their commander paying them a visit. She greets those who have time, proudly stating their family name and gently embrassing their honor with her looks of concern. He knows why she is here, and pushes towards where their guest lies from previous night.
A young attending intercepts the two, a look of shame overtaking her face as she finds courage to explain her failures, Yuuto quickly acknowledging the empty bed and discarded tea cup. He presents himself before the commander, lowering his head, "I seem to have lost a patient, but perhaps she is simply taking a simple stroll through the city?"
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Aug 30, 2011 5:23:27 GMT -5
[OCC] If you want I will delete it. If you want to look for her, she will be “sightseeing” the city or walking near the walls.[/OCC]
I just needed some fresh air. She was standing in the doorway, then moved towards both samurai. She was walking slowly and it needed a good observant to notice that she was limping on her injured leg. I wanted to come back after fulfilling my duties to thank you properly but I got lost.She blushed a bit and stopped about 6 feet from Kakita-sama and Asahina-sama. A drop or two of sweat could be seen on her forehead.
After hearing Mitsuoko-sama’s words she bowed deeply. Thank you my lady, I am feeling fine. I could never complain about the hospitality of Cranes after receiving so much help and concern from Asahina-sama and all these people. Then she bowed even a bit deeper to Asahina-sama. I owe you my life Asahina-sama. Without your help and art I would be dead by now. My life itself isn’t valuable but I am grateful for the possibility to fulfill my duties towards my clan and Emperor. I swear I will pay that debt. She was talking in a very formal way. When she straighten afterwards her face was serious. It was a face of a person who knows what she said, understands its weight and will keep the oath no matter the costs.
OCC: And one more think. She don't have katana nor wakizashi. She didn't have it from the beginning. I described her without it, but I feel it should be stressed.
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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 Aug 30, 2011 13:31:14 GMT -5
While she passed by people she recognized, she had few words to them. Mitsouko tried to make sure they knew all their sacrifices were recognized, and getting cured was another opportunity to victory later. While she walked with Yuuto-san, she tried to make things light, as always.
When you have time, please, send a word to me; a single poem of yours. I had heard about them, and I confess my curiousity. I am a great apreciateur of poetry myself. I do appreciate haikai, and tried to write some, but my inclination is for waka. The authors of haiku, though, have my avid interest. I ask you this humbly, though, and only if you think I am worth to read a poetry of yours.
Mitsouko talked with sincerity, poetry was one of her hobbies and oneday she thought she was good at it. But soon she realized she was not.
Then Mitsouko saw the tall woman, trying to conceal pain and keep face, coming to them. She nodded to her arrival; Mitsouko was sure of not had heard about her name or position. Just she presented herself as a messenger from Permission City. Of course Kakita Mitosuko was curious. Her posture talked a lot about her personality.
It’s a rare thing nowadays, what you are promising to Yuuto-san, Daidoji-san. I haven’t heard it often, so be proud of it.
She nodded in respect for her words to Yuuto. It was not of her concern, of course, but true sincerity put a weight in the Daidoji woman words, and Mitsouko, as many Crane, was able to see true beauty in simple things. Beauty resides in true sense of 'on'. And a Crane bows to 'on' always.
OCc: Yuuto-san, not sure if Yuuto is famous or not for his poetry (but he should be, please please please!), but I think Mitsouko has means to know about his talents if he does not hide it. But yours is the final word about it.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 30, 2011 23:09:11 GMT -5
A look of concern upon Yuuto's face is cleasned as their words wash him with praise. He bows his head, hiding a faint smile -- never one to seek compliments nor adept at their acceptance. His demeanor soon sours as he takes notice of his misplaced patient, "you can do me honor by returning to bed; you need but a day or two more before we may send you back to war."
His thoughts turned towards Mitsouko's request, "you embarass me with your flattery Kakita-sama," turning towards a discarded leather pouch in a secluded corner, "I have spent much time traveling, and have compiled quite the collection, but words rarely bring one fame."
Rummaging through the bag he casually discards what was once hidden in his hands; he soon finds a dusty parchment, meticulously unraveling it he adds, "I did take notice of you several days ago, and scribbled a few lines, if you do not mind."
Leadership burdens Her smile conceals true desires Lose not perspective
He clears his throat, hoping his rhyme might bring some rest to his commander's composure, "as you contemplate your command, do not think you must surrender your soul as you serve us."
Yuuto signals to one of the orderlies to prepare some tea, taking notice to the twiches and discomfort in his impatient patient, "perhaps if you'd be willing to sit and rest a while, we could find some importance to put to paper so that your decendents may one day find you worthy to praise -- besides, I still do not know your name!"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Aug 31, 2011 1:16:54 GMT -5
It was early in the night when the pigeon that Naetaru sent had arrived. Doji Naetaru ensured that the message would arrive in safety and thus he used a migrating karasubato. He was aware that this type of messenger would pass his message in safety. Yet he hoped that there were no falconers employed by the Lion on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital... The pigeon carried a message scented with crocus with a slight trace of tea tree leaves. It was addressed specifically to the Kakita daimyo. The message passed from servant to servant among Crane hands. The rice paper scroll that tied with a teal ribbon in a cross mannered way ensured that the message was to be moved among Crane servants and messengers. Ten minutes later the message arrived to Doji Mikado. It was from her brother, they said, bearing some important news for the Kakita daimyo. She however was indisposed. Mitsouko was recently having lots of duties among other things and Mikado wouldn't wish to deprive her of her precious moments of sleep. She opened the scroll and let her eyes scan the message thoroughly. It was a letter of danger. Apparently a handful of Crane courtiers were in danger on the other side of the city bordering with Kyuden Otomo. This proved to Mikado that the Lion had completely surrounded the city, and they had begun commencing investigations on the eastern villages. The Crane courtiers were moving from village to village in order to hide themselves from Lion patrols but this couldn't carry on endlessly. The Lion were perfect hunters. Mikado knew that she had to find some worthy individuals trained to protect and extract those courtiers. Doji Kenna-sama was among them. He was a talented prodigy, one whose training surpassed even the best of the Doji prodigies. She remembered fondly of him, his voice and his eyes. His retinue had to be rescued and thus she rose leaving the message to Hitoshi.
"Hitoshi-sama, forgive me for coming late in the night. A message from my brother had just arrived."
He explained to him the whole situation looking in his eyes.
"This needs to be seen by lady Kakita. I will be in the city for the next couple of hours searching for some of our trusted clansmen. I only wish we had more of individuals such as yourself."
She looked at him. He was more than fitting to her description. It was sad however that he was indisposed as well. With those finishing words, she bowed and departed.
((OOC: More adventure for us courtiers and yojimbos!))
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Aug 31, 2011 8:34:33 GMT -5
Samurai-ko bowed hearing Kakita-sama words. And then again after Asahina-sama reproach trying to hide blush. She just hoped they wouldn’t see it. She didn’t move not to disturb their conversation. She was watching the woman instead. She had heard part of her talking with other wounded, so she knew who was she standing before. She looked for Kakita-sama status symbols, just in case. She’d never seen her before and didn’t want to embarrass herself with such mistake just in the beginning. She felt relieved when found Kakita-sama personal mon on her outfit.
It took her a moment to understand what Yuuto-sama said. She didn’t pay attention to their conversation and now needed a while to react. Forgive my rudeness. She bowed deeply before both of them. My name is Daidoji Ayumi. I serve under Daidoji Nobusuke-sama. He is leading the attack on Permission City. I was send here to deliver his massage, as he was disturbed by the lack of information from Toshi Ranbo. Nobusuke-sama letter was taken by Lions but there were false information in it. He knew it may fall it Lions’ hands so he preferred us to bring the messages. And he was right, I have seen many of messengers and soldiers in the Lions’ hideout. She stopped for a moment to take breath. So far it went good.
[OOC: I can continue the report, but leaving space if you want to react somehow. If the names aren’t the same as what you established on forum, sorry. It should be the same. My character know them even if I don’t]
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Post by Doji Kenna on Aug 31, 2011 16:50:47 GMT -5
Doji Kenna adjusted his collar in yet another futile gesture to stop the incessant rain from trickling down the nape of his neck. It was odd, the stories always spoke about situations like his being covered by rain, perhaps the Kami were greater creatures of habit than he had previously thought. No, such impious thoughts were of no benefit, neither was his unbecoming fidgeting, he schooled himself to tranquil stillness and surveyed his miserable company.
They had previously been well-appointed, dressed in high fashion and equipped with appropriate steeds and accoutrements. One hundred samurai and ashigaru had served as an escort for what should have been a simple journey from the Crane embassy at Kyuden Otomo until they met up with Crane forces nearer Toshi Ranbo. The Lion however, had thought otherwise; perhaps more thought should have been paid to the possibility but when the Lion’s ambush party had intercepted them it had been more than difficult. Kenna had seen his share of combat since his gempukku, he’d fought in the last battles at Mountain Watch Keep and earned a commendation as a Chui after all, but it was never easy to see men cut down; less easy to see them cut down without cause. Fortunately, though outnumbered the Daidoji were adept at this sort of warfare and had managed to divert the Lion from the courtiers and non-combatants. Now however, Kenna and his fellow courtiers were protected by a mere handful of guards and would be forced to proceed to Toshi Ranbo nevertheless. It would be difficult
The rain increased in intensity and Kenna, shading his eyes against the downpour tried to peer ahead. Going cross-country as they were they would hopefully avoid any further Lion sorties, at the same time though it slowed their advance. Offering a quick apology to the Kami for his earlier impropriety Kenna spurred his horse onwards, behind him weary diplomats and attendants did likewise. The negotiations at Kyuden Otomo had been of paramount importance and the valuable dispatches he and the rest of the contingent possessed were needed at Toshi Ranbo as soon as possible, he only hoped they could avoid the Lion until they got there.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Sept 1, 2011 4:49:32 GMT -5
Mikado raced in the morning across the Imperial corridors. The Kakita daimyo surely was a fast person, for she had managed to visit the Magistrate offices, the Imperial sanction bureau, the Stables and the kenjutsu academy of Toshi Ranbo in a single day. Just before high noon she found the person she was looking for, Kakita Hitoshi. Glancing at him from a distance o the corridor, she had a chance to gaze at him before approaching. She was attracted to him, but then again her actions would only be limited by her family honor. Therefore she threw him a smile and drew her scented fan from the side almost impulsively. This was not her ordinary fan, it was an excellent masterwork scented with magnolia essential oils. Just a meter before him she bowed.
"Good morning Hitoshi-sama, I was looking for you. Regarding the incident that happened yesterday night, I managed to exchange a couple of words with the Kakita daimyo. Doji Kenna is in danger."
Doji Kenna was no stranger to the Crane's ears. He was the one to have been entrusted with the ambassadorship to the Otomo family. He was a valued member of the Crane society and Mikado would fondly remember him. He was an able diplomat, aspiring for greatness. Rumours said that he had refused the position of the Provincial Governor because he regarded his ambassadorial role with Duty. Thus it was not a small thing, the need to escort this fine man to safety.
"He has been located with his ambassadorial retinue near the borders of the Imperial City and Kyuden Otomo. However, it seems that the area has been infested with Lions. A pocket of Daidoji warriors were dispatched, but the main corps remain south of the Crane lands to halt the Crab. Thus, Mitsouko-sama found fitting to send a handful of samurai over to escot Doji Kenna to safety."
She didn't say anything else. She was not the woman to command or to cause guilt. Yet she was afraid. This was war and she couldn't find the courage in her to ask Hitoshi to risk his life. Once again she was stricken with grief and once again she managed to put on the "emotionless" facade.
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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 Sept 1, 2011 12:56:17 GMT -5
Yuuto-san, is you that flatters me! Your words will guide me, though. Thank you! she bowed in return to his haiku, words that touched her heart deeply.
She felt really honored by the singular and fine written art of the Asahina shugenja. But something bothered her, while the Air Kami that had befriended Mitsouko since her birth was willing to gossip, whirling around and messing with her hair… “The woman… Test her…”
Mitsouko really hated when the kami chose to tease her. Nice. A secret.
The Kakita daimyo looked at the woman once more, taking notice of every inch of her body. The physically fit body, but still feminine like herself; the proud but not arrogant stance, the single gesture of bowing, the breath rhythm. She was bruised but she was a natural warrior. Things a kenshinzen uses to notice everytime, everyday, like a natural part of their own life. A pity Homura had no sword with her, right now. The high rokugani the woman was speaking showed she was far from the role of mere scout or messenger.
Yes, Mitsouko had reasons to give attention to the words of the Kami.
Well, then, Ayumi-san, tell us what we need to know.
OCC: uhn, I like Homura's courage. Like we talked before.
(edits): Ayumi
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 1, 2011 19:55:44 GMT -5
Hai, my lady she nodded. It was something in between soldier’s and courtier’s nod. Was it just her imagination or there was something in the tone Kakita-sama spoke… It’s not time to think about it. Finding appropriate words will be demanding enough. Nobusuke-sama is besieging Permission City. His cavalry smashed the enemy’s forces and made Lions hid themselves behind the city walls. Nobusuke-sama soldiers nearly managed to open the city gates. Unfortunately due to unfavorable weather conditions he must have stopped the attacks for a few days and Lions repaired the damage. Nobusuke-sama is confident that the city will surrender in the next two or three weeks. If he had more people it would go faster but many ashigeru was killed in battle. Nobusuke-sama plans to support defenders of Toshi Ranbo as soon as he captures Permission City. Unfortunately he is unable to say when exactly that might be. She stopped for a moment again. That is all Daidoji-sama wanted Kakita-sama to hear she said bowing deeply. Nobusuke-sama demands were quite clear. Ayumi was observing Kakita-sama interested in her reaction.
OCC: I've changed character's name so it won't be mistaken with Kakita Hitoshi later.
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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 Sept 2, 2011 8:57:27 GMT -5
Mitsouko exchanged a glance with Yuuto, using some of the Crane stance, the secret code of their clan, saying him she mistrusted Ayumi. If she was really a Crane, with her high rokugani meaning she had had an excellent education, she would understand it and would confused, and probably, ashamed of having given them this impression. Though, if she was a spy, she would never catch the meaning of a mere turn of neck or the casual position of Mitsouko's left hand in the right sleeve of her hitatare. Now, Ayumi-san, what exactly is Hachi-dono army doing? What our Daidoji Shireikan said about Dragons? Or Phoenix? What have you saw there?
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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 Sept 3, 2011 1:52:56 GMT -5
Elsewhere in Toshi Ranbo, Kakita Sojiro stood beside Crane and Imperial forces on the front lines, defending the city from the Lion invasion. After having the privilege of meeting Kakita Mitsouka, the daimyo of the Crane clan, she had asked him to come to Toshi Ranbo to assist the Hantei forces. The fighting had been intense and brutal, and Sojiro had once again found himself in the position of Gunso on the battlefield. Three times his men had helped to repel a Lion charge, and the heat of battle was oppressive. Sojiro had taken advantage of the momentary lull in combat to make sure that his men were getting enough water, when a young infantryman grabbed his arm.
"Gunso, look at this!"
Sojiro, wearing lacquered armor that denoted his current station over top his typical hakama and gi, quickly turned his head. Across the field, maybe 100 yards off, A Lion commander stood, giving a rousing speech to his troops before launching yet another assault on the front lines.
"Quickly, help me get this off! If they strike now we won't be prepared for them in time!"
Sojiro drew a tanto from under his right sleeve and began cutting away the straps of his armor. Somewhat confused, the young infantryman nevertheless followed orders, and the armor was completely gone in short order.
The Lion commander was quickly wrapping up his speech. Already he was receiving rousing cheers from the men under his command. "I haven't done this in a long time. Get behind me, boy. I am no Shugenja, and my control is somewhat lacking at times." The infantryman quickly did as he was told, as the now unencumbered Sojiro stepped out of the small defensive fortification that had been erected and onto the open field of battle. I haven't used magic in so long, can I still do this? he thought to himself. Outwardly he showed no lack of confidence - that would be devastating to his men - but inside, he desperately scrambled to remember the rudimentary lessons in magic that his betrothed had given him. Sojiro never had the talent for such things like she did, and her mastery of fire was something he could not compete with... but he did have other, lesser talents.
He closed his eyes, feeling the wind around him as he did so. Wind, bring rain, light the sky with my blessing and my foe's bane.
A second later, just as the enemy commander turned to begin the charge, Sojiro opened his eyes again and extended his left hand. A blast of lightning leapt from his hand, striking the Lion in the breastplate just as he began taking steps forward. His men, seeing this display and watching the smoke pour off of their commander's armor, began to falter. Wide eyes and shocked expressions covered their faces. Sojiro cast a contemptuous smirk in their direction.
And then his left arm exploded in pain.
He staggered backwards and looked down, finding that an arrow had lodged itself in his arm just above the elbow. At the same time, his men grabbed him and drug him back into the fortification.
"Gunso, hold still! That bright flash made you an easy target." the young man said. Sojiro grimaced - his magic was, as usual, poorly controlled, and a good portion of the spell's energy had been lost in unfocused light. Another infantryman came up to him, and before Sojiro even had time to grunt in pain, the arrow was swiftly snapped in half and drawn out of his arm. "You'll need to get this tended to, Gunso. The wound is not fatal, but it is bleeding quite a bit." The man caught his eyes and grinned. "I had no idea you were a Shugenja, Sojiro-sama. I am honored to serve under you."
"Gah, I am no Shugenja. I know a few parlor tricks, that is all. Had the man not been distracted, I never would have hit him. It takes me far too long to conjure up any real magic in less than ideal circumstances, and had I kept my armor on I would have been unable to do even that much."
A ruckus arose outside the fortification, and a moment later Lion soldiers were surrounding the position. "Lightning user! Come out and face me honorably!" a voice bellowed out. Sojiro grimaced and pushed himself back up to his feet.
"Gunso! You are already injured. You do not have to face this man. There is no dishonor in refusing his duel under such conditions."
Sojiro shook his head at the young man. "This needs to happen. I am an assistant instructor of the Kakita Academy, as well as a student of the Niten style. I absolutely refuse to allow this man to be able to claim that I refused a duel from him." He quickly drew his tanto again and cut the left sleeve of his gi off at the shoulder, revealing several scars and part of a tattoo in the process. "Tie this around the wound. It should keep the bleeding at bay for now." The infantryman did as he was told, and the flow of blood down Sojiro's arm slowed to a trickle. He sighed and left the fortification, coming face to face with the large, armored form of a surly Lion officer. It took him a second to realize that his man was most likely the lieutenant to the commander that he had struck down moments ago - and also likely related to that man, judging by the furious expression on his face.
"Are you the one that wields lightning?"
Sojiro smiled viciously at him and bowed in the style of the Crane courtier. "Greetings, Lion-san. I welcome you on behalf of Emperor Hantei and the Crane clan to Toshi Ranbo. I must caution you though, we have been experiencing some strange, disturbing weather here lately. Unseasonable heat, hails of arrows from the heavens... why, just moments ago I witnessed a Lion commander get struck full-on by a bolt of lightning, and with hardly a cloud in the sky, no less!" His smile widened a bit before becoming the arrogant smirk that he wore while dealing with various courtiers from other lands when they had done something to irritate him in court. "One can hardly imagine what sort of heinous crime the man committed, for the kami to strike him down in such a way. Why, it's as if he turned his sword against the Emperor of our land or something! Can you imagine the disgrace? What must his ancestors think?"
The Lion officer's face darkened. "That man was my older brother! I demand the right to avenge his death. Prepare yourself, Crane!"
Sojiro's smirk never left his face, but his tone was suddenly frostier, and a bit more barbed. "Ah yes. I can see from your full armor that you are all set to avenge your fallen brother. How commendable of you, Lion-san. Truly, the Lion clan's honor is great indeed, to challenge an injured, unarmored man to a duel. Your ancestors will be proud of this glorious, courageous act, I am certain. In fact, I am sure that long after your death, your name will be remembered for this deed." His hands slid down to his custom daisho, with it's fused saya holding both katana and wakizashi. He felt the blood trickle down his left hand, and tightened it's grip on the saya. His right hand rested lightly on the tsuka of his katana.
"You bastard! How dare you speak of my family in such a way!" the Lion bellowed. "I'll split you in two for this insult!" The enraged man ran forward and drew his katana, intending to bisect Sojiro with a charging Iaijitsu slash - but in his rage, he drew far too early.
Sojiro stepped forward and to the right with his lead foot, using the friction of saya against steel to accelerate the speed of his strike and increase it's velocity - a technique learned from years of Iaijitsu training at the academy. He aimed not for the body but for the Lion's sword arm, and intercepted the man's lunging slash as it came towards his ribs, lopping his hand off cleanly. Then, in one fluid motion, his left foot came forward past his right and his bleeding left hand slid up the saya to the tsuka of his wakizashi. The slippery blood found purchase on the ito of the wakizashi, and he quickly drew the shorter blade in a reverse grip slash, or Saka-Te strike, aimed at the Lion's throat - the only vital target not covered in armor. Blood sprayed, and the Lion staggered and gagged as blood poured from his mouth and the wound in his throat.
"Famous last words, Lion-san. I will be certain that they are engraved on your tomb. Give your brother my regards." He bowed to the stricken Lion as the man toppled over and collapsed in a heap of blood and armor.
His left arm screamed from the stress. Surrounded by Lion troops, Sojiro quickly realized the situation he was now in. I don't have enough strength left to fight them all. I'd be lucky to survive another fight.
He quickly flicked the blood from his katana - ignoring the warm, wet sensation engulfing his left hand and the fact that his wakizashi was now dripping a mixture of his and his opponent's blood. Turning to face the Lion soldiers, he dropped his polite, courtly manner. "Who else wishes to challenge Kakita Sojiro this day?" he shouted. "Who wants to claim that they were able to slay the son of the Crane and Dragon clans at the gates of Toshi Ranbo?" The Lion troops, already shaken from witnessing the death of two of their officers at the hands of the same man, began to mutter amongst themselves and step backwards. He pointed at one of them and continued, Perhaps you? Will you face the Dragon-Crane of Tsuma? The self-given title sounded ridiculous in his ears, but Sojiro was feeling decidedly un-poetic at that moment, and he was not about to lose the advantage of intimidation now. He needed an impressive sounding title, even if it did sound ridiculous to him.
One by one, and then in groups of twos and threes, the Lion troops turned and fled.
A moment later, Sojiro's troops surrounded him. "Gunso, that was amazing!"
"You turned aside their charge by yourself, Kakita-sama!"
"Well done, Gunso. That would have been a difficult battle, for certain."
Sojiro chuckled. "First off, never forget the impact of fear on your enemies. Secondly, no man sharing the battlefield with me refers to me as 'sama'. Gunso or Sojiro-san is fine - I bleed just as well as all of you. And third..." Sojiro stumbled, then caught himself. "Third.... I really don't feel well."
Sojiro collapsed into the puddle of blood leaking from his wounded arm.
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