[rp] - Raising the Forgotten Clan

[Shoju]

This RP takes place shortly after the Bloom of the White Orchid, and does involve things that some may question. This is my response to the Spider emissary being ordered to death by the Hantei loyal Clans. This is similar to prominent dragon members going on a musha shugyo to remain loyal to their decision to support Toturi III.

This RP is open to any Spider who wishes to join me in this endeavor, as well as Haruka/Tenshi, Kenpachi/Hirotomo, and Agasha Shodai. Those people may post freely without PMing me first. Others who wish to join this RP, please PM me, and we will disucss it.

The City of the Lost, Temple of the Ninth Kami

---

The Decision to meet with the Lord of the Spider had been a difficult one. Shoju was unsure what the reaction to his request would be, and had feared the worst. After Speaking with Daigotsu, and ensuring him that his loyalty to Daigotsu would never waver, Daigotsu acquiesced that Shoju's plan had merit. It would allow a second chance at shaping the events of the war, and supporting the Son of Heaven.

Shoju left the Meeting with The Lord of the Spider with a smile on his face. he was clothed in a new Kimono. Black, with Purple-grey accents, and a Silver Snake Stitched into the back. His hair hung loose, near his chin, and his face looked fairer than it had since he gained the body of the Crab. It was as if the physical form of the Crab were taking on the attributes of Shoju's previous body.... without the reminders of his life lessons. Curious times indeed.

The orders were sent ahead of Shoju to Saisei. All undead stationed at Saisei were to be withdrawn to the City of the Lost. All Bakemono were to return to their home in the Big Stink. Word began filtering through the City of the Lost that the Chuda Daimyo had left, and that he was making a home for any living members of the lost with a desire to aid the Hantei dynasty in Saisei.

As Shoju left the City, he found several Goju who wished to swear fealty to his cause. He tasked them with finding Tenshi. News had come to him that her parents home had been destroyed, presumably with them in it. They were to start looking there, and follow leads until Tenshi was found, they were to use the crystal they had to contact him.

Shiro Saisei, a short time later

---

Saisei had been busier for sure. The numbers were small, but a few more people showed up every day. Shoju hoped that Saisei was deep enough in the shadowlands to warrant them protection while they prepared. He was showing signs of fatigue, but much planning had gone into the past week, and things had to be just right. Shoju had called for all who lived in Saisei currently to enter the court, and it was time to deliver his address.

Shoju walked into the court, and everyone looked at him. Many people in this room had seen Shoju at a distance, some had never seen him at all. Those who had been privy to being this close to him before bowed. The others, soon followed suit.

"Welcome. There have been rumblings about the reasons behind the loyal followers of Hantei being moved here to Saisei. There have been fears raised, questions gone unanswered, and uncertainty for sure. It is time for you to understand what has transpired. The Empire has denied the Spider's offer of aid for legitimization. They have driven us from the lands.

Some say that there were breaches of Etiquette, others say that the Empire wishes us dead. I say that the Empire simply mistrusts the Shadowlands. That is why we are here. Those loyal to the Hantei are casting aside our Spider ties. If you choose to stay here, in Saisei, with me and move forward in our quest to ensure that the True Son of Heaven resides on the Throne, you will no longer be a member of the Spider.

You will swear fealty to me, and to the Snake Clan. I am the descendant of Chuda Choro, the 2nd champion of the Snake Clan. That means that the lands now occupied by the Isawa and referred to as the Dragon Heart Plains are my lands. My families lands. In an effort to remove ourselves from the Spider, we will not be taking the name Chuda with us. That name is corrupted by the histories. We will instead take the name Tamihei, the name of the Chuda who risked all to elevate the Snake Clan. While this name too carries a dishonor, it will fall to us to bring it glory.

The Isawa wiped my clan from the face of Rokugan in five nights. Our lands lay broken, haunted, and overrun with those who use powers they don't care to understand. It will fall to us to secure our lands, remove those from it who blaspheme, and begin to start anew. For the time being, We have Saisei to call home. But I wish to return it to its rightful owners, the Spider, as quickly as possible.


Shoju stood firm for a moment. and surveyed those assembled. If you disagree with my vision so far, you are free to leave, and rejoin the spider. Shoju watched, a few samurai slowly backed out of the courtroom and left.

There will be laws in the clan that some of you may find too restrictive. You too will be give a chance to remain Spider. The use of Maho, while not strictly forbidden, will be monitored. We will not use it to raise the dead. The Power will be respected, not abused, and the blood you use must be given willingly.

Failure to abide by these laws will result in a fate worse than death. Shoju motioned, and the old librarian was brought into the room, drug by his feet. His existence only ensured by the maho that held him together.

Shoju motioned again, and the librarian was drug back out of the room. We will adhere to the tenants of Shourido, and we will abide by all laws of the Empire, save those superceded by our own. If you now wish to stay with the Spider, you are free to leave.

Shoju watched, and a few of the 'seedier' tsukai left. He figured they would. So far, no surprises. Now. Come forth, and claim your right as a member of the Snake.

Shoju's Quarters in the Iron Citadel, Shiro Saisei

---

Those who stayed swore fealty to the Snake Clan with Zeal. Shoju was unsure if they were even large enough to be considered a Minor clan, but he hoped that it would be enough to get started. Shoju penned a letter, and then made two copies of it. They were sealed in Black Laquered Scroll Cases, and sealed in Wax with the Mon of the Snake. The Letters were addressed to Bayushi Haruka, Toku Kenpachi, and Agasha Shodai.

Humble Servant of the Empire.

I write you today not as the Daimyo of the Chuda Family of the Spider, Not as a member of the Spider, but as the Champion of the Snake Clan.

After the Empire made their decision final on dealing with the Spider, I have decided it is for the best that I take my family's post in the Empire. Throughout the Histories of Rokugan, you will find that the Snake Clan was summarily wiped out in the 5 nights of shame, but their status as a minor clan was never withdrawn. As a descendant of Chuda Choro, the second champion of the Snake Clan, the Championship, and Lands of the Snake Clan are my birthright.

I understand many have reasons to distrust me and my motives. That is why I ask for council with you to discuss my claim, my lands, and my place in the Empire. I implore each of you to travel to my temporary home in Shiro Saisei with your most trusted honor guard.

This Letter will serve to secure your travel from the Wall to my home. I do wish that my home weren't nestled in the Shadowlands, but at this time, attempting to take back my lands by force is not advantageous.

Also understand that any movement of a large force against our position will be seen as an act of aggression, and our allies will not hesitate to engage in our defense. We wish for this to be a diplomatic meeting, the first of many between our people and yours, but the last of its kind held in Saisei.

Humbly
Tamihei Shoju,
Champion of the Snake clan.

[Tenshi]

Curiously it would not be longer than another hour or two before Shoju would hear the raised voices from the protective walls of Saisei.

"A rider approaches.. Tenshi has returned!"

Shadows skirted around her steed's path as she met with the Goju tasked with seeking her out, but it seemed their search was rather short as she already had every intension of returning to Saisei on her own accord. She was uninjured and just maintained that same fierce look she held since watching her mother pass into the next life.

Her pure white Utaku's legs pierced into the dark landscape as the way was made for the unliving Shiotome. And as if guided by unseen words, she headed straight for the fortress and on the quickest path possible to Shoju. The lingering shadows would remain with her as she ascended up to his quarters and awaited his audience.

Taking a knee outside his door she bowed her gaze and awaited his likely disapproval. She had not asked for permission to go out and seek her revenge, and surely this would be repaid in what little life she had left to give.
But admittedly it wasn't any sense of fear that gripped her now, but the unfulfilled hunger of battle and revenge that even with the death of her kin, remained.

[Shoju]

Shoju heard the commotion as Tenshi entered the grounds. He watched from the balcony as she entered the Citadel. He stood with his back to the door as she entered. He was relieved that she was still in this realm, and that she had returned in such short notice. He stood with his back to her only to compose himself. Joy had filled his being.

Shoju turned and began walking towards Tenshi. I had worried that in the commotion that surrounded our forces being driven from the Empire you had been lost. His tone lacked any discernible disapproving tone. He sounded relieved more than anything. Your return is most fortuitous Tenshi-san. He held his hand out, hoping she would take it.

[Tenshi]

For a moment she seemed perplexed at the tone she was met with. But when her eyes gently lifted to see a hand extended to her, she would not refuse it.

With a still firm grasp she took the gesture to rise, still keeping her chin bowed in her humility while she spoke rather quietly. Her tone was a bit cold, but she would not shy away from Shoju as she said her peace.

"While I had no desire to follow the flow of the court, from the gazes we were given, and from the treatment we received following thereafter I was not surprised when the Spider were asked to give their lives.

Strangely though, they all did willingly. Had I still been a Unicorn and witnessing this I would have assumed some insane honor had crept back into the reaches of the Shadowlands. But I already know better..."

Her eyes then met with his, still tense and fierce from before.

"I was already prepared to depart at a moment's notice after you'd gone to the festival. I took the opportunity in the chaos to make my way unnoticed.
It was not that I refused to fall on my blade in the name of our Emperor..
But I am not a Spider."

And her gaze softened slightly as a strange dark smile emerged from her lips.

[Shoju]

Shoju smiled at the last part. "That is true Tenshi-san. You are not a Spider. That is something we both have in common now I suppose..... I requested and was given the right to sever my ties with the Spider and take those willing to and reclaim my lost birthright. Shoju led Tenshi out to the balcony, and looked down upon the people in Saisei. Welcome to the home of the Snake Clan, Tenshi.

Shoju would take a few moment and explain all that had transpired to Tenshi. When he had finished, he smiled and looked at her. Will you stand with me Tenshi? The look on Shoju's face bordered on adoration.

[Tenshi]

"You remember my promise, I trust. Of course Shoju-sama. I will always stand by your side so long as I've the strength to stand..."

She seemed to be drifting away from the true nature of the vow and it seemed like her calling now to follow him. Tenshi's mind had been falling away steadily, but she seemed fixed on at least the simple goal of protecting the Maho Tsukai.
Although his lingering gaze made her wonder what he might ask.

[Shoju]

Shoju looked her over. "Tenshi, is there something wrong? Your mind seems distant.... What troubles you? Shoju's affection for her was obvious to those around Saisei. Shoju regarded Tenshi as almost an equal some would say, others would say that he brought her back because she reminded him of the Unicorn who had showed him honor. Others.... Others thought it had something to do with his past. In truth, Tenshi was the one being who had been able to get close to Shoju since his first death, and with her by his side, Shoju felt more at ease. Not because of her position as his yojimbo. She made him feel complete.

[Tenshi]

Tenshi would blink a few times, oblivious to his nurturing actions, but now it seemed to dawn on her that something was anything but right. Holding a hand to her head she seemed to ponder his worries. And after a moment she was able to give him a sound answer. Her voice seemed more lively as she took this time to concentrate, even softer than her usual serious tone.

"A thousand apologies Shoju-sama.. my mind has been so distracted and driven towards the purpose of revenge that it had consumed my senses. I'm afraid I could not resist the powers that have made me what I am now.. completely."

She seemed to take a deep breath as she bowed to him again, always having been so formal and respectful the Maho Tsukai.

"I'm afraid I have to admit that while my revenge against my family is finished, I find more desire in my soul, a hunger in my heart for something more."

She felt strange admitting this to him, but she would have never dared to relinquish so much of herself to anyone else, as she straightened herself.

[Toku Hirotomo]

"We should not be here." Toku Gozu said looking around at the wasteland. "It's no more dangerous than Toshi Rando at the moment." Fuzake Juta said with a comical grin. "Stop it you two, there are things out here that enjoy the taste of man and I think Chiyuki-san would go first." Toku Fusashi said, winking at the young courtier. "All I would have to do is outrun you, Fusashi-san. You'd make a better meal. She smirked at the portly samurai. "With words that sweet, at least you don't have to worry about being dessert." Fusashi said sourly.

Toku Kenpachi walked ahead of his retainers. They were collectively called "The Black Monkey" by those who knew of them. Kenpachi's handpicked squad that would let honor slide for the sake of duty to the Monkey. He knew all of them from birth. He trusted them to do what was needed for the sake of the honor of their new champion. They would stain themselves to keep the Champion pure.

He was not surprised to see the letter that was sent to him. He was surprised to see himself back in the Shadowlands so soon after his last unpleasant visit. He thought he would bring an army, not a few samurai. Still, he was freed from his thirst for vengeance. The last death, and the punishment of the last surviving Bloodspeaker slaked his thirst.

Shiro Saisei was not pleasing to the eye. "It looks like whoever built it was blind in one eye, and colorblind in the other." Juta said, looking with clear disdain. "They can't all be Kyuden Doji." Kenpachi said to the younger man. "Good. It's so saccharine there, last time I got a toothache." Chiyuki sniffed. "And here I was thinking you were sweet due to your disposition." Fusashi said sardonically. "Cut the chatter." Kenpachi said, though not sharply. "We get in, hear what they have to say, then get out. With any luck we'll be back at Shiro Hida in a few days." "I'm sure the Hida would love to see you after your last performance, Juta-san." Chiyuki purred out of earshot of Kenpachi. During their brief stay, Juta was pressed into performing in a Lot play, as a Hiruma maiden pining for her Kaiu lover.

Kenpachi reached the checkpoint. "Please inform your Champion," the word felt like it was sticking to his mouth. "That Toku Kenpachi and staff have arrived in response to his letter."

Juta would be busy purifying all food and drink, so it was unlikely that he would be able to send word quickly to Toku Torid-e. Kenpachi did not like having to gloss over some of the facts to his son. Hirotomo knew Shoju helped end the long quest to bring his mother's soul to rest, but he would not let his son know the exact nature of the man, if he could still be called that. He would shame the world if it meant Hirtomo would remain the Icon of Hope for the Monkey.

[Bayushi Haruka]

At Kyuden Bayushi

Haruka did indeed receive her letter, but naturally kept it to herself as she continued to withdraw from those around her.

With a brief motion she scanned the scroll before even opening it. She only hesitated a moment longer before flicking it open and scrolling over the words out of sight...
Her reaction was immediate and precise, as she sought the nearest torchlight to burn the page.

Best left unseen, best left unanswered... Shoju you knew what happened when last the Spider met the Scorpion...
We will need to speak another time... it is not as though you didn't know how to contact me... but what a foolish risk you took.

You could have ruined everything...[/color]

Quietly she would growl, and once the message was disposed of she resumed tending to her Utaku herd.

[Shoju]

with Tenshi

---

"Take time Tenshi. Find what it is you desire for, and we will seek it together if you so desire." Shoju smiled at her, and began walking back in from the terrace. Feel free to take time to rest and come to a decision here. I have much planning to take care of, and will have visitors arriving soon I hope. You can call upon me as needed, and we can speak.

several days later, With the Monkey envoy

---

Tamihei Sorou bowed to the contingent of Monkey Samurai. "Welcome to Shiro Saisei. The Champion Tamihei Shoju-dono is expecting you. Please, Follow me." The Snake clan Samurai turned and escorted them into the halls of the Temple. The surroundings would look very interesting to Kenpachi, as if the entire place had been rebuilt brick by brick..... except for the large tower behind the temple.... That would have been a new addition.

Tamihei Sorou led them into the courtroom where Kenpachi first met the man who lived here. The court looked the same, except it was now adorned in hues of green, and an opulent black banner with a green and silver snake hung from above the Dais. "Shoju-dono will be with you shortly." Sorou bowed and stood post outside the left doorway.

As he exited, a young woman entered from the right. "Greetings Monkey-samas! I am so excited to see you." The young woman tried to remain honorable amidst her excitement. "I am Tamihei Sansi, is there anything we can do for you? Are you hungry, do you need drink?" Her excitement was barely contained.

Shoju's chambers.

---

Shoju poured over the plans. He hoped that he could find a peaceful solution to acquiring the Snake Lands from Phoenix again, but he feared The Phoenix's current position with the Hantei, and the Snake's own acceptance of Maho would be a more tense situation than he wished for. Sadly, a meeting with Shodai may be his only hope of gaining any leverage.

A young Samurai knelt at the door. Shoju-dono. The first Envoy has arrived. Shoju stood, and began walking. Tell me, who has made it here first? Shoju had hoped it would be The Mistress of Secrets, but in hindsight, his desire to be official may have been in poor taste when dealing with her. He might have to use the Crystals. His fears of Senshi's involvement would simply have to stand.

"The Monkey have arrived first, Shoju-dono"

Shoju nodded, and began making his way to the court. As he walked past Sorou, the young Samurai bowed deeply. Shoju smiled as he entered the court. Greetings Kenpachi-san. It is wonderful to see you again.

[Toku Hirotomo]

"Tea would be lovely, Sanshi-san." Fusashi gave a hopeful look at the mention of food, and Kenpachi smiled. "And a small snack perhaps. My companions and I have traveled a ways." Kenpachi was curiously examining the area. All traces of the Spider were gone, he could not even smell Maho here. The banner of the Snake was quite prominent, and though it was artistically unpleasant, the entire place looked new.

Tea and some snacks were brought, Kenpachi looked to Juta, and the man began to pray quietly. He looked over at Kenpachi with a small quizzical look. The food was in no way tainted. How on earth did they do that? Kenpachi drank his tea, and discovered it was in face quite pleasant. "Good enough for me." Fusashi said happily and began to eat. Gozu was looking around, his paranoia becoming clear. "Calm down Gouz-san, worrying isn't going to make our stay any more pleasant." Chiyuki said to him quietly. Guzu looked at her. "I did not study with the Hiruma like Fusashi-san, nor did I serve with the Jade Magistrates like Kenpachi-sama. Being in the shadowlands is something I never thought I would do." He said looking around.

"I know you're uneasy here, Gozu." Kenpachi said, smiling at the younger man. "It is not exactly safe here, but nowhere is safe. Calm yourself, it will only make everything more unpleasant." The young man nodded, but continued to drink his tea quietly.

When the small snack ended, the man of many names, as Kenpachi thought of him, walked to greet them all. He seemed...healthier. He was also wearing the kimono Kenpachi gifted him. At least his letter was not in vain. "It is good to see you as well, Shoju-san. Your home is lovely, thank you for the invitation." Juta stepped forward. "As a token of our gratitude, my aide Fuzake Juta will present a gift to the new Snake Champion."

"Tamihei-sama, the Monkey offer the gift of Chuda Chidori's, daughter of Chuda Yoharu, wedding kimono. He offered the kimono, which though extremely old, looked as though it only had moderate repairs done to it. May the symbol of your ancestor's unity harken a new era of your unity to the Empire." Kenpachi nodded to Juta and the man stepped back. Kenpachi wanted to find out the exact plan of this man. If his honor was indeed true, perhaps this trip would not be a loss.

[Tenshi]

Tenshi had remained in the safe keepings of Saisei, but instead of busying herself with fighting and quarrelling to judge her strength she seemed to focus more on meditating and searching her own mind for what created such an imbalance.

She noted Shoju's movements with a silent eye, and without much effort she shadowed him until she witnessed him setting foot into the court. There she hesitated in a veiled attempt to let him go about his business. She had not really taken leave of her sense of duty to protect Shoju even in his own home, but at the same time she wasn't prepared to let him leave her sight again for long.

Stealth though was not in her nature, and her haunted presence was merely a quiet shuffle at the edge of the room, and a slim vision of her beyond the cracked door. She simply took the chance to watch and assess the strange, pure newcomers.

[Shoju]

Sansi's expression at the sight of the kimono would have earned her the disdain of her champion in a more formal court. Shoju simply looked sideways at her, and she covered her face with her mouth and turned around. She was an impetuous young woman.

Shoju walked forward, bowed slightly to Kenpachi and Juta, and took the Kimono. Forgive me if I don't prattle along with refusing. I appreciate all gifts made. Shoju inspected the kimono. It was truly a fantastic piece. Sansi, please take this gift and place it in my chambers.Shoju turned back to the monkey and smiled. The Kimono is truly a well timed gift Kenpachi-san. I think that it may be a sign of things to come. Shoju walked back onto the Dais, and drew a Daisho from behind the seating. It looked battle worn.

I had been hoping to find more information about the former owner of this Daisho, but sadly, I have been unable to do so without ruining the Daisho. I offer this Daisho to you as a gift. As a symbol that while the Snake Clan may not be as pure as driven snow, we honor and respect the Empire, and all of its subjects. Shoju presented the Daisho. It was complete, and would be found to be untainted. It bore the mark of the wolf on the tang of each blade.

[Toku Hirotomo]

"I share your attitude towards gift giving, Shoju. I will treasure the daisho, for as long as I live." Kenpachi's eyes lit up as he saw the mark of the wolf. Perhaps his son's strange ability could divine more about it. Toturi's symbol was growing forgotten.

"Now to the matter of business. Did you wish to discuss what the Alliance can offer in terms of assistance? The war is taxing us, but I believe we can still help you reclaim your birthright if need be."