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Post by Shoju on Oct 18, 2011 13:38:57 GMT -5
Shoju smiled. You can't lie to me Thrakhath. Or am I suppose to believe that you and that Gaijin Chuda both decided to move against me, both of you moving against the will of your lord!? Shoju moved into a defensive posture. he knew that Thrakhath's Skill with a blade was greater than his own, but he also knew that his own connection to the Kami was greater than Thrakhath's in person, let alone through a half sentient corpse.
You misunderstand Thrakhath. I'm have put the dark arts behind me, and respect them for what they are. Art. Only when I'm able to sever the connection between it and Jigoku will I wield that power in any but the most dire of situations. I didn't betray Daigotsu-sama. He used me. He used me, and cast me aside when I no longer fit in his vision of the future. He used what was left of my honor to play the Empire. And when it failed, and I was no longer of any use, He freely cut me loose, and any who wished to follow me. Shoju stopped circling, and stood tall, with the No-Dachi raised in front of him. One day, you too will outlive your worth, and you will be cast aside as well.
Shoju closed his eyes, and held his position. He had to be patient for the charge.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Oct 18, 2011 13:58:05 GMT -5
"I know your heritage, dog," Thrakhath's voice rasped, as Shoju assumed his stance, "and I won't listen to your lies." He crouched low and brought the stolen blade up, it's point facing Shoju. "I KNOW my worth!" Thrakhath roared as Isoroku watched him charge forward. From his place as an observer, he recognized what Shoju was doing, and he knew what Thrakhath would need to do to counter Shoju's strategy. Were Thrakhath here in person, he might have even succeeded.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 18, 2011 14:29:43 GMT -5
Shoju stood motionless as the corpse charged him. Deep in his mind he prayed for an air kami to quicken his reflexes. At the very last instant, he rolled to his left, avoiding the strike, and thrust the No-Dachi through the back of the Corpse's Skull. "I hope that you do" The no-Dachi made easy work of the back of the skull, the brain, and the front of the skull as it exited, the scream of the sword wracking the remnants of the soul of Isoroku. To a man who had yet to taste the kiss of death, the call of the sword would have been unbearable. TO Isoroku, it was almost beautiful. Peaceful. Shoju shoved the corpse off the great blade, and flicked at the ichor stuck to the blade. Shoju watched the corpse attempt movement for a moment as he bent over and whispered a prayer. The corpse began to burn quickly until it was nothing more than an ash stain on the deck. As he finished, Shoju noticed for the first time, Bonfei had stood nearly paralyzed in fear. He hadn't moved to help Yun. Shoju began walking towards him. Bonfei began slinking back. That sword... I heard its call Shoju-dono... What is it that you carry? Why does it scream so?[/b] Shoju sheathed the No-Dachi, and walked towards Bonfei. It is the vengeance of my life Bonfei-san. A life that was stolen from me twice. It was arrogance that created it, and it is a burden I must bear now. Shoju looked out over the edge, and smiled down to Michi. It is safe for you and the crew Michi-san. let's go retrieve your ship eh? [ooc] Where to head from here[/ooc]
Yun Finish off the undead on this boat, and we'll say that Thrak's undead are able to kill off 3 boats of pirates and Snake clan people. Hefty casualties for all involved. They can take those 3 ships and do what Thrak has plans to do Yun- Finish off the undead Kasuga - Go ahead and move this ship to Michi's Ship, and if you want, have some fun RP-ing the take over . If you want, after that post we can get back to the conversation that you wanted to have with Shoju, and start making headway. Tenshi I miss you Thrak I assume you have things to say and do in this thread.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Oct 18, 2011 15:03:19 GMT -5
Aboard the Silence
Thrakhath's roar was more out of frustration than pain, though his hand shot instinctively to the back of his head as he staggered away from the rail. "Are you well, my lord?" Otsu asked. The last thing he wanted was to be stuck on a ship alone with only ghuls to keep him company.
"I'm fine," Thrakhath growled. He straightened and opened his eyes, and Otsu could see that they had returned to normal. "He surprised me, that's all."
"What happened, if I may ask?" Otsu said tentatively.
Thrakhath turned to regard this newly subdued version of Otsu curiously. "I paid our quarry a little visit," he said. "It seems he's better than I gave him credit for."
"My lord has not spoken much of this man we are chasing, if I may say so," Otsu said.
"There isn't much to tell," Thrakhath growled. "He is a traitor to his clan and must be dealt with." He went back to the rail and squinted, looking off into the distance. "Your hand, Otsu-san," he said. Otsu came forward and Thrakhath took hold of his wrist, withdrawing a dagger and pricking his finger. Otsu winced, but said nothing. Thrakhath muttered an incantation and looked again. He smiled, apparently pleased with what he saw. "We're almost there," he said with satisfaction, releasing Otsu's arm. "Conjur that wind we spoke of, Otsu-san," he said. "Nothing substantial, just enough for a little extra push on the sails."
Otsu bowed respectfully. "As you wish, my lord," he said. Thrakhath turned to watch him go as the shugenja made his way to the mast and began casting his ritual, and he smiled. There's nothing like killing two birds with one stone, he thought smugly.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 19, 2011 20:12:46 GMT -5
(( Kay, it's tomorrow, 2 1/2 before I have to go back to work. Sorry for the busy week! ))
Michi had what men were on the ship move it toward his Ill Wind, though there were few of his and many more of the Snake. As the ship the group was on approached, Michi grumbled and pointed. The Ill Wind still floated, though the deck was littered with dead men, as well as men that HAD been dead, brought back to life, and died again. Alongside the ship however floated the larger girth of the Fallow Field, its deck still full of well armed men, as well as many archers. It seemed no one had survived the attack on the Ill Wind, though arrows from the archers across the way seemed to have finished off the undead that won the day apparently.
The voice of the captain called across, though from everything Michi had pointed out, he wasn't the one in charge. "a-HOY! Glad t' see you're in one piece Shoju-sama, Captain Michi. The lost seemed to be winning, so we came to help, but we were too late. Please, come aboard and we'll discuss things!"
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Post by Shoju on Oct 23, 2011 6:43:31 GMT -5
Shoju smiled, and boarded the vessel. He bowed low to the captain, and removed his No-Dachi from his back. The blade made no stir in his mind. Its desires seeming to be sated. Greetings, Captain. I believe that we have things well in hand now. Shall we discuss things on the way to our destination?
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 23, 2011 10:12:31 GMT -5
Michi had seemed almost sullen as the small boat sailed up alongside the Fallow Field. It was obvious from quick inspection that the Ill Wind was lost, though at least above decks there were no enemy survivors after the archery barrage. He said nothing though as he got onto the Tortoise ship.
As the group climbed on, the man that had been acting the captain moved away, and the sickly sailor that Michi had identified as such moved up instead. The four armed guards stayed close, though they made no hostile moves. Shinobu coughed quietly before speaking.
"Tamihei-sama, I believe we have much to discuss as we sail. Not all of it is for the ears of those around however. Won't you join me in my cabin?" A faint blush touched the hatamoto's cheeks before Shinobu turned and walked into the ship's captain's quarters. ------------------
The quarters were quite simple as such things go. A Mantis' quarters would sparkle with gems and gold likely, a Crabs would have weapons and maps all over. If anything it was more like a peasant's fishing boat with living quarters. A sleeping mat, a bolted down table, a simple bolted down brazer for heating up small meals. Only a few simple scroll paintings and a tortoise mon on the wall spoke of a more opulent nature perhaps.
Shinobu moved to a small set of cupboards after motioning for Shoju to sit at the table. A set of tea cups and a pot of tea sloshed around in a small tray set into the table, though it appeared all were built to prevent spilling. A moment later Shinobu returned to the table and sat, laying a satchel of scrolls to the side as she poured tea into each cup, only a little though so the swaying of the ship wouldn't slosh it around too much.
"It seems your clan has caused me more trouble than I wished. Initial estimates relayed to my ship have spoken of three or four Tortoise vessels lost, along with most hands on those ships. The number lost on the other ships is likely around eighty or so, at first estimate. I realize that as many Snake appear to be lost, but I am sure that is preferable to losing your entire... clan, hai?" Shinobu gave a faint smile, almost shy.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 23, 2011 15:42:31 GMT -5
Shoju smiled in return, his mood not souring at the thought of loss of life, or loss of ships, or at the loss of some Snake Clan Members. I do apologize for the ambush. I... am saddened to find that some of my former associates have gone against their lord's wishes. While I have mortgaged my small wealth to purchase passage out of this wretched existence, I do plan to find a way to make it up to you, and those who sailed under you.
Shoju looked around the room, and found the decor and mood of the room to be very fitting. While we both lost men today, and you lost ships, the fact that I'm still able to leave this wretched land behind with the majority of my clansmen gives me much reason to celebrate.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 23, 2011 21:35:11 GMT -5
Shinobu's smile remained small and shy as a small nod was given. "Do not mistake my disappointment at the loss of ships and men to mean I do not see the outcome of this as positive. On the contrary, there are always more Tortoise, and as you say, the loss of your own men was minimal compared to the amount that could have been--"
Shinobu stopped, clutching the tea cup as a fit of coughing shot through the Tortoise. The hatamoto's face paled, keeling forward a little, gripping the table hard with a free hand. A moment passed, eyes down, a shiver running through the small Tortoise's body. Finally eyes looked up with a faint look of regret. "I... I apologize... Tamihei-sama... that you needed to see that. It is just a lingering illness."
Shinobu straightened, steadied by a small sip of tea. "Tell me then... I have heard the hint of our destination, but you realize I can not sail to the Dragon Heart Plains. Nor have I any wish to confront the Phoenix, Dragon, or Ox over dispute of those lands. Where is it you wish to go exactly Tamihei-sama, and what resources would you ask of me?"
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Post by Shoju on Oct 24, 2011 9:25:57 GMT -5
Shoju relaxed a little. What is the illness that lingers in you? Have you had a shugenja take a look at you? I have several Shugenja with me that are well versed in that area. If you would like, I would be honored to have one take a look at you.
Shoju's relaxed demeanor was still accompanied by him standing almost as though he were attention, not moving from the spot he occupied on the floor, But his facial expressions seemed genuine, and he took in his surroundings.
Of course we can't sail to the final destination sadly, but I was hoping to put in to land somewhere close to the ruins of Otosan Uchi. With my clan's relatively small size, We can take refuge in the less destroyed portions of the city, while I, and an honor guard make our way north to Shiro Morito to speak about the Dragon's Heart Plains with the Ox, and from there, to the Phoenix, hopefully I can wrangle one last favor out of a respected man.
Shoju began to pace a little. I couldn't dare ask for more from you Kasuga-san. You have risked honor, life, and more so far. I fear entangling my new allies in the affairs of the snake too much. There are still those who look to destroy me. Those who fear that my actions bear some hidden purpose, that I am just a pawn. Shoju looked at Shinobu, his face reading stern and resolute. I have been a pawn. I have been deceived, and I have been cast aside when my usefulness ceased. I was given the truth of my existence to sell a lie. My actions have been my own since claiming the mantle of my ancient lineage. I will die again before I serve the Spider.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 24, 2011 15:58:30 GMT -5
Shinobu waved a hand dismissively. "My illness is my own Tamihei-sama, have no worries over it. Just as you should not worry about any inconvenience to the Tortoise. You forget that this is a ronin expedition to save you after all, with pirate captains in the lead, not the Tortoise. Any who could see past that facade would already expect such things of us."
Shinobu sipped some tea, remaining seated. "As for the rest... we all serve someone Tamihei-sama. No one in this world is truly free. Even the emperor serves the heavens. That brings me to my true price in all this." Eyes remained downcast, demure, even as more words came out softly and shyly. "I trust that your Snake Clan has only the best intentions of the Empire at heart. However, many would not see it that way. I would propose this; my clan has little clout with the Great Clans, but has much with those that are never noticed. If you were to agree to certain terms I have set down on paper-- simple terms really, involving trade and relations-- I could very easily arrange for a place within the Otosan Uchi area, along with some peasants to help you run your new home more efficiently."
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Post by Shoju on Oct 24, 2011 17:12:31 GMT -5
And there it was. He knew that there would be strings attached, and had prepared for several obvious scenarios, though... this was not one of them. Well, I believe that your terms are at least interesting enough that I would love to look them over. The Snake are, at this point indebted to the Tortoise, and I'm pretty certain that as long as the terms don't aren't akin to slavery, we can make them work. Shoju smiled as he sat there. Shinobu was crafty.
You are right though. We all do serve someone. Currently, I serve the Snake Clan. At some point, I plan to serve the Rokugan, and its rightful Emperor. Shoju sat contemplatively. Tell me, what are your terms?
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 25, 2011 12:59:56 GMT -5
Yun spent the next several hours moving back and forth between several of the boats, helping to clear them of corpses. Yun would assume that several of the pirates wouldn't want to move tainted corpses off the edges into the dark waters, where they would inevitably rise again...eventually. Yun also moved several of the fresh corpses overboard as well.
He paused over one that was still bleeding and glanced down at him. A quick check to see if anyone was around led Yun to suspect that there wasn't anyone watching him at the moment; they were all too preoccupied with getting rid of the bodies. Yun removed a tanto from his sleeve where it was cleverly concealed and bent down over the body. A quick movement sliced open a portion of a vein on the dead pirates arm and Yun brought it up to drink the blood as it flowed slowly out. The ningyo curse that was the price of Yun's immortality had not been sated in a while and this was the perfect oppurtunity.
After finishing, Yun hurled the body overboard. He walked onto the next body feeling much better for it.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 25, 2011 15:05:46 GMT -5
Shinobu's head shook slowly. "Tamihei-sama, you wound me. Even if we have done much for your clan, you are not indebted to the Tortoise, nor to myself. What you call my terms are mutually beneficial to both of us, I assure you."
Shinobu stood and walked over, reaching up and putting a hand to Shoju's chest. The hand was thin and pale, and it barely rested over the kimono, though it was warm enough. As Shinobu looked up, Shoju's own eyes could tell what very few knew just then. "The empire is in chaos Shoju-san... I will not ask if you support either of the men that wish to rule this empire, but I will tell you now that it is none of my concern. No matter who rules, no matter what clans are at war, there are certain things that go on."
The hand trailed down slowly, pulling away before it could get anywhere close to inappropriate, even the touch itself pushed the lines of modesty. Shinobu took a few steps away, coughing softly, facing away while continuing. "I have all the exact details in writing, but the basics of the deal are this. The Tortoise deal in goods that need to get places that they can not always get, along with goods that should NOT get anywhere, but will regardless. You need not concern yourself over the exact details of the network, but before I make you sign anything, you must realize that what we do is essentially against Imperial law. I believe you would call it... smuggling. My terms involve you expanding our operations inland. You need not help us, but it would involve you turning a blind eye to it."
Shinobu stopped and turned around, hands folded. The hatamoto's eyes looked into Shoju's softly.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 26, 2011 9:52:52 GMT -5
Shoju sighed a little. It was not my intention to wound you Shinobu-san. You will have to pardon my view of things. After my life was stolen from me, I was left with an existence that was bound by terms and limits, and rules. Sometimes, it is hard for me to divorce myself from that ideology.
Shoju paced a little. The empire is in chaos for sure. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't gambling on that turmoil allowing me to get my foothold before others take notice. I appreciate your outlook on things.
Shoju looked at the wall, and the sparse decorations. The Tortoise do more good for the Empire than many will understand. I understand more than many, that to keep the Empire moving, and safe, and secure, Imperial law must be.... skirted to maintain order. I saw this as a magistrate in Ryoko Owari, what seems like a lifetime ago. You will get no resistance from us, in fact, we would welcome the chance to help when it wont be detrimental to ourselves.
Shoju turned and smiled at the Kasuga. He understood now why the Kasuga was so secretive.
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