|
Post by Shoju on Sept 9, 2011 10:57:46 GMT -5
Shoju bowed low to the monkey as he and Tenshi walked. He walked out the side of the keep, and towards the outer wall of Saisei. He called upon an air kami who lifted the pair to the top of the western wall. The monkey will make for a great ally. Shoju spoke with a distant look on his face.
He looked out across the shadowlands towards the City of the Lost. We need to leave Saisei soon. As much as it pains me to relinquish my jewel, this place is no longer mine. Shoju turned and looked at Tenshi. We will move north, and begin to reclaim the Lands of the Snake Clan. Shoju fell silent, his face bearing the fears he harbored.
The Snake's numbers were small. They had but one small legion (if it could be considered a legion) to support themselves, the coming events would need to be delicate in order to ensure survival.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 11, 2011 7:51:30 GMT -5
Several Days Later A scout hurried into the court. He bowed when needed, but didn't stop until he was in the court. He bowed low to the few courtiers found inside. When they recognized him, he spoke "I must speak with Shoju-dono. There is movement to the north that he must be apprised of."
The courtier smiled "Are you sure about that? The champion is meeting about the strategy to leave. Disturbing him right now is...."
"THE SPIDER MAKE WAR WITH THE CRAB! I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT ENOUGH!" The scout shouted at the Courtier.
Shoju, and Tenshi, and Tamihei Bonfei were in a room off the side of the wall, and heard a muffled shout. Bonfei stood and walked to the door and slid it open seeing the argument between the scout and the courtier beginning to take shape. Excuse me, we couldn't help but over hear, what seems to be the disagreement?
The scout stopped talking turned and bowed low to Bonfei. "My apologies Bonfei-sama. I come with news about the movements of the Spider. Shoju-dono must be made aware."
The courtier scoffed. "He thinks that the Spider have gone to war with the crab."
Bonfei's eyes shot towards the courtier. How do you know that they have not. Have you scouted the area? Have you taken the time to gather intelligence? Or have you stood in the court and debated the best plan to stay alive? It was clear that Bonfei had no love for the courtiers that had flocked to the Snake Clan since Shoju's began rebuilding the clan. Come, let Shoju-dono hear your report.
They entered the room, and the scout layed out the details of the Spider's assault on the wall to the Champion.
Shoju paced. We need to move now. This distraction will allow us the opportunity to head north without impediment, and a third front of this war will allow us more time to secure our foothold in the Dragon's Heart Plains. Shoju pointed down at the map. To the southeast, at the islands known as Candas. The Spider have been known to keep a naval presence here. We will move there first, and see what we can find. If we find we have no chance of escaping from there, we will move up the coast, and try to stay near crab lands for as little time as possible to make sure that we can make our escape.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 11, 2011 13:12:56 GMT -5
(And now for something completely unexpected?)
Yes indeed, the Spider had begun assaulting Shiro Hiruma. Many various riders and scouts were being dispersed and sending news of the attacks to the four winds. With the Crab away and sieging Crane lands, it was largely and inopportune time to say the least.
The bulky rigid souls that governed the watch relentlessly inspected the quality of their bow strings as they were tense. They paced around their watchtower, the pair of them, as the assaults had begun.
But of course they were expecting many things, oni, horrors, and all manner of the shadowlands pouring in on them accompanied by the wretched lost. But this night they were greeted by a single rider, heavily cloaked and offering some of her forces to aid their watch. They only knew it was a woman by the tone of her voice, as she was draped in a flowing stained brown cloth. The only reasons they did not jump at her was because of the black Utaku steed that she was riding, and the daisho at her side.
"These scouts and reports are yours. Use them well as I'm certain such a time calls for all the help you can get."
Her words were smooth and calm, but just as piercing and grim in purpose. The two watchmen were far from questioning a gift as they bowed from their perch gazing over the land. The rider then would continue on along the wall. But once out of sight, the rider would strangely delve into the Shadowlands itself, forsaking the safety of the lands behind her.
The black stallion gave forth some challenging calls to her rider, but she continued on in silence at a relentless pace. The horrors of the Shadowlands could not move fast enough to try and intercept her, only letting out frustrated screams from the darkness.
At Saisei The alarm rang out again, as shouts poured into Shoju's earshot from the door having been left just open enough. "A rider at the front!!" The hustle and bustle was enough as the archers and guardians of Saisei clan took to their posts and tensed their gazes and took aim.
The only thing the rider did now as she urged her steed onward was to hold aloft a single trinket, one Shoju would feel burn in tandem on his chest. The timing wasn't quite right, as he would know Tenshi already was on the wall and overseeing this rider. She would recognize her skill with a horse anywhere as her gaze narrowed. Haruka had come.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 11, 2011 15:23:14 GMT -5
Shoju felt the crystal heat, and then burn. He knew she was close. What had brought this? Shoju hurried outside, and those who watched parted to the side as their champion entered. A guard of snake flanked him, strangely nervous that a rider had run so deep into the Shadowlands. As Shoju reached her, he bowed slightly.
Greetings, To what do I owe this honor?
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 11, 2011 15:33:59 GMT -5
Haruka pulled back her disguise shroud as the brown cloth fell away from her face. She was oddly not even wearing her mask to cover her, it only held her hair back as she put the trinket away.
"I have a few requests of you Shoju-san. Two in fact. And one will require Tenshi's presence."
Her gaze was like stone, and completely void of any sort of waver or question.
"We need to speak and act privately if we may."
Haruka dismounted quite easily and was prepared to venture inside alone with him. When they were alone at least, and Tenshi started to make her way towards them both, Haruka would continue.
"I do not know if it is within the power of your magic.. But I must not let my child go where I will go. I need you to take it, and give it to my sister to bear and to hold."
Again, unblinkingly, unshakily she looked to him as she stood there.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 11, 2011 19:22:23 GMT -5
Shoju was stunned by the gravity of the words. Haruka-san... I... I can abide by your request to take the child. And, Tenshi willing, we can care for your child. Shoju stammered a little. I do wonder what you mean by 'bear'. If, you mean for me to place your child in her womb, I fear the repercussions of an act like that on the health of the baby. If, you mean to bear the burden of your child as an infant, well... I wont pretend to speak for her.
Shoju's mind was reeling. The child would be a blessing and a curse. It would give him a level of security. Knowing that he could leverage the child for safety from the Scorpion, was a double edged proposition, but.... The idea of even having the slightest influence on the heir to the mantle of Master of Secrets.... And then, there was his obvious respect for the woman in front of him.
Shoju turned and looked at Tenshi What do you think Tenshi-san? Will you aid your sister?
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 11, 2011 21:57:37 GMT -5
Tenshi's eyes met with Haruka's, and it was like nearly staring into a surreal paling mirror. Tenshi gave a bit of a grumble.
"I will do whatever pleases Lord Shoju-sama." She bowed gracefully but still looked tensely at her sister all the while.
Haruka however seemed even more determined as she looked more to Shoju since he was her authority.
"The only thing I care for now Shoju-san, is that the child lives. I cannot carry it where I am about to go."
She swallowed a bit, clearly suppressing a great deal of emotion and focusing it down. "Whatever you choose to do with the child is your choice. I doubt Senshi will believe you when you tell him it is his, but that is not my concern. My only desire is for my son to live.."
She rested her eyes as if begging a prayer in her mind. Tenshi seemed oddly quieted and stilled by seeing her sister this way. Her voice trembled slightly in realization as she stood still obediently.
"I can't believe this.. But she means every word Lord Shoju-sama."
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 12, 2011 0:12:30 GMT -5
Kenpachi led a small detour while leading his small force through the Shadowlands. The damned Lost were attacking. Possibly the Snake were in danger. It bit him to be doing this, but he made a promise.
The guard were alarmed at the small force at their doorstep, but Kenpachi rushed to assure them of peaceful intentions. He noticed they were gathering things, perhaps an attack was coming.
Kenpachi ordered the wagons forward, a gift of sorts. He asked for the Champion when he arrived. He had a plan to help the Snake, if only to finally be rid of the debt.
|
|
Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
|
Post by Khamul on Sept 12, 2011 8:51:29 GMT -5
Previously...Khamul took the kimono without any ceremony (in fact, the more Shoju thought about it, the more it seemed that the monk either did not care or simply did not know about even the most basic of samurai protocol) and stared intensely at it for a moment. Yes. This should do nicely.As they moved back into the courtyard, two of the guards were helping their captain back to his feet. At the sight of Khamul, the captain flinched noticeably away from him. With clear contempt in his voice, I strongly suggest you replace this one before he is allowed to further weaken your enterprise. At this the captain's face turned red with anger, but he made no move against the sohei that had so casually humiliated him. As the guards and workers hurriedly parted to make way as Khamul headed toward the gate (at least he would leave in a conventional fashion...) he looked over his shoulder, and peered at Shoju with those strange dark eyes one last time. I will hold you to your word Tamihei Shoju.End Flashbackooc: Unless Shoju wants to get the last word in
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 12, 2011 9:06:17 GMT -5
With Haruka
Shoju closed his eyes and thought for a moment. This would be a very delicate situation that would need to be handled discreetly. Tell me Haruka-san, How soon would you be having this baby, if continuing on a natural course? Shoju kept his eyes closed, his head strained as if looking through the ceiling to the heavens. Fear not for the child, Once in the care of Tenshi and myself, His protection will be handled as though he were the son of heave. My only reservation is how best to take the child from you without condemning either of you.
As they spoke a soft knock came at the shoji screen. "pardon my intrusion Shoju-dono, but the Monkey have returned." It was Bonfei, and he sounded more surprised than anything by the news.
Shoju's head snapped to the side, and his eyes opened. The Little Monkey has returned. Hopefully the Spider didn't pin him in. Bonfei, See to it that the Monkey understands that I am indisposed at the moment, and the first moment I have, I will meet with him personally. Until then, you are to see to his needs. Shoju turned his eyes back to Haruka and Tenshi.
Back outside
Bonfei exited the main building, and bowed low to Kenpachi. "Shoju-dono apologizes for not being able to meet with you directly at this moment, but promises that as soon as he has a spare moment he will meet with you. Tell me Kenpachi-sama, What brings you back to Saisei?"
Bonfei was an older man, grizzled from many wars. He wore the mon of the Snake proudly. He looked to be old enough to be contemplating retirement, and his words bore a gruff that made it obvious he was not comfortable with playing the role of courtier, but his resolve showed his determination to do what needed done in the name of the Snake.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 12, 2011 9:18:36 GMT -5
"Forgive me, but I'm afraid during wartime, I show my Matsu training. The Spider are attacking the Crab." Kenpachi said bluntly. "And If I'm right, you've got troubles of you own with them. I'm here to get you the hell out of this Forsaken Landscape and back into the Empire. I may have a few things to assist with that, if you don't mind forgetting about honor for a brief moment."
What the hell was Shoju doing that was so damn important? They needed out now. Each day the lost Army would grow closer. Possibly each moment.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 12, 2011 10:51:03 GMT -5
Bonfei was surprised at the Monkey's offer. "Yes, we know of the Spider's assault on the Crab. We have stepped up our preparations in an effort to leave, hoping to use the Spider assault as a distraction. Currently, our plan is to head south east to the coast and the isles of Candas to see if we can make our way into vessels to sail. We all admit that it is a risky and possibly fruitless endeavor, If you have another idea, I know I would love to hear it."
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 12, 2011 11:12:42 GMT -5
"The child is not due for another few months.. not until the winter court. To bring it into the world now would risk its life.."
Her eyes sank slowly. "If you cannot do it, I understand Shoju-san." Her hand rested on her rather exceptional form, as it seemed curiously large for just a child. "I came, prepared to believe you could not do this. And I certainly appreciate your caution in this matter. The values of the new Snake clan are no mere ruse as I see now."
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 12, 2011 11:29:42 GMT -5
Shoju walked towards Haruka and smiled. It is not a matter of capability Haruka-san. Rest assured, if this is what you wish, then I will oblige your wishes. But if I'm to do this, there are certainly risks involved. Shoju lifted her eyes to meet his. And I'm certainly not speaking merely of death. If you are accepting of those risks Haruka-san, We will begin immediately. Shoju stepped back, and awaited her decision.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 12, 2011 11:53:44 GMT -5
She nodded, "I trust you will not put me at any greater risk than need be." She was able to focus on him, again unwaivering. But then Shoju could see, she had brought some protective trinkets with her and had not come to accept the taint.
Her gift from both Moto Kazehito and Kitsuki Yuushahime held in each hand, a small jade broach and a netsuke.
Tenshi was stunned to silence, but simply remained. Where is she going that she would give up her own child..?
|
|