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Post by Shoju on Sept 12, 2011 12:19:13 GMT -5
Ok then, Let us get moving. Shoju ushered the sisters down the corridor. As he did, a courtier began to ask a question. There is no time right now. You will meet with Bonfei and make sure that the Monkey are att.... on second thought, I want you to tell meet with Bonfei and get 2 of his most trusted guards. They are to stand post outside this door. They are not to enter. And NO ONE else is permitted to enter as well. Anyone who attempts to enter this room unless called upon is to be destroyed. Shoju's gaze was more serious than the courtier had seen since joining the Snake. Shoju closed the door behind them, and then bound the door in blood. It was a practice he had not done in a very long time it seemed.
Shoju smiled as he led them both to futons. Shoju helped Tenshi lie down first, and then helped Haruka lie down. He walked to the low credenza along the wall and removed many vials. Afterwards, he conjured a spell against the wall, and the stone itself seemed to bend away, and Shoju removed a box from the wall.
As he walked back to the Futons, Shoju looked at the ivory box with some sort of fascination. Now, I wont lie. This will probably hurt. Are we all still in agreement to proceed?
Outside Shoju's instrcutions were followed. Members of the Guard were sent to the room Shoju entered, and the two men stood guard. Bonfei wondered to himself if his lord had gone mad.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 12, 2011 12:33:22 GMT -5
Kenpachi kicked the side of on of the wagons, and kimonos and mons started to spill out. "I'll get you in. Through the front gates, though you'll have to leave any tainted behind. They can perhaps make the boats, but the Wall Guards will be checking everyone."
"You will pose as my troops, I'll fix it so some of you look wounded, and I'm taking you within the wall. From there, you are on your own, but the trip to your lands should not be too far. I will not take the taint into the Empire, but I can help you."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 12, 2011 12:47:32 GMT -5
It was a silent agreement, but Haruka nodded as she relaxed back.
"Even if it kills me, make sure the child lives.." She didn't flinch or hesitate. But then again Shoju never knew Haruka to do anything in halves or with hesitancy. If she were ever to become the snake, or heaven forbid call upon the forces of the kami, she would easily be a force to be reckoned with.
But there she was, lying in complete trust as she clutched a protective item in each hand. Her eyes rested and she was prepared for anything, she was unafraid of death. Tenshi too had no fear, but then she had nothing to fear.
But as Shoju might begin feeling the life force of the unborn within, something strange struck him as the power and potency of it was far too great. When he was able to focus his senses, he would realize that in fact it was not one life force he felt. But two.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 13, 2011 8:58:46 GMT -5
With Kenpachi
Bonfei smiled at Kenpachi. "We appreciate the gesutre Kenpachi-san. Unfortunately, moving a Clan even as small as our own through the wall, even discounting the tainted, would be too great a risk for us to allow you to endure."[/color] Bonfei pondered for a moment. "The Tortoise are smugglers no? They have more 'seedier' motivations than most. I wonder if our gold is valuable to them....
Bonfei held his chin for a moment. "Let us do this. You get the Koiru-jō no hebi Kabuki troupe, a group of 50 samurai, and a sizable amount of gold through the wall. Aid the samurai in establishing transportation to the Lands of the Tortoise, and allow the Koiru-jō no hebi Kabuki troupe to stay protected in Monkey Lands until we call for them. We will continue with our plan to move our troops away from here and to the coast, near the isles of Candas, where our Samurai will rendezvous with a few tortoise vessels to bring us into the Empire. [/color]
Bonfei looked at Kenpachi. He respected the man. He was quite an asset to the empire. Bonfei wondered what life would have been like as a Monkey instead of a Ronin.
With Shoju Shoju knelt between the two and closed his eyes and focused on the box. Very few had seen this item. Shoju had been secretive when he hid it within the grounds of Saisei. It was his tether. It was his vulnerability.
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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 Sept 13, 2011 11:39:16 GMT -5
Some time earlier...
A scout hurried through the gates of Shiro Saisei, bearing a message of dire import for the master of the castle. The scout, like most humans, had a shadow. The shadow stuck dutifully to the scout's feet as they pounded on the floor, searching for someone with which to share his message. The shadow stopped when the scout stopped, having found an indifferent courtier to scream at. When the scout was finally admitted to see Shoju, his perfectly normal shadow followed.
It was only after Shoju had outlined his escape plan that the shadow began to act strangely. It detached itself from the feet of the scout and, doing its best to keep out of sight, it slithered across the floor and out of the room. It found a window and slipped into the darkness outside, sliding down the fortress wall and into the Shadowlands.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 13, 2011 12:58:48 GMT -5
Kenpachi nodded and started ordering his men to make room for about 50 new people. That would be easier to hide, and they were actors anyway. They should be able to blend in.
"Very well, I will treat them as if they were my own." he said looking at the man. Shoju was still taking a great deal of time. It had to be something important. The Alliance needed more people, not bodies. Perhaps he'd be able to send for a few sensei to assist in the Actors' development. They would probably be worried sick about their clan, and something to do would make their stay more pleasant.
"I'm familiar with a certain Tortoise. Perhaps she may be of assistance. At the very least, the gold will make her more open to the thought. I'd suggest the Mantis, but they are having leadership difficulties. Kenpachi bit his lip in thought. The boats had to be there soon, or the Snake may be mistaken for the Spider.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 13, 2011 13:12:57 GMT -5
Shoju opened his eyes. There was a look about him that very few would be able to recognize. He stood, and walked towards Tenshi. He held out his right arm, produced a knife from his obi, and cut into his flesh. The blood ran from his arm, and began to pool on Tenshi's chest. For you to care for the child, your body must live. For your body to live, I give a piece of myself. As he finished Speaking. Shoju knelt, and placed both his hands on Tenshi. His right hand on her forehead, and his left grasping at her left.
There was a surge of energy shared between them. and Tenshi's body would begin to feel as if it were burning. Shoju collapsed on the floor, looking pale. His shoulders heaved, his breathing labored. There was a scream from inside the room. It didn't come from Tenshi, or Shoju, or even Haruka. It was as if it came from the Box Shoju had focused on. Then the scream silenced, and the physical changes in Tenshi began to manifest. Her skin took on the color of the living. Her eyes looked more alert, her hair more... vibrant.
And then she could hear the thoughts of the man on the floor. His soul was screaming in his head. He was trying to shake the shock of the action. There was a bond between them, that was for sure.
Shoju stood, and walked to the Credenza. He took the bandage from the top of it, and began to dress his wound. As he finished, the wooziness he had felt began to wear off. Did it work? he wondered.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 13, 2011 13:51:51 GMT -5
The blood that had pooled on Tenshi's chest was no longer there. Her clothing was stained as it seemed to have sunk into her form to carry the energy through her. She sat up with an intense gasp, as if reopening the desire to breathe once again. Her grip on the futon was intense, enough that she now felt something again.
Pain..
Tenshi was at a complete loss as she looked down to Shoju, a true sense of dread crossing her mind as her eyes filled with tears and she came off of her place to come to him.
I am.. alive.. This is impossible, this is... Shoju-sama.. my Shoju! Are you all right..!?
"Shoju-sama, are you all right!?"
Her thoughts swelled his mind as she drew closer to him. Her words and thoughts were one though, and for the first time finally he could see her cry, and now also he could see the care and the worry and the emotion back in her eyes.
Haruka watched the scene with a silent vigil, as she dare not say a word against this. Shoju's clear sacrifice and desire to protect her unborn child was enough to still her entire being.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 13, 2011 15:19:18 GMT -5
With Shoju
Shoju nodded his head. He was all right, but he was weak. I will be all right soon enough Tenshi-san. Shoju wrapped an arm around Tenshi's shoulders and drew her in close. Being so close to his own heart had an effect on him while in this body, but this was more than that. Sacrificing a part of himself to the Gaijin ritual, fueled by the incantations of maho, Shoju had paid a steep price. Her thoughts ran through his mind, meaning surely, his own thoughts now spanned her own mind as well. Shoju's mind raced. He had always held Tenshi in a higher regard than any other he had shared his life with. Now it seemed, He would be sharing his thoughts with her.
Come, let us finish what we started. Shoju walked to where Haruka was, and began to work an incantation . He used the blood from the vials of the Credenza, and closed his eyes. As he began to prepare, he was curious about the two lives held in her womb. Haruka-san... Are you aware of your condition? It would seem that you are carrying more than just one child. Shoju looked at her, curious about the development. Surely, someone before Shoju would have noticed this?
With Kenpachi and Bonfei
Bonfei began barking orders at samruai around him. Slowly, but surely, the kabuki troupe was assembled in front of his, as well as Samurai of the Snake who had a history of Naval service. Excellent. I know that my lord would wish to speak with you. I will see what it is that keeps him.[/color]
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 13, 2011 15:39:30 GMT -5
Haruka's surprise only grew as her eyes widened. Clearly not..[/color]
Her eyes lowered as she gently placed a hand over her own stomach. She had noted the exceptional size, but had never anticipated twice the burden. She would take some time to consider this though.
With a deep breath, almost like a release she finally revealed her decision. "Give Tenshi one. I will carry the other. No one will realize then what has occurred here. No other will know, and you may keep the child safe for me. If the worst should happen. At least one can live."
She layed back down to try and relax again. Their lives were such a burden on her heart but she stomached her emotions to the best of her ability.
Tenshi's thoughts would continue rambling on quietly in Shoju's mind. Her gaze actually sank in some respect as she returned to her place across from her sister. Where could she be going that she is so certain of her own demise? She would never do this otherwise..
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Post by Shoju on Sept 14, 2011 8:38:49 GMT -5
That is a question I fear the answer to Shoju thought. If that is what you wish Haruka-san, That is what we will do. Shoju began working through a ritual. He took Haruka's hand, and pricked a finger, taking just a drop of her blood. He then took Tenshi's and did the same. each drop of blood sat beautifully undisturbed on a piece of cloth. Shoju closed his eyes, took a cloth in each hand, and brought his hands together forcefully, as if clapping. As his hands collided, the drops of blood did as well, and the cloth in his hand erupted in fire. The fire rose from his hands in a small mushroom cloud. Haruka would feel the tension in her body. The baby was being taken from her.
Tenshi would feel her abdomen grow. The pain was agonizing, as several months of pregnancy happened all at once. The feeling of loss in Haruka would be mirrored by the pain of the addition of the child to Tenshi.
After what seemed to be an eternity, the ritual was complete. Each sister was now carrying a child. Both woman looked healthy despite it all, and both very much alive. For now, it seemed that Haruka had escaped the taint. Her protective wards taking the brunt of it. Though the experience with Gaijin Magic of a Khadi had surely had an effect on her.
Shoju released the seal he had placed on the door and opened it with an air kami. Taken back by the action the guards were ready to attack. When they say their champion standing, looking worn down, they relaxed, and helped him to a cushion near Tenshi. He turned and looked at Haruka. Forgive me, but I do have a guest waiting anxiously to speak with me. A guest who is a familiar face in your home, and friend of your husband. Shoju pointed at one of the guards. Please escort the monkey in. He pointed to the other guard. Arrange the Shoju screens to give these woman the privacy they deserve to recover. I will will meet Kenpachi here, but the identity of our guest must remain unknown to him.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 14, 2011 11:52:00 GMT -5
Kenpachi walked in. Finally. It better have been important. Every moment they sit on their hands, the more they allowed their enemies to gather strength.
"Shoju-san," Kenpachi said as he saw the man. Screens blocked the rest of the room. Was decorating so important that it kept him here? There appeared to be someone behind it, but Kenpachi did not care. "I'm not going to insult your intelligence or your scouts by repeating the obvious. I do think the danger is larger than you think though, we should move. I want your people safely in the Empire before the Lost get here too."
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Post by Shoju on Sept 14, 2011 12:08:27 GMT -5
Shoju nodded at kenpachi's words. There have been strange happenings from time to time here in Saisei recently. I have suspicions about the advantageous nature of some Spider, but no proof. Shoju looked at Bonfei as he came in behind Kenpachi.
Bonfei outlined the strategy that he and Kenpachi had devised. It had merits. It was sound. 50 samurai both free of the taint, and naval veterans should be a good enough crew to get to the Isles of Candas, and the young ones of the Kabuki troupe would be safe in Monkey Lands for sure. Alright then. Kenpachi-san, your desire to aid the Snake is duly noted. You are a great ally to our clan. If the Spider assaults do intend to end up with Saisei as a target, I would suggest steering clear of the Big Stink as you leave. The Bakemono are an uneasy and mistrusting lot as I very well know, but they are a fearsome force within the confines of that area. They would surely sunder your caravan and claim your lives.
Shoju stood and bowed low to Kenpachi. Until we meet again Kenpachi-san. May this day see us both safe and secure.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 14, 2011 12:09:36 GMT -5
Haruka seemed unmoved by the entire pain of it, only allowing a few silent tears of release for her own strange comfort in the surreal nature of it all.
She glanced down at her two hands. The Netsuke was still in tact, but the jade ring that lined the broach seemed to have ebbed away. Her grasp completely faded from it as it fell unceremoniously to the ground. The small force of it didn't even cause it to shatter, but one of the petals would sadly break off. It was of no use to her anymore either way.
Her thoughts were her own now, as she only held onto her form with her intense eyes looking up and away. Tenshi though, had more focus than her sister. Certainly the pain was real and mentally shattering at first as her thoughts drowned into long agonizing groans. But when she pushed past that, there was this overwhelming warmth that seemed to numb the pain as if it never were.
She would take the chance to slowly sit up and feel over her form. To be alive again.. this old strength I had.. now that was refreshing. I wonder if this was anything like how it felt when you took your new form. But this.. I can't explain it, but this.. I don't know why, but I think this is what I was missing.[/color]
Tenshi allowed herself the emotions, as tears streamed down her face more freely. She held onto herself, rubbing the new bump with a joy she thought she'd lost. Haruka would only turn her quiet gaze towards her once, only looking with the corner of her eye to see her sister's unhindered joy. The only thing that really caught her attention now though as she took the time to rest and recover was to note the voice she was hearing beyond the cover.
Her eyes squinted as she did her best to recall. It felt oddly familiar, especially in this place.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 14, 2011 13:14:52 GMT -5
Kenpachi nodded. "We can't die yet, Shoju-san. We've too much left to do."
With those words of farewell, Kenpachi left. He gathered the actors and the sailors, putting them in Monkey color Kimonos, and switching their mons. He burned the rest of them. He ordered his men back to the wall. Now that the Hiruma were warned, he would come back with a larger force. He needed to deal with the Snake's issues at the moment though. Taking Shoju's advice he stayed well away from The Big Stink. Thankfully, the route they took was away from Hiruma Castle, and they had no difficulties. He'd have to deal with the Tortoise next. Getting ships might not be easy, but at the gold would make it easier.
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