Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 13, 2011 21:37:36 GMT -5
I stood at the end of the docks staring into the black rolling clouds of the storm coming straight towards Toshi Ranbo, and suddenly felt very small in the grand scheme of things. I remembered growing up in the Monkey Lands and being taught the Ways of the Monkey. Things were hard always but I always managed to pull ahead and learn from the life's lessons.
The last six months have been devastating. Betrayal from the empire, betrayal from one of my closest friends all for power, The woman I had been waiting for my entire life gone in just bitter sweet moments, all to swept away in moment. Apparently the Champion of the Monkey was not good enough for her mother, that honor went to the Master of the Void. I tried to find reason in it, a rhyme in the celestial chorus of the universe.
I used to revere Benten, but the hard truth crushed my ideals. Why as a people do we have a fortune of love when almost no one is allowed to be with theirs. Political gain and greed have killed love in this realm, we worship a corpse of a fortune, a husk of what once stood for something. We lie to ourselves as we think love exists when we force ourselves to find it, to tolerate who our family's sell us to.
This flaw in our society has kept me up at night, and driven me mad. To find bliss and have it ripped away changes a man, forever. I have dreamed of murdering him well over a thousand times in many different ways. My favorite has always been where I am over him strangling him til his face turns blue, but even then I don't stop. Only when I hear the snap and crack of his neck do I let go.
I know these feelings are altered by a spirit residing in me. I know it is trying to influence me to corrupt my soul to add to its power. Thankfully my stubbornness has acted as a shield, and my love as armor. I felt the gift she gave me in my hands. It still smelled like her after all this time. It has been my anchor to sanity.
I left for the cure for her poisoning. I dealt with the Scorpion Clan to achieve this, I fought an oni to get back to her. Amnesia claimed me, and I found this foreign devil this d jinn manipulating innocents. I beat it in a test of riddles and I imprisoned it in my body, refusing to give any ground to it. Sahir has shown me things, truths in my life. He has shown me Mitsouko and Shodai together. I chose to deny it, to not believe. He showed me what would happen if I returned to Toku Torid-E. A cold knife in my back and silent death, meaningless.
I chose to assume the role of a Mantis samurai and husband to the current hatamoto's sister. I know she feels for me for real and the fact that I saved her from death caused her to feel for me. I know in a way I do too, love Eisho. My heart is torn asunder and I know the only chance I have to save my soul is to rid myself of Sahir. I need to get this over, a resolution. The nightmares and rage flashes need to stop, to end one way or another.
I felt a presence behind me, and a hot breath on the back of my neck.
"Away with you demon!" I shouted and probably drew the attention of the Crane samurai around me.
"Ohh I think not host, the emotions swelling in you is like the storm on the horizon, and it gives me strength. Im afraid you wont be able to force me away today not with her so close. Your heart is in turmoil and I can give you clarity. Look at the truth." Sahir had a toothy smile that chilled my soul. the D jinn raised his hand and I saw an image as if I was right there seeing it before my eyes.
The two of them kissing, Shodai and Mitsouko. The way we used too. The passion once felt for me now for him. My memory was just a shadow, dust and shadow. If only this master knew the turmoil he caused.
"I HATE HIM." I murmured under my breath pure rage and hatred seeping through.
"GOOOOD!" Sahir gleefully cheered. "This is just the begging host, I have so many more truths to show you. This is but the start."
I closed my eyes and let the wind wash away my anger. I thought of my happiest moments and used them to protect me from this spirit. I saw my father in a field, a silhouette of a virtuous man proud and honorable. I couldn't help but think if he had gone through things like this. I had to wonder what his spirit thought of me now. My thoughts were interrupted by someone approaching. Was it her? I open my eyes and turned to face the person coming towards me.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 14, 2011 21:50:00 GMT -5
OOC: I've rambled the convservation together as simply as I can to move the plot. I wanted to do a much grander thing with this, but I'm sick as a dog, work is a pain, and time is becoming a constaint. I apologize in advance!
The girls retreat is returned with a twin’s display of shamisen in hand and pluck of koto. Yuuto listens to Manji’s words intently, taking in the serene sounds of the sensual seductresses as they string along a serenade to their surroundings.
It's still the same old story A fight for love and glory A case of do or die. The world will always welcome lovers As time goes by.
Manji’s forceful demeanor, yet humbling words as to his own importance, strike a chord with Yuuto, the shugenja’s thoughts tumbling about in his head, “He tells me what I would like to hear, but his own actions have brought him a forced exile from his family, perhaps he dreams as I do?” Yuuto sips coolly on the burning sake, eyelids dipping from word to word, humbling himself until Manji gives pause, “do not discount yourself, Manji-sama, if your goal is to secure the sustenance of the Empire,” Yuuto swishing his drink slowly, “it is a rare thing for men to truly care for the grander ideal in these times”
And no matter what the progress Or what may yet be proved The simple facts of life are such They cannot be removed
The two cringe in agreement over the sensations swimming on their tongues, as the negotiations continue, “It is a shame your clan does not heed your wisdom, but I think we can find agreement about the arrangement you are proposing,” the shugenja closing his eyes, “I would much rather we profit together through peace, and the lasting friendship it brings, than the cycle of war and reprisals characterized by the current conflict. I will need to confirm with my superiors, and a more capable merchant needs to quibble over the finer details of the arrangement, but I would hope I might be able to see you to your next destination if fate allows,” Yuuto’s face twists to a more serious demeanor for a moment, “As for these ‘rare’ items you speak of, I was not informed I would be negotiating a weapons contract, and will refrain from commenting on such matters. However, I will pass the information to our logistical officers. I am unfamiliar with Monkey motivations, they seem to be such an insignificant concern in the current conflict, but I will alert my superiors to their movement in our lands”
Moonlight and love songs Never out of date. Hearts full of passion Jealousy and hate. Woman needs man And man must have his mate That no one can deny.
The two continue with their conversation, the night petering out as the three geisha girls sang. Farewells are givens, but future obligations are still to be met.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 15, 2011 0:30:06 GMT -5
OOC: The music was a really nice touch, good job Yuuto! And no need to apologize, RL matters should always take priority As he listened to Yuuto talk, Manji thought, he is cautious and perceptive, those are good traits to have in times like these. We will surely need them on the way ahead, but only said, I agree with you Yuuto-sama, the profits conquered through war benefit only certain individuals, while the whole Empire pays the price. We are only making ourselves vulnerable by indulging in such foolhardiness.Manji heard the Crane's answers and they were as expected. Now he could only wait for the information to reach the correct individuals and trust their wisdom. For a time both shugenja appreciated together the geisha's musical display. Manji had learned how to play the shamisen when he was young and loved its sound. But the memory of his happy days as a child, before his father's disappearance, before the White Fox and Shiro Tamori, felt out of place and instead of relief, gave him bitterness. He reflected pensively, over another cup of cheap sake, you talk about wisdom, Yuuto-sama. But what is wisdom, if we indeed have a glimpse of it, and what is its price? My heart feels heavy when, wherever I go, I can find only death and destruction; when I'm forced to abandon my own Clan in order to do what I learned to be right; when I walk through the villages where yesterday I helped celebrate harvest festivals and today I find families broken, corpses looted, women violated and houses abandoned, the kitsune paused for a moment, then continued, his voice dead and full of sorrow, often I wonder if my path is truly the correct one. As a shugenja in service of Inari, even when trained to fight, I was taught to value life. But isn't killing to protect lives a contradiction in itself? In the end, aren't choices all that we have? My worst fear is that, in the name of wisdom, or whatever truth one espouses, we end up becoming exactly the kind of beasts we fight against...The fox gave a long, tired sigh, while looking at his empty sakazuki. By then, the sound of the shamisen was dying, as another song reached its end. Realizing his own emptiness, Manji sincerely excused himself, pardon me Yuuto-sama, it is very unkind of me to say such disturbing things when I know your words were well intended, more so because none of those questions have a true answer, he offered Yuuto a deep bow, then continued, the night grows late and we both have duties to accomplish. I must warn you though, this place is called Roar of the Salacious Lion and, until tomorrow night, you might find me at the Roar of the Origami Lion. Although their establishments are completely different, the proprietors are brothers and, sometimes, the sons of Juunosuke mislead people here on purpose, he gave a sly smile while giving Yuuto the correct directions. Come tomorrow night, I'll depart to Kyuden Kasuga, for time is a luxury neither of us have. Please relay my words to your superiors and tell them that, if anyone wish to accompany me, that they should be ready by then. Otherwise, I'll put in a good word for your Clan when I arrive there, so that the Tortoise may be prepared to receive your representatives with the necessary care and discreetness, told he in a serious tone. But, when preparing himself to leave, Manji smiled slyly and said playfully, to scare away his earlier sadness, as a token of my appreciation and as an apology for my earlier rudeness, I'll leave you with an old saying that was transmitted to me by someone very dear. According to him, a wise man of the Burning Sands once said, "nothing is true, everything is permitted", with that, the kitsune bowed deeply to his fellow shugenja and walked towards the cold night, for there was still much to do.
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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 15, 2011 10:19:52 GMT -5
While the tempest whipped the Capital with increasing fury, after a short period of sullen calmness by the morning, and the darkness fell over the east of Rokugan, Mitsouko was all alone in her tent, but for one person. Two smoking bowls of sÅba was convincing the Kakita Lady to abandon reports and readings, laid in the tray over the table, but her eyes darted from her favorite but simple meal, to the letters and payment order she was dispatching. Do you mind if I eat, Jun? The other Crane was sat in the tapestry, rose his eyes for a brief moment, to address to the Kakita daimyo. Thanks, Mitsouko-sama, I would like to share a meal with a daimyo, but it seems too wrong. In fact, if I am allowed to say, been trusted to do such task is more honor than I would ever wonder to... I think you should try, too. It smells delicious. For the old times. And well, you are valuable for me and for our clan. She handed him two sealed papers. Take it. This will warrant you the gold you need. Lady, I‘d appreciate, but is better not to delay much more. With your leave… Thank you again for permitting me to do it for our clan. She nodded, with a cling in her heart. It was risky and sad. But must be done. The Crane warrior rose and bowed low twice, in a farewell. Mitsouko spoke: Jun… Thank you. Their glanced crossed for a moment. Then the young Crane departed. …. Too much in her mind and then, after having the necessary conversation with the agent that should made what was needed to do, Mitsouko closed her eyes for an instant, realizing there was still a thing to do. About Scorpion presence surrounding the city but never coming, she would just have bad feeling about it. The diplomacy would not like their moves by all. The Scorpion who presented necessary papers were granted to follow their way to the Emperor court, but right now the Scorpion Champion seemed to think Lion’s permission was necessary. It became unnecessary since Lion denied having a truce of few hours to let Scorpion to pass, and Crane found other ways to permit the willing Scorpion emissaries, properly escorted, to attend the Imperial court to explain the attempt against the Imperial Ambassador. Very well. Maybe the Scorpion Champion was just paying a visit to his true allegiances, as did Haruka, battling openly the Rightful Emperor defenders. They should try to explain that, too. Also, she was decided to let the Lioness go, when the white owl came to her it a humble petition for her liberty… Now it was matter to find a way to send her back. If everything went well with Yuuto and Manji, maybe soon the Lioness would be far from Toshi Ranbo, with less information than she wished. Though she acted a little brashly with the woman, she had no intention of making her figure in a hostage list. While Mitsouko was reading the reports about Permission City, a chui came to bring news about the arrival in the port. Yoritomo Masamoto. Bring the Lioness, please. Yuuto-san is welcome too if he is not busy. While she waited, her thoughts wandered to Sanjuro…
OCC: Sorry I needed to interrupt to keep the post kind of sizable. Second part coming soon.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 15, 2011 23:42:11 GMT -5
For the first time in a long while, Manji had a long and uneventful day, dedicated to rest, meditation and the preparation of what was to be his first attempt to travel, by his own, through what the White Fox called The Kami's Roads or The Shadow Path. Kyuubi could do it simply through the force of his amazing willpower but Manji, still a young fox, needed many things to help him keep his focus, guide his way and protect him while walking The Kami's Roads.
He woke up later than usual and had his breakfast among the soldiers staying at the Roar of the Origami Lion. He used his gifts to heal some of their wounds, to wash away their fatigue and to give them the peace of mind necessary for them to be brave while facing death, in exchange for these small blessings, they gave him precious information about what had been happening across the Empire. The Mantis had arrived at Lonely Shore City's ports, the Lost had mounted an offensive against the Crab after they took their main force to besiege the Crane's trading cities, the Scorpion Champion was seen on his way to the Lion war camp, the Dragon was finally on the march, as was Akodo Kaneka... the news were dire and as varied as the soldiers telling them. And everything but the prospect of being able to finally meet the Tamori daimyo filled his heart with worry. Manji knew The Shadow Path was his only option, for time and space are subjective while threading between the worlds.
He spent all of the morning and some of the afternoon walking from one side of the Imperial Capital to another, collecting the necessary ingredients. Dried lotus, jade, salt, fresh ginger and dried myrrh should be enough for his purposes. Toshi Ranbo was assailed by a persistent drizzle and strong winds during the whole day, a sign that a storm was brewing. Manji was completely drenched when the evening came and he went back to Shinnosuke's inn. During the day the place stood empty, all the soldiers would be in the river or at the walls, but the sounds of battle could be clearly heard in the distance, amidst those of the wind and rain. Upon entering, he searched for Shinnosuke, who was organizing his food stock, in preparation for the supper.
Hello old friend, is the wooden tub I've asked you for ready?
Ahh, Manji-kun, yes. I've already asked the boys to take it upstairs. But what would you need it for my boy? We have a pretty good ofuro outside, Shinnosuke said with a amiable smile.
Magic my friend, the Kami's work, upon seeing the inquisitive look on the old man's face, Manji said, in a soothing voice, don't worry, I shan't damage your property, while smiling slyly and bowing slightly to Shinnosuke.
Were my services as a shugenja enough as a payment? I don't wish to be a burden.
Yes, don't worry. Having happy and healthy customers is good for my business. And I still owe you much for treating my daughter when she burned herself, she now has no scars. Otherwise, it would be hard for her to find a husband. Know that you'll be always welcome within my walls, however long they last, the old innkeeper said in a pensive voice.
Thanks Shinnosuke-san, that means much to me. I'll be departing tonight, tomorrow you may enter my room and clean it normally, it will be as good as new afterwards. I'll go up to finish preparing the room now, if any messenger from the Crane arrives, you can send him or her up without warning me. May the Inari bless your life and that of your family with bountifulness my friend.
Thank you son and take care, Shinnosuke said and gave Manji a deep, respectful bow.
Manji met briefly with Shinnosuke's family to bid them farewell, then took a hot bath and retired to his room. There he spent moments preparing the myrrh and lotus for burning, the salt to purify the place and the jade to protect him during his travel. The water in the large round tub would be his door. He just had to be strong enough to call upon the void and open the way, when the time was right. Outside, the storm howled fiercely and a strong rain washed city and battlefield alike.
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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 16, 2011 7:54:08 GMT -5
A small figure almost totally covered by his straw cape and oiled jingaza made his way to the Roar of Origami Lion. The tempest was coming from the sea, the winds whistling and carrying away the sounds of the battle outside de walls of Toshi Ranbo. Still, the capital was confident enough to provide some music and fun for the lucky soldiers off their turns. The young man took the hat and cape in the entrance of the inn, shaking the wet black hair barely in the length of his shoulder. After delivering the itens to the doorman, he darted his narrow blue eyes through the ambient, searching for the unmistakable person he was sent to look for. But the white haired shugenja was nowhere to be seen. Jun felt a little disappointed but, somehow, managed to find the humor in the peculiar situation he was in. Oh c’mon, finding a white haired shugenja in a bunch of Crane is not an easy task anyway. He recognized none of the men there, and he was glad for the fact. Directing to the busy man barking orders to the waitresses, the young bushi managed a smile.
I look for a shugenja that is supposed to be found here. Manji-san is his name.
Shinnosuke, the owner, glanced at the androgynous Daidoji, maybe having his own suspicious about the intentions and origin of the young bushi in pale blue-grayish clothes. His harmless and petit appearance made Jun experience many adventures to this day, good and bad ones. His half Scorpion blood had his effect in people. But Jun discovered early how to take advantage from what he considered a flaw. Shinnosuke, finally bowed slight to the man with no mon in his clothes but with the indefectible stern glance of a Daidoji.
Yes, there is a shugenja waiting for visitor upstairs. A white haired man. He’s in the last room, left. You can go find him, samurai-san. Forgive my lack of hospitality, I have few hands to help me here with all this soldiers… My turtle soup is very famous.
Jun ignored the informality the man showed to him, for one who bore no mon he would not receive offense on it. He had noticed as well Shinnosuke chose to not show familiarity with the shugenja upstairs, but the concern in his eyes wasn’t properly concealed. Soon he was upstairs, and found Manji’s room easily. Two slight knocks on the wooden frame of the shoji screen. There was movement in there, heavy things being pulled through the floor. He noticed as well the faint smell of incense. As it silenced, Jun spoke in low voice.
Manji-san? I need to talk with you. We have a friend in common. Then, waited for a response.
Edited: some typos. Not all, or it wasn't me.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 16, 2011 9:35:13 GMT -5
A soft voice, almost muffled by the sounds of the outside storm, came through the shoji, Crane-sama, please enter.
Upon sliding the shoji, Jun was greeted by the clear smell of myrrh and lotus incense coming from the two braziers positioned in opposite sides of the room. A round wooden tub, big enough for someone to take a bath in, was positioned in the middle of the room and filled with clear water, with a small bowl full of salt upon its border. Pieces of peeled ginger placed upon a small table filled the place with their peculiar fragrance. The lone window was closed but, from times to times, a gust of wind rocked it violently. The cold smell and humidity of the tempest could be clearly felt from inside the dimly lit room, which had a sole lantern to take care of its illumination.
The kitsune was upon a step placed by the tub, staring intently into the water, as if searching for something. His long white hair was braided and he wore plain green travel clothes which bore no family or Clan mon. He raised his eyes when he saw Jun and said in a soft voice, Welcome Crane-sama. I have been waiting for you. I am Manji and I intend to go to Kyuden Kasuga. If you are here, I presume you either have pressing business with me or intend to accompany me on my journey. How may I call you?
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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 16, 2011 10:41:03 GMT -5
Jun entered after the invitation, scanning the ambient and all the shugenja paraphernalia. I am Daidoji Jun, and…sorry, am I interrupting some romantic meeting in your rendez-vous? Because, if not, uhn… I am not this type of guy. Jun winked to the shugenja, making clear his joke. He glanced once again to the room filled with the sweet smell of myrrh, and spoke a bit more seriously: Manji-san, our common friend sent me to accompany you in the task you proposed. As soon you wish to leave, I will be ready. Kyuden Kasuga is always a place full of promises for a man with my needs.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Sept 18, 2011 22:54:24 GMT -5
I see you're in high spirits Daidoji-san. That's good, you'll need that where we're going, the fox spoke with a soft, almost inaudible, voice and gestured for Jun to come closer and stay by the tub's side. Silently, Manji made a circle around the tub with salt. Afterwards, he reached for two neatly cut chunks of fresh ginger that lay upon a small table and offered one to the Crane, chew on this, the sharp taste will serve you as a constant reminder of your senses, he gave the man a piece of jade, and this will offer you some degree of protection and guidance. Now, please, climb onto the step with me, the young fox said in a serious tone.
The waters in the tub, who were clear when Jun entered the room, now had the pitch black color of a starless night and showed no reflection, Jun-san, the road we will walk was not meant for mortals. Space, time, matter... everything you and I are used to in Ningendo is meaningless where we are going to thread. But, time is of the essence, the war rages on around us and we need to be in Kyuden Kasuga now, so, there isn't really a better option for us, thunder echoed in the distance and the Crane had to strain to hear the soft spoken words of the fox. Manji could feel the confusion in the Daidoji's eyes and thought best to omit some of the more dangerous details about The Kami's Roads. Stare into the dark waters and let your mind wander freely into the void..., the fox said in an imperious tone, before starting to chant a mantra. The soft, slow and continuous sound gave Jun a weird sensation, as if his very being was being pulled towards the waters. But what was there? He could see only the void. His body began to feel numb and distant, the only thing reminding him of it being the strong taste of ginger in his mouth and the warmth that now emanated from the jade piece the fox had given him.
Manji felt cold beads of sweat forming on his brow and sliding down his face. He intoned his mantra for so long that he lost all notion of time. He could feel the restlessness of the Kami, there was too much death around the city and the effort to call upon the void under those circumstances was greater than he imagined. He felt his strength slowly abandoning him... but he couldn't fail, he wouldn't fail, for he was the blood of the White Fox and a messenger of Inari. Be strong, the young fox thought, if not for you, for all those whose lives depend upon your actions, then he bit deeply into the fleshy ginger root and when its rich taste flooded his mouth, he called upon the void to open The Shadow Path.
Jun's vision was blurred but he gradually began to see the image of a dark corridor take shape into the waters. He could also see his own faint reflection now. Behind him, he saw another reflection. At first he expected to see the shugenja but his eyes seemed to trick him, for what he saw was a white fox with deep green eyes wearing Manji's clothes. What sorcery was this? For a moment he felt afraid but before he could think of turning back to look he heard the fox say, in what he thought was a mocking tone, I hope you don't mind getting wet, and felt what was like an animal's paw, the size of a human hand, pushing him towards the water. The cold, dark wetness slapped him in the face, seeped through his clothes and began to rob him of his senses. Jun chewed the ginger vigorously to keep himself aware. When he gave three steps forward, trying to regain his balance after being pushed, he noticed that, instead of water around him, he felt solid wood under his feet. He opened his eyes and finally saw a long, dimly lit corridor.
Albeit drawing on the void to open the pathway was taxing, Manji had succeeded. He was tired and the coldness of the water enveloping him when he crossed over was a very welcome, although dangerous, respite. He arrived on the corridor shortly after the Crane did, smiling slyly. The easiest part was over, now he had to find the way to Kyuden Kasuga. He told Jun with an apologetic voice, Jun-san, sorry for my earlier brusqueness, there was simply no way to explain this to you with words, he bowed respecfully, we must not dawdle here. Take my hand and don't let go of me under any circumstances. Also, no matter what you see, don't speak to anyone but me, this place is dangerous. I'll take us through this as quickly as I can, pray to your ancestors to protect us and do whatever I do. I know you must have questions, feel free to ask me whatever you want after we are out of this place, he offered the Crane his left hand and into the darkness they went.
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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 19, 2011 17:28:11 GMT -5
Thinking in Toku Sanjuro right now was kind of regretting, but deep inside of her heart, there was a tiny hidden place where her feelings were kept from the sunlight. For the best remembrance Mitsouko has from him was not a lover’s scene: It was from the very night they first met, when they saw Aiko’s ghost. His concerned, kind and sweet attitude of trying to protect her like a yojimbo to his lady.
And he was at that time, a champion and her, an almost unknown magistrate, just because her father used his influence to put her in a position of some utility after her fiancé's death. That time, she thought to be found the love of her life, her husband-to-be for all life. But after he departed to get her a cure from poisoning, they never met again.
Mitsouko was sure the accident with the oni would have killed him, but then, she got information he survived. When they said he had lost his memory, she was already assigned as family daimyo, a turn on the events of her life, and her clan had other ideas for her marriage. Even so, she kept searching for him in the surroundings of the incident, then the Monkey required this task to them alone. She was sure they will find him. Kenpachi, and some of his loyal men, was known across the empire by his tracking and investigative skills.
But, even if wasn’t her duty anymore, Mitsouko felt in fault with Sanjuro. The Kakita daimyo kept the feeling she should search for him, find him, talk with him and explain the turn of tides her life had suffered and how their plans for a future together would not make sense anymore… But her life as hatamoto and daimyo wasn’t so easy to permit her to keep searching. Suddenly, few days after Crane troops leave Crane lands to defend Toshi Ranbo, she heard a rumor that made her heart ache… Sanjuro was living among Mantis clan, as one of then, with a wife.
She was concerned, she tried to know with Hirotomo what happened, if Monkey had already met with him. If he had recovered his memory back… But Hiromoto knew nothing. So she believed it was what it seemed to be, a rumor. Mitsouko always trusted Hirotomo.
So, days ago, a Kitsune shugenja showed her the face she struggle to forget… as Masamoto.
They must meet, afterall. She needed to know the truth. She needed to tell him how sad she was all this time not knowing if he was well, if someday he would come back his home.
All these feelings and memories crossed Mitsouko’s mind while she walked to the port. A group of people wishing to take the last chance to leave Toshi Ranbo preceded her and. Among them, the Lioness Yuuto-san saved. A Crane chui came first to make sure Masamoto was one of the “neutral Mantis†as Crane started to call them, announced as fleets helping to relocate civilians from battling areas to safer ones.
The Hatamoto of Crane clan trusted their proposal; she knew the relatively small group of Mantis captains was made of honored samurai thinking in the long term. Someone has to think about it.
Apprehension and fear was everywhere. Not only because of the horrible weather, the tempest bending the sails and showing the travel would be a scaring traverse to safety. People were already almost all embarked, as well as the food supplies. The Mantis kobune fleet sailed in the raging waters with bravery, though everyone inside one of the vessels knowing it was their better chance to survive.
The last Ship to be ready to leave was the one of Captain Yoritomo Masamoto.
Now the rain was scorching cold, barely touching the ground while the strong swirling winds made it to whip against one’s face, body, armor or clothes. The figure of a woman approached in the dark, alone. Her black and pale blue armor shone with a lustrous glow of wet lacquering. The captain of the Sun’s Gambit heard her grave yet melodious voice once again, through the rain:
SANJURO-SAMA!
OCC: Well I know, pretty long. Sorry.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 19, 2011 22:11:20 GMT -5
As I turned I saw her ever so beautiful like no time had passed since I left. For a moment all the doubt, anger, hatred, and uncertainty washed away. We were back to that day and everything between now and then was just a nightmare, a horrible horrible nightmare. I closed my eyes and for the first time in months I genuinely smiled. Tears began to well up and streak down my face. The rain hopefully hid them well.
I inhaled deeply and looked up to the clouds above letting the rain wash over my face. So much emotion churned inside me a powder keg of feelings. I don't know how long I could keep them reined in. So many flashes of people and places, but none of them mattered. This moment in time I was with her. The one person in this cruel world I felt connected too. I exhaled slowly.
"Mitsouko....It has been too long. I feel like a lifetime has passed." I choked on the words. My tone was a cross between utter joy and holding back tears and sadness.
I lost my bearing, for that moment everything melted away, the war, the courts, deadly ambition and betrayal, and demons. I walked towards Mitsouko and embraced her. Hugging her like I never wished to let go.
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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 21, 2011 16:26:10 GMT -5
Mitsouko opened a wide grin, ignoring the storm and observing his towering height coming to her, embracing her. She retributed, this sad longing being sated at once, erasing the shame, erasing the sense of blame. Heard his voice so close, his emotions as confused as hers. She was glad Sanjuro was able to get his memories back. Feeling his embrace brought her forgotten sensations, other memories as well. All she could think is that now, everything would be fine again if Sanjuro was back to his reason, if finally his time of shadows and exile was over. Sanjuro would never take the decisions Hirotomo took, led by his father. better than it, he would be back to his lands to his clan, to everything he most loved and showed to her in the last spring. He would be fine, and it filled her with joy. Sanjuro, I… I am so happy to finally find you! The last time she cried, was for him. After it, the harsh words of Kenpachi had dried her tear rivers. She grew less emotive then. But her eyes told everything. Mitsouko gave two steps back, after a moment, to look at Sanjuro. She was a tall woman, but not as tall as him, so raised her chin to better glance him: Look at you! I was so worried! So can you recognize me? Kenpachi-san need to see you! Everyone will be so happy! I am so happy!
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 21, 2011 21:40:06 GMT -5
I must have looked horrible to her, I hadnt slept right in months a hour here and there. I had dark circles under my eyes and I know I have a sickly palid look to my skin. I had changed in the months that have gone by, but for a moment I was alive again in the fields of Toku Torid-E with her.
A solemn expression came over my face, as the depression consumed me again. I raised my hand to cover my face and wipe all the rain off for a second. I could feel my face tense and stressed.
"I am not well Mitsouko-san, in fact I believe I am dying. I am imprisoning a gajin demon in me. I believe the only reason it hasn't consumed my soul is because of my monkey stubbornness, and you. The memories of our time has saved me more than once." I could feel a small smile come over my face slightly as I remembered the spring afternoon Mitsouko and myself holding hands laughing in the gardens of Kenpachi-san.
I took in a deep breath. "Perhaps I should start from that night at the river."
It pained me to tell this story. The stuff of nightmares.
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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 23, 2011 20:09:11 GMT -5
A bolt of lightning crashed into sea as Sanjuro said his words, it seemed the ocean and sky had reacted to the words. Mitsouko felt the rain hit her face in a gale. She covered herself up tight to shield herself from the rain, and as the heavens rumbled she looked at Sanjuro with concern.
He was...what? it was her first thought about she was hearing from Sanjuro. Yes he was changed, his face didn’t show her the same man she had met in Toku Torid-E; a happy man, with plans for future, joy for life. He grew older in few months, he seemed to her filled with malice and his green eyes… possessed a fire she never had seen before. She grew concerned with the rest of his words. Gaijin demon, though, caught Mitsouko’s attention, while the sincere word about how she was important fell pale in comparison with the blaze in his eyes.
Please, Sanjuro-san, tell me everything. In the way you think I will understand to better help you.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Sept 23, 2011 21:54:31 GMT -5
The ship rocked back and forth bumping against the docks. I looked at Mitsouko and could swear I could smell the scent of peaches through the rain. Even in this storm she was the emphasis of beauty.
I told her everything. My sleepless journey to the Shosuro Gardens, The advise on the assassins the daimyo gave me. The cure I found and my hurry to return to her. My suspicions of someone in the Monkey aiding her would be assassins. The oni attack by the river, and my mad dash to save the lives of my companions.
How I woke not knowing my name or who I was. My discovery of a malicious spirit possessing a child named Ken. My challenge to the spirit to leave the child. My success and then the betrayal of the spirit. It entered me.
I learned this spirit was something called a djinn of Ka. It had been roaming around rokugan since a yobanjin was killed in the war it was possessing. It feeds on a soul til it corrupts it. For somereason there is more power in it that way. It twists your thoughts onto oneself. Turns your fears and paranoia into reality. It shows you things happening in the past, present, and future. All of it is the truth.
I told her how I love her, and my heart healed. I could feel my redemption at hand, my soul renewed. All these things I could hear in my head and the words wanted to come out clearly and rationally. He was there, a cloud quickly came over my head and my words were not my own and mine at the same time like my speech was starting to become a confused garbled mess of emotion.
Vertigo took me, I could feel my hands grab the planks to brace myself and a red mist was around me.
"Sahir........what....is this?" the words spilled out of my mouth like a garbled mess.
"My survival you fool!" his deep laugh that followed echoed in my mind. "The truth omitted clarity as a sharp weapon."
"I wanted.........to be your champion.........I ended up anothers.......The Oni's claws.........my mind...........didnt know where I was........saved people........my duty........I saved them from the fate of dust and ash.........I had to hide........I married her to save more lives........saw you kiss him...........pain.............void inside me............filled with rage............so much rage..........it could burn a hole in the world............darkness............darkness and blood."
I screamed in my head and tried to push out sahir, he was too powerful. was he toying with me all this long?
Lightning crashed in the distance and a inhuman fire burned in my eyes. one of hate and murder.
A sinister laugh came over me, I laughed for what seemed an age. "MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
I could feel the cool rain wash over me and my will slipping. I mustered what I could in one final assault on sahir to regain my mind and words. My actions would be my own again.
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