Way of the Mantis (Open)

[Kitsune Poxo]

The thunderous noise of the Kaiu siege engines were soon greeted with real thunder. Dark clouds formed out at sea which moved fast and unnaturally. The storm was a downpour with gale force winds that effortlessly flung whatever got caught by it aside. In the eye of the storm appeared a handful of kubune and a support barge with sails of sea green bearing black mons of the mantis and sea blue hued mons of the kitsune, sailed effortlessly towards the city. They all sat high in the water, their current light load soon going to change.

"Remember the plan, Captain," A tower of a man standing at the bow yelled across the deck of the lead ship, Thunder's Fury, over the sounds of heavy rain and wind. "We hit hard and fast, grab what we can and get out. Hopefully the Kaiu can aim those things and don't put a rock through our ships. We are here to help our allies, not die."

Kitsune Daichi stood at the bow holding his hands outstretched as if holding some invisible reins to the storm around them. He was drenched from the rain of the very storm he summoned. He was still wearing the loose garb of a warrior monk with ashigaru armor over it that clung to him. His red hair pulled back into a warrior's knot. New to his garb was a sea blue hued kitsune mon. He would occasionally mutter small prayers to the kami to keep the storm under his control. Thankfully, he was not alone as a shugenja stood at the bow of each ship powering the spell as well.

Daichi beared his teeth and growled very much like an animal when he spotted a row of crane troops appear on the docks as the ships fast approached. "These things can never be easy?" He muttered to himself as twisted his left arm as if grabbing a better hold on the invisible reins. His right hand produced his gourd, which he promptly took a heavy draw from it, downing enough sake that would knock a normal man on his behind. Tossing the empty gourd into the violent waves and exhaling a breath that reeked of sake, he began calling to the water kami around him.

As the ships got close, the crane let loose their arrows. The winds caught them and turned them effortlessly away and in return Daichi released his spell causing a large wave to form and crash heavy on the docks. Those unfortunate enough to be caught by the wave found themselves in turbulent water as the storm hit the shore.

"Captain, take those men hostage." Daichi yelled as he released the reins as the ship hit the dock, releasing the storm to cover the mantis's aggressive landing. He then lept from the bow of the ship on to the docks, splashing down and soon others followed suit. They were taking the seaside bazaar district by storm.

[Kakita Hiroshi]

Doji Kenshin took a last look at the wares he hid in a secret small cave below his house, shaking at every hit of the Kaiu engines of destruction and every strike of thunder. Satisfied with the hiding place, he left the cave and carefully masked the entrance. Upon completion of this task, he started making his way back up to the house.

“The kamis must be very angry, if they sent us this storm. Maybe some lightnings will hit the Crab, yes, it would be nice, very nice,” he mumbled to himself.

He made it to his house, where his wife and children waited with traveling bags, ready to sail north, to relative safety. The, something else than the continued thunders and the sound of rocks crushing the city caught his attention – a group of soldiers clad in blue running away from the harbor, yelling something... he barely made out the words, but enough to understand.

The Mantis have struck the harbor. They were trapped.

He looked at his family, and made a quick decision to run towards the northern gates, where the fighting was lighter. Maybe they could wait until the dark and sneak between the enemy's outposts. He rallied his wife and kids and went out to the street, trying to make their way through the growing crowd running away from the harbor.

[Kitsune Poxo]

It wasn't a complete fleet but it was still effective at first taking over the harbor. The bulk of the Mantis Fleets were still deciding as to where to strike. Once the support barge got into its position, they fully began commandeering whatever ship was left docked and raising flags of black Mantis mons and sea blue Kitsune mons. The fighting was not fierce with the front line being more of the focus of the defense but the number of hostages were counting up.

Kitsune Daichi shouldered open the third warehouse and stepped out of the rain he had part in bringing down in the area, a pair of bushi Mantis flanking either side of him. The scene was much like the last warehouse he was in. A huge hole was open in the roof and rain poured in. A large boulder sat crushing a large amount of food stores. A small group of heimin sat huddled in the corner, looking quite fearful at the new intrusion.

"You are now hostages of the Mantis clan." Daichi said a calming tone even though his very appearance can be quite frightening to the superstitious. "Grab what you can of supplies and food and follow us to the dock where you will be evacuated." Unfortunately, as usual none made a move.

"This is going to get very taxing," Daichi said to himself as he began to call on the Kami. "Don't worry we got this one, Sama." One of the bushi said interrupting Daichi. The bushi smiled and continued on once Daichi stopped his prayer to the kami. "Move on to the next we can handle this one." Daichi nodded then stepped back outside into the pounding rain.

The sounds of battle carried on the winds and with it the scent of blood and a mix of something peculiar. The line was getting closer. The crab must have gotten closer if not into the city. Daichi paid no attention to the smells or the sounds as he darted door way to door way searching for more heimin or samurai.

[Kakita Hiroshi]

Doji Kenshin and his family continued making their way towards the northern gates, when suddenly his wife slipped on the wet stones and twisted her ankle. He tried to carry her, at the same time calming down crying kids, but quickly understood he won't make it – the Mantis will catch up real quick. He already saw the green banners of Mantis bushi making their way from the harbor.

Desperate, he looked around. The Crane harbor regiment already had fallen back towards the inner city, as a general retreat was sounded. Was the wall already breached by the Crab? Only several stragglers were around him on the street, some heimin looting abandoned warehouses, before the Mantis reached them.

That gave him an idea. “Quick, children, take what you can, go towards that open warehouse. Quick! In the name of Kami, hurry!”

The eldest somehow managed to rush his siblings towards the warehouse, carrying the supplies for the road with them. Kenshin carried his wife as fast as he could. When he entered the warehouse, he was relieved to notice that he chose well. It was empty, evacuated or looted – that did not matter now. Only a few empty crates were in a corner, smashed to pieces, and some old, half-rotten mats under the opposite wall.

“Fast, everyone, let us hide under those mats. Hopefully, the Mantis will consider this warehouse empty and move on.”

A minute later they all hid themselves and the supplies under the mats, trembling with fear, praying to the Kami, asking for salvation.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

The tock tock sound of geta was muffled by the muddy terrain, while the beautiful maiko crossed the street as quick as she could, directing to a two store building.
I cannot find avaiable cart leaving the city, all were taken or are already gone. the girl spoke to the venerable okasan and the quartet of women hidden in the opposite side of the geisha house.
The okasan sighed. The House of Jade Princess remained active in order to entertain the officials, even before the merchants had left Lonely Shore City, and every day past their departure become a more dangerous to civilians.
But they were respectable geisha and considered her art as duty to Crane samurai. Unfortunately, they discovered before other persons in the city that Crane clan would not defend their port. It was easy prey for both Mantis and Crab, and spend men and resources with the trading center would made Crane weaker to defend the Emperor. There is few a skilled geisha cannot know before everyone else.
Even though, the Okasan and the four geisha stayed.
Kiku called:
C'mon, Gina, we have tea.
Gina, the maiko, obediently kneeled and served the tea to her 'big sister' and the others, while the okasan spied by a gap in the wall, what was happening in the street. Not much. They were sure they would die until the end of the day, and uncomplaining, just waited what the fortunes reserved for them.
Then, the okasan muffled a cry of joy:
Girls! By Inari and Benten, a cart!
The geisha flocked to the door, excited by the rebirth of hope, and saw a woman with travelling robes accompanied of a old man, with a cart pulled by an ox.
We are saved! Otsuke said, with relief.
Okasan slided the door and finally came to the open air, confident:
We are here! Then the old woman recognized the stunning beauty that once worked in her house.
Oh fortunes, it's you! Girls, it's Mei!
Only Kiku would remember her; Mei found a wealth Kakita dana and became his concubine.
Mei strode quickly to their hiding and scanned the group:
Okasan, Kiku, I come to take you from here. You are my mom and sister, I would never forget you! How I missed you!
What happened? Your dana allowed you to travel and risk your life to save us? He loves you!

No, dear okasan. He's dead. I found weird facts about his death, but it's not time for it. Let's go!
The moment of joy, in the reunion of the former geisha and the people that were for Mei her family; sadly turned in a dilemma, when the newcomer realized she wasn't counting with a new maiko.
The young girl, just fourteen, had no place in the crowded wagon. She helped them to carry few treasured possessions, but there was already just too much weight for the small cart.
And her? Mei asked, noticing in the faces of the fellow women they were not willing to sacrifice their chance of salvation for a mere maiko.
She's young and smart. I have this problem in my leg and cannot run or hide myself without aid... Okasan said. One of the geisha pretended to be concerned but for Mei's trained eyes and ears was clear they were not interested in the destiny of the girl. Just Kiku remained silent, pursing her lips and looking to the other side, showing her inner dilemma.
Kiku used to be mean and egoistic, in the times when they were the two most beautiful and talented geisha in the city. Mei didn't expect much of her in this matter anyway.
Then, the former geisha took a decision that would change her life forever.
C'mon girl. Take my place.
Mei jumped from the cart, taking with her a sack with her travelling possessions.
Big sister, thank you thank you! the girlkneeled on the mud, in awe, tears of gratitude rolling through her face.
Go go go, stupid girl! You don't have all the day! Mantis are already on the port! She lose her patience, still shocked with herself for being so stupid and softhearted.
Then another shocking thing happened. Kiku jumped from the cart as well.
If you don't go, I won't.

This time, Mei eyes widened in surprise.
As soon the cart departed, she stared at Kiku, that just said:
Dear Mei, I wouldn't have a night of sleep in the rest of my life, thinking you are still the best of we two.

[Kitsune Poxo]

Rain, the normal mantis strategy called for it but on land it got messy. The shugenja still on the boats kept fueling it, not letting it let up while they were docked. Several boulders had smashed down close to the boats, some taking portions of the docks out, thus losing supplies to the waves. The captured supplies were starting to stack as well as the numbers of hostages.

Rain always had a twang of a smell. It had always been a favorite small of Kitsune Daichi but it was the other smells that were over powering. Blood, sweat, steal, and death made it difficult for the shugenja to use the gifts of his mother. As much as those gifts were just as much curses that we was going to have to pay for later, for now he was going to use them. He was just about to curse his luck and double back when he pick up a fresh scent. It was the scent of dried supplies amongst the rotten. A four legged form of a fox approached and by the time it reached the warehouse the towering form of a man entered. The warehouse appeared empty to the readjusting eyes of the man but something told him there was something here.

Rain sounded off the armor of the trio of bushi. They were used to uneven ground and non-dry footing. The splashed through the puddles and mud as they made their way up the streets. As much as they were covered up to their waists in mud and soaked to the bone from the rain, it seemed not to bother them. Their green was darkened beyond normal but they made sure the sea blue Kitsune mons they bared were still highly visible. The sounds of carts hit their ears over the rain and they picked up their pace. Coming around a corner they spied a pair standing there. "You there!" Shouted the lead one. "Your coming with us as hostages." There was an odd emphasis on hostages.

[Kakita Hiroshi]

Warehouse

Doji Kenshin heard someone entering the warehouse. He covered the mouth of his youngest and put a finger to his lips to silence the others. He hoped that the figure will leave the warehouse, believing there is nothing of value here.

But he did not. Instead, he examined the almost empty interior very carefully. Seconds felt like hours, and there were many seconds... Suddenly, the youngest sneezed because of the dust in the warehouse. His hand on the child's mouth made the sound barely noticeable... but will it be enough for the Mantis not to hear it?

[Kitsune Poxo]

Nothing, Kitsune Daichi thought as he scanned the warehouse one last time before leave. But, it was when he turned to leave did he hear the noise. A sneeze, a small one but one never the less and it was coming from within the warehouse.

He snapped around and looked around in the direction of the sneeze. “You can come out now.” He said in a commanding voice. “You are now a hostage of the Mantis Clan, more closely if you want out of the city before the crab, you should come.”

[Kakita Mitsouko]

A pretty woman with raven hair and blue eyes arrived from the darkness, looking defenseless and staring at Daichi eyes, a bit tremble. She knew there were more people hiding in the warehouse, children too, and so they should do something to help them.
While she got his attention, a geisha arrived from behind the crates, with a club found somewhere. With all the strength she had, Kiku hit the Mantis shugenja by the flank, pushing him against some sacks. Time enough for the children to flee. The two women were scared at death of what they had done, and fear and guilty paralyzed the geisha, making her loosening her grip. The club fell on the floor with a deaf thuck. But surely the impact was just strong enough to make the Mantis to tumble across the goods, with lesser wounds.
Kiku! The brunette called, trying to pull the geisha in order to flee. They believed their act was to be punished with death.

[The Blue Ronin]

(Can I get involved here? Just as an ordinary bushi foot-soldier?0

[Kakita Hiroshi]

Kenshin stopped breathing in terror, hearing the Mantis' words. In a second, a thousand thoughts rushed through his mind. Finally, he gripped his wife's hand, and, resigned, rose, instructing his children to do the same. When they started making their way towards the bushi, a slim figure flashed behind the man, and soon afterwards, the Mantis fell to the ground.

“Who is that?” he thought to himself.

Before he could react, the children rushed out of the warehouse, and his wife followed them, trying to get them to a halt. He grabbed as many bags as he could, and rushed to the doors. He then stopped, seeing two beautiful women standing over the unconscious Mantis. After being initially awestruck, he remembered about his family, and said quickly in a low voice: Quickly, come with us, we all must make it to the northern gates! Let's go, before he comes around.”

(OOC: It's Open RP, Ryumon-san, so feel free to post )

[Kitsune Poxo]

KARUNCH. Crunch? That can't be right. Wait, am I falling? Something hit me? The crab line shouldn't be here yet and we should be allies still, unless word got out, then who hit me? THUD, Kitsune Daichi landed hard from the blow into some grain sacks. A pain stung his side most likely a cracked rib or two. "Nothing can ever be easy" He repeated to himself under a pained breath for the who-knows-how-many-eth time.

Daichi's nostrils flared and he gritted his teeth as several figures ran by the figure who he assumed hit him. His eyes, one discolored from the other, rose and locked onto the eyes of his assailant. No colors, no mon? A ronin, a heimin, an eta who would act like a trapped animal and go so low? Then the other appeared calling what he guessed was her name, trying to pull her along. "Never got the message?" He said to her before snapping up to his feet causing more pain in his side. Another voice calling to her, this time one of the others that got past, this one more obviously a Crane.

"You can run but the city is fully surrounded by now." Daichi said not dropping his gaze, then he snapped forward but a blow never came. He snapped purely to put himself in a better position but his fingers did come out stopping just short of landing a nerve strike that out paralyze the girl.

OOC: Feel free to post, if you need to be caught up on the Mantis plans feel free to send a pm.

[The Blue Ronin]

As Kenshin ran for the northern gates a squadron of five Yoritomo samurai stepped into his path. Their leader, wearing a naginata, his clear eyes only just visible under the heavy brim of his helmet which was acting like the roof of a hut and pouring a curtain of rainwater over his eyes, looked surprised, but then levelled his weapon.

"Stop, Doji-san. You are a prisoner of the Mantis. You have been bested. If your family comes with us they will not be harmed" The young bushi cradled his naginata a little nervously but he and his men looked ready to back their words up.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

While the family got their way to the door, just to find Mantis men, Mei and Kiku stared at the Mantis chui they lured and kind of spanked. With much more effect than planned,, by the way. They bowed lowly, instinctively and almost in unison, when the pair realized the truth of his words. The panic moved them to act like caged animals, but reason soon reached their minds.
Sama, please forgive me! I didn't meant! Forgive me! I was out of my mind! Kiku kneeled to Daichi, while Mei moved to help him to put on his feet again. The experienced touch and sweet voice trying to calm him and avoid his wrath both woman knew they deserved:
We rather prefer be Mantis hostages, sama! Please, take us!Forgive us! Fear moved us to harm you! We would never meant to do harm if we knew you don't wish to kill us all.

[Kakita Hiroshi]

Kenshin stopped suddenly, looking at the naginatas, paralyzed with fear. He barely heard what was happening behind him. He gathered his family behind him, and said in a breaking voice: “Please, do whatever you please with me, but don't hurt my family!”