Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Sept 29, 2011 22:40:52 GMT -5
As the fires grew dim and the sounds of troops marched off into the distance, Twenty large looking Akodo Bushi joined up with Toshi's troops. Among them was Kitsu Akane (I know i still need to get chibis for her and Akodo Daisuke , im loving my chibi thus far!). Akane on her horse moved in close to Toshi stopped dismounted and then bowed. She then spoke: "Jin-sama has sent me his daughter to join you Toshi-san. He felt that maybe his words before may have been rather unpleasant, rather than cause any further unpleasantness and to give the honored guests someone to talk to, he sent me a fellow Shugenja. These other troops are Bushi who will aid you in taking them where they need to go."After taking care of formalities and pleasantries she turned to the crane shugenja with a genuine smile on her face. "I am so pleased and humbled to meet other shugenja even though you may be from my honored foe. I hope that in the coming journey we may grow to think of each other as friends maybe even sisters. I however wont push my luck, but will do my best to see to it that you have a safe and comfortable journey within the confines of my clans objectives. Know that in my presence you will receive the compassion and respect deserved of an honored guest."
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 30, 2011 4:21:15 GMT -5
It’s a pleasure to meet you Akane-san.Toshi answered with bow. I am grateful to Jin-san for enable our meeting. And for the people he send with you. If you excuse me, I will talk with my people and then we could go. She only added It’s fine, Asahina-san in Yukihime direction with a gentle smile on her lips but with rather concerned eyes, than nodded to both women [if Yuuka is near she nodded to her too] and went to her man. After a moment they all left. Everybody in slightly different direction. Toshi sighted lightly, rubbed her face and get on horse. Let’s move. This isn’t best place to spend night in. She moved her horse and went a bit waiting for others. When everybody moved she looked if Akane-san people watch over Daidoji and went deeper into the forest.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Sept 30, 2011 8:56:51 GMT -5
Yukihime mildly nods to Ikoma Toshi-san, once Toshi-san confirms that everything is fine...
Asahina Yukihime bows respectfully to the approaching Kitsu. Akane's words towards her soon made the Asahina a little more confortable to talk, even if nothing had changed on Yukihime's serene semblance.
"Kitsu Akane-san, your gentle words pleases me and are very welcome in such hostile times. Also, I appreciate Lion's courtesy in sending a shugenja to walk along with us. I'm Asahina Yukihime, shugenja from Fane of Shigurezuki, former student of Asahina Heitaro-sama. I'm honored to meet Kitsu-san."
It wasn't the best situation, but Yukihime was pleased with the opportunity to meet a Kitsu shugenja, it is something that she hadn't done before.
As the Daidoji had no horses, Yukihime was also walking. Her horse isn't so young and is also a little smaller than the ones normaly used for war. The plain white horse with grayish silvered mane easily approaches Yukihime when she looks towards it. With slow movements Yukihime have her lantern out of the bag carried by the horse. Its just a round paper lanter that soon is providing only light enough for a few steps.
The Asahina walks on Ikoma's trail. Organizing her mind on what to ask 1st.
(OOC: Hum, I'm not sure if I understood Jin's post fully (my issues with english, sorry o.o ) is Kitsu Akane the doughter of Akodo Jin? Or is it someone else? I got kind confused, sorry. And, I assumed the Kitsu is a shugenja (cliking game default) but if she is not , or she is not carring any thing that allow me to identify her as such (scroll case, school moon, etc), let me know and I'll edit my post)
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Sept 30, 2011 9:06:58 GMT -5
(OoC: i lack the time right now to actually make a full response, but yes Kitsu Akane is Jin's daughter, she married a kitsu. But even before then again yes she was a shugenja trained by the kitsu. Jin was too much of an old softie when she asked to marry for love )
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Sept 30, 2011 9:09:04 GMT -5
(OOC; ok, thanks so no edits needed)
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Post by yuuka on Sept 30, 2011 20:04:31 GMT -5
Yuuka stands out of her group hurrying up a few steps, she walks besides Toshi´s horse. Her voice sound a little lower, discretly, but very serious. Yuuka was kinda tall for her age, the martial trainning helped her to grow, but she had to look up in order to find Toshi-san.
I understand Toshi-san have duties. And my prurpose is not messing with this duties. But I really must get my other fellow alive. Daidoji Koten-san saw someone, that is probably enemy of us all... long history to tell now. Please, come with me if you may. We grab him and come back as quick as possible. Or send some of your men with one of mine to lead their way. We can all met at your camp in no time.
I was "dismissed" from Emerald Army, I'm not on duty to this war anymore. I may be wrong but, the Empire may have more issue than a revolution. It may be nothing, it may be something, but I do need Daidoji Koten-san to keep on this track, please.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Oct 1, 2011 8:52:44 GMT -5
After Yuuka-san finished Toshi rode in silence. Yuuka was sure Toshi heard her words but there were no reaction. A minute or two later, just when Yuuka-san was opening her mouth to add something, Toshi asked: What did he saw? And where? And why you left him behind? She paused for a moment interrupting Yuuka-san just when she started answering the questions. I understand that time is important here, but I can’t let you go before we reach the camp. And I can’t go with you just now. A few things happened and I can’t neglect my duties even though I would like to help you. She paused again gesturing Yuuka-san not to interrupt. She jumped down from horse landing a bit unsteady. If we move faster, we will be in camp in about 30 minutes. That wounded man of yours, his name was Kuroto right?, is slowing us down. Tell him to get on my horse. And while we go I want to hear your story. You don’t have to tell me all, but the more you tell me, the more I will be able to help. If you want, make the long story short but be careful what you miss. ‘Sometimes the smallest details are the most important.’ Her tone and mimic suggested she was quoting somebody and sad smile that for a glimpse was present on her face indicated his story didn’t finish well. If you want Asahina-san and Kitsu-san can join us. Maybe their studies will help you determine if what Koten-san saw was really an enemy.
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Post by yuuka on Oct 1, 2011 14:44:35 GMT -5
C´mon, say something...Yuuka was waiting for her words. May be I shouldn't had told the dismissed part, it doesn't sounds good.Yuuka was about to keep speaking when she finaly hear Toshi-san's voice again. Well, why I left him behind? I had to... bad things happen when we meet Lion scou... - Yuuka is getting ready to answer, organizing her words when Toshi resumed her speech. After hearing Toshi, Yuuka finds her friends and gesture to Shinta-san "Yes, his name is Daidoji Kuroto-san." -Then adressing to Shinta - "Bring him, Ikoma-sama kindly offers a ride" - Yuuka bows to Toshi, and soon Kuroto is on the horse. The young bushi directs her attention towards Toshi once more. "Sure, Asahina-san and Kitsu-san can join us and share my words.
I´ll going to tell all I can, and I hope the maze of issues where I got my self into doesn't make my story go to far from understandable. Much have happened, and it started long ago. Names may not be needed yet, as Ikoma-sama probably knows imperial armies are mostly made of Cranes and Lions. I won't say suspicious things about my family, or yours, before being sure on what is going on
It all starts late on this ame winter, Mountain Watch Keep War. After a request for more hohei my sensei decided some of my class mates and I were ready for gepukku. I wouldn't say old Daidoji Ren-sama was wrong, but we lost half of our unit in one afternoon. Experience have high costs.
On the field we luckly have some much more wise taisa in charge. The remaining of us got sent to Emerald Army. They were still organizing, assembling troops on beautiful Valley of Two Generals, the time on the road served us well. And getting into something that was nothing an actual war gave us time to achieve some improvement from the previous situation...
Was it clear?
We were impatient, wanted to go back to MWK, proof our worth, do what a bushi is supposed to do. I was, mostly. That made me very interested in the reasons that kept Yasuki-sama 'unable' to move ahead to MWK.
One night my unit was on patrol and Koten-san saw a man delivering large cargo to one of Yasuki-sama's generals. We were supposed to march on the next day, but instead, by the morning, we got new orders... to wait longer. When Koten-san questioned the general about it the gen was evasive and as his juniors we could do nothing else.
Next time it happened the "deliverer" had his face covered. We know it happened twice, may be more, my people only saw it twice. As the news from Mountain Watch Keep reached us the discipline issues grew on the camp. A lot of bushis were politely unhappy about our lack of action.
Everyone knows the Emerald Army never marched, even if, back there, we had the blessings of Hantei-sama to do so. Why? Of course, the current revolution made this question somehting to be forgotten, or at least less worth of attention.
Anyway, Koten-san and I kept asking why we didn't march. Specially when some people started to show up with the idea that Emerald forces did nothing to protect the Empire becouse the Emperor doesn't care. Well, my point is not how cares and who doesn't right now. But IF something hidden have influenced it all?
This lead to many many heat discussion on Valley Of Two Generals, specially when courtiers from all over the Empire speted in asking audiences with Yasuki-sama.
With the war at Permission City a lot of people died, it gave me that fast unhappy rise from hohei to nikutai and then chui within weeks. My position then allowed me to inquire the general about who Koten-san had seen. And I got a duel as answer. Isn't it suspicious enough?
Against all odds I won. That made his former man quite unhappy and unwilling to serve me. No one like internal issues in times of war. Friendly fire is reaaaly bad experience. Then I was sent home with them - she briefly nods at her folks.
We had a fight on the way, honestly, I don't know, tired Lion scouts, ronins, whatever, I don't really know. Koten-san got a severely wounded. We left him behind to find help. When we found Asahina-san, Toshi-san found us. Here we are."Yuuka took a few moments to breath. She was telling her tale for probably all the 30 minuts of the remaining walk. A more wary person could notice that she have some personal feelings about the Emerald Champion inaction regarding MWK. Or she is desperately seeking an excuse for why Emerald Army did nothing... or... may be something had really happened. And... Yuuka wonders who is under bad influence right now. She felt some guilty for having a duel with someone who could probably had answered that. (ooc: sorry for the huge huge post, I know its a bummer to read >.o specially with my poor english. Won't name all the foes and friends ar Emerald Army now, becouse some players may claim these spots, I hope May be we can build something to explain a lot of what was 'left behind' on the clicking game. Anyway, this is mostly my Background >.o from the charater point of view, reality mey not be exactly like this. Comments are welcome. ^^)
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Oct 1, 2011 18:25:36 GMT -5
Toshi helped ‘install’ Kuroto-san on horse and then asked Asahina-san and Kitsu-san if they want to join. During Yuuka-san talk she didn’t interrupt once. It might seemed like she didn’t listen, paying much attention on the ground and surrounding but she heard and remembered every word. She always liked interesting stories. They were walking through the dense forest full of thorny bushes when Toshi suddenly stopped said loudly that it’s her and continued walking. The trees finished all at once. Before them was a small basin, surrounded with a weird rock formation. It was more less circular with diameter of about 12-15 meters. Ground was flat with only small plants growing. It looked like bigger ones were pulled out. There was only one tent, 5 or 6 mats with blankets spread all over the basin and a fire with a sputtering pot on and near the entrance a place to tie horses. When they came on 3 mats were people sleeping, while other one was sitting near the entrance. He didn’t react on the group coming, but he came to Toshi as soon as he saw her. Ikai brought letter from Toshi Ranbo. He’s sleeping there he pointed on one of the mats. How many are close? I need them all here as soon as possible. Wake everybody and look for the rest.Toshi went to the man sitting near the fire. Prepare more food and some bandages. They must be hungry and some of them are wounded she said to him quietly and then turned to the rest. In the meantime ‘guard’ woke all sleeping and pass them Toshi orders. They stood up, look at the Cranes with distaste then on the newly arrived Lions with the same expression and went out. The one that has message from Toshi Ranbo approached Toshi and gave her a piece of paper. Toshi opened the letter and view it quickly, then hide in her sleeve. With nearly 30 people in it was rather tight in there. Toshi addressed Asahina-san and Daidoji-san. You will be safe here and receive all that you need, of course if we have it. Faint smile crossed her face. Please rest now. I will come to you as soon as I can.She turned to Lions. Welcome in the Wardens camp. You can eat something a relax. But be ready to move in any moment.Kitsu-san, can we talk?OOC: Yuuka-san it was great to read. and also very nice direction it's all going to
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 2, 2011 22:06:13 GMT -5
Walking quietly Akane, had joined in and politely thanked the others for including her in their conversation. Offering only the occasional input which really changed the conversation none at all. As they walked into the camp and Toshi asked to speak with her she nodded her head and said
"sure Toshi-san what is on your mind?"
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Post by yuuka on Oct 3, 2011 8:56:14 GMT -5
Yuuka is tired. She did all she could until now. What else could be done?
She rejoined her group finding a spot for them to sit down. Kuroto-san boldly made his attempt to dismount Toshi´s horse by himself. That had him reminded of how hurt he was.
Before anything else Yuuka needs to breath. She fond some letters withing her sleeves, but no energy to read it again. She was just glad the crumpled paper letters were still there.
She eyes quickly check around. It was stronger than her, just having all the possible routs in mind before she could rest for a while, and wait Lion's decision on their fate.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Oct 3, 2011 11:32:32 GMT -5
Toshi walked with Kitsu-san and invited her into the tent. It was small and plain without any comforts. The only good think was the light.
I’m sorry for the conditions. It’s tight here but nobody inappropriate will hear us. You probably heard from Jin-san that we lose Permission City. It was nothing unexpected but complicates things a bit especially after what we heard from Daidoji-san.
I received order to come back to Toshi Ranbo as soon as possible. They are readying themselves for final assault. But we won’t go just yet. My men will check the area looking for any survivors from the city. We can’t leave them on their own. I would like your man to go with them. They will be able to check larger area.
I wanted to talk with you about our guests. Jin-san advised to make them swore they won’t fight us in this war any more and exchange them for taken Lions. I have to agree it’s the best thing to do but in the meantime I can’t forget Yuuka-san story. If it’s true what this man saw, it might change many things.
What do you think Kitsu-san? And… she paused looking on the ground what do our ancestor think?
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 3, 2011 17:26:54 GMT -5
Pausing for a moment Akane gave a rather thought ful look to toshi. Unsure how to proceed with such a large amount of information that she had only started learning half an hour ago, Akane then began with what she did know.
"Yes it is as my father says, Permission city has fallen to the enemy. But im glad to hear the news from your men that the defenders of Toshi Ranbo have begun to fall back. At the moment, I only have a few men i would trust to make a mission of that caliber. Id rather avoid having our men get captured while searching for survivors. I'll give you 10 of my 20 men to go with yours to search for lion who have had the fortune to escape"
Pausing and changing from her serious business tone, Akane then started to ruffle through her pack
"As to your other concern.... Once I find my materials I'll do what I can to answer your questions"
She pulls out a bowl, some candles, a small container holding some materials that Toshi cannot readily identify, and 4 mons taken from the uniforms of lions, one mon for each of the lion families. She set the candles in place around the bowl one above, to the left, and to the right of the bowl. She then lit them and began to speak in a language Toshi could hardly recognized. As Akane spoke she opened up the container and dumped some of the fine powder into the bowl and then poured some water in with it. Mixing the combined substance, she then picked up each of the individual mons and dropped them one by one uttering the words "Akodo", "Ikoma", "Kitsu", and "Matsu" mixed in with other words of the unknown language. She then dipped her hands into the bowl and brought her head down to it. As the water rinsed over her face it was clear that the Ikoma family mon had now attached itself to her forehead. As she did this the water in the bowl and her eyes began to glow a golden red. Finally she peered back at Toshi and responded with a shaky yet commanding voice in plain rokugani:
"Ikoma Toshi, I am Ikoma Hiru"
A name Toshi and all Lion magistrates would recognize as the magistrate known for guarding Hantei Yugozohime during the gozoku era on her travels from Shiro Akodo to Otosan Uchi.
"I speak to you now as it seems not only are you in need of my guidance, but that you also share a small sliver of my blood. Kitsu-san has spoken of your dilemma to me and has asked me in your stead for advice. I think it would be wise for you to follow the Daidoji's path to investigate the hooded figure. As a magistrate, I can only say that what you may find might question your faith in your emperor, or what you may find may prove it, but either way there is more information that you must seek. While you live in troubling times... I am proud to call you one of my descendants! Do what you must to bring our clan through such a dark era and bring honor to our clan and yourself"
With that the color begins to dim from Akane's eyes and from the bowl. The small cut out of the ikoma mon falls into Akane's lap. Akane then slowly slumps into an unconscious state. After Ikoma Toshi waves her hand back and forth in front of Akane, Akane finally wakes up looking tired.
"I dont know what Hiru-sama was thinking about when he gave you that advice, his own times were rife with scandal and conspiracy. Maybe the times we live in now are just as bad. If an ancestor has commanded you to follow through with the investigation then i think you'd only offend him by denying that request. I will write to my father and see if he will grant me temporary leave from his service to help you investigate this matter. I hope that this job is worth the effort, but I would love to have a reason to travel with you Toshi-san. I understand, however, that the pressing matter of Toshi-Ranbo is a concern."
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Oct 4, 2011 12:11:22 GMT -5
Thank you Kitsu-san. You can’t imagine how much what you did means for me. Toshi voice was cracking. It was overloaded with emotions. So different than official, polite, withdrawn voice she used everyday. When Akane looked at her she could see that her face was beaming and eyes were full of tears.
She turned her face trying to hide it and wiped her eyes. I’m sorry. Looks like my family emotionality came out. In not the best time. Sorry to bother you with it.
She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. When she turned to Akane her face was back to normal. Only her eyes were glowing more than normal. I will leave you now, so you could rest and write the letter. All that needed should be in here. She touched not too big wooden box.
She stood up quickly. I will leave now. To send the man. They probably gathered till now. And to talk with Cranes. Have to deal with the exchange fast. Have to talk with Asahina-san and Daidoji-san.
Toshi stopped by the door, slowly turned to Kitsu-san and bowed deep [OOC: really deep, like to some daimyo or so]. Thank you Kitsu-san. You will always have my gratitude.
Toshi straighten and went out.
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 4, 2011 14:37:27 GMT -5
Looking at Ikoma Toshi as she cries, Akane leans forward and hands her a cloth to wipe up the tears.
"Toshi-chan, we are from the same clan, and while i have only known you a little while I feel as though we are as sisters. Any emotion you have that might have does not embaress me. For indeed I am proud to have a sister who is so moved by speaking with their honored ancestor."
As Toshi pats the wooden box, Akane smiles warmly and nods her head in acknowledgement. As Toshi moves around the small tent Akane begins to pull out paper and brush from the small box and sets it down. Before Toshi heads out, Akane quickly catches her and says:
"Please Toshi-chan, speak with the cranes, I am sure my father will give me leave to investigate this matter further with you. I will follow you wherever your duty takes you until this matter is cleared. As the capital is falling i will follow you onto the field and onto wherever else this dreaded war takes us. We will find out about the hooded figure seen by daidoji-san. There is no need to thank me for performing my duties as a kitsu, I will see you after i tend to my men and send this letter. May the fortunes be with you Toshi-chan."
As Toshi leaves the tent Akane sits and begins to write her letter.
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