Shosuro Honzo
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Shosuro Daimyo * Ninja* "Master of Shadows"* Loyal * Unique
Posts: 194
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Post by Shosuro Honzo on Oct 3, 2011 0:36:22 GMT -5
Honzo waited from his hiding spot until the Yogo Daimyo left. Soshi-Kiso, the Soshi Daimyo and one of the most powerful shugenja that the Scorpion possessed paced back and forth, mumbling to himself. Even with his hand covering his mouth and chin, Honzo's practiced ear caught his words. It was as he feared. The infection had spread to Senshi-sama's arm and it most likely would have to come off.
Honzo had but one answer to the problem. He had hoped it would not come to this. Such a dangerous option it would be. If the ritual went wrong, it would kill his Champion. If it worked, he would be lauded as a hero to some, a monster to others or worse yet, a purveyor of forbidden magic. He hoped that his actions this day would be hailed as heroic. What he did, he did to preserve the Clan and its current Champion. But there would be no turning back.
The Shosuro long ago had obtained the scroll, stolen from somewhere that most knew not and only a few lived who still remembered those who had done so. Some had even been killed to preserve its secret. Honzo held it now. He had taken the scroll from its place in the hidden library deep beneath Shiro no Shosuro, a gift from his master who beseeched him to make haste back to the castle of the Champion.
He watched Kiso-sama for a few minutes more, steeling his mind for what came next. He had swayed the council to hear him and he had given them the shocking news of his discovery deep in the Shadowlands. Now, he would do his duty to the Clan again, though it pained him to take such drastic measures. His mind made up, he flipped backwards from his perch in the darkness above and floated down to land silently behind the Soshi daimyo.
The Soshi daimyo spun quickly into a defensive stance as Honzo began to speak, a spell at the ready. "Greetings to you, Soshi-sama. I trust you are well, though our Champion is not. I fear for his life too, and it is with that regard that I come to you now. My master bids thee to call your best and most talented together for a powerful ritual." He produced the scroll from a hidden pocket in his obi.
He could see the Soshi daimyo's surprise as he let the spell fade from his mind. The question was unspoken as to what the scroll was or what Honzo's purpose could be. He simply looked at it; the symbol pressed in wax upon the scroll was old, flaking in parts but perfectly preserved. The symbol was recognized after only a moment and Kiso's eyes opened in astonishment.
"Yes Kiso-sama, I know. The need is too great to risk anything less. Unless we wish Senshi-sama to die, you must perform the ritual. Take great care, Kiso-sama. The ritual could destroy you all if not done properly. But it if works then the Champion will be saved, and his arm restored though it will be changed forever. He will never hold his sword in both hands again, but at least he will live. The crystal that will replace his limb will be lifeless, but the infection will be contained and Bayushi Senshi will live. Fail, and the crystal will spread to his entire body, and perhaps even to all of you. You will only get one chance. Do not fail..."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 3, 2011 5:19:06 GMT -5
The Scorpion before him did not know how close he had come to death. A second later and he would have been a pile of ash. His eyes had indeed opened upon seeing the symbol in wax, and had no intention of using what the Shosuro waved before him, as it had sparked a most ingenious idea in him.
The rest of Honzo's words fell on deaf ears, Kiso lost in thought as the gears in his head whirled into motion. "A crystal....to stop in infection, a crystal arm...his father had done something like this, long ago.... What was it?! Was it this spell? No, it was jade....A jade hand? No, that was Hida Yakamo....arm, a jade arm! Of course, the woman,..... his father's hatamoto! Now, where had he gotten the arm....from the Phoenix? The Dragons? I have to know! Curses, I don't have the time to return to Shiro no Soshi to dig through my scrolls. The damn Yogo was going to be gone for days, while I'm stuck here preventing the inevitable."
The gears slowed down, Kiso realized he was still staring wide-eyed at the scroll. The last of Honzo's words were the only ones he truly heard. Do not fail. He reached up slowly and grabbed the scroll. He gave a slight nod to the unknown Scorpion and left the room in a hurry, almost shouting at the guards to fetch him a messenger. He took a few seconds to compose himself, then reentered the Champion's Quarters...
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Shosuro Honzo
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Shosuro Daimyo * Ninja* "Master of Shadows"* Loyal * Unique
Posts: 194
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Post by Shosuro Honzo on Oct 3, 2011 8:25:06 GMT -5
It was done. He watched the Soshi daimyo rush from the room, shouting at the guards to fetch a messenger. Now, there was hope for Senshi-sama. Honzo allowed himself not a smile, but a grim nod of satisfaction. He vaulted to a low hanging arch, then flipped several times, grabbing higher and higher from hand hold to hand hold to reach the upper rafters. Then, he sprinted along the narrow beam, his toes digging into the wood without effort and with perfect balance.
He made his way to a hidden panel, slipped through and found himself outside the castle once more. He had more work to do. There was not much time. He had to ensure the security of the Clan. It was up to Kiso-sama and the rest of the gathering he would surely call for the most part, but Honzo still had one more thing he must do.
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Yogo Hiro
Ronin
Daimyo * Shugenja * Air * Water * Ward Master * Hisas RP Yogo Alt.
Posts: 12
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Post by Yogo Hiro on Oct 3, 2011 10:01:50 GMT -5
Yogo Towers
Get another one! Hiro yelled at nobody in particular. He had been working on altering his ward for hours now with nothing to show for it except a dozen bodies of ashigaru, criminals, and "volunteers" brought to him by Kiso's magistrates. He stopped hearing their pleas for mercy and assertions of innocence; their words mattered not when Senshi's life was at stake.
He saw his assistants had the next one restrained and ready, this one had been suffering suffering from an infection in the lungs he was informed. I fear this one might get messy.
Let us try altering the sixth bifurcation in the ward by reinforcing it with water kami. The assistants nodded their understanding. The screams from the subject grew louder and more tormented as the ritual wore on, eventually culminating in a final gurgle of blood from his throat. Another had died.
Progress at least, he thought, grateful this one was torn apart from the alterations as the others had been. He noticed the sun was nearly set on his first day and he resolved to work through the night. I am going to fail, he thought sadly, but I must try.
Bring in another...
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Oct 3, 2011 12:32:05 GMT -5
Hisa noticed the Monkey's arrival and overheard the comment made by the Mantis shugenja. False Emperor, Mantis-san? Hisa said as he approached from behind the Moshi accompanied by Kaoin. Though you can be forgiven for being one of Yoritomo's clansmen - a man known for claiming that if he could not sit upon the throne, he would destroy it instead - I would recommend keeping criticisms of such a great samurai's loyalties quiet while you are in his home.
Kaoin bowed deeply to Kenpachi. Welcome again to Kyuden Bayushi, Toku-sama. It is always a pleasure to have you in our courts. My husband has asked me to ensure you are comfortable while you visit us, so if there is anything I can do for you, you need only make your wish known and I will see to it.
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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 Oct 3, 2011 20:16:27 GMT -5
Kenpachi was startled to learn of the Scorpion Champion's ill health. He looked at the Mantis, Yoritomo...Ando? Was that it. He was starting to know too many people. "Yes, Yoritomo-san, I think we will all be poorer for it, though the Soshi are well known for their magic. I am sure they will do all they can." He almost blanched when he heard of the Scorpion's new loyalties. The sudden rise in his popularity was also alarming. Another face. Bayushi Hisa. He remembered him vaguely. The Mantis was a little brash, but then again that was their strongest point.
"I'm neutral in the affair, Yoritomo-san. My oath to Toturi II allows me that leisure." Another Scorpion? "Thank you, I always find the courts here to be most agreeable. I will most certainly ask for anything I may require, but I've always found all my needs met. I have no idea why some think this a dangerous court. I've always found the Scorpion to be hosts without equal."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 3, 2011 21:01:19 GMT -5
Ando smiled. "It's Moshi Ando, actually" Indicating the small Centipede mon on his kimono. "But I get that a lot. Most of the men of my family don't travel much"
He shrugged to Hisa. "Well, frankly I don't expect to be in his home much longer, Bayushi-sama. I was here to try to convince the Scorpion not to defend an Emperor who sends assassins after his loyal servants. If the Master of Secrets, in his wisdom, wishes to defend him, my job here is done, for better or worse. I am hoping I'll be asked to join one of the battle fleets. I hear there is much glory to be had in the Crane cities, where the Samurai are too weak to defend their riches" Ando smiled in an almost predatory way at the prospect of plunder before turning back to Hirotomo.
"Neutrality, eh? Well I can't say I blame you - it is different for a small Clan, you do not have much leeway to make mistakes. My ancestors were the same before they joined the Mantis"
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Oct 4, 2011 3:56:31 GMT -5
Senshi stirred in his fitful sleep. Only half awake however, with half lidded eyes, caked in his sweat, he said one thing, and repeated it till he was heard:
"Bring Haruka."
He started to say it with some urgency, waving his good hand until he had someones attention. Only after being assured that she was being sent for would Senshi calm down it seemed.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 4, 2011 6:42:05 GMT -5
Kiso had been keeping vigil for hours. He had used a healing prayer, and redone the bandages so they would not come loose. Now he was just stuck with his own thoughts, waiting for the Yogo Daimyo to return. He wished the messenger would not lollygag. He had sent the woman to Shiro no Soshi with a letter to hand her the bulk of the writings from his office.
He felt Senshi stirring. Senshi-sama, you must rest....stay still... He began to murmur, almost incoherent. It can wait, Senshi-sama, whatever it is. You must rest! It was then the words became clear, Bring Haruka. Great, he didn't even know where she was....He hadn't seen her when he arrived. She hadn't been up to the room since he took over the care of the Champion. He could only imagine she'd already been sent for, and was on her way.
Very well, Senshi-sama. Haruka-sama will be sent for. Senshi apparently didn't hear him, and began having his left hand and repeating himself. It would not do for him to get this excited right now. Kiso reached into his scroll case, his fingers brushed the scroll given to him earlier today, almost wanting to pull it out. Instead, he reached a little further in the satchel and produced the prayer he knew would help.
A moment later Senshi was fast asleep. It was forced sleep, but it needed to be done. His energy could not be wasted worrying about his wife as if on his deathbed. Kiso would not allow these to be the Champions final moments.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 4, 2011 14:25:20 GMT -5
After a few more hours into Senshi's magic induced sleep, Kiso felt a fool. Reaching into his satchel, he produced a scroll he would definitely need to commit to memory. (ooc: aka, need to remind myself to look at books printed AFTER 1st/2nd edition)
Bayushi Haruka felt the link instantly, as did Kiso when their minds connected. He hadn't really used this prayer before, but hoped Haruka wouldn't freak and prematurely sever the connection.
Haruka-sama, it's Soshi Kiso....and this was the only way I knew to find you at this time. Can....you hear me alright? All of this in the faintest of a whisper.
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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 Oct 4, 2011 15:10:40 GMT -5
It took Haruka some time to consider who's voice this was now creeping into her mind, even wondering if it was her own musings playing a trick on her. The moment he said his name, she connected the voice to the face.
She was in the midst of the Tomatsu's presentations at Toshi Ranbo, only taking a moment to nod to the clan champion and step away to mutter to herself and answer him. "Yes I can hear you Kiso-san, what is the matter?" She was somewhat tensed, though he would not know exactly why.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 4, 2011 15:39:37 GMT -5
The Lord of Secrets...burned his hand off in the Hantei's Court. I have returned to Kyuden Bayushi to oversee his care. He has asked for 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 Oct 4, 2011 16:16:21 GMT -5
"You tell him..!" Haruka only stopped herself a minute, regaining herself in the heat of the moment. Her frustration betrayed her. He could hear her huff and recollect herself.
"I will be there as soon as I can. Thank you." Her mental connection with him severing out of sheer will as she pushed his voice from her mind.
The ride would take some hours, traveling even on a magnificent Utaku warhorse. But she would ride into the night if she had to, when she was summoned the need to return tugged at her more than ever.
(You all can continue until you're ready to receive Haruka, as I know the passage of time is rough and I can't just poof everywhere.)
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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 Oct 4, 2011 18:15:32 GMT -5
"Moshi Ando-san, then." Kenpachi said after mentally thrashing himself. He would have to reread the heraldry again. "I must admit, I've never met a member of the fabled Moshi family. The Centipede's example is something the Monkey hopes to follow." There, a little flattery should smooth over his faux pas.
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 4, 2011 21:14:47 GMT -5
Ando shrugged and gave quite a dazzling smile. "Well, I have never met one of the Monkey Clan either, although of course I have heard of the deeds of your Clan's illustrious founder. Hope to follow our example? Well, perhaps you won't... the way we dealt with the problems of being a Minor Clan was to eventually stop being one. I know the Monkey Clan have excellent relations with many of the Great Clans, not least our kind hosts here in Kyuden Bayushi, but I didn't think you would be willing to go that far..."
"So will you be here at Kyuden Bayushi long? As I think I mentioned, it may soon be time for me to pack my things and serve my Clan elsewhere. A pity if that's the case, for there is a lot to be said for Kyuden Bayushi. Not least the beauty of the women, neh?" His grin remained ingratiating but took on a slightly roguish air. Ando was not too bad to look at himself.
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