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 12, 2011 14:40:27 GMT -5
"And how would you suggest we do so Kiso-san. If I must use my own blade for this matter... I will." Her eyes rested as she sighed, knowing it would be best to get it over with. "Then we can do as we must without the worry of an illness claiming his life and it will not make your search anymore desperate than it has to be."
She started walking along, knowing he should be in his quarters, only glancing over her shoulder once to ensure Kiso was with her to heal him enough to stabilize him now. They had all delayed long enough, and she couldn't remain here long as other matters pressed her even now. Her hand rested on the hilt of her katana as she opened the door and made her way in to see how deplorable of a state he was in now.
The room was unchanged, a slight breeze blowing in, only hindered by wooden shutters to keep the worst of it outside. A fire gently churning and illuminating the entire room. Senshi lay in bed, snoring. Sweat dripping from his brow, though at least he was resting peacefully in his own bed.
Haruka was hardly the medical expert but her eyes fell onto his hand, the clear efforts to have it cleaned and purified still littering the nearby table that stood near his bed. His skin having been marred beyond all purpose and missing fingers. But for the moment he seemed unhindered, only in discomfort.
Haruka held no fear when it came to handling him, simply coming to his side and allowing Kiso to bear witness. The door to his quarters shut now behind them as the attendants seemed to detect the tension in the air of what was to happen now. It was clear his infection had spread at least to his elbow. The firelight almost dancing mockingly on his damaged arm.
Haruka took the time to remove her gloves, to handle him and her blade with her own two hands. It was clear he'd been drugged into a state as he didn't even so much as flinch as her grip came onto his arm to extend it out. She didn't even say a word, not to comfort the unconscious husband she'd grown to become so betrayed by, and not to even inform the man behind her of how this would play out. What would words do in a place like this here and now anyway.
Her hand tensed enough to hold him in place, in one hand the same hand he'd struck her with, now withered and damaged beyond repair, and in the other her katana drawn and readied in the air. She took only one slow and steadying breath as the channeled her anger and fury into her arm. So many times before she turned this same blade on her enemies, and now of all blood it must spill, it was her own husband's.
A stray motion could just as easily kill him, but her aim, her focus, and her burning desire to let it all out came in one fell slash.
The blood came forth heavily but the cut was clean enough. Haruka blocked out the sound that might come from him now, as she pushed ever sense aside and pulled away from him just as quickly as she had come. The deed done she gave ample space for the wound to be treated now, as she had no idea if the healers had employed some sort of blood stoppage or any other preventative measure to stop it from spreading.
This irreversible damage now would end this threat finally. Haruka watched him the whole time even as she parted away from him, watching his expression, watching him as the frantic motion of it all had finally been completed.
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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 12, 2011 15:33:29 GMT -5
Honzo had lost. Despite his efforts, he had failed his Champion. The shame of it was almost unbearable. Yet, despite this there was but a single hope. If he aided in the search, and found what was being sought, then he would finally achieve what he had strongly fought for this time.
They were all fools though. Otosan Uchi was a long way away and the rubble of the former Imperial capital was a deplorable wasteland full of bad memories and things far worse. To look for something so small in the ruins, even if they did find it, would take weeks.
And to cut off Senshi's whole arm...that was no guarantee that the infection would stop spreading. Honzo knew of such amputations gone awry. Instead of saving their life, it only hastened their death.
It was painfully obvious now that Kiso and Hiro didn't have confidence in him, or their own skills. They were afraid of the consequences to be sure, but they seemed to be more afraid of their inability to perform the ritual correctly. That was not good. If they had doubts about one ritual, what did that mean for the rest of Senshi-dono's treatments? Honzo had clearly seen the angry welts all over Kiso-sama's hands. He punished himself to stay awake, but at the cost of a steady hand. In times like these, it was never a good thing to have an unsteady hand for such delicate matters.
Honzo heard the cut through the closed door. The blade whistled keenly as Haruka-sama sliced the remains of her husband's arm off. The Champion made not a sound. It was over. Honzo retreated into the shadows to prepare his agents for the journey ahead. No one witnessed the Master of Shadows leave, just as intended.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 12, 2011 16:15:44 GMT -5
Kiso channeled all his energy into the spell to heal the cut. Normally such an action would be as draining as extending ones hand. But he poured much more into it. His reward was to see the blood stop, the place where Senshi's arm once connected to his shoulder, cauterized; And then it was lights out.
Even the pain from his hands could no longer keep him from the sleep he had deprived himself of for almost four days since he began his journey here. It was a good thing he didn't even feel the ground catch up to him, for his head made a decent thunk on the wooden floor. He would have a decent headache once he awoke.
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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 12, 2011 16:46:16 GMT -5
The words filtered through Haruka's mind as she heard the Shosuro speak again. It hardly mattered for the moment as the deed was done, and the Soshi spent himself to repair the damage. She dropped her blade where she stood now, letting it clatter unceremoniously to the floor with Senshi's blood still on it. Her hand had numbed itself from the strike, and her muscles didn't even remember cutting through his arm now as some strange release allowed her to let the rage seep away from her.
It was at times like these that her blatant disregard for some of the Rokugani traditions were handy as a former Unicorn. As she did not need to wait but simply strode over to Kiso's limp form, taking it in her arms and lifting him off the ground.
Her arms were more than strong enough as she brought him over to one of the gaijin chairs that was in the main room, set apart from Senshi's resting quarters. She ensured he would be comfortable as though he had merely fallen asleep there on his own. She panted, while the numbness caused her mind to settle and she struggled to focus for a moment, staring blindly into the flames as she grappled for something to bring herself back to it all.
The blood coating the walls and the bed, covering Kiso and his robes. Such scenes should disrupt the fragile minds of the unwilling, but this was no different than any other battlefield. For now, all remained still until one of the men would come to.
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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 16, 2011 22:22:43 GMT -5
Cold sweat, that was the first thing he noticed as he awoke. Then sharp pain as he moved to wipe away at the sweat on his brow. Then nothing. He felt a distinct lack of feeling, if it could be described. He shot upright, felt pain again, and beheld his bloodied room and cauterized stump.
And then he locked eyes with his wife. His heart was racing, he was experiencing something akin to panic as he slowly but surely pieced together what must have happened. He broke gaze with his wife as he closed his eyes, lowering his head.
"Moushiwake arimasen deshita, Haruka san," he whispered.
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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 16, 2011 22:34:41 GMT -5
Haruka had maintained her place, pacing on occasion as she let her eyes watch over the exhausted Soshi daimyo in the other room and her husband, but his stirring alerted her to his coming to. Her eyes fixed rather fiercely on him, the adrenaline of having severed his arm having left her blood and mind. His immediate apology made her quiver, but she was not so quick as to rush to his side.
She literally had stood there, only just now cleaning the blade that severed his arm where she finally finished, dropping the blood drenched rag at her feet and sheathing the blade at her side, still standing there and remaining apart from him.
"Shujin... You've been quite ill since you've left Toshi Ranbo." She folded her arms, as his eyes could likely see more details with her blood stained armor. "And I heard you call for me across the empire, I came as soon as I heard."
She seemed uneasy to speak, waiting for him to pick his head up and say more. Her reason for being livid with him had not been resolved, and she did not know if she could forgive him now. But the rest of her wanted to fly to his side and cast these things aside, forcing her into a silent turmoil as she hung there to hear his words.
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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 17, 2011 1:28:32 GMT -5
He looked up. "I-" He didn't know what to say or how to say it, so he went with a retelling. He dipped his head again, "After I struck you, I was filled with guilt. It was not truly you that I wanted to hurt. I swallowed my pride and did what I had to do, I went before Naseru sama, and we traded words. Words about loyalty."
It was stream of thought, not holding anything back as his words filled with conviction. "Loyalty." He said again, as if it was a curse. "I tell you in all honesty, that Naseru sama has none from me. My clan, our duties, and I have been so insulted to have to prove anything to the man who has shamefully taken the name of a deity that he is not. My loyalty is to this empire, this clan, this city, its people, and you. I went before the man, professed my loyalty and sacrificed the flesh I could no longer call my own for having acted without thought upon you."
He looked up with a fire in his eyes, "I-I watched my hand burn, and I watched Naseru sama's doubts whither away along with my skin. But I cared not for what he felt of me. I care only to tell you that I am sorry for what I did to you, and I am sorry for recanting my support of Kaneka. I pray this will be the only promise I ever break with you. I would sooner die then kneel before any man who would cause you or my clan pain needlessly. By doing this action, Haruka, I may have saved the empire. But there is far more work that needs to be done."
He shuffled, sitting up fully, "I profess this work would have been easier with two arms... but I will over come this." He made to stand up then.
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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 17, 2011 2:04:23 GMT -5
Haruka would lurch at his motion, her instincts and reserve clashing as she couldn't help but come forward to meet him. Terrified at the prospect of him falling faint again from the injury he now sustained. Her motion wouldn't stop until her hands rested firmly on his upper arms, clasping as though they were the only strength that helped him stand now.
"My love don't..." but the words were far too late as the fear had crept into her eyes. "..get up. Please, don't risk yourself further harm with how you are. You only just came to from your illness, from the sickness that came from your decrepit skin. The infection nearly claimed your life."
But much as she wished to hold him in her arms and shelter him from the world, Haruka knew such coddling would do him no good now. Such rage she had felt from it all was not extinguished by his words. Her eyes held that bitter state between regret and disappointment.
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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 17, 2011 2:29:01 GMT -5
He was still too weak, and the grip on his right arm cause him great pain. He fell forward into her arms. He made no move to leave her however, only wrapping his arm around her. He carried on, pained, "Please, I want you to understand. This empire is under siege by the forces of darkness, this is not just a civil war, but an assault on the very soul of the empire. I had to do this, Haruka. I beg you to understand, the taint threatens to destroy our empire, and it must be stopped, only by taking this course will we be able to destroy the band of the spider!"
She would notice her neck getting moist. Tears. The man was actually crying.
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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 17, 2011 2:42:12 GMT -5
Haruka's arms went from his to holding onto him now. Clasping onto him in need as her mind churned against it all. She knew of his sacrifices, of his choices. She knew how the court had bickered and butchered their clansmen for the amusement of Hantei in a twisted show of loyalty.
She found her hands to tremble as her fingers gripped onto his ruined loosely hanging robes. The pain of it all wracked through her, and yet it was his pain and his tears that made her stay sane and hold her ground. Haruka swallowed hard, trying to steady herself as she held Senshi to her.
"I... I know my Senshi." Feining as though this reveal was no surprise. Her chin dipping and locking into his shoulder as one of her hands reached up to caress the back of his head. Her tone softening as she tried to soothe him. "I know..."
She could stand there for what felt like an eternity, holding onto the man she'd fought so long and hard for, shaking off the reins of her old life and forsaking the comforts she once knew. And yet every other part of her still railed inside with anger. Of all people to betray, of all people to do as he did. She could feel the truth in his words, in that he cared nothing for Hantei. But just as the news initially jarred her, the reality of what he justified it with also seemed to take time to hold in her heart.
For now she just stood there, supporting them both and embracing him, choking back her own emotions and forcing them down. She couldn't be sure if this was any sense of true strength, but she hoped it would come across as such.
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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 17, 2011 14:38:49 GMT -5
Senshi slipped back down onto the bed, "I am glad that you understand. I have another favor to ask of you though it pains me to do so."
As he lay down, he held onto Haruka's hand for support, not letting go, "Go to Tomatsu, and protect him and his closest advisers from the taint that threatens us all. There is corruption rampant on both sides of this conflict. I can no longer afford my protection to the Lion and the Crab leaders, but Tomatsu is key to upholding the honor of the empire, his soul must remain pure, and alive. Do not leave his side, Haruka san. I admit to this being more then just an order for his preservation, but for yours as well. Please, do not take my child to the front lines, I beg you. Stay with him, this way I can trust you both will survive."
I looked at her intently, gripping her hand, "Will you swear it?"
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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 17, 2011 15:30:31 GMT -5
Both her hands came to hold onto his, caressing and cradling it in her strong grip. "I will do as you wish, Senshi-sama." She swallowed on her words again, looking over him as he lay there. Obedience was what he needed to hear and see now, after all the twisting words of court and his commitment to his people rather than his own heart.
The lion pelt cloak still hanging on her armor, with the head resting on her shoulder. "Tomatsu-sama has already decorated me for my actions in Toshi Ranbo, and you should know that he has taken great care of me in your stead. I shall not disappoint you or the Scorpion clan."
Haruka reached up and used a single finger to pull her mask down. She rested her eyes as she dipped herself and bowed over him, kissing his hand against her lips. "Oh my husband. Please rest yourself and recover, for your clan worries for you. I know you are strong enough... You were strong enough to bear the pain when we first met of your broken arm." She kissed it again, resting it against her face. "You will have the strength to endure this my love. And soon you will be able to embrace our son as the time draws near for his arrival. I can feel it in my heart."
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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 17, 2011 15:35:41 GMT -5
"I grow tired... but theres more: please leave in writing your report about the spider's activities, Haruka, leave it under my pillow. I will read it when I next awake. But, can you stay just a while longer? I need- sleep." He passed out, with his hand still clasped in hers.
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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 22, 2011 0:16:05 GMT -5
For a time she let her hand linger, uncertain as to why it still held her with such strength. It gripped her hand, but touched her heart as she savored the feeling of his hand on hers again. In due time his exhaustion would ease his grip and she lowered her hand to let it gently slip onto his chest, allowing him to slip into a comfortable rest. She only took a step to the side as she pulled out a parchment from the nearby table, bringing a brush to the ink and making the message that would be for his eyes alone.
Her details were vivid and she held nothing back from her Master of Secrets. The letter detailed the events that had taken place at Shiro Utaku, the systematic destruction of her family and their estate, with no offender to be found. She voiced her suspicions of foul play, but only one name came to mind, and it was the vengeful heart of her sister.
She went on to another more sinister topic, but only left an indicator that would be clearest to him and him alone. "The infiltration of the Spider has gone just as planned, my love."
And naturally she thought it best to leave the end of the letter on a higher note as she informed him of the details of his new arm to come. Though she only described it loosely as a thing of legend that their dear friend Soshi Kiso had come to discover, and now would hunt on his behalf for. She explained that she had given him all the permission for resources he might need, and hoped that it would be enough. Rounding it out, she would let him know where next she would be, and that was to attend to her duty with Tomatsu, who had asked for her return after everything was settled here in Kyuden Bayushi. A peace talk between Crane and Lion near Toshi Ranbo.
Beyond that she felt there was nothing left unsaid as she slid it under his pillow. Her gaze lingering over him as her hand would gently ruffle over his hair, forcing her to still her emotions and all the rage that she had been building up. Just laying her eyes on him as he lay there, too weak to even remain awake, her heart felt pity. But in the same thought, she could not forsake what needed doing now. Painfully, slowly, she pulled away as though doing so wounded her. She took up her blade and rested herself on the wall beside him, conserving her energy and keeping watch should he or Kiso rouse.
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