Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Sept 28, 2011 23:50:28 GMT -5
((OOC: This thread takes place the moments that Toshi Ranbo falls to the Lion army. Please keep it to a friendly level and refrain from godmodding.))
Naetaru was in the court, speaking to some Clan dignitaries. He had finally the chance to lobby and talk to the Emperor himself, but something was happening around and the Emperor had yet to appear in the court session. In an instant there was a fuss around and heavy thumbs coming outside to the streets, so loud that a mild commotion started to ensue. Naetaru was quickly approached by one of his yojimbo's who in turn informed him of the Lion advance. They were actually breaching the gates. He had to act.
"Daidoji Aotora-san, please ensure the evacuation of the Crane dignitaries from the Imperial Court, let one of your men find Doji Kenna and lead him over to the Crane compound. I won't have the time to go back to the rest of the forces without risking myself falling into Lion hands. Tell him to take care of any matter that arises, I will be arriving shortly."
He was moving in hurriedly. His first plan was to approach the Imperials...he had to help them in the safe evacuation of the Emperor...
((OOC: Now, according to the action in Toshi Ranbo, Naetaru is going to join in the retinue of the Emperor getting safely escrted outside. I do not wish to roleplay any Imperial or even the Emperor in order not to be mistaken for godmodding. However, I am going later to describe a scene with him AS they escape, following the same restrictions. Please respect this))
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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 28, 2011 23:58:37 GMT -5
Yukihime is suddenly there, like out of nowhere, she is now walking besides the Doji daimyou. The air around her is colder and more turbulent than ever before, but not enough to bother those around her.
She walks in small steps within her nicely tied blue kimono, a closed fan in hands. She bows respectfully, barely stopping the walk. They had previously talked about the possible retreat.
"I have the assistance needed, an Asahina shugenja and a Imperial shugenja, both already here. Let me know if we are needed."
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Sept 29, 2011 0:02:15 GMT -5
Ok... And than the night just got WEIRDER, yes, it was possible! The fortunes are far more creative that the mortal mind of this confused and tired bushi. He just followed Doji Naetaru and Asahina Yukihime with his sharp eyes and with cautious but quick passes, tried at his best to be usefull.
-Doji-Sama, Asahina-Sama let me have the honor to go with you and help! I am a Bushi and I can still draw one or two strikes if needed!
He readied his Katana and he smiled. Maybe he proclaimed himself to another title again later.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Sept 29, 2011 0:51:15 GMT -5
Naetaru looked at the couple. Strange coincidence to see them two once again in such a few days time.
"Asahina Yukihime-sama, I recall our previous discussion. I have just the proper resources reserved for the evacuation of the Imperial court along with the Emperor. We rely on your plan, sama. Let us proceed."
Turning over to Hiromitsu
"Hiromitsu-sama, we would be honored if you accompanied us along the way. We may have the yojimbo's needed, but a hero is always welcome among us"
Crisis or not Naetaru was courteous and enemy or not Hiromitsu was a respected individual.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Sept 29, 2011 3:10:14 GMT -5
An hour has passed since the dire news arrived at Court. The Lion army had managed to breach the gates of Toshi Ranbo and was entering the city in full force. At the various city compounds one could smell the scent of brimstone and burnt wood mixed with blood, all dried up from the midday sun.
Back in the Imperial Palace the gates had been shut, at least for now. The Emperor had to retreat to a safe place from the Toturist claws, and he has given an order to ensue the retreating plan that he and his council had devised. The whole operation was to be assisted by the Crane Clan Asahina daimyo who had proceeded into counseling the proper individuals regarding the matter at hand.
Naetaru wasn't an exception to that. A couple of days before he was ordered to speak with members of the court assigned to the task. The Seppun Head of the Imperial Guard had safeguarded a number of passages in order for the court members to escape. And when the time came, the "exodus" began.
During that time Naetaru had banded with the Asahina daimyo Yukihime and Bayushi Hiromitsu the emissary of the Scorpion at the Imperial Court. The three of them were exiting through a revealed panel behind the Steel Throne. This was the room that had been modified back in the Scorpion Clan coup, the one that Doji Shizue herself had used to escape Scorpion notice. As they were exiting, Naetaru was wondering what would happen of his clansmen. The Crane Clan meant so much to him, his cousins and then he remembered his wife...Doji Sadoji, his wild Lion flower, "dandelion" he would call her...
He quickly discarded the thought and turned his attention back to the retinue. He had already proposed the solution of them retreating to a safer haven, probably to some Imperial lands...and once they were safe, he would ensure that the Emperor would hear his advice.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Sept 29, 2011 3:40:03 GMT -5
Several dozen armoured Crane samurai aproach the court in a hurry. Three of them making their way towards Noetaru. They are all blood soaked, and it seems quite wounded. You note the mons of First Kakita Legion, a sure sign that battle is lost. Aproaching you recognise Kakita Alesha and two Kenshinzen that accompany him. He bows deeply.
"Doji-sama, the battle is not going well, we will hold the palace entrance, this should give you time to do what is right. The road out of the city is safe, fourth Kakita legions was held back in reserve to safeguard it. I believe that Mitsuoko-dono will be with them at this point. It will take Lions some time to pass through me and my men, take half of them, to help you with evacuation, they are skilled and too young to remain with me."
He then takes the shireikan banner carried by one of his men and offers it to Naetaru: "If you can do me a favour Doji-sama, please tell Mitsuoko-dono what happened when you see her."
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Sept 29, 2011 3:58:33 GMT -5
Naetaru got shocked by the amount of blood, spattered over his kinsmen armor. Kakita Alesha was no stranger to him, just an acquaintance. He knew of his brave and brash soul. The man was an iaijutsu legend and a proven taisa, the image of whom covered in blood, followed by his words, made Naetaru feel a severe pain in the abdomen. He was afraid of death. However he gathered his resolve and answered.
"Certainly I will Alesha-san. We will proceed immediately as planned, may the Fortunes be with you and our Kakita brethren Kakita Alesha."
He bowed in acknowledgement and resumed on the exit, carrying the proof that death was near...interwoven with honor but near...
In an instant he thought of his twin sister Mikado and he prayed to his father that she was alive.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Sept 29, 2011 4:25:39 GMT -5
"Thank you, Doji-sama. Farewell." He bows to the Doji daimyo then motions with his command fan as dozen of his warriors join with Naetaru's routine, and steps back to head to the entrance without any more words added to it. They prepared to face the Lion onslaught that was sure to follow soon.
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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 29, 2011 4:34:00 GMT -5
Having arrived at Toshi Ranbo with a newly recruited force the night before, Akodo Jin moved outside the command tent of his general. The wrinkles on his face and the aches in his joints from his time in the war of the spirits were wearing on him. Bad enough he had to kill his own people again, it was now that he had just received his orders to march on the capital. Such a strange set of circumstances he found himself in, but as ever he was loyal to his orders, his clan, and his people. Having fought on the side of Toturi during the war of the spirits and marched as a newly recruited samurai during the clan war, he knew that sometimes it is best to fight against the emperor for the good of the empire. Too old to be concerned with a wife and children, and having come out of retirement to once again aid his clan in its time of need he gathered his forces. As he set himself towards the task ahead he thought to himself "Jin my friend, you're getting too old for this"Holding his no-dachi in one hand he met back up with his men. Some were freshly recruited from both Shiro Matsu and Shiro Akodo, others had been here since the beginning of the battle. He had only left to join up with the men his servants had recruited to bring them back to reinforce his veterans. As the new recruits and hardened veterans met for the first time, he knew that this day would be something they would both remember for all time. He stood before his men now poised to march on his generals signal. As the crane began to retreat from the walls he shouted: "My brothers and sisters, when this day comes to its end, we shall hold the walls of Toshi Ranbo once again. Although it has changed hands many times in its history it has always been a city of the Lion. Even though it shall be passed onto the Righteous Emperor, know that it was by your hand that it was obtained. Keep this in your thoughts through the events to come. Know that whoever falls shall join the song of our ancestors. Those who stand a whisper from death should know to listen for that sweet melody as it will guide you through this day. As you tire remember the words that give us strength in battle, the song of our ancestors:
We have bled, We have suffered, We have burned, And we did this all, For you Minutes after he finished his speech, the drums began to sound and Jin gave the order... to take Toshi Ranbo. (OoC: I hope i dont sound God moddy at any time, i only wish to bring glory to the lion and give you some sense of urgency in your evacuation . If my post was inappropriate for this thread let me know and i'll erase it.)
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 29, 2011 5:06:13 GMT -5
As he prepared his men for what would be their last stand, Alesha notes the approach of a single Crane archer. The man is young, but he carries himself with a confidence born of experience. His hair is cropped short, his brown eyes alert, and his footsteps making hardly any noise at all, Daidoji Hinto approaches the Kakita legend quickly and bows. In a quiet voice he says, "Alesha-sama, by the time the Lion take this palace, the emperor and his retinue will be well on their way to safety, as will most of our clan. There is no need for you to hold off their advance, sama - I respectfully suggest you take your wounded, escape while you can, and regroup later. This war is far from over."
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Sept 29, 2011 5:19:11 GMT -5
"You do not understand something Daidoji-san. I am comitted to defence of the city, and I am not someone who intends live in defeat." He says as he looks at the unfolding battle and first Matsu glory charging towards them through the streets, some falling as his elite archers begin their grim work.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 29, 2011 5:24:26 GMT -5
"It is not my place to tell you what to do, sama, and I respect your dedication," Hinto paused to unshoulder his bow and loose 5 or 6 arrows into the approaching Lion vanguard before continuing, "But defeat is a matter of perception. As I said, this war is far from over." He locked eyes with the Shireikan. "And I know for a fact that you are more useful to our clan alive than dead. The Crane have already suffered considerable losses. We can ill afford the death of another hero." He returned to his bow, firing with deadly accuracy as he took a step or two backwards, never loosing his calm demeanor and quiet, unassuming voice.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Sept 29, 2011 5:32:18 GMT -5
"You forget Kakita motto. I will remind you. For coward there is no life, for hero there is no death. I intend to live to it." - he looks at him, he is calm and resolved.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 29, 2011 5:47:33 GMT -5
"If that is truly what you want, sama, I will not keep you from that path. Unfortunately, I have my orders as well, and I must attend to them."
He bowed to the Alesha.
"It has been an honor to serve under you, Alesha-sama. May the fates bring you the glory you deserve, and - if they see fit - may we meet again one day. I will tell the story of your dedication, should we not."
With that, Hinto fired one last shot and turned to disappear back from wherever he had come from.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Sept 29, 2011 6:32:23 GMT -5
He watches Hinto leave: "Serve the clan well Daidoji-san."
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