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 19:34:01 GMT -5
(OOC:) They're alive, just in desperate need of a bath
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Post by Doji Kenna on Sept 29, 2011 21:16:09 GMT -5
It had been some time now since the Lion had broken the great iron barrier of the Western Gate. The Lion had surged into Toshi Ranbo, Kenna and his archery command had stayed as long as possible to harass the flood of Lion troops with arrow fire, but soon the numbers and replying volleys had proven too great a concern. While he doubted any of them had enjoyed it, the numerous drills his command had performed had undoubtedly helped them to withdraw in good order from their position and fall back towards the Imperial Palace.
The fighting withdrawal to the Imperial Palace had been marked by frequent skirmishes, though the main gate had fallen the design of the walls and streets had left the capital's defenders with numerous chokepoints and fall back positions to cover their retreat. Even so, the ferocity of the Lion had been matched with a keen appreciation for tactics, and supported by excellent troops and logistical support even the preparation of the Crane and Seppun commanders was barely allowing for an ordered containment of the western portions of the city while evacuations were completed.
As Kenna and his command rounded the last guard position before the Imperial Palace itself he saw a great mass of soldiers before its gates dressed in Seppun colours, their proud defiance untouched by overt signs of battle he knew them to be the last line of defence while the Emperor withdrew to safety. The timely arrival of what he had recognised as one of Doji Naetaru's own yojimbo a few streets back had told him crucially where his Daimyou was. Approaching the gate he bowed with the exact politeness of military protocol to the Seppun Taisa, 'Please direct me to assist with covering the withdrawal of court officials Taisa-sama, I and my command are here to assist Doji-sama.'
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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 0:12:09 GMT -5
(Thanks Doji Kenna for not just going... "and then i kill them all... all the lion ever" . Of course naetaru it amused me to say it!) As the afternoon had begun to fade into the evening Akodo Jin, was pushing hard on towards the Imperial Palace. His men now severly depleted, he continued to urge them on. He still had his cavalry force in reserve but in the crowded and small streets what good would they truly be? He gave the signal for them to dismount. They would now be his heavy infantry, using their naganita as heavy weapons while his remaining medium cavalry clashed against those not concentrating on the large halberds coming their way. As they continued on however, it seemed as though they were not accustomed to this sort of battle and more and more of them began to fall. If only he could make his way towards the next Lion unit, one thats standard seem to bear the mon of an Akodo. His remaining archers continued to fire volleys clearing his way momentarily towards his fellow lion. Tired, desperate, and increasingly outflanked, he moved his way towards the friendly standard. As he approached he found those bearing the mon for an Akodo Homura. "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes samurai-san" he said to the nearest samurai of Homuras unit. "Can you point me in the direction of your leader? It would be most appreciated. My force will join up with yours for the time being. It seems the Harriers traps are working well to their advantage."The samurai did so, and in that direction Jin moved with the speed and tenacity of a much younger man.
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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 30, 2011 4:20:16 GMT -5
Single Kenshinzen stands in between the parting Kakita First Legion and aproaching furious lady. He is calm, confident and watches the Warden's commander aproach with steely demeanor and bows to her silently greeting the opponent in center stance. "I am Kakita Norai, Chui of First Kakita Legion, Kenshinzen." Placing the palm of his hand on the kakita blade that he bears. He focuses on her eyes as if reading her soul... She watches as the Kakita Shireikan mounts, only sad about not being allowed to seek glorious death. The unit in background parts, except a few members of the Kenshinzen's squad.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 30, 2011 4:39:48 GMT -5
Move she says through clenched teeth. It has nothing to do with you. I want him. She points her blade in Alesha-san back. Norai is standing still. Calm, watchful. It calms her and infuriates in the same time. She goes closer trying to pass him by.
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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 30, 2011 8:20:40 GMT -5
The retinue moved quickly in the bowels of the castle. The yojimbo's stood guard as they moved through the empty crevasses, narrow corridors that had been carved to form the exiting way for notable people such as the Hantei and the Imperial Court. Naetaru was holding a lantern he had been given as they entered the room. He felt quite uncertain of how would the events unfold, but he was feeling safe to be around the Emperor and his guards, sadly he had to send his yojimbo to inform his clansmen and that he preferred. Keeping a guardian in custody, guarding over when he was around such impeccable defenders was a foolish decision. He was holding the token that Alesha had given him just wishing that he had to see him again. People such as him, Kenna, Sojiro, Mitsouko, Hiroshi, Fitsu and others were important for the Clan of the Crane.
The party moved into a spacious chamber, fit for ambush. However the guardians assured that they had to evacuate through a hidden wall. One of them reached over for a set stones, pushing one to the side, while the other opened the trapdoor. They explained that as the Emperor was escaping, diversion was crucial.
During that time the Hantei didn't say anything, didn't show any emotion, any agony or any signs of fear or stress up to the point that the Doji daimyo wondered if he was human at all.
He was looking at his friends' faces with an expression of wonder.
"I wonder where we might be just right now."
Since they'd entered there he had lost his sense of time. How long where they there? Minutes? Hours? Is it day? Night? He was oblivious of what was going on outside, but he decided he had to move on. There was no time to lose.
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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 30, 2011 9:37:43 GMT -5
"I fear the terms for the challange were named by challanged party, Akodo-san." Kenshinzen replies firmly. "You will have to go with them, or dishonour your anscestors by not living up to your words. My Commander does not find it dignified to kill you personally, you will have to suffice with terms or back away from your challange."
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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 30, 2011 14:38:24 GMT -5
Daidoji Hinto made his way through the underbelly of Toshi Ranbo after leaving the sewers, moving quickly and quietly, just in case he hadn't lost all of his pursuers. He had spent many of his off-duty hours mapping this place out, just in case it had to be used, and now knowing the passages by memory was serving him well.
A sudden noise made him stop and draw his bow. He watched, silently, as a trapdoor opened ahead of him.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 30, 2011 18:43:48 GMT -5
Homura doesn’t pay attention to his words. Like if she doesn’t see him at all. She passes by him and continues walking after Alesha moving faster with every step.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Oct 1, 2011 2:44:08 GMT -5
As she closes the archers in their positions aim at her. Alesha already mounted, his Iron cranes very much between him and Homura, he doesn't even acknowledge her, as his command squad rides off to rendezvous with Mitsuoko. Kenshinzen moves to rejoin the forces, behind Homura ready to cut her. Moving so deep into enemy positions is mistake. "I suggest you rejoin your forces, Akodo-san. Shooting you now would be a dog's death, one you do not deserve, serve your ancestors well, try to erase the dishonor of your clan's betrayal."
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Oct 1, 2011 11:01:11 GMT -5
<I'll have to stop here Homura. Don't see any point to continue anymore>
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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 Oct 3, 2011 6:52:14 GMT -5
That chamber was the perfect spot they were looking for. Yukihime found the other shugenja amoung the group of people and gave them instructions on what to do.
The three os them unfolded scrolls moving away from each other, in an attempt to fit most to those people in an imaginary circle.
Suddenly teh wind blow strong, surpriseing everyone. Who could expect winds fit to a storm inside? Enough to make most of them protect their faces and eyes for a short moment, enough for the three shugenja do what they ere requested to. Following the wind that cames lightning. Just a quick and bright flash of light.
The Emperor, as most of the people in the center of the chamber, where standing still, moveless for a few seconds.
The 'show' is kept to a minimun, and that requires some extra concentration. Nevertheless the shugenjas quickly recompose themselves.
"Let's keep moving"
Once all the retinue is again leaving Toshi Ranbo Yukihime finds her way to the Doji daimyou once more.
"They are safe... and our 'scape' can proceed if anyone is looking to chase us. We need sometime before it is doable again, then Doji-sama can also go, if such is desired"
Yukihime bows, her hair quiet now, all the breeze that was always surrounding her, seems to be gone.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Oct 3, 2011 7:34:14 GMT -5
Naetaru saw the guard opening the trapdoor, quickly turning to glance at the Emperor's side. His guards had a small talk with Yukihime. The Asahina daimyo was a petite calm woman, with fine elegant characteristics. She reminded him of old aesthetic tapestries that he was marveling at back in his father's estates, when young. Her hair, the fine work of white dye she had applied over them, the ornate designs she had formed with it by using braids and other ornaments.
Naetaru admired her for a couple of seconds before composing himself. He had always admired the Crane women, their elegance, their poise, their refined character. He never really understood why his nakado would choose for him a Lion wife instead. Now...her...his sweet Sadoji. Naetaru had missed her and their erroneous way of living. Now that danger loomed over everyone he more than anything wished to touch a lock of her raven black hair.
And now her family had forced everyone in the Imperial City to look for shelter, for solace. He hadn't any idea of how the events would unfold when he heard a clanging sound from a distance. Behind the trapdoor... He reached for his daisho...after so long time.
((OOC: Yuki I didn't disregard your post. You know the answer ;-P))
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Oct 3, 2011 9:21:06 GMT -5
A smile; not a big one; no, a brief, faint smile was all that showed his great admiration. Maybe them had too, some Bayushi-Kami blood running through their veins. That was a beautiful contingency plan right there. He bowed in deep respect to the present:
-Asahina Yukihime-Sama, I am grateful to have met you in this lifetime. And I hope that my efforts could somehow, help Asahina-sama. Asahina-sama's eyes and voice moved me more that I ever imagined possible, I believe in the rectitude of Asahina-Sama actions, and I pray to your safety.
-Doji Naetaru-Sama, I wish to bring glory to my family and clan, and it is very sad that I could not do this in my best kimono, or in the court.
He raised his head and smiled softly again, for both of them:
-I will buy more time. Bitter Lies Way.
After the last compliment, after this short farewell, he departed.
He runned like the wind, through the corridors and jumping with great agilty the stairs. He jumped out of the window and runned above the slipery roof of the palace. He was trying to jump again aiming floor, but he slipped and fallen right in front of the lion army, right in front of Akodo Homura:
-I was trying to do that.
He quickly as he could, got back to his feet and shook his head a bit, regaining balance:
-I am Bayushi Hiromitsu, Bushi, and I ask the Lion-sama the honor to let me defend the capitol. The soldiers, the real fighters never truly chose their fights, but is our obligation do die defending our orders. I won't flee, there is no escape from bushido. And even if I am a scorpion, even if I am alone, please, see me as a worthy enemy.
He bowed to Akodo Homura and made his best Kenjutsu stance.
OOC: Sorry, I could not let "no duel" happen here.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Oct 3, 2011 10:08:40 GMT -5
Mai's forces split up, taking two or three horses abreast each abandoned street that wound its way toward the imperial residence. Harriers may manage to slow down a few of them, but her orders were clear -- get to the residence as quickly and safely as possible, and stop for nothing short of the emperor himself in your way. Not one remaining resident of Toshi Ranbo would miss the clip of hoof beats or the sight of Unicorn cavalry passing their home. The message was clear: the city now belonged to Toturi.
She reached the courtyard first, flanked by two other riders, only to find lion troops already gathered. It would be a few minutes before more unicorn would trickle in. Mai dismounted and ran to the entrance, the fire in her eyes burning hotter by the second. "Where is he? Where is the traitor emperor who abandoned his people at the keep? Who keeps him from facing celestial justice?"
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