Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Oct 4, 2011 20:01:11 GMT -5
A small group of heavily armed samurai marched the last few steps towards the Imperial Palace. Lion Guardians at the doors quickly assessed the assembled men and women before passing them through the entrance. They marched in silence, while the slap of their sandals and the rustling of their armor produced a rhythmic chorus reminiscent of the recently fought battle. Finally they entered the former court of Hantei XXXIX and came to a halt.
Taiyo stepped forward, and cast his gaze about the hall. His memories of standing before the Crane courtiers while escorting the Scorpion Champion were still fresh in his mind. Here they had looked down their long noses at the Lion, their hubris blinding them from the fact that the Crane's time here was short. Shaking his head, he reminded himself that this was not about the Crane.
Reaching out with both arms Taiyo gave the doors to the throne room a great shove. As they swung open, his eyes once again fell upon the actual throne. Such a small thing,[/b] he thought to have the power to create so much chaos.[/b] He gingerly stepped into the room, leaving his escort behind. It was so surreal, to be standing here today. He could almost see the replay of his last visit, with Senshi bursting forth from this room, his hand a ruined stump of charred and smoking flesh. He would always remember the look of satisfaction on Hantei's face as he watched Senshi stumble and fall, having been subdued for the time being and chained to his will.
Taiyo cautiously walked to the throne, and placed his hand upon it with trepidation, hoping to feel something besides the revulsion that was creeping into his stomach. No...nothing, not a glimmer of satisfaction. Just then a horn sounded...preparations for the ceremony were about to begin. Turning with purpose, he strode out of the throne room and down into the city, his escort falling in behind him. It would not do to be late for Tomatsu-sama's ceremony, and there would be plenty of time to meditate on these events later.
A SHORT WHILE LATER...
Entering the crowed inn, Taiyo made the appropriate greetings to his friends and clansmen before settling in to let the attendants clean the dirt and grime from his well used armor. Jin-san, is that saki you've got there? Never too early for a drink or two, especially on a day like this! Would you mind if I join you for a cup or two while these lovely attendants polish my kabuto?
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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 22:29:21 GMT -5
Suddenly caught out of his daze he sees Taiyo and says "certainly Taiyo-san you're welcome to sit and have a drink. I haven't had much of a stomach for drinking i guess i was just waiting for good company."
He takes a look at the almost already passed out tsubo
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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 5, 2011 10:55:58 GMT -5
The Monkey was busy acting as magistrates, as most of the city's had left with the Crane or were cut down by the Lion. Nakata took a back seat to the more experienced members of the magistrate corps. Hirotomo commandeered the Alliance Embassy for use as a headquarters for the Monkey. He was reading report after report. Looting, murder, rape, the city was in chaos, and they needed to bring order as quickly as possible. He was busy recording the days charges, and the execution orders for commoners that took advantage of the chaos of the war.
"Can you inform the Lion Champion that the west quarter of the city has been subdued, but the East and North quarters will require additional troops? Also, there is rumors that something is happening at the docks, perhaps a smuggling ring. I don't want the Imperial Treasury to be absconded by bandits."
Hirotomo looked at another report. Chiyuki was supposed to be here. He'd not seen her. Surely she managed to hide from the worst of the war, where could she be. Something his father wrote about a mission in the Imperial Court. "Can somebody locate Fuzake Chiyuki? She should be in the town." A few of the magistrates left. A pit was growing in his stomach. Was this really the aftermath of war? He imagined something different. With another sigh he sealed another man's fate. A rapist to be beheaded. So much death even after victory.
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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 5, 2011 13:45:54 GMT -5
Haruka of course nodded and gently dismounted, the hakama under her armor flowing elegantly along like a dancing outfit. She simply bowed her head to the attendant, resting her eyes for a moment as she did.
"Thank you, he shouldn't be any trouble to handle."
With swords at her side she entered in and breezed past to go meet with Akodo Tomatsu, knowing the meeting would have to be brief as there were many waiting on them.
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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 5, 2011 13:53:24 GMT -5
Mai dismounted and handed Ren's reigns over to the attendants. She asked for a runner to gather her belongings from her residence for her fine armor for the procession. As she was led away into the preparation area, she turned back to the mistress of secrets. "Haruka-sama, I don't know all of the burdens that weigh upon you, but please know that you can count on my assistance whenever you need it, for what it is worth." She gave her a respectful bow, and allowed her to part ways.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 5, 2011 14:38:55 GMT -5
Dressed in his full battle dress and in the company of his command staff Keisuke made his way to the prison camp. Two attendants followed along as well one carrying a Yasuki Chad's armor that had been cleaned and and repaired by the daimyo's personal armorer including any other possessions that might have been lost on th e field of battle. The second carried only a simple clean set of clothes with a short sword and mempo bundled together.
The Lion Daimyo stopped outside the prison gate and waited for Yasuki Chad and Yamuso to be summoned to the gate.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Oct 5, 2011 18:00:11 GMT -5
A Pair of Lion Samurai escort Yasuki Chad out of the Prison. The Yasuki Daimyo lost much blood in the battle and is still very pale, and his right arm remains in a sling. The Lion Shugenja that saved his life could only do so much, and there were many others who needed their prayers. He wears a simple white Kimono, accented with dark blue crabs and carp.
"Greetings, Keisuke-sama." He bows somewhat stiffly. His eyes flick over his armor and Yamuso's belongings. "I must admit to some surprise that I woke up. I had prepared myself to die, yet Koji-san took my place at the Gatehouse and you Chose to take me prisoner. I suppose I should thank you, but....Why?"
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Post by Shoju on Oct 5, 2011 18:55:42 GMT -5
Yamuso sat polishing the mempo. he wondered if it would ever shine the way it had. He doubted it, but He knew that the fearsome mempo would be easier for some to look at rather than his muted features.
The Lion were thorough. They had searched Yamuso, and found that his leggings held many pockets, full of various items. They had scowled and called him names under their breath, before they decided it was best to just take the pants, and give him new clothes. The Simple Kimono was nice enough, and the shoes and leggings were more like a Sohei's attire than Yamuso desired, but then again, the plan wasn't to be fighting.
So here stood Yamuso, inside a prison, keeping his distance from the Yasuki Daimyo, yet keeping an ever vigilant eye upon him.
When the Lion had summoned for him and the Yasuki Daimyo, Yamuso placed the mempo against his knees, leaned forward, and deftly tied the silk ribbons at the back of his head, near the base of his skull. He was always amazed that the simple silk held the mempo in place. It felt heavy in hand, but when worn on his face, it truly was comfortable... for such a fearsome look.
Yamuso arrived at the gate shortly after the Yasuki Daimyo. Greetings Yasuki-sama, and Akodo-sama. You summoned for me?
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 6, 2011 10:50:56 GMT -5
Bowing formally to Yasuki Chad. Simple, Lord Yasuki-sama, pausing to take a breath. You, fought well beyond what any means that would have been required of you, I believe the fates have a different plan for you, something better than ending your life before the Gates of Toshi Ranbo. Now my Lord Tomatsu-sama has requested your presence at a gathering he is hosting this day. So I have come to escort you there to show his sincerity.
Turning to Yamuso, Yamuso, you have been summoned because I promised that you could remain with Lord Yasuki, and I am a man of my word.
Taking a step back and gesturing to the city, Now gentlemen if you will follow me.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 6, 2011 11:16:30 GMT -5
Yamuso was surprised. The gamble had worked. he was going to be right next to the Yasuki Daimyo. He hoped that fate was truly working a different plan for them.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Oct 6, 2011 14:57:18 GMT -5
Stepping into place within the Akodo Daimyo's retinue, Chad's mind raced. He knew far less then he'd like to about the Champion of the Lion. Other then that the man had a healty interest in Gaijin culture. His duties had always required him in the south. Until Kaneka's announcement he knew and was known by only the luminaries of the Crab.
"Kiesuke-sama, if it is permitted for you to say, what was the fate of the other Yasuki?"
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 6, 2011 15:23:07 GMT -5
Smiling slightly, Keisuke began to think that this Yasuki would be a man he would like to know if circumstances where different. The first question that Chad had asked was not for news of the Hantei, or the city itself but he had asked for news about those men under his command.
Lord Yasuki, first not even I have any definitive numbers yet, however I do know that those members of your command that survived the battle at the West Gate, escaped in to the City. Pointing to the east gate, banners belonging to the Yasuki could be seen mixed in with the Crane forces that were retreating from the city.
If there was frustration or anger concerning the failure to capture Hantei Kiesuke did not show it.
In an effort to preempt the obvious question, As for my Lord Tomatsu-sama plans for you, he has not revealed those to me yet. Considering the manner in which you are being summoned I do not think it bodes ill for you.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 7, 2011 12:38:24 GMT -5
Keisuke accompanied by Yasuki Chad and Yamuso, arrived at the appointed gathering place, where it seemed to be organized chaos. He found Tomatsu's young servant woman, Please inform Lord Tomatsu-sama that I have arrived along Lord Yasuki-sama and and one other guest.
Even Keisuke now began to wonder Tomatsu intended by requesting the presence of Lord Yasuki.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 7, 2011 14:30:56 GMT -5
"Akodo-dono, Tomatsu-dono has told me that you are to prepare the two for the ceremony, they are to be guarded but amongst the crowd. He will have a message for them to take back to the Crane after the ceremony is over. As for yourself Akodo-dono, Tomatsu-dono will come speak with you before the ceremony is to begin to know of the status of the post battle plans, he is indisposed as of this moment getting ready." She bowed to him and offered him a cup of tea from the tray she was holding.
Meanwhile Tomatsu was sitting in the lotus position in his room, facing away from the door. He was lost in meditation, a perfect picture of the samurai. As Haruka entered the room and closed the door, she would catch the soft sound of a snore emanating from the meditating man in the center of the room.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Oct 7, 2011 18:11:28 GMT -5
Taking a moment to glance out the window, Yasuki Chad looked over the city he'd orginized the defence for what seemed so long ago. The western hub of the city bore by far the most damage, but it seemed the fires had been brought under control realitively early. A great host could still be seen in the fields as the Lion army slowly tore down their basecamp and moved into the city proper. There was some new constuction at the west gate, though from here Chad could not tell what it was.
Still, many questions he'd had were answered with that quick look. The Lion had made every effort to capture Toshi Ranbo intact. The restraint nessesary to do that when in open battle should have allowed refugees and any retreating warriors a chance to make it back to safer fields.
He still felt like a glorified trophy standing here waiting in the midst of this mess. And he idly wondered if Yamuso would survive this encounter. The lion had mostly ignored the....man.
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