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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 14, 2011 22:37:41 GMT -5
By the kami. Kiso had thought he was in bad shape, but the man before him looked beaten beyond reproach. It was like looking into a mirror. He washed his hands, the water felt cooling, though it had been sitting at room temperature. This is madness! Hiro would be no use to him in this state. He could have some reflection upon himself, but now was not the time.
Hiro-san...I'm glad to have found maps to the temple. I've given some thought to the matter. While I trust that our clan has done a good job of keeping maps...given the fact the city that once housed it has been destroyed, I would like to get a copy from the Ikoma libraries. I've help them transcribe old documents, so I'm sure they would not hesitate at such a request.
Wrap up what you have, we will be leaving shortly... Kiso waited till the old man turned to start gathering his scrolls before he asked the air kami to put Hiro to sleep. He would be out for a few hours, but he would need it. It wasn't natural sleep, but something was better then nothing.
Kiso descended from the tower, informing Yogo Aki that her daimyo was asleep, but when he awoke, to gather his supplies and meet him in the courtyard. He then began traveling across the city to a certain tea house...
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Shosuro Yoichi
Scorpion Clan
Actor, lover of... late night walks.
Posts: 71
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Post by Shosuro Yoichi on Oct 15, 2011 15:09:20 GMT -5
...but before he left the palace, Soshi-sama heard a polite cough from behind him. Turning, Soshi-sama saw the very man he was seeking. Yoichi bowed low.
"Soshi-sama. Forgive my indulgence. I heard that Bayushi-sama's beloved wife had returned, and I thought it best to be close to the palace in case I was needed. I was attempting to gain entry to Bayushi-sama's apartments to inform you of such when I spotted you."
Yoichi straightened, and smoothed out his kimono reflexively. "I do not wish to presume, but do you have need of my skills?"
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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 15, 2011 19:50:30 GMT -5
The quiet vigil of Haruka over her husband was broken as the sound of servants came closer. And while they knew well enough to leave her be, one always knew she could enter at anytime. Alana, the mute woman who once served Senshi now was her personal attendant and the closest woman to her now.
She bowed all the way to the floor but Haruka gently came to her, "That's enough Alana-san. Please, I know you would not disturb me unless the need was great."
She glanced back over at her husband while Alana rose. And with a nod she would follow after her, closing the door as she came along with her. Haruka saw the Shosuro and did not seem to fully understand the matter at hand. Alana dutifully bowing and taking her place at the side of her mistress.
Her voice was soft but firm as she was uncertain. "What matter needs my attention now. I trust nothing else has happened that I must leave my husband to attend to." Her brow seemed a bit tense as her face remained still under her mask.
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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 15, 2011 22:14:58 GMT -5
The old madam of the geisha house looked Kyo-san over. She nodded and said in a gravelly voice, "Without light, there are no shadows. Greetings, Shosuro-san, you are expected..."
The old madam led Kyo-san through the geisha house, wandering seemingly without reason through a series of corridors. Finally she came to a dimly lit hallway; the rooms here were lit with softly glowing red light, and the gloom gave a very ominous yet serene atmosphere, perfect for guests who were looking for discretion.
She knocked twice, paused, twice more, paused, then one last tap. Then a deep, silky voice came from behind the screen. "Enter, Kyo-san, we have much to discuss", the Master of Shadows's voice was unmistakable.
(Ooc-I will finish more when I get back in town Kyo. Wait for the next part to respond)
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 16, 2011 9:13:23 GMT -5
Well, at least one thing was going in his favor. The young Shosuro had just saved him a trip across town. Woot, discreet secret message!
Shosuro-san, I will be leaving today to trek down the secrets of the Jade Arm of Kiso Kimi. I no naught what lies ahead, but given the nature of the war torn terrain, I can only hope to have the aid of as many who are willing. Do you still seek to aid the recovery of our Lord?
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Shosuro Kotaro
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Loyal *Poison Master * Samurai
Posts: 101
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Post by Shosuro Kotaro on Oct 16, 2011 10:53:50 GMT -5
Shosuro Kotaro knelt on the floor, dressed in his black hakama pants and deep crimson kataginu over a black haori, and he bowed low to Bayushi Haruka. His long, black silk mask edged in gold stitching and long black hair touched the floor as he spoke, "Forgive the late hour of my arrival, Haruka-sama. I am Shosuro Kotaro. Bayushi Senshi-sama and I have spoken on numerous occasions. I apologize for not getting here sooner. I spent three days amongst the Gardens and my workshop developing these medicine packages," he said gesturing to the three bundles next to him.
He rose slightly as he seperated the bundles and placed them between himself and his Champion's wife. "This first mixture," he gestured to the one farthest to his left, "is the weakest one. It will be the most gentle on Senshi-sama's body but will also have the least chance of any siginificant long term affect on his health." Next he pointed to the middle bundle and spoke, "This one has a better chance of healing our Lord but will be harsher on his body." Lastly he laid a gentle hand on the right most package. "Here is the strongest compound I have been able to make on short notice. It includes some of the most dangerous plants from the Shosuro Gardens. Normally such a mixture would be used to incapacitate or kill our Clan's strongest foes. But mixed with a few other rare herbs, I believe it will have the best chance of healing our Lord...if the poisonous components don't kill him in his already weakend condition."
Kotaro's soft brown eyes looked into Haruka's. The choice was hers to make. Few people in the Empire would know how weak Bayushi Senshi was at this hour. If she took him to Senshi's chamber Kotaro could look over the Champion and make his own determination, but in the end, the choice would be Haruka's.
Koraro bowed deeply again and said, "If you should use my expertise and Senshi-sama dies as a result of my failure, I shall commit seppuku."
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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 11:46:28 GMT -5
Haruka regarded each of the parcels of medicine, each in their varying degree of risk and return. She looked down on Kotaro, unable to make a decision there and then on the matter.
"Alana, collect the medicine and bring them all to the Master's chambers." With a dutiful bow she came between the two to collect them and depart from their presence as gently as she came. Normally she would not be so reliant on her servant for such a simple task, but her current state hindered her more than ever.
The guards even returned to their places and allowed them a moment to speak apart from all others. Haruka straightened herself as she recalled the messages she had sent out to orchestrate the assault on the Hantei representative. It was beyond her means to perform the strike herself but instead had worked through the Scorpion to find the most suitable assassin, and inevitably it fell to Shosuro Kotaro. She was aware of this duty she'd placed on him, but she couldn't be sure if he even knew it was her word that sent events into motion that couldn't be undone. The same events that claimed the lives of many of their clansmen and that placed Senshi's life at risk.
"Shosuro Kotaro-san." Her tone soft and almost comforting, as if she was pleased to see him, though this was the first time they had met in person. Her eyes reflected this same gentle steadiness. "If Senshi-sama should perish now it will not be because of your neglect in any way. The choice and the burden is now mine both as his hatamoto and his wife. Your life will not be needed for such a thing should it come to that.
But instead I have another task for you. One that may indeed not only ensure that Senshi-sama survives this whole ordeal. I've come to the understanding that Soshi Kiso-san has come across information to find a new artifact to take the place of his previous one. If you so wish to help our Champion, I implore you to seek him out and aid him on his quest, as I am certain he could use your talents in this matter. This is not an order, but merely a genuine request, Kotaro-san.
I'm certain that if you ask around for him, you will be able to easily track down Kiso-san."
She remained in place for how, her palms resting open at her sides, keeping a gentle watch on the Shosuro's reaction.
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Shosuro Kotaro
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Loyal *Poison Master * Samurai
Posts: 101
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Post by Shosuro Kotaro on Oct 16, 2011 18:43:15 GMT -5
Kotaro was surprised by Bayushi Harkura's words and reaction. For a moment he was speechless, still bowed with his forehead nearly touching the floor. After several long, quiet moments, Kotaro straightened himself. He looked Hakura in the eyes and saw there was no judgement or accusation in them. Without another word, the Shosuro nodded slightly and stood. Here was his way to redeem himself. Here was a way to do right by his clan and the Empire. Kotaro turned and walked away silently, in the way he was trained to do the in shinobi school. At the end of the hall a servant waited for him.
"Shosuro-san, if you would follow me, I will take you to Soshi Kiso," the comely servant girl said. Kotaro eyed the gentle curves of her figure, her glinting brown eyes and supple lips. He smiled beneath his long mask. Yes, this girl might be a suitable distraction, but only after he met with this Soshi. Kotaro nodded and allowed the girl to lead him away; the trip made more pleasant by the gentle swaying of the girl's hips as she walked.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Oct 16, 2011 19:41:13 GMT -5
Kyo walks in and bows. The first thing that crossed his mind was, What have I gotten myself into now... But, he relented and decided that the best bet he had was to see what fate had in store for him today.
Good to see you again, Master-dono. How may I be assistance to you in the Scorpion's hour of need? I keep my head bowed as I speak to him.
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Shosuro Yoichi
Scorpion Clan
Actor, lover of... late night walks.
Posts: 71
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Post by Shosuro Yoichi on Oct 16, 2011 19:43:34 GMT -5
"Hai, Kiso-sama. It would be an honor to serve our Lord in any way this humble servant can provide," said Yoichi as he matched the Soshi's pace and direction.
"Should you need any of the talents of Butei trained actor to ease our passage, you gave those at your disposal."
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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 17, 2011 17:00:53 GMT -5
The Master of Shadows, Shosuro Honzo reclined upon a pile of pillows in the dimly lit scarlet gloom. His face was hidden as it always was by the onyx mask that covered his features entirely, giving nothing away as to its owner's identity. Even his eyes were unknowable, as the masks eye slits seemed to draw the shadows over them so as not to reveal anything. His kimono likewise was of the deepest blacks, with only a small crimson mon depicting the Shosuro family crest. The darkness around him seemed to pool, leaving a cold, hollow space in the room that made Kyo-san involuntarily shiver.
The Shosuro Daimyo looked Kyo-san over. "Are you ready to serve your lord, fully and completely? Without hesitation? For I have a task for you."
The Master of Shadows didn't wait for a reply. Obedience and compliance were things he expected in others. Some chalked it up to arrogance. Others simply knew of his dangerous nature and complied from a fearful respect of the man.
"Kiso-sama is putting together a group to go after the legendary Jade Arm spell. Unfortunately, I have business that is far too important for me to take my eyes off of. So I must turn to agents I can trust to carry out my wishes. I have taken notice of you Kyo-san. You dearly wish to serve Kiso-sama and Senshi-dono, that much is clear. I would have you serve me as well."
Shosuro Honzo gestured his hand and a shape displaced itself from the wall. Perfectly matching the pattern on the geisha house wall, the shinobi woman was perfectly camouflaged. She bowed slightly in Kyo's direction. "This is Asoka-chan, one of my most promising students. She will accompany you when you join Kiso-sama's entourage. She will pose as a servant to you, but her real purpose will only be known between us. She will protect you and the group, and will relay messages between you and I through my other nightingales. You must never reveal her true face; her identity as one of my shinobi must remain concealed. This is not up for negotiation," Honzo warned, and his voice carried with it the edge of that same danger his reputation held. "If you reveal her to anyone, it will go badly for you."
As soon as he said that last remark, the shinobi woman known as Asoka snapped her hand in the air towards Shosuro Kyo. Faster than his eyes could see, three blurs swept inches from his face to bury into the wood just behind him with solid, hollow 'thunks'. Kyo's head snapped around to look, where he discovered three very sharp shuriken embedded in the wood at least two inches deep. He knew immediately she had missed on purpose.
"I want to know everything that happens. I want to know about everyone who travels with Kiso's group. I want to know what is found, if anything. And if you should all fail, I want to know that too. I trust that I can count on you Kyo-san," The Master of Shadows said, a hint of deadly mirth in his tone.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Oct 17, 2011 21:42:42 GMT -5
Kyo's mind was crossed between a minor bit of fear, quite a bit of internal sarcasm, and truth be told, a tiny bit of humor. A soft giggle escaped his lips at the hilarity of the situation. He found the humor in that his life was so needlessly threatened, that the entire situation lined up with what he wanted to do, and finally that he wouldn't have been here had not been for one minor change in fate. He calmed his self down mentally and prepared to face the master.
I believe, Master-dono, that I just came of as rude. I apologize if my behavior just now was inappropriate.
Kyo couldn't tell, nor really cared if the man before accepted his apology or not, he just sat there relaxed, but with the edge and poise to strike, ironically enough, like a scorpion. Kyo Looked over at the female shinobi, Asako-san was it? And looked at her up and down.
As for how we go about disguising Asako-san, if I may be so bold as to suggest, I think she would fit better as my yoriki. A magistrate is known for having at least one or two yoriki, and even though I'm a newly deemed madistrate, with the work I've done the last few days, I think Kiso-san might believed that I would have brought in a yoriki to help. Does this sound plausible to you Master-dono?
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 18, 2011 5:00:34 GMT -5
Glad to have you, Shosuro-san. And he was, having no idea what lay ahead, he would take all the help offered him, as long as he didn't end up with a small army under his command. His party needed to keep low enough numbers as to not arouse suspicion that a Scorpion Army was on the march.
We will travel light, that we may move quickly. Yogo Hiro-sama has secured a caravan that will be awaiting us in the courtyard. Kiso reached in his pouch and pulled forth a handful of koku. Make sure you get any supplies you require, some barley and rice as well. It would not due to move out without sustenance and perish in such a foolish manner. Poisons, ninja gear, outfits, etc.
He barely remembered the necessity of food for the trip, he had the ache of his belly to thank for that. When was the last time he had eaten? He could eat once they got on the road.
He gave a slight bow to Yoichi and continued to travel down the hall, when a young actor posed as a servant girl accompanied by Shosuro Kotaro, a most well known herbalist, came before him. The girl bowed low, almost ignored by Kiso. It could not be by chance Kotaro came down this hall towards the Yogo's quarters.
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Shosuro Kotaro
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Loyal *Poison Master * Samurai
Posts: 101
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Post by Shosuro Kotaro on Oct 18, 2011 17:33:18 GMT -5
Shosuro Kotaro bowed to deeply to the Soshi Daimyo. "Soshi Kiso-sama, I am Shosuro Kotaro. Bayushi Haruka-sama has sent me to you to aid in your efforts to find a new artifact for our Champion. I offer you all of my abilities to see this through. Simply tell me what you need of me and I will make it happen."
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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 18, 2011 22:13:21 GMT -5
The Master of Shadows sat silent for long moments, saying nothing. Asoka stood immobile, then glanced at the Shosuro daimyo. After a tense moment longer, an eerie sound emitted from Honzo's mask. It took Asoka a minute to recognize what it exactly was...
The Master of Shadows laughed, long and hard and roaring. He slapped his knee and sat upright, shaking his head and belly with joyous laughter. "You see Asoka-chan, I told you this one was promising! You see? He is a bold one! Oh-ho, Kyo-san! I am impressed!"
The Master of Shadows chuckled a bit longer before he became serious again. "It is you who must forgive me, Kyo-san. The theatrics of this one are sometimes necessary to size up promising agents. You passed remarkably!" Honzo leaned forward, pointing his index finger at Shosuro Kyo. "I knew I was right about you; nerves of steel! I saw it in you, and you proved me right! Asoka-chan doubted me, but she can see now that I have won that little wager."
The shinobi behind the Master of Shadows bowed to Kyo-san, then removed her mask. It was the same 'courtier' as before, the one who delivered the message. "My apologies to you Kyo-san. I was wrong about you."
The Master of Shadows waved her off. She stepped back and resumed her silence. "About this ruse of yours Kyo-san. A yoriki she is to be is it? No, no. This will not do. She will be too high profile in that role. Her new face must be forgettable, easily lost. As a servant to you and the caravan, she can come and go on errands for you with ease, and no one will miss her. As a yoriki, a prolonged absence may go noticed. Questions will be raised. That will simply not do. Better if we do this my way, do you not agree?"
Before Kyo-san could reply, the secret knock of the madam came again. "I do not wish to be disturbed Chisa-chan." Honzo said to the closed door.
The madam's muffled voice came from behind the shoji screen. "A thousand apologies master-dono. This one would never have disturbed your meeting if it were not of dire importance."
Honzo was deeply concerned now. What could possibly be this important? What has happened? "What is it?"
"A messenger, Shosuro-sama, he will not leave unless he speaks directly to you. He threatened my life if I refused him!"
Honzo stood in a blink of an eye. He glanced back towards Kyo once more. "I must beg your forgiveness again, Kyo-san. Our meeting is at an end for now. Please excuse me as I see to this 'messenger'. Asoka-chan will see you out, and will make arrangements for the journey. I expect that this new relationship of ours will be a good one, yes?"
With that, Asoka began to lead Kyo out of the geisha house. On the way out of the room, he noticed the madam and another shinobi standing in the hallway. The camouflaged ninja looked most anxious. He hadn't even deigned to change into something less conspicuous. As soon as Asoka and Kyo were past them, the shinobi dashed inside and the madam slammed the shoji screen shut, leaving Asoka and Kyo alone with questions left unasked.
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