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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 26, 2011 23:12:04 GMT -5
(ooc: sorry for the delay, but sometimes rl gets busy. *chants December 27th at noon, and lets you figure out why* He was not surprised Yogo Hiro was not pleased with him for putting him to sleep days ago, but had known the man needed sleep as bad as he had. Fortunately, the trip to Kyuden Ikoma was going by uneventful, so he and the old man we're getting their much needed rest, though little was said between them. They avoided some of the major roads in the journey north, while it may have added a day or two to their passage, better that then have undue confrontation with a Lion Patrol. Even then there was a close call or two, but fortunately his company had a knack for stealth. When they we're close to their first destination, Kiso requested his companions to don simple travel kimonos, as there would be no hiding their party in the streets of the Ikoma holdings. There we're some faces and masks amongst his group that might be recognized, but sometimes the simple lack of mons and banners did wonders to hide one's identity. He tossed a koku to a young servant boy to take care of their mounts when they reached the inn, and promised another to the wide-eyed lad should he take proper care of them. Turning to his fellow Scorpion, We should not be here long, but we must get an accurate map of the once great city of Otasan Uchi. Given it's current state, I want to ensure we have the greatest odds of finding the right rubble....He figured the majority of them already knew shugenja could communicate with the spirits of things, so didn't bother to explain it. Any who might not have understood wouldn't want to show their ignorance, but wouldn't be ignorant for long. With that, he led those willing into the inn and approached the innkeeper. I need a table and an ongoing supply of sake and tea, he handed some coins to the man, We won't be here more then a day or two, but I would ask if there are any places that sells Tsubaki flowers here.
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 27, 2011 3:12:46 GMT -5
The innkeeper smiled and tried to hide his nervousness.
"Of course there are, my good Samurai-sama! I'll get you a guide! Please, make yourself at home and refresh yourselves in my humble inn while my son gets you a special guide!"
The child stumbled out of the door quickly as Kiso supressed a grin. It was obvioous to him the child was paid well, given the speed in which he ran out the door. He also noiced as the wife brought out various refreshments that the Keep was checking the stocks of Shochu. She drank like her Father, but how much of that was a front to make people think they were typical drunken Ikoma so they'd let their guard down around them? He'd always wondered.
They hadn't sat down for long when she appeared at the door and spotted them. She came to the table and bowed deeply to Kiso as she snapped open her steel fan, which was adorned with wonderfully painted Tsubaki flowers. Again, so like her Father, and likely trained by him in that unusual combat style with the fan and katana.
She put the fan up and spoke quietly.
"Konichi-wa, Kiso-sama! I also warmly welcome your companions. I am Ikoma Kibo, Taisa in the Lion Army, and shall we say, an unofficial adviser to the Shining Lion and mender of things that are broken in the Empire, of which there are plenty. My deeds in defense of the Empire against the Yobanjin alongside the new Emperor and in the seizing of Toshi Ranbo, in the assistance of the Shining Lion and Lord Keisuke-sama are known well enough, and I don't care to bore you all at this point in time unless you like hearing Lion War Stories."
The keep brought over some expensive shochu, poured it for Kibo, and offered it to the others. She grinned a lopsided grin and nodded.
"Yosh!"
She then uttered a quick "kampai!" and sipped away.
She looked carefully at the others and noted their masks and plain dress. She wasn't certain if she'd ever met the others in any of the Scorpion courts or palaces, but the fact Kiso-sama implicitly trusted all of them was good enough for her. She nodded and shrugged, her coppered hair bobbing as she spoke quietly and in an animated fashion.
"Don't worry. I'm certain all of you are aware the entire city crawls with individuals who gather information and that are likely trying to observe all of you while you're here. I only answer to Lord Buretto-sama in the Ikoma and to the Family Daimyos and Champion in the Lion, and since you're with me, I'm certain no one in the Lion Clan will cause any of you any problems, unless they need their lives made totally miserable. Just don't do anything that would reflect badly upon Kiso-sama or myself as my personal honorable guests and everything will be absolutely fine here."
Kibo paused to drink again, take a breath and composed herself.
"I have a feeling that this is not a time for courtly talk and speaking in circles for hours since you've personally come this way so discreetly. You know I keep my ears open, I hear many rumors from across the Empire from well-placed individuals about many things. I have seen Lady Haruka-Sama recently at Toshi Ranbo at the celebrations, and even she cannot hide the fact something is deeply disturbing her behind her mempo from an observant Ikoma such as myself. My guess is that your visit may be connected. I tell you this- that if this is a matter regarding her concerns, and if this matter involves trying to fix the blasted, kami-forsaken mess the Crane have put Rokugan into single-handedly, I will give you as much assistance as I can. The Shining Lion and Keisuke-sama are both quite concerned about Lady Haruka-sama, as am I."
Kibo paused and grinned as she drank more of the stiff drink. She then looked over at the Keep and waved her closed fan with a flourish.
"Thank you, Ichiro-san. You brought out the strong stuff and didn't skimp. It's why I come here."
She then turned to Kiso-sama and her eyes narrowed as she tapped her fan repeatedly on the table for emphasis.
"The Ikoma love to both hear and to tell stories. We love history. We also like to be part of that history when we can in our own way. I promised a good story to the old geezers at the Great Library. I sense a good story coming, so tell me one while I drink some more and listen. My throat is parched from my waxing poetic...."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 27, 2011 6:03:10 GMT -5
He was glad to speak with Kibo again, the daughter of a man who had lived in the village of his father's short lived clan, and counted amongst his list of friends. They had met at the Mantis summit some time ago. If she had not mentioned her heritage upon introduction to the former Mantis Champion there might never have been a communication struck up between them. But Kiso was always a sucker for information about the mysterious and powerful father, absent from his childhood.
Kibo-san, It is good to see you again. I will get business out of the way that we may enjoy the rest of the night without it looming over our heads... He took a drink of the shochu. Tonight is such a time that the Ikoma can be a part of history. We seek the method my father used to create the Jade Arm of his hatamoto, Kiso Kimi. While it should not be widely known, the Lord of Secrets is in need of such a nemuranai. We know not the location of the one created, but do know where it was made. It is for that reason I ask the favor of the most accurate map of Otasan Uchi before it fell.
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 28, 2011 1:05:22 GMT -5
Kibo straightened up and let Kiso-sama's statements sink in. Her eyebrow raised and she sat down her cup.
The words came out quietly, which was only as a result of her training because they came out in a Lion-accented clipped and irritated staccato.
"So-- what I had heard is true. What kind of utter fool and absolute imbecile would ever question a Scorpion's loyalty!? I also cannot fathom how any Scorpion could agree with the Crane on the current state of things, especially after the repeated insults and affronts made by the Crane in regards to the Scorpion Clan. They claim to be elegant and subtle, but what was elegant and subtle in the insult to Haruka-sama in her own court and the insult to your entire clan in regards to the Crane inviting themselves to hold court in one of our castles without even having the courtesy to politely ask your clan's assent!? Only fools seeking to insult and start conflicts do things like that! What makes me seethe even more is that for once-- we didn't start this conflict-- but, we shall finish it alongside our trusted and good allies."
Kibo tapped her fan repeatedly yet again on the table to try and maintain some semblance of calm in the presence of her guests.
"It is no wonder that Senshi-sama has been pleading for everyone to unify to fight the Spider, for he's not strong enough. Otherwise, I am certain he'd be on The Wall with the Crab at this moment as a man of decisive action and strength setting an example for all of us rather than being a man of only desperate words. I have done what I can in aid, but it is not much. Jade is a precious commodity. I fear Hiruma Castle may fall again. It would be a bad omen. As to what you need in regards to a map, I have what you seek. I obtained a copy of a map of the former Capital from the Miya a couple of years back when I went in to do some investigations of the current situation. I annotated my copy to reflect the changes. There's not much in there now. Criminal elements, squatters, the poor and downtrodden who have nothing, individuals who make me thankful I am Samurai. Some also say there are ghosts and other.... unspeakable things that reside there in certain areas. There are certain areas where it would not be advisable to lurk about at night without the right individuals at your side. The ruins of Otosan Uchi are a sad reminder of past grandeur and better times."
Kibo grinned the grin of a Lion Samurai seeking a good, interesting fight.
"I come with the map. I'd worry too much that something might happen to all of you and that I'd never get it back if you didn't have my sword to help you."
She chuckled at her own joke. Perhaps bad form, but she sensed so much tension out of all of these individuals. The gravity of the situation was heavy indeed.
"To be honest, I figure that regardless of what route you would take, I can get you through Lion territiry quickly and easily with a minimum of fuss and bother using the main road network, which you well know is quite efficient. Also, I know many Lion officers that were involved in the seizure of Toshi Ranbo have been targeted by shinobi and seemed to have had rather bad accidents and unusual deaths. If you trust these people with your personal safety and well being, Kiso-sama, I can think of no one better to have nearby in my case as well. I'll gather my things. I'd hoped that I would have some time to get out of my armor and have some better repairs done to it, but it looks like it'll be going on again for some time. Get some rest for now. I have a feeling we'll all need it, because we won't get much of it for the next several days."
Kibo finished her drink and looked again at Kiso-sama's companions. Some of them were even younger than she was. She'd risen quickly within the ranks- perhaps some of these individuals would do the same. She thought to herself- Map, Armor, bow, daisho, horse..... she'd sort the rest out before she'd leave Ikoma's Eye.....
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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 28, 2011 8:38:26 GMT -5
Kyo kept his face and eyes even. He wasn't sure whether of not he liked the idea of the Lion coming with them, but he saw the benefits. He kept his mind clear, the less trouble they were in the better, and for now, they were in Lion lands. Having a Lion around could turn out to be quite useful. He relaxed his person and waited to see what his leaders would choose to do.
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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 28, 2011 22:34:17 GMT -5
[OOC: I'm assuming we are all gathered together. If not, retcon this bit.]
"Honored Ikoma-sama, honored Soshi-sama, forgive my interruption." The consternation on the lesser Scorpion's face, what the Ikoma could see of it, seemed genuinely sincere. "I note your honorable service to your lord in the taking of Toshi Ranbo. I also applaud your fearlessness in being seen with a group of men who... do not officially share your view?"The shadow of the Shosuro's grin could be seen beneath his mask. "Will it not seem strange to be escorting samurai who are perceived to be your enemies through your land?"
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 29, 2011 2:36:11 GMT -5
"Shosoro-san-- your clan has never been one that is Black or White, particularly in the situation that now exists. The Lion understand that your clan is divided, and we also understand many Scorpion have fought alongside us as well as opposed us. We view Kiso-sama as a valued ally."
"We want to assist Senshi-sama. Many may wish to ask questions at the checkpoints, but my papers and position will easily get us through. Most of those who man the checkpoints know by now that when I travel that my business is urgent and that I am not to be bothered or detained. As far as they are concerned, you are on a special mission to aid Lady Haruka if I am questioned. I would say that there is great truth to that statement, hmm? She is also thought of as a valued ally. There is no need for any subterfuge at this point. Sometimes, traveling in the open can be an ally in that it is unexpected by the enemy. My guess is that we can skirt Kyuden Otomo. I have done this recently. The Seppun guards are more concerned with protecting the immediate vicinity of the castle itself and Naseru-sama, so we should be able to reach the South Hub Village with ease."
Kibo grinned at the young samurai and tapped her fan.
"Akodo says to show the obvious fist while striking with the one that is hidden. I can serve as your obvious fist. We Lion are painfully obvious at times, and we're quite good at that. I'm certain you will all strike powerfully as the unseen fist if necessary in Otosan Uchi and all will be well if there are any issues. I'm not worried about bandits and ruffians. Those, we can easily handle. They will likely avoid us out of fear and a desire to survive for another day. What concerns me more would be enemies of a more supernatural nature. Kiso-sama appears to be very prepared for such a possibility, and I trust him in those matters as much as he would trust my advice on the battlefield. I have jade, and I have fought and studied with the Crab. I will do what is necessary to help Kiso-sama work his magic to protect us as I am sure all of you will also do. As I said before, part of my task is to mend that which is broken in the Empire. I can't think of a more appropriate situation where I might be able help do just that."
There was another, unspoken reason why she wanted to go- she didn't know if Kiso-sama realized that there were journals that may also interest him in the West Hub Village that were in the archives of the Emerald Magistrates.....
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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 29, 2011 14:59:22 GMT -5
Kumai was not allowed to sit with the group, but she sat in a shadowed corner within earshot. To a casual observer, she was just a servant trying to remain out of the way. To one of skilled observation, there was a predatory gleam in her eye.
Kumai heard the exchange between the Ikoma and Kiso's group. As ever, she was on the constant lookout to see if anyone was interested in the party. Since shedding all clan colors and symbols, it seemed that no one had taken notice of them, yet. However, one must always be cautious of those who seem to be taking no notice of anything at all. Those are the ones who are definitely listening and watching. It would be what she would have done.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Oct 30, 2011 15:41:51 GMT -5
Kiso had not planned on bring Kibo along, but knew from her bloodline that once her mind was set, it could not be changed. It would expedite their journey to Otasan Uchi, for surely no group of Lion would halt a well known Taisa like Ikoma Kibo....even if her companions were shady folk.
I am honored that you wish to accompany us, especially given our quest to help a Champion who is politically opposed with your clan. He wasn't sure what else to say on the matter, the rest of the table was quiet about the proposal. Deciding to take that as silent consent, he continued on. Since we would not wish to embark in the middle of the night, let us try to enjoy the rest of the evening, for I don't think we'll be in such a fine establishment for some time. He finished the last of his glass.
He looked to Hiro for a moment, thinking of engaging him to talk, but cast his eyes down. He had been rather quiet these last few days, and knew not how to bridge that gap. In retrospect it may not have been the best thing to try forcing sleep upon the man.
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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 31, 2011 3:18:31 GMT -5
Kumai had heard enough. She knew that they would stay here for the night at least. She slipped outside to tend to the mounts. It would be better for her to be alone right now. Her role as an invisible asset was beginning to wear on her. The master had instructed her only to act in the most dire of circumstances. Under no condition but that was she to remove her face.
So far, Kyo-san had done his job of keeping silent on the matter. He was a dutiful samurai; loyal and true to his duty. He had touched her, which alarmed her at first. She should not have snapped at him like that. His touch was gentle and warm and he had not meant her harm. And the way that he didn't flinch when she threw those three shuriken at him...
She could not get that image out of her mind of late. Kyo-san sat, completely unfazed as certain death missed him by fractions of a handspan. Kumai smiled as she walked towards the stables and felt a flush come to her cheeks. She suddenly cursed herself a fool. Do not get distracted, keep your face on fool, she chided herself.
When she got to the stables, she froze. It was too quiet. Instantly she removed her mask and became Asoka once more. She pulled her hidden weapons out of her clothes and entered Stalking Tiger. She felt the wind on her cheeks and neck. Her hair stood on end and there was an energy that she could sense. Danger, it said. The scent of blood spilled was heavy here.
She crept silently into the stables. Asoka pressed her back up along one wall and left Stalking Tiger to shift into Hidden Bushi. She blended perfectly into the shadows and waited. At first there was nothing, but then she saw a blur of movement. She was not alone.
Tucking into a ball, she rolled. Springing up from her crouching position, she grabbed the first beam overhead and hauled herself up, making no sound. The shifting of the straw ahead told her she'd been spotted. Fool, she cursed herself again. Scanning her surroundings, she barely was able to dodge the knife that was launched at her. Falling awkwardly from the beam, she rolled with it so that she didn't break an ankle.
Dashing from where she landed, she sought cover. Once behind a stack of hay, she saw what she feared. Their mounts had been slain. The animals had been hacked through their necks, a single slash each. The scene she witnessed spoke of numerous attackers, at least four. This did not bode well for Asoka. She was alone in a foreign land, behind enemy lines and she was outnumbered. A second shuffling noise confirmed that fear. If she called out, she'd give up her position. That would mean a swift, sure death. She could do only one thing...survive.
Cartwheeling from her hiding place she kicked up some straw. The motion brought her first attacker towards her. Dressed in dark clothing and masks, the pair of ninja attacked Asoka. Realizing she was still using stealth from Hidden Bushi, she woke her senses by snapping her consciousness into Dual Pincers. This technique was used when fighting multiple opponents.
The ninja attacked high, right to Asoka's advantage. Using her sai, she caught the weapon and twisted her wrist sharply, snapping the blade. Next, she drove the other sai through the eye of her stupefied attacker. Not daring to stop and exult in her victory, she spun just as the other blade swept through where she had just been standing. Using her left foot, she swept low but the remaining ninja leaped over it.
Their weapons clashed with the ring of steel and Asoka was pressed back. Her opponent was strong, but he was hurried. He needed to kill her quickly before any guards showed up. Asoka's foot caught on something and she went down on her back, hard. Sensing victory, the ninja raised his weapon for the kill.
The ninja was suddenly and violently jerked backwards. Asoka launched herself up and scanned for her would-be killer. She found him hanging by his neck from a chain that was going up into the rafters. A shinobi bearing the Scorpion colors was hauling up on the chain, strangling the ninja in his kusari-gama. When the ninja was hitched up high enough, the mysterious shinobi pulled out his wakizashi and speared it through his clavicle, piercing the carotid artery and lung in one shot before letting the man drop.
The shinobi flipped down and fell into a crouch before standing up. He helped Asoka to stand and made sure she was ok. Then as he was leaving without a word, he turned and gave her a hand signal [Watch your back. There are more]. Then he was gone, into the darkness and moonlight.
Asoka could not believe what just happened. She had to warn the group without alarming the rest of the place. Someone had followed them. But even so they had others watching their back. The only thing was, what was her master doing here?
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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 31, 2011 10:07:27 GMT -5
With the decision to stay being the choice, Kyo stood and excused himself from the room. He walked outside to find Kumai, as she was with her mask on, gone. He nodded figuring she was tending to some deed she had. He moved through the hallways to the rooms in the inn.
He felt more than heard someone follow him as he walked towards the room he had paid for. He crossed the threshold of the room and closed the paper screen door. He than removed his garb, and changed into something a bit more comforatable, but he never once let his guard drop.
As soon as he touched the strap on his jitte he heard the sound of thrown weapons and threw himself away from his last postion, just in time to see 3 shurikan plant themselves into the wall. He drew the jitte in a quick motion and paused, then jump from that postion as more of the thrown weapon came flying into the room.
What an annoyance... He whispered as he spotted the man in a black nin garb shifting his hand to throw more. There you are... I dodge to the left as more thrown weapons flick by I grab the man and throw him over my body and slam him into the floor. I then break both of his arms and pin the man to the floor.
I have a few questions for you... Please try not to die before I finish asking them. The black clad shinobi got a look of fear in his eyes from his pinned position as I begin the questioning.
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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 31, 2011 15:10:08 GMT -5
Asoka went back to the bodies of the two slain assassins. She checked carefully, never touching the dead flesh. Using her sai, she quickly pulled the masks off the men. Black veins crept up the neck of one. The other had mottled grey flesh on his cheeks, nose and mouth. "Taint", she hissed.
She checked their bodies, and sure enough found the Mark of the Ninth Kami imprinted on their torso. "Agents of the Spider, no doubt", Asoka seethed. So what her master told her was true. He had told her before they had left the Scorpion capital that agents from the Shadowlands would most likely try to waylay them and kill them.
She had hoped that their route plus their nondescript clothes would throw off any pursuit, but that hope was dashed now. That could only mean that they had been watched in Kyuden Bayushi all the way to Kyuden Ikoma.
Fearing discovery by a passing patrol, she stowed her weapons and slipped back to the inn as quickly as she could. Not a moment too soon it seemed, as she reached the door of the inn, a shout of alarm rang out. She ignored it and went back inside the inn to find Kyo-san. He would know what to do. However, she knew that there were at least two more assassins to deal with. She put back on her face as Kumai and scanned the common room. No sign of Kyo-san, but the others were still dining and talking with the Lion.[/color]
"If they were at the stables, then the group might have broken off to get to our rooms to kill us where we would be most vulnerable. That would mean..."
Kumai quickly made her way to the stairs, praying to the Kami and Fortunes that she would find Kyo-san alive.
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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 31, 2011 15:25:21 GMT -5
(Ooc: I'm just going to skip the gory details of the interrogations, lets just say that it was painful ;D)
Kyo stood up from his vantage point over the shinobi. He thinks to himself, This man was little more than a puppet... he knows nothing of value... The interrogation had provided very little information about his attacker or his attackers would-be master. He watch the man as the moon becomes covered I see his eyes glow a faint green to mark his taint.
Ugh... Spider scum... let me do you a favor and put you out of your misery...
Kyo pulls his katana from it's sheath and brutally removes the mans head from his body as the screen is thrown open and Kumai looks in. He looks over at her unsurprised by her unannonced entrance.
Is everything alright Kumai-san? His voice was very casual even though his room looked very much like a battle took place.
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Nov 1, 2011 10:01:50 GMT -5
(OOC: I have been without power for 3 days will read and respond as Hiro this evening)
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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 Nov 1, 2011 14:54:19 GMT -5
Kumai's face remained expressionless. Kyo-san was safe and the assassin dead. However, he was careless in beheading the man. "Sloppy", was all she said for the moment, and she nodded her head in the direction of the decapitated corpse. She quickly scanned the room for any other threats and found none for the moment. "There should be one more, at least. I killed two in the stables. I'm letting the guards of the city deal with that. Unfortunately, our mounts are likewise dead. We will have to secure other means of transportation. Perhaps our Ikoma friend can oblige. I'll check the other rooms. Head downstairs and pull Kiso-sama and Hiro-sama aside and inform them what is going on. Looks like we might not be able to stay the night. We are vulnerable here."
The body looked like Kyo-san did a little questioning before cutting off his head. A simple blow to the throat would have finished the man without all the mess to clean up. Now, questions would be raised and the guards would tie them up. They were not wearing their Scorpion colors or mons. They were behind enemy lines and now with the death of the ninja, they would be detained most likely. Kumai did not fancy such an ordeal. She would slip away and wait until the group would be cleared. But how many days would that be?
The stables had been different. She was not found there and all the animals were dead, not just theirs. There had been nothing to tie her to the scene. She left it quick and clean. Kyo-san, while bold and handsome did not have a sharp mind for these details. He was no shinobi, to be sure. But the master had need of him and trusted her to keep him alive. He saw potential in Kyo-san that Kumai did not.
Kumai left without another word. She did not relish the thought of being in the inn when the guards came. She would slip away and become a shadow for the time being. When the ordeal blew over, she would return. But not until after. Perhaps she should try to find another agent of her master's to report to. She headed out of the inn and walked the streets.
When she came to a gambling house, she knew she found the right place. A small, nondescript mon carved into the wood of the doorframe gave her the signal she needed. A nightingale, beautifully rendered into the lacquered wood was the sign she was looking for. She entered and looked for her contact so she could tell them what happened.
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