Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 28, 2011 14:50:12 GMT -5
Oh c' mon, just do it please. She probably had many things to tell about the opressing and twisting taint effects she had felt over her body and soul, in Nigen-do; though in Chikushudo they were smoothed. A bit. But she chose not to. Mitsouko realized that she still have the will to fight against its effects, and that's a good thing. She sat in the ground of the cave again, carefully putting her sword in the traditional way by her side. She was dressed with hakama and haori, so after positioning herself in a comfortable way, Mitsouko freed the haori a bit from the obi, getting it almost open in a way she wasn't totally exposed but providing access to the center of her chest. Mitsouko was determined to do it as soon as possible. So I will have the famous Jade Petal Tea? I am curious about its taste. She commented in a casual way. Though she was scared about the possibility of living the rest of her days maculated. Many things would change, many plans would be unmade.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 28, 2011 15:11:55 GMT -5
"It is rather bitter, to say the least. I subjected myself to it as part of one of my pilgrimages. Though now I am piqued at this, as the only story I know of the complete removal of taint involved the attachment of the Jade Hand. Though rumor had it that a Yoritomo had found another way as well."
Daichi stood to the mouth. Obviously he held to some tact to the situation as he stood to her back.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 28, 2011 22:25:18 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai nodded at Daichi's declaration, taking a kneeling position directly opposite to Mitsouko. "I quite agree with Kitsune-sama's assessment. Many of those spending time on the Wall drink it with some regularity to provide additional protection beyond their ever-present wards and fingers of jade."[/b] He glanced to the Kitsune Daimyo. "Keep in mind; force of will only goes so far. Will alone would not protect you from the Taint within the Shadowlands, nor will it spare you the ravages of a maho spell."
"But the Oni Mark is a different type of corruption from the process of Taint, but one that can open up the bearer's soul TO the corruption. I do not know how Alesha managed to force a mark onto Mitsouko - a person must WILLINGLY surrender their name - nor how it is possible to summon one so quickly - the ritual requires a very precise set of steps and intensive preparation. Failure to do have both should have caused the spell to fail completely, but Alesha somehow found a way to adapt it... And I intend to find out how and prevent it from ever happening again."[/b] The Void Master's eyes narrowed and his aura darkened with a holy rage for the traitorous Kakita. Those who could sense murderous intent from a person could tell that Shodai's plans for Alesha were along the lines of "You'd be surprised what you can live through and when I catch the bastard he will experience each and every one of them before I send him to Jigoku."
It was the side of the Phoenix shugenja that he tried to keep supressed, but between his irritation with the delays in getting the Phoenix war machine moving, guilt for failing Mitsouko at Toshi Ranbo, and unmitigated wrath for what could have happened to the woman that held his heart in her hands was almost more than he could handle.
Then he closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath... When he opened them, the man that Shodai preferred to be was back and focused on the matter at hand.
"But even had the taint taken hold of Mitsouko, she was Marked only a few short hours ago... There is a way to - how should I say it? - rework the weave of life to remove such imperfections; if you take those actions soon enough..."[/b] The Void Master said, referring to the spell that had saved Toku Hirotomo's life and spared him from the tainted fate that had befallen Toku Sanjuro. Such magic was the pinnacle of the Ishiken's art and one that was almost beyond the comprehension of master-rank shugenja that witnessed the spell.
It took a lot out of the caster, but if it was between that and ensuring Mitsouko had a taint-free future ahead of her, Shodai was prepared to perform the spell.
Agasha took another deep breath as he looked deep into Mitsouko's eyes, deep into her soul to find the name Tengoku knew her as; her true name. He then began a set of complex hand seals. "In the name of the Kami Shiba, slayer of the First Oni... In the name of Isawa, legendary master of all magic... And in the name of the ancestors of Kakita Mitsouko, I sever the tie between the spirit that seeks to become the Mitsouko-no-Oni and the woman whose name it is attempting to steal..."[/b]
The Void Master reached out with one hand into Mitsouko's bosom, his armored palm resting upon the Oni Mark that marred the perfection of the Kakita Daimyo's figure. He closed his fist around the point of corruption, the spell he'd invoked allowing his fingers passing through the substance of Mitsouko's breast as easily as one could grip a pebble sitting atop an open bag of uncooked rice. He could feel the tendrils of corruption that were trying to bore like kudzu into the heartwood of a tree retract defensively into the Mark.
Shodai looked into Mitsouko's eyes, a silent apology for any pain he was about to inflict in removing the mark there. "There is only one Kakita Meijin Mitsouko wa Rukosai... And she is NOT a monster!"[/b] The Phoenix shugenja pulled his hand away, ripping the mark off of Mitsouko, but leaving the skin completely intact. A bright green and white light flared in his hand, incinerating Alesha's foul curse with the pure light of Tengoku.
As the light faded, Shodai winced and reflexively opened his hand... The supple chain mail of his tekku glowed a dull red - heated by the magic that had destroyed the Mark - and several of the fine links melted together in the area surrounding the spot where the mark had been.
He looked up to Kitsune Daichi. "Kitsune-sama, if you'd be so kind as to proceed with the purification ritual?"[/b] The Void Master asked as peeled the armored glove off to let it cool, revealing a blistered palm which he proceeded to ignore. He would see to it only after he was certain that Mitsouko was okay; not one second before.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 29, 2011 4:23:26 GMT -5
Mitsouko gritted her teeth to bear the pain of that bizarre mark being pulled off her chest. It was surprisingly how easy it seemed to an expectator, and how much piercing pain it was instead. Her eyes went watered and blurred for a moment. A link with the pure evil couldn't be so easy to get rid, of course. It had spread subtle nets through her being. She reminded some of the scaring tales Hida Tetsuo, Kimo's father, used to tell them both during quiet nights around a fireplace in Mitsou's travels with her father. About the hideous nightmares would follow for the lifetime, the ruthless and apparently normal mean temptations a tainted one would bear the rest of his life. A liaison to one oni wasn't easily erased. But both Shodai's and Daichi's methods would help her in the most immediate cure. The rest, only time and prolonged treatment would tell. Yes...please,Daichi-san... Her voice trembled a little, out of pain, but she was well enough to say they sould continue.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Dec 29, 2011 4:35:47 GMT -5
Kakita Hitoshi had brooded in his sick bed long enough. When he and his men had returned to Seawatch Castle they had been rushed into the infirmary where the Asahina had begun to minister to their injuries, and of course discreetly test them for damage to their souls as well as their bodies. Of the eleven fingers of jade Hitoshi had gone out with, five had crumbled to a black sludge but the rest gleamed softly, attesting to his purity.
He had lain there for hours, thoughts spinning round and round in his mind, until at last he struggled to his feet. One of the Asahina came to urge him to lie back down but he fixed her with a glare, gently resisting her calming hands. He put on his kimono, tied his obi, and slid his daisho into its appointed place before walking out into the main courtyard. He asked around until he found one of the Daidoji who had accompanied the first negotiation party and found out from him which boat all the Mantis dignitaries had come from. He was also informed about the current negotiations and the ritual that the shugenja were performing. Finally he stalked towards the main entrance of the castle, pausing briefly as the guards questioned where he was going.
"I am going to wait for my Lord"
He walked out down towards the shore, pausing when he saw a boat in the distance that matched the description he had been given. Kneeling in seiza he tried to bring some sense of order to his thoughts as he began to meditate, and to wait.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 29, 2011 10:31:27 GMT -5
"Of coarse, if you are able to stand please follow me." Daichi said with a nod of his head then turn and exited the cave to stand by the water's edge, where he started scooping the water and chanting.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 29, 2011 11:09:11 GMT -5
Mitsouko squeezed Shodai's hand reassuringly, rose and followed the Kitsune shugenja to outside.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 29, 2011 13:21:24 GMT -5
Daichi performed the ritual and it was no short process. Through chanting, calling on the kami and splashing of water, it was for the most part fairly standard. However at points he did produce a small jade sculpture of a sitting fox was where it deviated. All through it, it seemed he was well practiced in the ritual. Then when he finally finished the morning light was beginning to show as well as a bit of exertion on the Kitsune Daimyo.
"Here on out is up to you." He said simply as he washed the sweat from his brow in the ocean waters. "I believe I am done here myself now. Even with the repairs that need to be done with this realm." He added looking out at the scorched ground not that far from them.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 29, 2011 14:53:02 GMT -5
The Kakita woman felt the purity from inside to outside, purging and washing away most of the filthy contamination caused by her liaison with the oni. She followed the dedicated effort the Kitsoune shugenja invested in this ritual, he knew exactly what to do as Shodai knew how to purge the mark. No hesitation, just commitment with the balance. When the ritual ended, the dawn came and Mitsouko covered her face with the hands, relieved, the haunting shadow of total doom finally taken away from her shoulders. With a sight she observed the untamed beauty of Chikushudo, stained in the blackened battlefield the Kitsune had refered. She glanced at her betrothed, and her thanks and long words to him would have to wait a proper place and time. By now, before they left, Mitsouko spoke to Kitsune Daichi in the most respectful way. She bowed deeply to him. Thank you Daichi-sama. Thank you very much. Your fast decision probably saved my life. And this I will not forget. I am in debt. She bowed again. I wasn't wrong about you, but I must say your compassion is bigger than expected. I ask you a final favor. Please, come with us to Kyuden Otomo, represent your clan to my clan and to the Son of Heaven, let's build bridges between our clans. between our sides. You are my guest, if you wish to follow with me to the north, to Kyuden Otomo. I My clan can respect what I saw here, she waved to the splendid scenery, a Chikushodo's Seawatch Castle surroundings counterpart. Even if other of my kin can't. The simple fact that we know it exists and it must be preserved is something we can understand and respect. I propose to erect a shrine in honor of the purity of this place. It's a gift from the Kakita, to your family, the Kitsune, in a place of your choice. Please don't turn it away, as it is not related to my gratitude for what you have done, but an homage to your lineage and Chikushodo.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 29, 2011 20:21:27 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai also bowed to Kitsune Daichi as the burns on his hand were erased with a thought after the Fox shugenja's purification of Mitsouko was completed. "Nor will I, Kitsune-sama... I also owe you a debt of gratitude for your assistance to Mitsouko. Know that you will always be a welcome guest within the lands of the Phoenix; for starters."[/b]
He looked at the damage wrought to the land and then leaned to Mitsouko. "When you are ready to build that shrine, I could arrange for a shipment of saplings to be shipped down from the Mori Isawa to help speed up the land's recovery..."[/b]
The Void Master turned back to the Kitsune Daimyo. "I fear you aren't quite done with us yet, Kitsune-sama. Technically, the Kakita Daimyo and I are both hostages of the Mantis..."[/b] He smiled sheepishly at his betrothed. "I kind of told Yuuto to have the Doji diplomats use me as leverage in their negotiations with the Mantis Commander with the understanding they would not prevent me from seeing you and that I would behave myself as long as they didn't abuse either of us..."[/b] He shrugged in self amusement. "And so far they haven't, so we've got to stick with Daichi."[/b]
Shodai looked at Daichi and raised his eyebrows. "That is, unless you're saying we're free to go..?"[/b] He asked, wondering how the Kitsune Daimyo would choose to handle things.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 29, 2011 21:19:12 GMT -5
Ahh indeed. Though I think better deals can be made when we are just exchanging prisioners and not comecial advantages, and that some deals would be better made in another situation... the first proposal of Yoritomo daimyo would provoke further bellicosity between us instead of peace. I know our clans will find a way to make it better, though. But yes, right now I am still your hostage. She glanced to Shodai, with a bow. I don't think two of us are really necessary, but I do appreciate your solidarity. There was something in her tone...
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Dec 29, 2011 22:23:04 GMT -5
Raiden walked into the meeting place. The smell of the place gave him comfort. It reminded him of being on the deck of his ship. He saw the assembled people gathered and he made a point to look into the eyes of everyone there. Alot can be said of a mans eyes. Ever cautious of an ambush Raiden stood before them with a strong stance.
After being announced to the assembled people gathered Raiden bowed respectively to the people bowing low enough to still keep a conscious memory of everyone's locations. After the proper time Raiden rose slowly and faced the man known as Daidoji Sogetsu. Raiden kept a neutral demeanor to him showing neither positive or negative emotions. He listened to the councilman's offer from the Daidoji merchants intentfully, and once Sogetsu was done Raiden took in a deep breath.
"I completely agree it is tragic that the Empire has erupted into this chaos. Most of the Yoritomo have just returned from the Ivory Kingdoms winning the conflict there for the Empire. The last thing I thought upon returning was to see the Empire I love erupted in civil war." Raidens tone was neutral, it was hard to tell if he was bored or just not showing any emotion.
"I agree that the Crane should not have to give up any trade routs, nor should the Mantis. As far as monopolies go the Mantis have many monopolies outside our land as well. We do not intend to give those up however." Raiden showed no malice in those words just facts.
"I have no hatred towards the Crane. However my Lady Kourin-sama did pledge the Mantis to fight for the Shogun. Despite all that I must follow my Ladys direction and choices. You understand I hope. The problem is that I was ordered to take Crane land for the Shogun. Also I admit that the battle has been won by the Crane Forces. due to this oni's arrival on the battlefield, it would be to easy for your reinforcements to arrive before ours.." Raiden still showed no emotion.
"If need be the Mantis would be forced to leave the area in retreat, however I am sure that Kourin-sama would order us to attack again. Not here again, but it would be elsewhere at another location. After the Lions success the Mantis cannot be shown up. Please do not take these words as a slight it is a fact. I would like to avoid this at all cost." Raiden paused for a moment to address everyone.
"I am not just asking for land, I propose we both Crane and Mantis unify in a project of sorts. Give the Mantis a presence in these dealings, I guarantee both clans would profit greatly. I am after all a economic genius!" Raiden smiled slightly and continued. "After this war is over both of our Clans will need to rebuild, and I believe after everything is done we can rebuild to heights we could never dream of. I am not suggesting we settle this now just that you as the leading experts in the Cranes economical strength say you are open to this idea. That alone will stay any further aggression I believe. I will talk to my Lady and make her see."
"The inventation to discuss this with the Doji Daimyo is most generous, I would be most honored to attend a meeting with him. I have the utmost respect for the Kakita Daimyo and do not intend to harm her. In fact after the dreadful business with this oni is concluded I would hope we could exchange our captured people from both sides. In fact Kitsune Daichi currently should have Mitsouko-san in a safe place where the oni's influence has been severed." Raiden waited for a reply.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 29, 2011 23:07:39 GMT -5
"I will gladly follow you but first I need to return home. After the events here things are not sitting right. I will humbly accept a your gift but it is something that must wait until the ugliness of this war is over." Daichi turned to face the two others with him.
"So is that part of your terms in coming here? To be another hostage? As I said yesterday, as it is now, I am tired of this battle, something is cursed of it. It is the wishes of the Mantis clan to get a piece of land out of this. The champion wishes to support the Mantis's allegiance. But the Mantis still come even with its leadership in such a condition. I have not seen the champion, the Moshi is still leaderless, and the Yoritomo is fresh to Rokugan in years. Then no allies showed on our side."
He placed his forefinger and thumb to his chin and crossed his arms. "Excuse me as I rattle I will get to answering your question Agasha-sama. Now that is just our side. The demon, the betrayals, and the corruption on the other side alone does not bode well."
He stopped a moment almost seeming to fight something in his head before continuing. "You are almost free to go. They never gave me a time or a signal when I could return of just free you. All know is that they must be meeting now in attempts to get their piece of land and your lives respectively. So before I return you let me pose some things privately here in Chikushudo, where the only ones that can hear us would be the animals and I trust them. Can you promise me that it will stay here?"
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 29, 2011 23:17:00 GMT -5
"My honor is the one thing in all of the Empire that is mine and mine alone..."[/b] Shodai said softly, his momentary humor punctured by the hurt tone in Mitsouko's voice. "I shall be here when you return."[/b]
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 30, 2011 4:55:20 GMT -5
Daidoji Sogetsu extended his arms.
"Yoritomo Raiden-sama, you speak words of wisdom. While it pains many peaceful an ear to hear that a conflict hasn't ended, news of your Clan's imminent withdraw of forces proves that the Mantis are as amiable and respectable as regarded in the first place. Regarding the economic agreements we concur that they shall be further discussed in the presence of our Clans' lords. Please rest assured that such a meeting will be arranged in the following weeks, in the Winter Court perhaps?"
Sogetsu was completely oblivious of the current events going on and thus threw the ball over the "nebulous" notion of a court.
"Now, as far as Mantis involvement in the province's economics is concerned, we're tasking the present nobles of the Seawatch Castle to deal with the consolation of war."
Kakita Hirao was present and was watching. It was to her pleasure, that she was involved in this. She had lost a husband and a son in the ensuing conflict with the Mantis and if she loved anything "alive" was a thing that she and perhaps the Yoritomo daimyo had in common. Thus she rose and addressed the council.
"Esteemed nobles of the Crane and the Mantis, it is to my most sincere interest to be entrusted with this sacred a duty. Yoritomo Raiden-sama, you shall have a missive with our disposition at hand." as more politics was pushed in the foray.
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