Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Jan 9, 2012 18:56:30 GMT -5
I'm briefly interrupting our thread just to say that I'll fully support Enishi during our "phrase of the year" nomination. This was simply awesome:
"(...) I got embroiled in a heated theological debate with a Lion patrol and had to offer them a broader experience of the great cycle."
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 10, 2012 9:57:43 GMT -5
As the monk talked, Koichi rolled up the scrolls on his table to gain more space. He showed no interest in the story of the Lion patrol. It was expected of each loyal Dragon to teach the Lion of their error. His thoughts were more on this monk who had suddenly appeared to Manji's location. There was something about him that Koichi couldn't discern.
The Tamori daimyo though had several ways of extracting information from people. Koichi's connection with the void could allow him to enter other's minds and read their thoughts if he wanted to do so. There were also other means that he had learned from far less honorable mentors. Lobotomy and torture topped the list. The thought of getting the information, either by picking the hacked-up pieces of the monk's brain or by beating it out of him, almost made him smile.
Koichi leaned forward and propped up his elbows on the table, fingers entwined in front of his mouth, the thumbs playing with the growing stubble on his chin. Koichi had decided to use the most basic way of getting information. He asked for it.
"You seem to know more than you would lead me to believe." The Tamori daimyo's face was dead serious. A menacing aura emanated from him that filled the whole tent. He talked slowly, making sure that each word he said pierced through. "You will tell me EVE-RY-THING."
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Jan 10, 2012 17:20:03 GMT -5
There it was, plain for all to feel - the burning anger, the whirling chaos, magnified by the power that man wielded. That man that could certainly be called one of the staunchest defenders of the Emperor's cause... Well, that man was just a man, full of hatred and other untamed passions. Enishi saw it then, and he knew why the visions had led him to the Castle. If the men that fought so fiercely in defense of the Celestial Order were so imperfect, certainly it could not just be fixed. It had to be rebuilt from scratch.
This was a thought for another time, though, for he was still standing next to one of the most dangerous men in the Empire. And if his gambit didn't work now, he would take his newfound revelation to his tomb. His face did not betray any emotion and his golden eyes remained inscrutable, as he focused upon the perfect calm that came with the power of nothing. He barely shrugged and answered, his gaze fixed on Koichi.
"Oh I will. Actually this is what I came for. Certainly a man of your status has heard of the House of Goju, the corrupt heirs of the ninja of old. You have probably heard of their leader too, the tainted thing that calls itself the Shadow Dragon. Well, I happen to be a sworn hunter of the Goju, and I have traveled much of the Empire fighting the Goju and their influence. They're dangerous foes, but I have protection against their dark powers." He let his fingers run on the crescent moon that adorned his torso.
"Of course, the war has complicated my task. Both because the turmoil makes it easier for the Goju and their allies to hide their activities, and because I have fought against the enemies of the true Emperor. Just a few hours ago, while meditating, I felt something pass close to the borders of Ningen-do. Something that smelled of taint and shadow, like the Goju. Powerful enough that it could be sensed across worlds. There were a few beings of that power when the Lady fought them, but most are gone now." Again, his fingers brushed against the crescent moon.
"I was surprised to meet you on the spot nearest to the dragon's passing, but now I think you found what I was looking for: his tracks. What remained of his power in this world after he left. Although it seems we were looking for it - for him - for different reasons. I suppose you have already checked him for signs of corruption. Maybe listened to his story if he came to. From what I gathered there, he escaped the beast, but I would be surprised if he did so without scars." There. Tell him nothing but the truth. He will make his own truth - or he will destroy me.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 10, 2012 21:00:19 GMT -5
Koichi leaned back a little. This new information confirmed the portents that he and Master Cloud had seen. It is essential that he relay this message to Master Jade as soon as possible.
For now the only thing he could do was to gather more intel from the monk. Manji had not yet awakened so the monk was his only resource. The Tamori lord set aside the thought of killing the monk, he was more useful alive... for the moment.
"I have a lot of questions for you but I'm afraid I do not have the time to ask them all." He leaned forward again. "Let me ask you just this. Why has the Shadow Dragon spared you? You talk about scars and corruption, but you seem to be unscathed despite all your said encounters with his minions."
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Jan 11, 2012 2:38:02 GMT -5
Enishi gave a low chuckle. " Am I? But what is a scar, really? Certainly I am not the man I used to be. I was a Scorpion once, and in that other life I learned a lot about the things that dwell in shadow. Did you know there are still a few men within the Scorpion Clan that wield the power of nothing? I have found that knowledge is power, and that knowledge about one's enemy is survival - mostly. So is knowing when to fight, and when to run, and when to hide. I happen to excel at all three. Yet it is a rare man that can fight the Goju and remain unchanged, and I am not that man. I have received sacred gifts, yet I am fully aware that many samurai would deem those curses, or peculiar quirks at best. I tend to inspire mistrust in other people whatever I may do, and possibly worse, my connection to the Void has become quite tenuous." He pointed to the Scorpion tattoo on his shoulder, then again to the moon on his torso. "As for the rest, I guess it helps to have allies in the right places, if not friends. But really, unscathed? I do not think so. Rather, the scars you do not heal become you." Was that giving away too much of the truth? Hopefully not in the short run. They both knew Koichi had much to do, and as long as he could offer plausible explanations for his state without directly lying, he should be safe. For now.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 11, 2012 4:33:43 GMT -5
There was no lie in what the monk had said. That much Koichi sensed. Whether or not the monk held back any other truth was a totally different matter.
"The man you spoke of, one of my most trusted vassals, has not yet regained consciousness. He is receiving treatment in the infirmary as we speak. So what do you propose we do now?"
The monk had somehow managed to catch the elusive Tamori daimyo's interest, but Koichi had other matters to attend to and needed to conclude this meeting as quickly as possible.
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Jan 12, 2012 18:02:20 GMT -5
Enishi cocked his head to the side. Now was not the time to waste it all by getting overzealous.
"In other circumstances, I would have suggested searching for obvious or not so obvious signs of taint or other influences while the man is asleep. But if you trust him, you may want to discuss things more openly with him... In any case, it is doubtful he could pose a threat to someone like you - as long as you stay aware of the risks. In any case, that man's story is certainly interesting. I would gladly hear it, if only to guess what we may be up against. Whether your obligations leave you some time to hear it too now is not for me to guess though."
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 12, 2012 20:30:44 GMT -5
" He isn't tainted." The way Koichi spoke about it gave no room for questioning. He began searching the pile of scrolls at the side of his table. " I assume you know where the infirmary is?" Koichi asked without looking at the monk, still busy with trying to find whatever it was he was looking for. " You can talk to Manji now if he is awake. I have prior and more pressing obligations. Observe and report back anything you learn to me." The Tamori daimyo grinned when he found the small box. " You are free to go now, Enishi. You are dismissed." Minutes after the monk had gone...Koichi opened the box. Inside lay a small crystal, too plain to be of worth to anybody else looking at it. He took the crystal and closed his hand on it, meditating as he did so. He focused on a name, several names. The link was made. The gaijin's gift had worked. Now it was time to relay the message to the other Masters. (ooc: will be busy til next week. Enishi and Manji can carry on for now ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) )
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Jan 17, 2012 0:12:40 GMT -5
Dragon Encampment - Infirmary Tent, first quarter of BayushiAs the darkness slowly faded away, Manji could still hear Yōko's counsel, it is impossible to completely control the darkness' flame. Using it is akin to summoning an entity with a will of its own. It will be attuned to us, we will give it shape and purpose but if we are careless or weak, it will devour us. He gradually opened his tired eyes and felt temporarily blinded, even though the infirmary's illumination was dim. It was night, Manji presumed, for he could see many wounded Dragon soldiers resting inside the tent. Most were asleep but their moans of pain could be heard from times to times. The fox felt his whole body incredibly hot, especially his right arm, and the scents of blood, herbal poultices and incense disturbed his sense of smell; he pushed away the blankets covering him and, even though in pain, raised himself to a sitting position. His body was bandaged and aching. Most of his wounds were successfully healed by the Tamori but not the ones caused by the dark fire. Manji remembered Yōko's words again, once we successfully seal the darkness within ouselves, it will grant us sustenance, but first we must shape it after our deepest fear and desire, make it a part of our inner self, he finished, talking to himself. One of the nurses in the tent noticed him and, shortly after speaking, Manji heard a startled female voice say, Manji-sama, you're awake, thank the Fortunes. Please, excuse me, I must warn Chie-sama immediately. The middle-aged nurse bowed deeply and quickly left the infirmary. Manji focused to control the pain and forced himself to stand, after which he noticed that he was dressed with only a loose green kimono. As he was trying to tighten and bind his kimono properly with only his left hand, to look more presentable, Tamori Chie quietly entered the tent. She was a young yamabushi who had been recently promoted to Gunso due to her cleverness in the battlefield. They first met a couple of months ago, before the fall of Toshi Ranbo and Koichi's disappearance, and quickly became friends so, after his appointment as hatamoto of the Tamori family, Manji requested her to become his retainer, which she gladly accepted. She walked slowly to him, still incapable of believing the man whom everyone thought dead was standing right in front of her, Manji-sama, thank the Fortunes. I never doubted you were still alive, she said in a relieved tone, but you shouldn't push yourself so hard now, you need rest to recover your strength. He smiled faintly and said, Chie-san, how can I allow myself to rest while our brothers and sisters are out there fighting for the Empire? There is much to be done and Koichi-sama must be warned of some very unsettling events. Now, please, help me outside, I need some fresh air, he extended his left arm to her but, as she moved forward to help, their eyes met briefly and she recoiled. Chie quickly apologized, stuttering a bit, Manji-sama... ple-please, pa-pardon me. I-I-I didn't mean... the fox sighed, but said in a caring tone, Chie-san, there's nothing to apologize for. Now, help me outside and we'll talk. I do not wish to disturb our wounded. She bowed deeply to him, without saying a word she grabbed his left arm to support his shoulder and they exited the tent together. Once outside, Manji said there, while making a motion with his head towards a big Katsura near the outskirts of the Dragon encampment. He was glad for the darkness outside, because it would delay his need to explain the physical changes in his appearance to his clan mates. During the whole walk he noticed Chie's furtive looks towards him and could feel she was genuinely worried and embarrassed but he decided to stay silent. When they arrived at the spot, he sat beside the tree and made a motion with his left arm for her to sit by his side, while saying, Chie-san, be completely honest and tell me what's bothering you, I give you the freedom to speak your mind. She hesitated for a while, then said, Manji-sama, back when I first met you, I've wondered how you could be involved in this war. Even though you're the grandson of Moriya-sensei, you had a gentleness about you, a certain innocence and your jade green eyes were safely among the most beautiful things I had ever seen, she paused a little, clearly embarrassed, then continued, now I look at you and can't help but feel that something very important changed inside you. Before, we believed you because you inspired in us the feeling that we can surpass the cruelties of this war and protect what is truly important for our Empire. Now... now when I look inside your eyes I see only something that makes me truly afraid. As he listened his loyal retainer speak with her heart, Manji looked at the stars, then carefully turned his gaze towards the Dragon encampment, observing silently the many dimly lit tents, the fires around which small groups of soldiers warmed themselves and the patrols that ensured the safety of his household. Once Chie was finished he asked her in a serious tone, Chie-san, do you trust me? Yes, of course Manji-sama. I trust you with my life, we all do. He nodded silently in acceptance and decided to lie by telling her the truth, three weeks ago I was but a boy who toyed with things I did not fully comprehend. Now I know a bit about what lurks in the shadows of the worlds. It is as if I had died and came back to life with a different understanding of everything surrounding us. One thing hasn't changed though, I, like my father and his father before him, still fight for our Clan and for our beloved Empire. Chie-san will you fight by my side? Yes Manji-sama, I wish for nothing else, she answered, while bowing solemnly to him, then there is no need for you to fear. The Dragon has awoken and woe to any who wish us harm, the fox said with a sly smile. Now I have some tasks for you, he said, as a cold winter wind blew past them, I am yours my Lord, she answered, bowing again in front of him. First, ask one of the shugenja who manage our alchemical ingredients in storage for the following items... he murmured to her the materials he needed for a binding ritual, then find someone to bring me a small writing table, blank spell scrolls, a writing set and the ingredients. Afterwards, on the third quarter of Shinjo, you must personally warn Koichi-sama or one of his loyal house guards that I am awake and at his service. Then you may inform our troops that I am ready to join them in the field of battle and, as of tomorrow, will be resuming my activities for the good of our Clan and the Empire. Yes my Lord. It's good to have you back, she smiled to him. He smiled back and said if anyone else asks, say I'm in the middle of an important ritual and am not to be disturbed. Now you may go, may the Fortunes bless you Chie-san, she bowed to him and left. Dragon Encampment - Katsura tree, third quarter of BayushiManji sat under the Katsura for a quarter of an hour, observing the movement within the Dragon camp and resisting the urge to tear away the bandages around his right arm. Then two servants appeared with the items requested by him, he thanked them and instructed where they should put each of the things they carried, dismissing both afterwards. When left alone, he first redressed his mundane wounds then started composing a few very specific gofu, while chanting the words of a binding spell taught to him by Yōko. Once finished, he undid the bandages surrounding his arms. Weirdly enough, his left arm answered well to the Tamori spells and healed completely, while his right arm remained severely damaged. Its flesh was charred, the skin cracked and it throbbed with pain every time he moved it. Under the burns he could see subtle black amorphous marks which ran upwards across his arm and mingled with his tattoos, now tinted black with bluish green undertones. You've welcomed the flames inside yourself but now they are slowly eating us away. We must seal their power and give them shape or, by the looks of it, we will be completely devoured within a week. What should I do next? With the ritual concluded and the bandages prepared we must now bind our arm. Once the gofu are in place, shape the darkness after what you fear and desire the most. Manji did as instructed by the older fox, binding his right arm and carefully placing the gofu around the bandages but he had no idea what to do next. Yōko's voice grew suddenly silent and he knew this was something he needed to do by himself. He leaned his back against the Katsura and looked to the stars and the moon, seeking the answers that eluded him. Your flames were shaped after her weren't they? Manji asked out aloud while deep in thought, forgetting for a moment that he didn't need to speak to communicate with Yōko. Yes. Her name was Eiko, she was both my deepest desire and my greatest fear, so, when conjured, my flames took the form of a fox. Manji sat near the Katsura for a long time, with only the sounds of war and the winter wind to keep him company, while observing the skies and thinking about his next moves.
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Jan 23, 2012 6:47:11 GMT -5
Snow. For a brief moment, a vision flashed within Enishi's mind. He saw himself standing upon an endless field of untarnished snow, covering every detail of the landscape if there was one. The silence around him was complete, eerie. There was no wind. There were no more corpses to be seen. The world stood perfectly still, and so did Enishi. He felt... peace? He felt nothing at all. The dragon encampment shifted back into existence. The green and golden tents, the moans of the wounded, the dreams of the sleepers, the acrid smell of alchemical components. Through it all, he could sensed it - there was snow on the wind.
Could winter end this blasphemy once and for all? he mused. Rokugani generals were generally loathe to wage war in the winter, but it was clear now that neither side would back down. Rage and hate had seized them like rabid dogs and would keep them warm for a time. Or so they hoped. What if all of them ended up buried in snow, erased from this world, leaving a perfect, empty peace? The hated, misguided Lions, and the wrathful, imperfect Dragons, lying side by side, equally condemned by the will of Heavens. There would be no justice in this, maybe, but what samurai would not gladly sacrifice his life, his honor and his place in the great Cycle, if that was the only way to set it right again? Of course, none of them would. That was the heart of the problem, really. That's why one day they would all have to die. To disappear.
For now, he had just succeeded in a seemingly impossible task: approaching a leader of the Dragon clan without getting recognized for what he was. He needed to build upon this quickly, for it probably would not last. Nonetheless, it was an undeniable victory in its quest for the journals. As he walked among the tents, followed by the intrigued eyes of many Dragon samurai, they could see a faint smile play upon his dark features. None of them understood how unlikely it was. Enishi did not even realize it was there.
As he arrived in front of the infirmary tent, the smile melted away. The man he was looking for had left, he could sense as much. He had not gone far though, at least for now. He glanced around him. His eyes met those of a young woman, obviously a Tamori gunso. He could feel she was nervous for some reason, yet her spirit was unbroken. These people, soldiers, priests, the wounded in the tent, they were the closest thing to brothers and sisters in arms he had now. That thought felt strange, yet somehow it was not wholly unpleasant. Things could have been worse really. As their eyes locked, she thought for a second he would speak to her - then he turned around without a word and headed towards the exterior of the encampment. He could feel the dark aura burning around his prey. Not prey. Not for now.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Jan 23, 2012 14:45:10 GMT -5
Dragon Encampment - Infirmary Tent
After entrusting Manji's message to Yashamaru, for she knew how the Tamori daimyo was often busy and unable to directly answer those who came to see him, Chie returned to the infirmary in order to retrieve medicinal herbs she thought might help soothe her Lord's pain. There, she met someone who puzzled her greatly. Who was that strange monk? He was clearly a warrior and not one of the monks that so often come to relieve the pain and suffering of the wounded but she never had seen him before. What is he doing here? the question popped up in her mind but, when she thought she was about to receive an answer for the unasked question the man simply turned away and headed outside. Something about him was very unsettling though and she thought it would be better to follow him for a while and see where he was going.
Dragon Encampment - Katsura Tree
Is he like her? Manji asked out loud, genuinely trying to use his Mind's Eye but he was too weak to truly see and could only perceive energy fluctuations. There are similarities, yes, but the one you've met earlier was a minion of the shadow sent to sow doubt within your heart and leave you open to the Nothing; nonetheless, her counsel was precious, you would do well to learn from it. This man... I cannot gauge his true intentions yet. He is not an enemy, at least not for now, but I see he is consumed by his purpose. Be careful around him, until we completely bind the darkness' flame we will be vulnerable. Hmmm... thought the fox with a sly smile upon his lips, this seems like a good time to do it then. I reckon our arm could use some exercise until we can heal it properly and I wanna see how he'll react to music, Manji reached for one of the items he had requested from Chie, a simple shamisen, to remind him of the old days in Kitsune Mori, before his family was torn apart by the evil he had now decided to hunt down. Born from a Dragon, cursed by a Dragon and now intent on destroying a Dragon... he himself was a Dragon now and couldn't help but laugh at the ironies of life.
His song was very clumsy and faint at first, and his right hand was stiff because of the burns, but he worked a way around it and eventually managed to harmonize with the music he wanted, turning it into a pleasant, yet haunting, display. As Manji's melody filled the air, the monk heard an imperious voice coming directly from behind him, halt! Who are you? Chie interposed herself in the monk's path before he could reach the Tamori hatamoto. I am Tamori Chie, gunso of the Dragon army and retainer of Tamori Manji, the honorable hatamoto of the Tamori family of the Dragon Clan, loyal protectors of the Emerald Empire. State your business if you wish to proceed, she was serious but decided to avoid assuming a menacing posture until she could ascertain the monk's intent. Still, as she waited for an answer, her hands rested on her daisho.
OoC: Just a quick observation about Chie in that scene. She didn't try to use stealth and, even if she had, I don't believe she could've fooled Enishi without actively employing magic. She simply followed him from a distance because she thought he looked suspicious and he probably noticed her, if not right away, surely once they were out in the open. Since she doesn't know him and Manji asked to not be disturbed by anyone who didn't come on Koichi's orders, she simply did her job.
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Jan 23, 2012 18:01:56 GMT -5
Enishi spread his arms, showing his open hands. In a conspiratorial tone, he answered "Fear not, Tamori-sama, for appearances can be deceiving: I am in fact no Lion."
It was an old move: keep them focused on your hands, then kick them with all you have. He did not really expect it to work, yet sometimes it managed to throw even a trained opponent off balance. In fact, he did not need it to work now. He meant no harm until he could find out what the venomous flames dancing around the man were. But it just felt right, as a kikage zumi, to act weird. In a dangerous way if possible. The trick was to balance it just right so that he would not appear too pointingly dangerous.
"My name is Togashi Enishi. I have come to see the honorable hatamoto of the Tamori family of the Dragon Clan at the request of the honorable Tamori Koichi-sama. While he would certainly prefer to greeted his trusted vassal himself, other pressing matters require his attention for now. He is however much interested in the nature of Manji-sama's condition and has sent me to humbly discuss it with him because I happen to be an expert of sorts on skin damage problems." He vigorously scratched his painted torso.
All the while though, his golden eyes remained firmly fixed on Manji. In other circumstances, Chie could have felt offended, but even she would have to admit the Tamori hatamoto was a most captivating sight. Truth be told, his otherworldly appearance was certainly not helping create feelings of trust and security. It certainly looked like it was up to here to facilitate things between the two strange men.
While he let his tongue waggle with a life almost of its own, Enishi tried to gleam all that he could about the Tamori. Now that he was close, he was certain he could smell several mystical influences on him. There was, of course, the stench of corrupted nothing that remained around him and possibly within him, although it was not part of his nature for now. There was also something very strong, almost animalistic, that reminded him more of forests than mountains. He could not place it yet, but he was quite certain it would come back to him soon. And then of course, there was something dark burning inside of him, something that did not feel like it was really controlled... Enishi could swear it was not the taint of Jigoku, but could not guess its true nature. When he focused on it, it seemed like it mingled with the wild, woodlands touch, as if both forces existed separately but somehow also combined in part.
Lost to his thoughts, Enishi did not really notice his fingers absently drumming to the tune the wounded Dragon played.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Jan 23, 2012 19:00:41 GMT -5
Painfully aware of the distress he was causing to all the fellow Dragons who saw him since he got back, Manji kept strumming a sad song on the shamisen, while looking with curiosity to the monk. After the tattooed man spoke, Manji gazed at Chie and said with a hint of kindness, before she could reply, Chie-san, I thank you for your zealousness but you may let him pass. Do you have something for me? Yes Manji-sama, she said while bowing and showing him a small bundle of roots, I can see that you're still in pain my Lord, please, chew on these, they should give you some relief. Manji sighed, Chie-san, thank you. Please leave the roots here by my side and go have some rest, you need not concern yourself about me tonight. Hard times are upon us and we will need all our strength in the days to come. She bowed, left the bundle by Manji's side, gave a distrustful look to the monk and said, as you wish Manji-sama. Please, get yourself some rest too. I'll be praying for your recovery, with your excuse, then she went back to her own tent.
After Chie went away, Manji naturally left the song die away. Once done, he put the shamisen to rest by his side and said, Enishi-san, it is an honor to meet any acquaintance of Koichi-sama, especially one who bears the markings of the Hitomi. I ask that you please excuse Chie's behaviour. She and others among our ranks have been restless because of the recent events and I'm not proud to say that the conditions involving my return certainly have a part to play in this.
The fox spent a moment musing over what he was seeing while looking at this man. He was, yet he was not... his energy was malleable, subtle and difficult to read, as if it possessed no form of its own, much like flowing water or air. It was like Yōko said, the monk bore familiarities with the woman they've met in the Spirit Realms but Manji did not feel the stain of corruption on Enishi. A touch of Nothing, yes, and also a strong connection to the Void, but no Taint. There were other things he could not quite grasp yet and such mysteries, despite their obvious danger, fascinated him greatly. After a moment of silence, Manji inquired, So, Enishi-san, what is it that you seek? Then he reached for Chie's bundle of roots, took one and started chewing it.
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Enishi
Dragon Clan
Ninja * shadow * tattooed * Mad prophet of Nothing
Posts: 254
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Post by Enishi on Feb 10, 2012 9:35:45 GMT -5
Enishi sat besides the Tamori and gave his question a thought.
What is it that you seek? Answers, certainly, for now. He could not let his guard down if there were minions of the Shadow Dragon around. Was he curious too? Certainly. How could he not be, when there was so much that remained to be discovered about the power of nothing? If that man had some form of control over it, even in some twisted and brutal form, he had to know and he had to know how. But he could feel there was too much about those strange flames for him to understand it in a quick talk. Why stay then? Every minute spent around shugenja as powerful as Koichi or Manji he risked discovery. Maybe that was what kept him there - the thrill? Or maybe I'm just seeking the company of someone as strange as me, he thought.
"Enemies. Is that not what all samurai are seeking, actually?" He was not smiling. He seemed to just let Manji's tune go on for a bit in his mind and carry him.
"Mine happen to be the House of Goju more specifically. I do not think you are one. But you do smell a bit like one, if I may say so. So I am curious.
I do not sense the corruption of the Shadow Dragon within you. You seem to be free of his touch. This, in itself, is highly unusual for someone who has probably just met with the beast, unless they were highly prepared - and even then it would be no small feat. Or maybe it has to do with something else that you would carry within you and that would shield you from other influences...
The madmen who carry it may call it a blessing from their god, but the taint of the Shadowlands is but the grip of Jigoku on their soul. Ironically, there was a time when the Goju were protected from this grip, whereas today they embrace it. Their protection stemmed from another mystical influence that already claimed their soul. There was nothing in them the Taint could claim.
What I am now wondering is this: could there be something in you, something that holds control of you and in turn protects you from this influence that one day protected the Goju? And if there is, does it not come at a price too high for its worth? I have no answer to that. Maybe you have. But I sense powerful emotions in you, emotions fueled by something that is larger - if not greater - than you are. These emotions are not those that I would expect in one of our clan, or in any case probably not those one would aspire to.
You are a lot of questions, Manji-sama. I hope for your sake they do not turn into a lot of hard choices at the worst possible moment."
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Feb 16, 2012 13:09:05 GMT -5
Manji listened attentively and patiently to the monk. The sharp pain of the burns on his right arm was accentuated after he finished playing the shamisen, so he chewed the remedy brought by Chie while thinking about Enishi's words.
The young Tamori was looking at the stars when the monk finished talking and, with his gaze still distant he said, wise words Enishi-san, you do your order honour with them. It’s refreshing to meet someone who's capable of speaking directly and asking the right questions without fear. Manji looked straight to Enishi and smiled slyly, you are mistaken about one thing though, not all samurai actively seek enemies. Only people like us do so, he diverted his eyes again, vaguely looking to the war camp as if searching for something, and you Enishi-san, chose some very difficult enemies... or, maybe, you were chosen to have them as enemies? Nonetheless, I'll humor you with some of the answers you seek and maybe others will present themselves naturally.
He sighed loudly, first of all, I believe one of our families, either the Mirumoto or the Kitsuki, has been infiltrated by the Tainted. Three weeks ago... the notion that three whole weeks had passed since his “disappearance” was still strange for him, while I was trying to attend a diplomatic meeting with the Mirumoto and Kitsuki daimyo at Shiro Kitsuki, I received news from Chie about Koichi-sama’s whereabouts. Needless to say that ensuring his safety and supporting him was of utmost importance to our family, so, I immediately prepared to depart Shiro Kitsuki. With that situation in mind, I had stored the energies of a complex ritual that would shorten my travel within a potion, one I devised with Koichi-sama's help. To my surprise, when I used the potion, I discovered it had been tampered with and, instead of arriving here, it sent me... somewhere else. Manji paused for a moment, then expressed his concern, one thing I must say before continuing. That potion, the one I made, was very complex and it employed peculiar magical techniques. Only a highly skilled shugenja who knew exactly what he was doing could've tampered with it so seamlessly. This leads me to conclude that someone that serves Jigoku and the Nothing has been observing me and may have been observing others within our ranks. This person, or persons, may very well be among those you seek, Enishi-san.
OOC: To avoid a very loooong topic talking about the properties of magic, travel through the spirit worlds and such, I'll simply assume that Manji told Enishi the most important points regarding his visit to the Obsidian Fortress. He will openly talk about his arrival there, his fight with the Oni, his meeting with the Ninube woman, the Shadow Dragon, the attempted possession and the circumstances involving his escape. But, unless directly asked about it, he won't explain that he is kitsune nor will he talk about Yōko, leaving those details of his story deliberately nebulous and ambiguous (which could easily raise the question of how he could endure the Taint for so long and why the Shadow Dragon would be interested on him). If you are feeling confident, you may ask that to him.
That is why, Enishi-san, you can still feel the touch of Nothing on me. One of the side effects of what the Dragon tried to do was that I received a part of its memories and I believe the opposite to be true too. Unfortunately, there is only so much one mind can bear and the Dragon doesn’t think or perceive the world as… Manji stopped for a moment, as if unsure of what word to use; then he settled for the one that was expected of him, we do; it may take time until I can fully decipher the meaning of its thoughts. But I do know that sinister events that seek to use this war as a cover are in the works.
The tone of Manji’s voice changed subtly but it was hard to determine how. Even though the young man in front of Enishi was wounded and weakened, he now spoke with an air of authority and a power way beyond his years, lesser beings would have succumbed to the trials I’ve been through, it’s true. Rest easy though, I cannot be influenced by the Taint and this was so even before my current situation. The fox grinned and said in a bitter, serious tone, you say that I am a lot of questions, so, let me pose you an hypothetical question. Imagine spending your whole life bound by rules that disregard the notion of self. Being bound to serve another’s will simply because you were born into it and beings beyond your comprehension have decided to write you a destiny. Watching as everything you care for is taken away from you but you are prohibited of fighting back because that is not the will of your masters, he looked straight to Enishi again but his eyes were different now, they were like fire, but, one day… as you are about to die for your destiny, bound in chains you cannot see… one day comes a singular opportunity, a single chance to break free from your ties, to survive and write down your own destiny, set down your own path. What would you do Enishi-san? Was Manji serious? Was he crazy? Was that him talking? It was impossible to know for sure and before the problem posed by the fox could settle down in Enishi’s mind, he heard an observation, just remember one thing before answering, life is sacrifice. That is, no thing of value comes without a price and we have to live and die with the choices we make.
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