Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Nov 25, 2011 19:09:37 GMT -5
Saiko listened attentively to the words of Hitoshi, and his mind raced with possibilities. Although remaining silent for the rest of the meeting, it was clear he was in deep thought. At Naetaru-sama's words, he bowed graciously. "Naetaru-sama, you honor me by asking me to aid your Clan in such a delicate matter. I will help in any way I can." He rose from his chair and bowed deeply as the Doji Daimyo left the room.
As he, Hitoshi, Ryo, and Sojiro walked into the adjoining private room, Saiko sat himself at a small table and produced a small bottle of sake, filling four glasses before returning it to the folds of his kimono. He offered the cups to his fellow Samurai and was again lost in thought for a moment, shaking himself out of it onlu as Hitoshi began to speak once more.
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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 Nov 26, 2011 12:56:13 GMT -5
Hitoshi seemed to gaze inward before replying.
"My friend, I saw shadows with claws and trees weeping blood. I saw bodies ripped asunder and a head left amidst the liquefied remains. I saw the beasts rise up in protest and man turn against man, brothers who I have fought beside go berserk and turn on friend and foe alike. But worst of all I saw what I believe was an oni released into the world; a creature I still see whenever I close my eyes. I believe it is something to do with Alesha's treachery and if we return to Seawatch Castle there is a chance we will encounter it."
Hitoshi produced the finger of jade that Yaskui Chad had given him. "I suggest that if you have any way to get hold of some, then this would be a wise precaution. If we have the chance to stop this oni then I believe we should, unless it puts Mitsouko-sama's life in clear and present danger. How exactly we would do this, however, I do not know."
He turned to Sojiro. "Sojiro-san, I know you are going to want to seek out Alesha once the task Mitsouko-sama laid upon you is complete. I have seen him fight - he was always an expert warrior, but now he is faster and stronger than I have ever seen him. If you confront him, I would suggest you rely on your mind over your sword arm."
Once Sojiro had departed, looking troubled, Hitoshi turned to the rest of the group. "We are all equal here, my friends. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on what we have heard tonight?"
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Nov 26, 2011 14:49:35 GMT -5
Saiko bowed deeply to Hitoshi as he stood. "Hitoshi-san, I must thank you for riding with all haste to us with this news, and I deeply feel for your pain. Nobody should ever see the things you have seen, much less seeing them happen to one that you have such respect for."He bowed in turn to his fellow samurai, a look of dark focus on his face. If one knew what to look for, you could see that there was far more going on beneath the young Dragon's cool exterior than he was letting one, but you would not have the chance to say it. "Samas, I wish the best of luck to each of you with your appointed tasks. I must go rest now, for I leave first thing in the morning on a special task from Naetaru-sama. Hitoshi-san, as soon as I have finished with this task, I will rejoin you." He left the room, glancing at Sojiro's clouded face one more time, and as he walked back to his chambers, he lost himself once again in thought... [OOC: This is my exit from this thread! TBC elsewhere ]
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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 Nov 27, 2011 13:28:45 GMT -5
Hitoshi watched Saiko leave the room and then looked at the remaining samurai.
"Daidoji Ryo-san have you drawn any conclusions from my statement?"
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 27, 2011 18:30:38 GMT -5
Sojiro reached into his kimono and pulled out a small pouch. "I have two things to give you, Hitoshi-san. The first is this pouch full of jade. I have more elsewhere, but this is all I have here. Secondly..." Sojiro reached to his custom daisho and fiddled with it for a second, then drew a hidden blade from it made entirely of crystal.
"This katana is what I used to kill the oni I faced in the phoenix lands. It is more effective against their kind than jade even, but it is more brittle than a normal katana. Take this, brother. It may save your life."
After giving his gifts to Hitoshi, Sojiro turned wordlessly and made his way out of the room.
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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 Nov 28, 2011 3:39:14 GMT -5
OCC: Hitoshi-san, Yuuto-san wasn’t there, but one of his NPC called Hatsune was. Ryo observed and listened silently the conversation, and after Sojiro’s departure, he spoke, preparing his breath for an unusual long speech: Oni. I had my experience with one of them and knew many Daidoji and Crab veterans that had met and survived to some of them in their lives. In fact, a group of veterans helped us to defeat Isshin no Oni in the Battle of Three Sides river months ago. Also we’ve been tracking down some maho that summoned the creature in this province, so I’ve been gathering information, everthing I can, about them.
Things I can deduct from what you’ve saying, Kakita-san:
If there is maho among the First legion, and you witnessed the liaison between this man and a maho-tsuki, they can have used Mitsouko-sama’s name to summon this oni. It explains much of what happened with her. Now this bond can kill her, if this can’t be severed in a safe way. The monster will try to control her mind, make her go mad, if she can’t resist for long. So we must hurry. Experienced shugenja can be used to try to help her, can try to banish the creature back… while an army can try to defeat or at least hold on the foul beast for a time.
Jade is precious, I will request some. I've learned that Mitsouko had a massive quantity of it from the ancestral house she was born in, and intended to donate it to the defenders of the wall against the Shadowlands attack. But I am sure Crane needs it better now. It can be requested from the Kakita Karo I think. But, it's important, that alongside a military plan to deal with this, we be sure to have a consistent shugenja plan to work simultaneously with.
The Kakita daimyo's capture by Mantis: they are not fool. We have an oni to deal with, keeping her prisioner will be dishonorable at the very least. Diplomats should deal with this carefully and get a temporary truce, in the sake of a greater goal for both clans.
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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 Nov 28, 2011 11:18:47 GMT -5
Hitoshi worried about Sojiro. He had been going to offer the traditional refusals of the gifts but his friend had simply turned on his heel and left. Still, he very much appreciated them and carefully placed the katana within his obi and held the pouch tightly in his hand.
He turned to Asahina Yuuto"How many Asahina do we have in Kyuden Doji right at this moment? And have any of them any experience in facing this sort of thing before?"
He then came back to Daidoji Ryo "The same goes for the Daidoji - have any of them spent time with the Crab on the Wall? We have the survivors of the Kakita legions that were facing the Mantis back at Seawatch Castle, along with the Mantis themselves who are willing to help and the Yasuki, but any veterans would be invaluable."
Hitoshi paused for a moment, thinking. "So if I understand you correctly, Ryo-san, if we can destroy this oni then Mitsouko-sama's soul will be safe, and then Naetaru-sama can conduct diplomatic negotiations to ensure her return from the Mantis as per a standard engagement?"
Although pale, the young Crane had seemed to have found strength through action and was no longer swaying on his feet from tiredness.
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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 Nov 28, 2011 16:58:37 GMT -5
In fact everything must be simultaneous, Hitoshi-san. We, warriors, will fight the oni. Keep him in an isolated radius to prevent more destruction. The shugenja will try to save your daimyo’s soul and weaken magically the monster. The diplomats should act to get her back from Mantis. I will gather those veterans in a unit to be sent to Seawatch castle. Their experience probably will be essential. But... who is in the command there right now? Also, I’ts true we have Yasuki allies fighting there? Their experience will be priceless as well. But… let’s move on, we can surely talk while we ride. Turning to Yuuto as well: Asahina-san, Mitsouko has great trust in you. Can you think in something? I know your services are probably highly demanded near Kyuden Otomo, but it’s a very sensible matter…
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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 Nov 28, 2011 17:30:54 GMT -5
(OOC - Thanks Mitsouko-sama; all cleared up now!)
As they moved towards their quarters to make their preparations before leaving, Hitoshi continued talking.
"We do indeed have Yasuki allies fighting alongside us there. I left Asahina Hatsune-san coordinating the Crane forces - I was not sure of the exact chain of command when I left. I myself gave orders agreeing to a truce with the Mantis whilst we dealt with this thing; in fact they will help us for the duration. I am not sure if I acted out of place, but I felt it better to take action rather than stand by and watch samurai die piecemeal at this creature's hand."
Arriving at his room, Hitoshi departed inside after arranging to meet at the gate in half an hour. He wrote a letter to Naetaru explaining Ryo's conclusions, the troops they were taking, and the course of action they were decided upon. Finally he re-buckled on his armour and armed himself ready for battle, placing Yasuki Chad's jade on a piece of cord around his neck, Sojiro's pouch on a belt around his waist, and carefully strapped the crystal katana to his back before making his way to the gate to meet with the rest of the force.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Nov 29, 2011 2:01:06 GMT -5
With hands clasped, a seat for his thoughts, and eyes closed for false visions to better dance in his head, Yuuto humbly responds, “In false brother, we have seen an evil nature awakened; our trust allowing a nightmare contrary to the wishes of favored daughter,” with a hint of humor in his voice he continues, “if only Alesha had been born to the life of a court jester, then he might dance in our dreams to a more jolly act, than the current antics he provides.”
With lethargic eyes, Yuuto rises to recuse himself from present company, waving away Ryo’s concerns of obligations elsewhere, “I will leave it to our Lady Asahina to entertain the Otomo,” he emotionlessly retorts before motioning towards more welcomed company, “Hitoshi-san, all the pieces we need are already on the table; when you are ready, we will make our to the front by kami’s grace.”
In serious strut he casually strides from the room to prepare for the next fight; concealing an inappropriate smirk, “Miga will be most upset to hear that Hatsune, in his first command, already leads the front at Seawatch Castle after only two days!”
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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 Nov 29, 2011 12:36:25 GMT -5
When all the troops were assembled, Hitoshi turned to Yuuto. "You said that the kami could enable our swift travel Yuuto-san? I believe we are ready, so let it be so."
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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 3, 2011 3:33:31 GMT -5
The Day After, by the night:
The Daidoji family's messengers network was efficiently organized, so an important letter can be handed from one to another messenger assigned in strategic points of the Crane territory, permitting to it be delivered within few hours, or days if involving extreme points. The Daidoji messengers were proud of the swift efficiency of their method.
Daidoji Ryo's message to the Doji daimyo was exactly the same that was sent to the Regent of the Clan; and when it came to their hands, in different places and time, with little preamble, it simple said.
The rumors are true. Lady Kakita was captured and is right now in a ship of the Mantis fleet. Also, a great evil was arisen in Seawatch Castle, by the man once known as Kakita Alesha, former shireikan of First legion. His whereabouts are unknown at this moment, as well of some Kakita deserters. A detailed report will follow shortly.
The losses were not as severe as it might be, fortunately. I request reinforcements and jade.
Diplomats are needed, as well reinforcement of a Daidoji heavy unit.
May the fortunes bless us all.
Daidoji Ryo, Daidoji Taisa of the Three Sides River Unit
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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 3, 2011 4:02:36 GMT -5
It was noon and Naetaru was in the Doji magistrate gempukku ceremony, honoring and getting honored by the young prominent souls that were trained in the fine art of "inquiring". Moments have passed and before Naetaru had to begin his speech he was approached by his recent advisor, Doji Mikado, and was given the letter. As he scanned it thoroughly he returned to her. "Mikado-san, I shall be delayed in the ceremony, please proceed into creating the letters that need to be delivered. I shall endorse a Doji to be dispatched tonight." With a look he urged her to keep on, seconds later only to return into the chamber with the young samurais, his smile on his face.
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