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 Jan 11, 2012 14:10:29 GMT -5
Between the myriad of possibilities in how start her report and everything else Mitsouko had to talk with her clan's champion, everything goes blank because that subtle tone of concern she heard in his voice. Though, he needed to know and that's why she was there.
I've failed, tairo-dono. In many ways. In my anxiety of serve my clan, control the start of a rebellion among the First Legion, I closed my eyes and wasn't unable to judge correctly. I can bring you details of everything but I think I must be direct. I wished to bring a efficient and quick victory for our clan, as I thought was the desire of ...that man, Alesha... her voice failed everytime she tried to speak ill of him, and why? I recognized that my time under Daidoji Ryo's unit wasn't enough to make me a good strategist, and... I tried to learn but I chose as my sensei a fallen... a fallen Crane. This man, I think because he opposed to my active working for a truce with Lion, used my name in a maho ritual and created an oni... bonded to me. Her eyes wandered for a moment by the tatami patterns then returning to Fitsu in the most respectful way possible. This oni, it attacked both allies and enemies. This oni...tainted me. Though many, the Yasuki, the Asahina, Daidoji, Kakita, Agasha and even our enemies, Kitsune and Yoritomo, had made everything and finally, the monster was defeated and banished, I can't bear my shame for the corruption and death of many, and my great failure. But... I am here to put not only my service at your disposal, not only to put my will and dedication to correct the disgraces I permitted to happen, but also also my life is at your disposal, Fitsu-dono.
Mitsouko cleaned the throat, staring her own tabi again, trying to conceal her reddened eyes. There was still many to say, but it wasn't the case of letting her tairo without options of his own.
The Night before
It was a almost the end of the Hour of the Rat when a servant knocked at Sojiro’s assigned chamber in Kyuden Otomo’s court, announcing that his daimyo was waiting Sojiro for a tea.
Soon he was in Kakita Mitsouko’s vast chambers, in the low light of flickering paper lanterns. He was received with a smile. The daimyo's two new yojimbo were in the room as well, though only Lady Kakita was sat near the tea table. A bit stiff in a jūnihitoe full garment, Mitsouko waited Sojiro to join her in the center of the room. It was indeed a strange outfit for someone accustomed in seeing Mitsouko either in armor or simpler kimono.
Leave, please. She commanded and the two yojimbo left the room in silence, sliding the door shut behind them.
As soon as they were alone, her face melted and showed the same expression of the infamous Great Crab Murder day.
Jiro… am I that stupid?
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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 Jan 11, 2012 19:49:10 GMT -5
Garbed in his blue and black Kakita Elite kimono, the wakizashi half of his fused saya empty, Sojiro followed the servant down the hall with mixed emotions. On one hand, he had wanted to run down the hallway to see Mitsouko. He had been worried sick about her, and just the fact that she had sent him a message while he was still at Kyuden Doji had been a huge relief. On the other hand, that message had been very vague, and he couldn't help but wonder why. Mitsu was alive obviously, but what kind of shape was she in? What had happened at Seawatch?
When he entered, Mitsouko's outfit definitely caught him off guard, but even more surprising was her reaction to his arrival. As soon as the yojimbo were gone, she just fell apart.
"Stupid? Mitsu, we've both made our fair share of mistakes, but I don't think I would ever consider you stupid."
He knelt down and poured her a cup of tea, followed by one for himself.
"Take this. Calm yourself a bit, and tell me what happened out there. Then we'll figure out what to do about it." He gave her a smile tinged with sadness at the edges and waited for her to compose herself.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Jan 12, 2012 3:06:54 GMT -5
Daidoji Fitsu took each word in like individual drops in a waterfall. By themselves they had little impact, but together they had the power to carve mountains. Still he faced them with the dignity his station demanded. He knew two things for certain: he could not afford to lose so trusted and skilled a vassal as Kakita Mitsouko, but even more he could not afford to have her continue to serve if she were to be subverted by the taint within her.
Mitsouko-kun, be at ease. You have showed the strength to come this far on the path. Your redemption is assured even if whether you live to see tomorrow is not. Such is the life of a samurai.
Your life is very important to me, very important to the clan, and even very important to the Empire. We will not cast it aside without knowing there is no better course of action, but neither will we let it continue if you are beyond reason. I have several questions for you. Are you ready to answer all of them without reservation or hesitation? Fitsu's tone was measured and even, perhaps even fatherly. He knew this was a matter to be handled with the utmost care and scrutiny, and that he would get the most thorough responses if they could both remain centered.
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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 Jan 12, 2012 3:46:55 GMT -5
Before we continue, I wish to tell you... When I was still sure of my reasonable domain of myself, I chose Kakita Sojiro, that grew at my side, to be my advisor and Kakita hatamoto. He know me well and I expected him to be vigilant through the time I was needed to remain in my station. I hope you agree; he is honored, determined and loyal to Crane. I cannot think in better person. This said, Mitsouko nodded to her tairo question: And Hai, tono. Your questions will be answered in the better way possible... I don't trust myself, though.
The Night before:
See? It's jade petal tea. That's my paid and i tell you, I am glad to the people who saved me, if I am paying very little of the price for my trust in the honor of that man, your cousin Alesha... he doesn't only betrayed me... he betrayed our clan. Sorry... I swear, Jiro, I'm gonna find and kill Alesha. Whatever the costs. . Her voice has a calm resolve, though.
She took the cup Sojiro offered and sipped from it, though it was sweet scented, the bitter taste was something she was getting used to. Mitsouko examined his face, under the dim light of lanterns: Where you have been? Did you talk with the man?
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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 Jan 12, 2012 4:31:11 GMT -5
Sojiro sighed. He was no stranger to jade petal tea himself, having been given a steady dosage of it after the incident with the oni in the phoenix lands years ago, until the Shugenja attending him were certain that he bore no lasting effects from taint exposure.
"Trusting a man to do his duty when he has always done so in the past, especially a man you know, does not mean that you are stupid if he betrays you. It means he is honorless and a coward, Mitsu."
"So, his betrayal has left you with more than just physical scars. It is a heavy price to pay, for certain, but you must understand that this crime is his, not yours. He chose to sell his soul, his honor, his family, and his name to the pit. When he tried to drag you into that pit with him, you fought back, and even if that battle left scars on your soul, you won."
"Mitsu-chan, I'm not ashamed of you. I'm damn proud of you."
He paused for a moment, letting those words sink in. Letting her realize that the debacle at Seawatch was not her fault. Letting her realize that she had not summoned the oni, and had in fact resisted it's attempts to control her.
"As for your question, yes, I was able to speak to him. And while he can not stop this war now any more than we can by ourselves, he swore to me on his honor that he would use all the resources he could afford to, to investigate the things I brought to his attention. He is in agreement with us."
He stopped short, unsure of what to say about Mai. About falling in love with an enemy warrior.
"There is... more, but it is of a personal nature. It can wait, for now."
He met her tearful gaze with his own, resolute and determined.
"Alesha's punishment will come, and I will be right beside you when you mete it out, if that is what you wish. I swear it. But for now, I am focused on you. I am your Karo, your Hatamoto, your first mate... and your brother, even if no blood ties bind us." A small smile came to his face as he made reference to their private joke.
"Tell me little sister, what do you need from me?"
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Jan 12, 2012 4:45:30 GMT -5
The Tairo nodded, Good, I approve. Sojiro has proven to be a man of honor and exemplifies Crane virtues for all that I have heard. I take this as a sign your judgements have not been compromised.
He paused a moment before continuing, That you are here proves two things: first, that you are not so corrupted that the Seppun shugenja could detect your arrival. And second, that you recognise the dire circumstances you are in. So now my questions.
The most important of which is, are you still bound to the Oni?
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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 Jan 12, 2012 4:49:54 GMT -5
No, tairo-tono. This bond was severed for good.
The Night Before
There's something else, but... you're the only one by now that I want, and need to tell... Mitsouko leaned forward and whispered the words in his ear; Otomo chambers weren't the safest place for secrets in the Empire, save for Scorpion's, of course. After she sais it, she looked into his eyes again, waiting his reaction.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Jan 12, 2012 5:31:59 GMT -5
Again Fitsu found himself nodding. Does the presence of Jade cause you discomfort, and can you stomach jade petal tea?
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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 Jan 12, 2012 5:50:36 GMT -5
Sojiro's eyes went wide, his mouth falling open for a second. The candles in the room reflected in the wide open blue and green orbs as he tried to stammer out some sort of response. He was stunned. A few incoherent noises, possibly the beginning of words, escaped his mouth. "Wha... I... ahhum...."
At length, he pulled out one of Saiko's tobacco rolls and lit it, trying to gather his wits.
I'm going to need more of these. A lot more.
After taking a few puffs, he looked up at Mitsouko's pensive expression, a stupid grin plastered on his face.
"Mitsu, do you lie awake at night thinking up new and interesting ways to make my life more complicated? Sending me on secret missions, promoting me when I'm not around so I can't escape responsibility, and now..... this?"
He shook his head, and started laughing. And then he walked over to her, his grin now stretching from ear to ear, and hugged her.
"I will keep this to myself until you decide otherwise. It's going to be messy, but we'll get through it. And.... by the fortunes I'm an idiot, but.... I am ridiculously, stupidly happy. In spite of your apparent obsession with complicating life."
He let go of her, idiot grin still stuck to his face.
"We'll get though it. You will get through it. We'll makes it ok, because that's what the Kakita family does."
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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 Jan 13, 2012 2:49:58 GMT -5
In fact, milord, during the first days it was unbearable and made me really sick. I am getting used to it, though. But... I have nightmares, horrible and mean ones. And... Alesha sometimes is able to talk to me. I really think it's not my imagination but... She raised her eyes. I've been acompanied by an Asahina that is taking care of my case very closely. You would likely wish to get a report of him, of course. About the taint, dono... I have my supicious that something new is happening. When I recollect that, one year ago, Shadowlands envoys were able to get their presences admitted at the Imperial court and no shugenja was able to detect their taint... When I recollect that our shugenja weren't able to notice Alesha's taint, or how the Empire is collapsing because the presence of maho, Spider... and nobody was able to notice it until something big happened... At this point Mitsouko reported to Fitsu what Shodai told her about the events in Chuda Ruins.
Fitsu-dono, though my life is yours, I ask you to let me seek justice for what his man made. I ask you to let me finish my work for the truce. I talked to Mantis too, they were to weary of this war as us and Lion. All of us are bound by our words and honor to our sides, but few wish this war to continue. Just this evil behind the fog of our battlings... After that, if you permit so, I am ready to wash my honor with my life. though, it's only my desire, it comes after your plans for me.
The Night Before
Mitsouko received Sojiro's words and hug with a smile, his comforting attitute making her feel a bit better. It was time to lighten up a bit their reunion,a t least for a while. But something in her friend's general appearance wasn't right.
So I return with a Lion wakizashi and you... where is yours?
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Jan 13, 2012 4:43:00 GMT -5
You have my permission to go, but only because you use the word justice and not vengeance. Remember that this influence of Jigoku is a perversion of our values, it seeks to twist you away from the path laid down for us by our ancestors.
And, I have some conditions I would lay upon you. First I want you to write a haiku for every day that you live henceforth. You may think of them as a death haiku written for each day that you come closer to the end. Second, I would have you write another for each man you kill, so that you never end another's life without the reflection it merits. If you ever find one of these tasks arduous, seek me out again and you will only need write one more. If it comes to that, I will be your second.
Fitsu said all this with the same clarity and directness he used in meetings of strategy, there was little room for misinterpretation, and even less for argument.
But...as I will not have one of my clan's favored daughters, and one of my favored Daimyo, pursuing her duty with no hope in her heart, I will ask you one more question Mitsouko-kun: Have you ever heard of Doji's Tears?
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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 Jan 13, 2012 4:56:40 GMT -5
Sojiro laughed quietly, turning away from her and staring into a candle flame for a second. Were those.... were his eyes tearing up? He cleared his throat and took another puff from the tobacco before answering her.
"My wakizashi is with the same person who has my heart, Mitsu-chan."
"I met someone while I was away. She... well, to say it was unexpected is an understatement, but..." He stopped and chuckled at the memory of his first meeting with Mai. "The first time we met, I was wondering if she was going to try to kill me. But we just.... fit. Her name is Utaku Mai. She came to Kyuden Doji with me, and was going to accompany me to Winter Court. But she had to return home...."
He paused for a second, almost choking on the words.
".... to kill a bloodspeaker."
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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 Jan 13, 2012 10:30:08 GMT -5
Domo arigato gozaimashita Fitsu dono. She bowed once again, very low, displaying her utmost respect and gratitude for his benevolence. Though his words were at the same time pure relief and great pain.
No, Fitsu-dono. Forgive my ignorance. My training has several lacks.
The Night Before
Was that an endless kharma cycle of events in Sojiro's life? Agasha Reina's horrible death had been an great trauma in the life of her "big brother" and Sojiro never again really loved someone else. Mitsouko's heart felt painfully balanced between a comfort feeling for knowing Sojiro was able to love someone else rather than Reina's unfortunate ghostly memory, and concerned by the destiny of his new love. Also, everybody was trying to kill a maho tsuki nowadays, it seemed. They spread like a putrid ivy all over Rokugan.
So she is worthy of love, Jiro. She sipped her Jade Petal tea again. Is she alone or with her sisters?
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Jan 13, 2012 17:03:14 GMT -5
Fitsu smiled, Sometimes they are referred to as The Tears of the First Emperor. He shed them at the beauty of his wife on meeting her, Doji Mioko.
While there were not many of them to begin with, and some have been used or lost, they carry the blessings of that first union between the Hantei and the Crane. One well documented quality they have demonstrated is to purify someone of taint completely.
Fitsu's features regained their solemn visage, However, there is no point in purification if Alesha retains the ability to return you to your present state. So, you must deliver justice before seeking the blessings of Hantei and Doji.
Also, I do not have any of the tears. While I am officially Champion of the Crane for all intents and purposes, these artifacts have been kept by the wives of the Doji Daimyo thoughout the centuries. If we are to find one it will be after consulting with Doji Naetaru. Perhaps it is best if I speak with him about this. You must be on your way with all haste, and the less who know about your condition the better.
You should go now, and I suggest you seek the aid of a Jade Magistrate in this endeavor. You may be desirous of their help in the oncoming conflict, and if things have changed as you've suggested it would do them well to see it firsthand.
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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 Jan 13, 2012 19:04:41 GMT -5
"She has a small force meeting her, but from what I understand, the Tsuki has had time to bolster his own forces with undead. That is why she has my wakizashi - if she is facing undead, I wanted to make sure she could actually kill them. A blessed weapon can do that."
"I discovered during my trip that we are not the only clan dealing with a high ranking member becoming a bloodspeaker. I met Mai in a small town near Dark Edge Village, and after some conversation she agreed to escort me to see Kaneka. On the way, we discovered that the Unicorn Champion, Moto Yoee, was discovered to be a bloodspeaker. He vanished after a confrontation with the Jade magistrates. After that, I told her the real reasons for my meeting with him, as well as the things we have witnessed and discovered going on in the empire. She is as dedicated to finding and fixing what is really wrong with the empire as we are."
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