Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 21, 2011 15:12:02 GMT -5
((PM for invite)) The evening in the city of lies was not silent by any stretch of the imagination. As lanterns produced their soft red glow, the streets remained alive with the celebration of the winter months and the coming new year. In spite of all the conflict in the lands, the Scorpion had still managed to maintain an air of delight and luxury as performances carried on through the streets and men drank until they couldn't walk.
The delighted and jubilant voices on the road could be heard in every building next to the streets. And in one such building the sound reached Haruka's ears, though she did not turn her face to look up at it. Even with all the blissful celebration going on around her she remained in her chamber, hidden beneath the floor of the geisha house. She had requested such a place knowing full well what was going to be occurring that evening if everything went as it had been planned. The tainted would be struck, the blow would become a scar on the hearts of everyone who witnessed it.
But no one realized how such a burden fell on the heart of Haruka. In the darkness of the hidden room she only maintained a small candle to light her quarters, a small table and a set of cushions and blankets to call a bed. Her eyes gently glanced over as she heard the shuffle of weight above her room, but instead of looking up anxiously, she instead looked over to the small softly lined basket. The fact that it was empty wouldn't surprise anyone, but she knew that was where her son should be. However, she had made the painful decision to hide even her son now, separating him from her at such a tender age. But she knew he would at least be safe no matter what might occur during such a dangerous time.
The visions of an enraged Shoju and Yun filled her mind, eyes aglow as if flame, baring down on her with a thundering voices. But such thoughts were to prepare herself should such a figure arrive, they served her in the sense that she could push the fear of being caught unaware aside, as the last thing she felt she needed now would be to pitifully beg for her life in light of everything she'd done.
But where fear was quelled in thought, sorrow consumed her heart and soul. Meditating in the darkness seemed to only enhance the feeling of dread at the choices having unfolded the way they had. It was only a matter of time before the faith of the former Isawa Yun would unravel, if he and Shoju didn't succeed in killing the other first. Shoju's unbridled rage was an accepted fact, she just wondered only when he might strike her, or worse still now in her mind, her son.
All that being said, her heart was burdened all the more by the regret of having to have given up her true wish of redeeming Yun. In a strange twist she felt she had done the same to Shoju, but his fixation on finding legitimacy on his own had allowed her little chance to intervene. Haruka understood the dangers of the taint, and the reading she had accumulated thus far only further illustrated how dangerous it was. Looking back on the moment she had given one of her sons away, she had begun to realize the cursed blood might already be flowing through her veins, though its potency was undetectable, for now.
A small dagger was drawn, her finger pricked, as a drop of warm red blood escaped and landed on the small table she was seated next to. For now the darkness hadn't taken hold, but the sorrow of how things had come to be never left her. She wondered what was right anymore. There were still hearts behind the shadows, but she didn't know if there was still hope for the fallen. Her hand was forced when Senshi discovered the crystal, but now she did not know if her choice would lead to a disastrous end.
Haruka took another deep breath as the floor above her head shifted again, a hidden entry opened up, pouring the light from the geisha house in. Shosuro Nori appeared briefly and tossed in a small note before closing the hatch again and putting the carpet back over it to hide the entrance from view.
Haruka gently moved and took up the note, a small scroll to unfurl in her fingers as the soft light of the candle illuminated it. It was simple its message but elegantly written calligraphy. "The Scorpion have met the Snake, to what end we will know soon enough." She took a deep and uneasy breath, uncertain of what might find her in this darkness. Haruka did her best to calm back down and begin her thoughts again, preparing herself for whatever might come.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Dec 22, 2011 21:34:38 GMT -5
Kyo stretched his arms and sighed. He had been going about 2 days without sleep trying to uncover the possible rumor that a local geisha house might have some maidens among them who are tainted. He yawn behind his mask and blinked out his sleep. He headed out to one of the local houses, having narrowed his search down to only a few places.
He looked up at the building as he saw someone sneaking into the side of the building. Finding such actions odd, deciding that he should investigate it closer since this was the building he was planning to check anyways.
After making sure he wasn't being followed he snucked swiftly into the hidden passage and followed it to the end. Finding it ending in a secret door, he pulled out his jitte and lowly pushed the door opened. Peaking through to make sure it was safe to come in.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 29, 2011 11:38:01 GMT -5
Haruka didn't bother to look up. A set of hurried footsteps attempted to catch up with Kyo to little avail, as he was already inside. The Mistress of Secrets sat motionless by her single candle, like some sort of prisoner in this hidden place. The way came open once again as her faithful Shosuro Nori came up behind Kyo, ready to seize him in an instant.
"State your business! You're not meant to be down here!"
She already had a wicked blade drawn, but was not so hasty as to have it so much as pointed at him, yet.
Haruka could easily hear the commotion but seemed unmoved, for now simply watching the flame as it danced on the wick of the candle, spurned on by the sudden motion in the room.
Shosuro Nori would not hesitate to strike the intruder, no matter the case or cost. The only thing that made her hesitate now was the realization that he too was Scorpion. And she had seen this man speaking with her lady before in the late hours of Kyuden Bayushi.
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Dec 29, 2011 12:57:48 GMT -5
"Lady Bayushi, it is an honor to see you again. I am sorry to intrude upon you this evening. I merely saw a suspicious action this evening, and I followed it up to this point. I only followed Shosuro-san because I was tasked with investigating this building and I thought it was odd to find someone sneaking into it.
Kyo remained calm, though his eyes did show how tired he truly was. He was tasked to investigate the suspicious behaviors at the inn and geisha houses lately, so figured he had done nothing wrong. He suppressed a yawn and blinked away some more sleep.
"If you would like, I could come back at a later time? I do not wish to intrude upon your visit, Bayushi-sama.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 29, 2011 17:59:25 GMT -5
The silence hung in the air for a moment as if Kyo had burst into a funeral ceremony, the same aura of gloom hung in the air as Nori continued to hesitate tensely. Haruka let out a slow deep breath as she kept her nerve about her. Kyo was an innocent soul, he didn't need to fear corruption from darkness, he was doing his best to hunt down and destroy the same element that hunted her in her heart.
She turned slightly, her head wrap gently folding along the curve of her cheek and chin as the corner of her eye identified the face along with the voice. But when she said nothing, Shosuro Nori's tense hands continued to shiver as she remained on edge. She sought reassurance from her lady.
"Lady Haruka-dono..?"
Her almost timid, soft voice seemed to stir Haruka.
"No... It is all right for him to be here, Nori-san."
And as an obedient servant she would depart and leave Kyo and Haruka be. She still remained with her back to him as she let her gaze rest back on the table. Haruka rested her eyes again as she spoke.
"My apologies Shosuro Kyo-san. I was not meant to be discovered but it is clear your skill has lead you to find what I tried to hide. You are not restrained to remain or leave unless you so wish, I just simply ask that you do not reveal my location to another soul except for my husband and the Emperor-dono if they are so inclined to ask."
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Dec 29, 2011 23:56:59 GMT -5
Kyo sat down across the dimly lite table. He notice that Haruka seems to be a bit on edge, and seem to have almost an air of defeat about her. He let that thought slide as it was dangerous in and of itself. He watched her closely and carefully to read her reaction.
I'm sorry to intrude on your evening Bayushi-sama. I promise to keep your location secret. But can you tell me something, what are you doing here? If I can I might be able to divert the investigation away from here till your agenda is done.
Kyo kept himself and deep thought, but he knew that he was on the edge of a deep secret. The worse thing is the answer he might get, whether truth or lie, may lead him down a long road.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 30, 2011 0:39:24 GMT -5
As if on cue, the woman in charge of the geisha in the house moved Haruka's door open just a little bit. Taking note of the gentlemen in the room alongside her, she bowed her head and said simply:
"Bayushi-sama. There is a gentleman that would like your attention at your convenience. It is the guest upstairs. You know the room."
Upstairs in his room, Tamihei Yun sat patiently awaiting Haruka to come up as he had requested. He was waiting for the last little bit of the food to cook but he had prepared a dinner for her, as he had several times during his ensconcement here.
He thought that he was slowly helping her to regain her strength. And he always made sure to use the ritual that metabolized his taint so that she was not being affected by it.
"Almost ready!" he said with a satisfied grin on his face.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 30, 2011 16:54:13 GMT -5
Haruka did not meet the gaze of the geisha, but simply nodded where she was and the woman let them be. "It seems you came at quite the time Kyo-san. I would ask that you accompany me for this and again, watch with your eyes but speak not a word of what you witness this evening. Your companionship in this matter is most appreciated."
Her tone was cold and uneasy, but she gently stood from her position with a simple elegant flow of her strength, unshaken even in this odd mood. She looked to Kyo with her gleaming hazel eyes knowing he couldn't or that he shouldn't refuse a simple request of accompanying her. The two would go back the way that Kyo had entered, rather than scrambling through the floor like unwanted rats. She was slow and steady, certainly in no rush to rejoin Yun with her company in toe.
The wooden steps to the apartment above the geisha house creaked gently as the two ascended, altering Yun to the presence of two guests rather than the one he expected. Haruka ensured he had pleanty of time to register this.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 30, 2011 23:21:21 GMT -5
Yun was sitting in that same relaxed pose he always adopted while waiting for Haruka... and while she was there.... and while he was alone. Come to think of it, he always sat like this; which made him shift his position to a more traditional cross-legged pose. He looked over at the food, close to done, just needed a little more time to finish absorbing the spices that he had been given.
He was setting out the plates when he heard the foot steps approaching. Two people, but advancing slowly... Haruka and... perhaps Nori-san... perhaps his new watcher. Hmmm...
Not wanting to take chances, he softly, but quickly moved towards the bed room and moved the screen close to shut, but close enough that he could still see out it and he picked up a spell scroll to launch lightning as necessary. Hopefully, it would not be needed, but Yun could not afford to take the chance.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 30, 2011 23:34:21 GMT -5
Haruka didn't hesitate as she entered. The door came open and she allowed herself in first, giving her the chance to briefly survey the situation before her. Yun was shuffling a bit by his room but it didn't seem to bother her enough to make her raise any alarm.
She only hesitated a moment longer to allow Kyo inside as well. The Mistress of Secrets looked over to Yun with a cautious and reserved gaze. "So you called for me, I do hope this is important Zeure-san. You know how dangerous these days are for me." Her tone was cold, it was clear she had her face on with the new Scorpion at her side.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 31, 2011 0:30:14 GMT -5
Yun peered out of the room, scroll in hand but held to the side so that it was not immediately obvious what was going on there. His eyes were visible through the screen, the normal brown that they were while he was suppressing his taint. He took note of the other scorpion and did not know what to think of her bringing someone up here until she said something. He decided to play it cool and aloof, something that he had not done when Nori-san was here.
"For the same reason I've called you for the past several days, Haruka....sama. You are still regaining your strength, and you need to eat. And I know that if I don't bring you up here, out of your work space, you won't, you'll just sit there all night working too hard for your own good."
His tone was passive, but authoritative, like a doctor giving direction to an obstinate person intent on disobeying.
"I'll be out in a minute, I'm just cleaning myself up, something spilled."
A small lie to conceal how he was prepared to kill this person with Haruka if he had needed to.
"Who is with you? I made extra like I always do, will he be joining us at the table?"
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 31, 2011 15:18:26 GMT -5
Haruka smirked under her mask at his tone. It amused her as well as reassured her to there being nothing wrong. She turned her head to her companion and spoke.
"You are always so dutiful and caring of my well being, Zeure-san. I appreciate it as always, and your diligence will restore my strength so that I may ride back to war once again.
But I need not speak for the company I keep. Please, Kyo-san, don't make yourself the stranger to my ronin friend Zeure-san."
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Shosuro Kyo
Scorpion Clan
*Magistrate *Loyal *Paragon of Duty *Lord of Dance
Posts: 123
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Post by Shosuro Kyo on Jan 1, 2012 17:20:52 GMT -5
Kyo nodded to Haruka and bowed his head to Zeure. He made the effort on the way in to awaken himself and make his sleeplessness hidden so as to not show weakness. He allowed himself to study this person carefully, something was off but Haruka seem to trust him so he allowed him a little leeway.
My apoligies Zeure-san, my name is Shosuro Kyo, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.
He decided to trust his gut and not let himself fall for some unseen trip. Let's see were this evening takes me... Maybe I will find my answers. He thought to himself.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 3, 2012 1:04:51 GMT -5
Inside the back room, Zeure's heart sank. Ugh, another Shosuro... I thought we were past the need for me to have a protector. I'm more than capable and it severely gets in the way of our... alone time.
"Ahh, Shosuro-san, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please, take a seat at the table. And you as well, Haruka-sama."
He came out wearing the simple brown and black kimono and hakama set that he had been when he made his way into the city; it was partially opened at the top and there was a minor liquid stain near the top; thankfully he had water in his room to help him seal the lie that there had really been a spill.
He went over to the cabinet and pulled out another plate and another pair of chopsticks for the new arrival that he had not expected and sat them down on the table where the other two placements were. He opened the steam bucket and put some rice on all the plates followed by a seared white fish.
He continued to stand and wait for the others to sit before he himself did. And then waited for them to begin eating before he would.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jan 3, 2012 2:16:48 GMT -5
Haruka gave her appreciation before digging into her meal. She started to notice the subtle differences in Zeure when he subdued his taint and when he did not. His hair seemed a bit more lively, as did his skin and eyes. She was silently thankful for him doing that much in advance, even though she had not indicated that she would be bringing a guest with her.
"Your cooking is always so wonderful, Zeure-san, I only wish I had the time of day to repay you in kind as I too enjoy a spot of cooking when I have the chance."
Her small talk was hardly anything special, but the gentle pandering to his skill would help keep the situation calm, as well as her nerves. She could see just the flinch in his reaction, he likely expected this to be Nori's replacement. For now it was best to keep him focused on his duty with fear or whatever motive need be.
She glanced over to Kyo, hoping her eating would help to reassure him that there was nothing to fear in this meal.
"This is certainly no red meat, but I can appreciate the consideration and the quality of the supplies that we have provided here for your use. I hope the geisha haven't been too much of a disturbance for you, Zeure-san."
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