[Closed-RP] Terror in the small town of Kibukito.

[Shoju]

[ooc - RP information]

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This Rp starts in Kibukito, a small mountain town in the northern mountain reaches of Rokugan, also known as Far North Village. To get to this town, one would have to travel northeast from Shiro Shinjo / or Shiro Utaku to the small town of Bikami, and then head due north into the heart of the mountains.

This RP is semi-closed. meaning, if you aren't listed below, please PM me, and we can talk about you joining.

participants
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Shoju
Utaku Mai
Zeure

This thread takes place currently, probably at most 24 hours after the death of Tenshi in the Dragon Heart Plains.
[/ooc information]

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Part 1, an introduction

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Deep in the mountains the ground swirled, and moved, and then recoiled away from a man sitting holding his head in his hands. The man didn't look 'dirty' per se, but he didn't look well either. His Kimono was burnt at the edges, and the fabric of the chest was torn away on the left side. His hair was shorter, cut above his shoulder, and dirty. His face held stubble, and his cheeks streaked, as if he had bled from his eyes.

Thankfully, no one was around to witness the man in his current state. As he stood, and took in his surroundings, he could see a village in the distance. He had no idea where he was, but here was certainly better than 'there' at this point.

He took stock of what he had on him. His Dagger, a small purse of Koku, and nothing else. In his dismay after the death of his love, he had simply disappeared. He hadn't taken anything with him. No matter, It's not like he needed much anyway.

The man cleaned his face, and straightened his appearance as best as possible in a small stream, then began walking towards the village. It wasn't far, a hundred, maybe two hundred yards at most, out of the underbush, and from behind the rocky landscape and into the small village. He began looking for clues as to where he was. The Samurai he saw on the streets often bore no mon, but there were a few Unicorn Patrols.

Judging from the landscape, and Unicorn Guards, he was in either the northern or western mountain ranges of Rokugan. As he began to move through the village, people noticed him. Of course they would. He was certainly one to be noticed in his current state. People backed away from him as he began to make his way through the town.

After a few moments of walking aimlessly, looking for someone, or something to relate his location, a Unicorn Samurai on horseback approach from behind. Are you lost? His tone was authoritative, though not troubling to the man walking the streets.

I could say that I'm lost, yes. The man in the street stopped, and turned around. I'm lost, everything I had is lost, Im adrift in a world with no compass. The man's eyes contained a sadness made real by the tone of his voice. His voice wasn't soft, but it contained no edge. it was completely flat. His eyes looked as if they had just witnessed the horrors of war for the first time.

The Samurai sighed. Lets get you settled in then eh? The Samurai dismounted, and began walking towards Shoju. He didn't look menacing, He didn't look ready to attack. He looked genuine.

The Unicorn pointed down the road, and they began walking again the Unicorn looked sideways at him I am Shinjo Saiten, magistrate of Kibukito. The Shinjo looked at the man, expecting similar pleasantries.

Kibukito? What seemed an eternity ago, he had come here looking for the Bloodspeaker Cell. It was a dead end, but he remembered, this place was where those whose relatives had been exiled to the Burning Sands came to live. Those who had been ostracized by any clan in the empire came here, and formed a village of their own. The Unicorn kept a presence here for order, and to scout against the Yobanjin, but this place was isolated, with the only connection to the outside world being the village of Bikami, south, through the mountain pass. Maybe, this was a boon for the man.

The man thought quickly. I am Ken'o. The Brother's War has destroyed my family. My wife was slain while carrying our child, and our home destroyed in a skirmish over a supply line for the armies. The man looked at him, hoping the cover story would grant him some leeway so far north and removed from the drudgery of the politics of Rokugan.

Saiten looked at him A tragedy for sure Ken'o-san, but....

The man interrupted him I know what this village exists for. I know why these people are here. I know why you are here. I have... skills, that could be of service. I was a minor magistrate in what seems like two lifetimes ago, and a Shugenja of some skill. I know that this place isn't meant for me, but please, allow me to at least rest, and collect myself, and if I'm still a burden, well... then I will allow you to escort me to the Burning Sands yourself.

As they reached the building, it was a small inn. It looked largely unused, and for good reason. Who would come and travel to this place willingly? The Unicorn paused, and sighed. I can't do more than allow you to stay as a paying guest. This is not the place you want to be Ken'o.

The man bowed, and sighed a little, mostly for effect I understand Shinjo-san. We all have our place. The man walked into the inn, and was shown to a room. On his way, he inquired about a bath, and possibly new clothing. A boy bowed and talked quickly about acquiring clothes for the man. It was clear that the boy was excited to have a chance to interact with an outsider. The man paid little attention to his words. After the boy set out to acquire clothing for him, the man retreated to a bath, and to his thoughts.

Far North Village was his kind of place. Cut off from the outside world. Full of people the Empire had discarded. Full of promise, and blood, and bodies. Yes, Shoju was beginning to realize that maybe his mind had picked this place for a reason.

He reclined in the tub, and closed his mind, his mind replaying the horrors of the ambush and destruction of the one thing he held dear. The Empire they served had taken the last thing it could from him. He realized now that no amount of honor could serve to show this empire his sincerity. Diplomacy was a ruse they used to coddle each other.

His memory shifted. It was early in his time in Ryoko Owari. He was a Yoriki in Ryoko Owari, and he and the magistrate had just finished an investigation into a Scorpion Merchant they found killing his customers. Confused by his actions, the man asked the magistrate why. The magistrate responded that he didn't know. that some men, well, maybe some men just wanted to take something beautiful and destroy it, that some men, just wanted to watch the world burn around them.

At the time, the young yoriki thought that men like that were mad. Now, he knew men like that, were right.

[Shoju]

Part 2 - Dead Body #1.

---

The man finished his bath, and returned to his room, where a new change of clothes lay, as well as a note, that a young woman would be back to tailor them as needed. The man dressed, and smiled as he realized little tailoring would be needed. They were a dark, ruddy brown color. He hoped that it was a dark enough color.

The man reclined on a cushion, and drifted off to sleep. His dreams were only nightmares. the worst parts of his life, falling in on one another. The Khadi Ritual, The death at the Hands of Senshi, The battle with the mind slave of Thrakhath, the betrayal of Haruka, and the death of Tenshi. Each scene bled into the next, and when the man shot straight up from his fitful sleep, he heard the slight rap at his chamber door, and the quiet voice. Samurai-sama, I have come to prepare your clothes.[/i]

The man stood, and walked to the door an slid it open. Greetings Ken'o-sama, I am Keiku. She bowed low, and the man showed her in. She placed a small ornately carved wooden box on the table, and beckoned the man over. She opens the box, and begins to measure the man, and pin alterations. She works silently, while the man stands still, moving only when asked, or prodded to.

As they finish up, Keiku looks up at the man, and smiles. You are finished Ken'o-sama She bows, and turns to leave.

wait. The man spoke as she headed for the door. Forgive me for my mood. I... just lost my family recently, and I'm still in a state of shock I guess. Keiku turns around and looks at him. Tell me, how did you come to live here?

The man's face looked saddened enough that she retreated back towards him, and he offered her a cushion at the table opposite his own. She tried to smile politely, and responded I have lived here as long as I can remember. My father was a Moto and dishonored himelf, and his champion. When he was forced to leave the Empire for his actions, My mother and I came to live here. When I was little, I dreamed of being a Battle Maiden, now I know that it would never have happened, and we live here to hide our shame. Keiku's face showed sorrow, even through her polite slight smile.

The man listened intently to her story, and returned her polite smile as she finished. He leaned back and cracked his back, and then stood. What if I told you I could, in a sense, make your dream come true? He walked around the table and leaned down behind her, almost whispering in her ear. What if I told you, that I could turn you into a warrior that men would fear on a battlefield? The look of the man's eyes changed. They looked slightly wild, as if, the idea had lit a fire in his soul.

Keiku blushed. I would be honored Sama, but I... Her words were cut off as she looked up at him, the blade in her back cut off her sentence, and the blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

SSSSSSsssshhhhhh... he whispered in her ear. That's all I needed to hear. Truly, it is me that is honored that you would allow me to. Soon, you will be more than you had ever dreamed. The man picked her up, and carried her into the adjoining bedroom, and laid her on the bed. The blood had stained the sleeve of the kimono, and the man worked quickly to remove the blood from it. The blood soaking the bed however, well... That would just have to be a closely guarded secret for now.

As Keiku's last mortal breath escaped her lips, the man had already begun the ritual to raise her from the dead. After several moments, he began the final spell. Much of her blood was used. As she sat on the bed, her skin paled, and her eyes changed color. Normal effects of the taint that now kept her alive. Well hello Keiku-san. Don't you feel better?

The girl got up from the bed, and stood motionless. She was more sentient than a mindless undead, but the man had made sure to make her as subservient as possible. The man smiled as he walked back into the front room, Keiku followed. The mans thoughts turned over and over in his mind. Kibukito was going to be a fantastic home indeed, the man thought.

He returned to the cushion he had sat on at the low table, and Keiku stood behind him, silent. The man began to think of what was going to need to be done in order to keep himself here in Far North Village. The next step, would have to be; Kill Shinjo Saiten.

[Utaku Mai]

Haru of Bikami:

The whole village breathed a sigh of relief as the doors to the last granary finally shut, swelled with the year's rice harvest. Everyone old or young enough to bend over had needed to contribute this year, and even then it was a close call to gather in the crops before the first rains. Everyone held their breath during the threshing, praying for the sun to continue shining for just a few more days so the labors of the harvest would not be wasted. The sun had seen fit to smile upon them, the harvest was a success, and the village of Bikami sighed, and then rejoiced. So it was for a village at war, where men who would normally lend their hands to the harvest had instead followed their samurai and lady into battle.

Utaku Yun-Li was remembered fondly at the local shrine, and her memorial was immaculately kept. It was through her sacrifice that Bikami had been saved from a terrible occupation at the hands of the Yobanjin, and it was that sacrifice that led so many of the men to abandon their fields to follow her daughter Mai. While the young samurai-ko was not quite as well-loved as her mother, she had proven herself as a compassionate if headstrong leader who could perhaps grow to fill the space Yun-Li left in their hearts. When Mai asked for men to follow her to fight a war against brother emperors, they did not understand or even much care, but nevertheless dropped their tools and left.

All except Haru.

You're too small, harukun! Taro had said as he mounted onto his horse, nothing near so fine as an Utaku steed but a bright and able beast nonetheless. You'll fall behind, and get yourself eaten by a bog hag. Your skin will be so small she will have to wear it like a hat! Taro spun stories like this all day, trying to scare his little brother, but the boy would not be swayed.

"I will *not* fall behind! I want to fight! I want to be a warrior!" Haru's voice, meant to sound heroic, cracked against his will. Twelve winters had filled his imagination with tales of heroes and warriors, fighting bravely, saving the life of their lord, finding rewards of riches, or even the right to become samurai themselves.

But Taro and so many others had left to have their adventures, leaving Haru behind to stoop in the paddies and dream of something, anything more exciting than rice, mud, and straw.

A trip to Kibukito wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but here he was, leading his patient horse Uma up the narrow switchbacks, carefully navigating the cart of precious cargo around the tight turns, soon to be impassible during in the coming months. While the tiny village did for themselves most of the year, they relied on Bikami's surplus through the harsh winters, in exchange for a few odd provisions and supplies they managed to accumulate from the ronin who passed through on their way to the burning sands.

One slow step after the next, and Haru's mind once again wandering to faraway places that would always be more exciting than where he was right now, until he finally crosses the final peak, seeing the small village. Not knowing exactly where to go, he goes in search of the town's magistrate, a Shinjo who was known to treat the peasants of Bikami well.

[Shoju]

Part #3 - A bad day, for a young kid.

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As afternoon began to head towards evening, Shinjo Saiten decided to go check on Ken'o. He felt bad about telling the Shugenja that he couldn't stay in Far North Village. While other Magistrates who had been tasked with the Village of Kibukito had been firm, even intolerant and resentful towards the populace, Saiten knew that these people were a family. This village was all they had left in the world. Saiten rode off to the inn, and was escorted to Ken'o's room. Part of Saiten felt that the new ronin would fit in well here, once he had adjusted to his new life. The other part of him.... wasn't so sure. There was something in his eyes that just really bothered Saiten.

Ken'o knocked, and announced himself. Ken'o-san, Its Shinjo Saiten, I hoped that we could speak again?

The man stood, and walked to the door, he pointed to the adjoining room, and Keiku silently walked in, and closed the door. With the undead woman hidden, he opened the door. Welcome Saiten-sama. I hadn't expected to see you again today. The man bowed lowed, and extended his hand inviting Saiten into the room. Tell me Shinjo-sama, what brings you by?

Saiten walked in, and sat down on a cushion. Ken'o-san, I hoped to check on you, and see if there is anything you need, and to talk to you about what your plan is. The Shinjo's eyes betrayed his feelings of remorse, even though he tried desperately to mask it in his voice.

The man walked back to his cushion, and seated himself. Thank you Shinjo-sama, I appreciate your concern. Since Far North Village seems to be a lost cause for me, I will attempt to continue pushing towards the Burning Sands. A shugenja like myself could probably find the crown jewel of the desert quite the place. And with nothing holding me to Rokugan any longer, It is probably for the best. The words came out of his mouth easily, the lie so easy to tell when one needn't worry about it being discovered as a lie later. It is with regret though. I met a fantastically gifted tailor earlier today right here. Keiku? I think her name was? Yes.... I'm sure that is what she said her name was. She seemed to be pleased with her life here.... or at least... as pleased as one can be, under the circumstances.

Saiten looked over Ken'o. There was soemthing else different about him from earlier. Yes, he was cleaned up, and wearing clothes that weren't ruined, but... Something had changed. He held onto the thought, and continued talking. Truly, you don't mean to cross the sands on foot do you? Medinaat Al-Salaam is a journey to undertake...

Ken'o interrupted him. It's like I said before Saiten-sama. I have nothing holding me to Rokugan any longer. My wife, my child, they are dead. My Clan, chewed my family up and spit me out in the name of a war between the brother Emperors! The man had grown a little loud, but only to cover the noice created by the screen to the room where Keiku had stayed. I'm sorry Shinjo-sama. I dishonor you with my outbursts. I am still.... not in my right mind after the death of my wife.

outside

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Haru had checked all the normal places for Shinjo Saiten. He wasn't anywhere. As he rode further into town, he saw the magistrate's horse at the inn. He went inside, inquired of his whereabouts, and the innkeeper smiled, and pointed down the hall. Haru was a welcome sight in Kibukito. It meant that their winter provisions were arriving, and Saiten would want to know right away. The young boy arrived as he heard the shouting of a voice he didn't know. He felt is best to wait, and he watched through a crack in the door.

back inside

---

Saiten wasn't too offended by the outburst, it was the look in the samurai's face that had hid convinced he was making the right choice in not allowing him to stay. As the magistrate of Far North Village, you saw the raw emotion of people after the loss, and you quickly realized, it was more of a slight against the grieving's honor to chastise them, than their grieving was against your own honor. The look on the face of Ken'o was different. There was something hidden there. The magistrate was sure of it. I understand Ken'o-san. I have seen more than a few families sundered, and broken by the empire, and I have seen more than a few put the pieces back together here, in this village. Saiten adjusted himself, and continued If it were a different time of the year, Perhaps we could have made a go of it. With the winter setting in soon, we are expecting our last shipment of provisions from a neighboring village soon. Adding another would mean someone would be sacrificing. In a village where sacrifices have been so painful, I can't ask someone to do that. Saiten was relieved he had found an out, albeit a weak out, to keep this man from settling into Far North Village. The more he looked at him, the more he just didn't feel comfortable being around him.

The man nodded at Saiten's words. Magistrates were all the same. Too keen of an eye for their own good. The man had picked up on the Shinjo's hesitancy earlier in the day. I wish that it didn't have to end this way Shinjo-sama.... Shoju looked past him and nodded.

The girl siezed Saiten by the back of the neck and held him down. What the!.... What is going on!? Keiku?! What has he done to you! The magistrate had been caught off guard. His suspicions had been correct, but he never thought there was real danger.

The man stood over him, and drew the Magistrate's katana from its awkward position, and marvelled at it for a second. Fear not Saiten-sama. When its all over, you will see that my way, truly is the way to handle this. He stopped admiring the katana, scowled, and ran the magistrate's blade through his heart.

As Saiten's body fell sideways on the floor, the boy in the hall cried out. The man and the undead woman both snapped their heads in that direction, and made for the door. Haru fell over backwards trying to get running. They opened the door as he had begun running again. Bring him to me.... The man looked at the undead. ALIVE.

The undead woman simply nodded, and began to give chase. As she reached the entrance to the inn, the innkeeper had appeared and was trying to make sense of it all. The man reached the innkeeper, and tried to calm him, and placate him. When that didn't work, The man slashed at the innkeepers arm with the dagger from his obi, and simply closed his eyes. Soon, the innkeeper was calm, quiet, and obedient. The spell wouldn't last forever, but it would last long enough to get this situation under control.

[Shoju]

part #4 - Setting up the place

The commotion, and the chase of the young boy was drawing a commotion in the town. People started moving towards the inn, since that is where the commotion seemed to be coming from. The Man's thoughts were in the innkeeper's head Diffuse the situation. Tell them the boy was caught trying to steal from Keiku. DO NOT let them back to my room.[/color]

The innkeeper was holding up his hands as the villagers began entering the inn. It is ok. Calm down. There is no problem here. The boy was trying to steal from Keiku, we will catch him, and take him to the magistrate. He just kept saying the same thing, in a monotone while holding his hands up.

Ken'o went back to the room while the mind dominated innkeeper worked to keep the crowd at bay. As he reached the room, he pulled the katana from the magistrate, hoisted him over his shoulder, and took him to the adjoining bedroom.

The ritual worked with the same ease as it had on Keiku. The magistrate rose from the futon, and stood obediently. The man grinned You will make a fine guard Saiten. I told you, in the end, my way really is for the best The magistrate bowed in return.

Back out front, the innkeeper's behavior had made the villagers more weary than anything, and people had begun to disperse to talk among themselves. The events unfolding at the inn were most peculiar. The innkeeper's behavior seemed forced, the boy who brought the rice was chased away by Keiku, who now also seemed missing.

As some of the Ronin began to look around, they noticed that the Magistrate was missing as well. As the night began to take hold on the village, several villagers prepared the provisions from Bikami and began to store them, while others began to watch the inn.

The man in the inn was watched back for a little while. When he was sure that the Ronin weren't going to storm the inn looking for answers, he walked back to the man who was falling out of the effects of the spell. PLEASE I will do what you ask, but spare my children! He pleaded to the man.

The man stood there for a moment, without reply, Of all the things in the world I would take from you, the lives of your children are the last thing. The man shook his head back and forth. NO ONE is permitted within my room, that goes for you as well. As long as we abide by that rule, I see no reason why we can't get along perfectly together.

The innkeeper bowed low Fine! Fine! No one enters your room. I promise. The terror in the eyes of the innkeeper at the sight of the man was evident. Whatever he had done to him earlier had brought true terror to him.

The man walked back to his room. As he slid open the door, the magistrate stood waiting. The wound in his chest would be hard to conceal as it is. Go, and leave in a way that you aren't followed. get yourself new armor, and bring another Daisho with you. The magistrate began to move out the door. One more thing, If you are followed, or bothered before you are able to change out of that ruined mess, kill them Otherwise, assure them that you are fine, and that the situation at the inn is more complicated than you thought

The magistrate bowed, and left.


After the door was closed, The man collapsed in a huff onto a cushion. His mind began to cycle through the events of the past several days, and he closed his eyes. He would give anything to hold her in his arms one last time, but as he thought of that, all he could remember was trying to touch her cheek, and the corpse falling apart. Tears began to stream from his cheeks.

If the empire embraced Bayushi Senshi, and allowed him to act with such dishonor, then the empire wasn't worth saving. The last shreds of sanity and reason were leaving the man who had been known by many names. Taizin, Oronkohiro, Shoju, even the lie he had told Saiten, Ken'o.

The man sat, and wondered what to do next. Taking this town with winter coming would be an easy job. The magistrate was dead. The Ronin would fight him, but in the end, each one that falls would only serve to strengthen his side. Yes... Kibukito may not be Saisei, but The man thought it would serve as a home just as well.

[Utaku Mai]

Haru couldn't breathe. His lungs were on fire, his eyes watered, his legs and stomach ached from the effort of running away, but he held his mouth and nose shut tight as he hid in the rotted out hollow of a log. The woman turned her empty gaze toward him and he was certain he had been seen, but her green eyes continued in a different direction as she walked deeper into the woods. He finally dared to put air into his protesting lungs, but within a moment he was crouched down, and began to retch in the dry leaves. He tried to stop himself, knowing that the noise would be disastrous, but his body protested violently against what he had just seen, and what Haru had just put it through.

When he dared look up again, he saw the woman turn and head straight for him, not even stooping to avoid the sharp branches in her path.

Filthy and empty of his last meal, Haru's will finally overcame his aching body and he ran once more, weaving in and around the trees in an attempt to thwart his pursuer. He despaired upon seeing a clearing in the woods, knowing that he could not outpace her in an open field, that he would die at the hands of that...that murderer from the inn. He prayed to whatever fortunes who would listen to spare his miserable life for one more moment.

The fortunes saw fit to smile upon him, and when he reached the break in the trees he found that he was not in a clearing at all, but in a widening of a familiar path. Not knowing the woods, his desperate wanderings had managed to go downhill and reconnect with the trail back to Bikami. Bolstered by at least knowing where he was, Haru made his way down the trail, his mind formulating a plan.

*****

Her green eyes narrowed haughtily as she found the boy in his hiding place, and the smell of the bile filled her senses to a degree she never thought possible. A dark laughter, so unlike the soft giggle of the kindly tailor, swelled in her, taking pleasure in his shameful display and feeble attempts to avoid his fate. Keiku was long gone; there was only an obedient tool serving the will of its master. There was only the chase.

*****

Haru watched her enter the path from behind an outcropping of rock before he ran down the incline as fast as he dared. The woman was gaining on him, sure-footed even on the steep path. His heart pounded as he rounded the turn on the treacherous switchback before he finally stopped. Bearing a fallen branch like a club and hiding behind an outcropping of rock, he waited for her. When she ran into his view her speed became her downfall as he connected into her belly with all of his strength, sending her over the nearby cliff face. Haru could barely keep his feet himself, and fell to the ground with the momentum of the blow, clawing at the gravel before the mountain could claim him as well. A brief, otherworldly scream echoed over the mountain before it was finally cut off with her final impact on the jagged rocks below.

In the sudden quiet, Haru collapsed on the trail. He could hardly bring himself to move. Exhausted physically and mentally, he longed for his simple life of working the paddies. But he also knew that he could not just hide at home. There was a real danger here in Kibukito, and someone needed to help them. Haru himself hardly seemed the sort to do it, but he determined to find someone who could. He finally picked himself back up and ran once more, down the path to Bikami.

<To be continued...>

[Shoju]

Shoju's room

---

The man was resting in his room in the inn. His thoughts had plagued him ever since his arrival here. Thoughts of his lost love, thoughts of the child she carried for her traitorous sister, thoughts of her murderous brother in law all filled his mind. The Master of Secrets had taken everything from him. It was all that he could do to keep his anger and rage from pushing him towards a bitter and violent path from here to Kyuden Bayushi, destroying anything and everything between him and the Keep of the murderer.

The only thing that kept him from doing so, was a faint voice in his mind. He thought it was Tenshi's voice. It told him that path would bring him nothing but misery, and that it wouldn't bring her back. It whispered to him, calling to him. He knew that it wasn't Tenshi's voice because of the words, but it sounded.... oh so much like her. It promised vengeance. It promised a way to see her again. The promises of the voice were intoxicating.

He listened to the voice, its words both violent and soothing, he listened to the promises, let the tears fall from his eyes, and planned the destruction of every living being in Kibukito.

As he listened to the words, he felt the end of the unlife of the tailor. It was violent, and it was grisly. He sighed... sometimes, it just was better to have willing and able bodies than undead. He was pretty sure that even a group of Bakemono could have tracked down and killed the kid.

He stood, and walked to the lobby, where he ripped the map off the wall, and brought it back to his room. He knew that there would be people coming now. The boy would make it back to wherever it was he had come from.

The magistrate

---

The magistrate had made it back to his small quarters, changed his clothing and armor, and secured an old daisho that he had held onto after the death of a townsman last winter. His will was not his own, but his mind briefly held onto memories. it pained him to take the daisho of an honorable man to his master, but... he had... no choice.

As he left his estate, a young man was comign towards him. Shinjo-sama! We have been looking for you! The supplies arrived from Bikami, and there was a commotion at the inn. I saw Keiku chase the boy from Bikami!

The magistrate nodded, and in a disjointed monotone responded Yes. Thank you for telling me. I.... I was at the inn when the boy was caught trying to steal from Keiku. It looks like a problem that will take time to clear up. I promise.... I will get to the bottom of it... The magistrate began walking back towards the inn, the boy looking at him as he left with fear. Something wasn't right about him, and the boy wasn't sure what. He ran towards the home of his father to tell him.

Back at the inn

---

The magistrate walked into the room, and knelt, Daisho out towards his master. This will do just fine. Thank you Shinjo-san. The man placed the Daishio at his hip, and poured back over the map. The girl was unable to kill the boy. He has escaped. Tell me, where was the boy coming from? There are so few places he could have come from.

The magistrate bent over the map, and pointed at Bikami. holding his finger there.

The man looked at the map between Bikami and Kibukito. Well, at least I know where they will be coming from. Leave me. I must meditate.

[Shoju]

As The Magistrate left the room, he began walking the streets of Kibukito. The events of the day, and the strange visitor, and the odd behavior of Saiten had put the town on edge. With the cold coming, the town was closed up anyway, but there was an air about the town that made it feel even more secluded.

In a town where visitors are the anomaly, and commotion almost a foreign concept, the events of the day were certainly distressing. Even in his undead state, the Magistrate could feel it.

Inside his room, The man prepared what he needed, and as the hours waned into the dead of night, He started. He searched dreamscapes for him. He was prepared to search all night for his prey. come out come out wherever you are... you little traitor.

[Zeure]

[OOC] From Here: Clicky! [/OOC]

It was a thunderstorm, that much was certain that Shoju found himself walking into, but it seemed less random and more controlled than the normal kind. Tamihei Yun was dreaming, but, as often is the case with those who walk in dream often, he was directing his dream. This time he was using it to practice directing spells at intended targets. While the rains fell, he was atop a sort of cliff-like perch, on the edge of a vast watery blackness that stretched on seemingly forever.

Down in the water there were little wooden boats floating, and with a flick of his finger he would strike at them with lightning from above. Yun had never really been good with the precise levels of control for targeted battle spells. He much more often just threw his entire magical oomph behind his spells and hoped that the target couldn't move beyond the area of effect. But he was trying.

[Shoju]

Shoju found Yun's Dreamscape, and watched for a few moments. As Shoju made his presence more apparent, a column of smoke began to take shape next to Yun. Slowly, it took the form of a man, never a solid figure, but more than a simple wisp of smoke.

You knew she had betrayed me, and you fled. The smokey figure turned its head towards Yun. The figures face showing a restrained rage.

You knew she was going to attack. You knew that lives would be lost, and you fled like a coward The figures words were scornful, yet sorrowful.

They killed her Yun. They killed my love, and the child she carried. They killed Haruka's child. And you knew they were coming. The figures face was torn and twisted from hatred and rage to sorrow and remorse and back again. The smokey apparition looked at Yun, and then back at the ships. You took the name of my ancestors, and then betrayed me, Yun. The figure watched the storm, waiting.

[Zeure]

Yun had a quizical look cross his face as the column of smoke appeared, not knowing what to make of it. His first reaction was to smote it with the lightning that he was conjuring. Of course, he couldn't really hurt it because of the nature of the dreams. As it spoke, a more dreadfilled look crossed his face, and as the voice became apparent to him, he dropped his head and bowed while waiting for the figure to cease speaking.

As the full gravity of the words sunk in, unfortunately, Yun could utter only one word. "w...what?"

Finally some sense of him returned and he raised his head up. He licked his lips and swallowed deeply before continuing to speak.

"Shoju-sama. What are you talking about? I told you exactly why I left. You know why I left. You agreed that it was a good idea. I came to protect our ally. I swore fealty to you and the Tamihei name, I wouldn't do any such thing. I am no coward, and you know how seriously I take loyalty."

He was legitimately surprised, but he had wondered why his missives to Shoju had gone unanswered. He kept his voice steady, though rushed.

[Shoju]

The smokey form of the apparition shook its head. If what you say is true, then you have been played for a fool. The smoke dissipated from the form of a man, and began to replay the events, The assault on the camp, the death of Tenshi, All of it. As the scene finished, The form coalesced into a man again.

Your words the day before the Scorpion arrival ring in my head. Maybe what you say is true. Maybe she did deceive you. Or, maybe you both deceived me. The form looked impassive as he spoke for a moment. No matter what, you soon will outlive your usefulness to that woman. And when you do, she will destroy you.

The Form walked towards Yun, and leaned in close to him. There is nothing left of what I worked tirelessly to build. Bayushi Haruka and Bayushi Senshi destroyed it all. Vengeance will come for them. And when it does, The figure backed away from him. It will consume everything in its path.

The Smoke turned back and looked to the storm.I wish to believe you, to know that what you say is truth. The smoke form began to lose its shape But from my perspective, there is no honor, no.... truth left in this empire

The Smoke seemed to struggle to keep itself in the form of a man for a moment, and then regained its form. It stared out off the cliff.

[Zeure]

Yun looked conflicted. He had several difficult things playing through his mind, several concepts that were at odds with one another. He did not know which one to go with.

"This information changes things. I...I'm sorry I was not there. I know that will not be enough. Tenshi-san..."

He was stammering, not knowing what to say to the man who was the sole cause for any chance he had at this thing called redemption. But he walked over to him and stood beside him.

"What are you going to do now? What do you want me to do?"

[Shoju]

The figure of smoke began to lose its shape slightly again. As it pulled itself back together, Shoju spoke No path I walk can be shared at this point. My path will only sew suffering and anguish to those who dare find themselves upon it. The figure looked at Yun. Find redemption. Separate yourself from the whatever curse plagues you. As he finished the sentence, he looked back towards the storm. But no matter what your true intentions were in this business, I would find a way to separate yourself from Haruka. You were at best an unwitting pawn in her game, at worst, a co-conspirator to the murder of My Love. The figure resettled its gaze on Yun. When I enact my vengeance upon the Scorpion, I will not discern between innocent and guilty. All will be judged guilty of her murder. All of them will suffer[/i] [/color]

As the final word left the figure of Smoke, The storm intensified, and the figure fell apart, and the smoke rolled off the cliff. There was a roar to the next crack of thunder that was unnatural. Shoju's grip on his meditation was failing. His rage was consuming his thoughts.

[Zeure]

Yun stood on the edge of the cliff for several moments, thinking on what had happened to him. His mind was racing with all manner of different thoughts related to Shoju, and Haruka. Had she really fought to save him, dragging him away from this fight that had taken place. Had she just wanted to keep him out of the way because he was dangerous to whomever she sent to kill Tenshi? Had it really been Haruka at all? Could it be that some other Scorpion had taken her information and used it for ill purposes?

Alone now, in the dream world, Yun cleared the clouds away, cleared the water and the boats away. He could not concentrate on them enough to garner any sort of relevant practice. He sat down on the edge of the cliff in the dark blackness that now surrounded him on all sides.

"Well... that changes things... What should I do with this information..."

[OOC] Follow here: Clicky! [/OOC]