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Post by Shoju on Jan 22, 2012 9:35:14 GMT -5
Shoju sat and listened to the details with his eyes closed. Finally, he thought.
When she finished, Shoju opened his eyes, and leveled a satisfied expression at Mai. That wasn't that hard now, was it?
Shoju stood, and walked to the door of the room, slid it open, looked out, and then slid the door closed, and walked back and sat down.
It sounds like the two of you will be quite the pair. Shoju grinned slyly. I bet your children will be the stuff of legend. Shoju's smile was sincere, no malice could be found in his expressions or words.
I believe that you would sacrifice much for him, wouldn't you? Shoju studied the Battle Maiden's face, with almost a tinge of regret. He did hate having to be so awful with people. There is only one thing left to find out, now isn't there? Shoju smiled a little at that, he had an idea.
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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 Jan 22, 2012 23:19:28 GMT -5
He flew down in through a window into the inn, landing in a deserted hallway. The presence he felt was very near, very strong, like a torch in the night. At that moment, a door slid open and a voice answered him, a face peeking out through a door, and he smiled. He summoned up his energy once again, putting all of his focus into this moment and replied once again. Hello, Shoju...
The man flew away again with all the speed he could muster, soaring out and above the mountains, back with all haste towards Kyuden Otomo. He soared out over Lion lands, the vast snow-covered fields stretching out to meet the great forest near his destination. As he approached the imposing castle that housed the Emperor and his Winter Court, he locked on to a presence and dived towards it, finding his way there in not but a moment...***** Inside his private chambers, his body deep in meditation, he was oblivious for a moment to a voice outside his door telling him that it would soon be time for dinner. He shook himself from his reverie before whoever it was could inquire again. "Thank you, Kitsuki-san, I shall be ready in only a few minutes." He collected his thoughts for a moment before rising, and he felt more focused than he had for days. In his solitude, Saiko opened his pale green eyes, a dark fury boiling behind them, and he smiled.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 23, 2012 13:25:03 GMT -5
Mai went cold at the tsukai's grin, full of dread at whatever plans were turning in his head, but said nothing. There wasn't anything more he could demand that Mai hadn't already given, willingly or no.
She looked at her hands, the worn palms that had held reins and weapons, dirt and blood still present under the fingernails. She felt the keen need to cleanse herself properly, to seek purification of her soul from the corrupting force pressing in on her. She wondered if any blessing could alleviate the distrust she felt in her own body, or if that war would always rage in her own mind, just out of reach of her fingertips.
The battle lines are drawn, you've fallen for their trap. Your forces are pinched between a hostile landscape and an overwhelming enemy, she thought, thinking back on some of her lessons in tactics at her father's side. Is the battle lost?
Mai could not say, but in such a situation the best thing to do, the only thing to do, was survive until the position could be reinforced.
Reinforcements...
A sudden glimmer of hope waved itself in front of her, as overcome as she was in her despair. There might yet be something she could do, some piece to a puzzle, she just needed to find out how.
Her fear of this tsukai was no less real, but his power could not be absolute. There had to be some kind of weakness to exploit, some way for something to get through...
Mai fell back into her own mind and began to plan.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 23, 2012 14:18:03 GMT -5
Shoju acknowledged her silence, and began to prepare. The day moved at a normal pace, Shoju moving around the room, lunch coming, lunch leaving, Dinner coming, and being taken away. Shoju pecked a little, but never close to a full meal. It was as if he was simply sampling the flavors of the food and drink.
As always, there was food and drink for Mai, separate from his own, always a nice meal. Nothing looked out of place. Shoju was polite to everyone that came to the door. He tried his best to be polite and hospitable to Mai. There seemed to be no malice in his actions. He actually, seemed to be in a better mood than he had been since meeting her.
He murmured quietly to himself as he worked. He studied a map that he had asked one of the servants at the inn to bring him. Occasionally words related to spell scrolls, and libraries could be heard, as if Shoju was planning on visiting one.
As night fell on the Inn, Shoju began to prepare the sitting area. He put a small table in the center, and placed two cushions seated next to each other, and a few candles, and a bowl. He called for a servant, and requested some incense, nothing too out of the ordinary. A short time later, the servant came back and apologized for having so little. Shoju smiled, and assured them it was ok.
As the servant prepared to leave, Shoju explained that he would be using a treatment he had learned in his time with the Sons of Osano Wo to heal Mai's wounds, and that he needed to ensure that NO ONE bothered them. The servant nodded, bowed, and left.
Shoju turned back into the room, and smiled at Mai. Come, Utaku Mai, it is time for us to lift the veil on the last mystery of your love with Sojiro. Shoju sat down on the cushion, and motioned to the cushion beside him. I promise, you have nothing to fear.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 23, 2012 14:56:59 GMT -5
Liar, she wanted to say, but she bit her tongue and moved into the proffered position, being careful not to brush any part of her body or clothing against his form. She gave a wary eye toward the incense and candles, and her hand flicked impulsively toward the jade pendant around her neck, rubbing it between her fingers like the protective talisman that it was.
When she spoke at last, her voice was flat and monotone, but her body conveyed the familiar fear that many samurai carried of the Taint.
"What do you plan to do?"
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Post by Shoju on Jan 23, 2012 15:17:02 GMT -5
Shoju finished his preparations and looked at the small table. Why, isn't it obvious? Shoju looked at her, and then back to the table. Of course not. You are a Shiotome. My apologies. Shoju looked back at her. We are going to undertake a guided dreamwalk. I will be guiding you, and we will find your Sojiro as he sleeps. Shoju smiled lightly. He is going to come for you Mai, and as long as he honors the stipulations I set forth, you two can live happily ever after, and I will see my vegeance served.
Shoju eyed the jade she held. I promise, you don't need that, but I wont tell you to leave it. Shoju looked back into her eyes, and spoke clearly. I hope for your sake he is as devoted to you as you are to him.
Shoju directed Mai to close her eyes, and began the spell. Soon, they both were in a sleep state, sharing a dream. Shoju appeared next to her, in a body that was slightly thinner, more stately, with long black hair, and a jingasa hanging on his back. Come, your dreams will hold the key to finding him.
The two walked for a time, and soon, they found themselves in a dream, the surroundings familiar to Mai. It was a dream of when Haru had come to her to warn her of Shoju. In the distance, Mai could be seen riding off. Sojiro stood a short distance away, facing away from them. Good evening Kakita Sojiro-san. My name is Shoju. I have brought someone to see you.
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Kakita Sojiro
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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 23, 2012 16:39:04 GMT -5
Sojiro had spent the evening sorting out the nonsense surrounding Mitsu's "involvement" in the murder of a lion samurai. He was tired... it had been a long time since he had exercised his position as a magistrate, and technically, being a magistrate of Tsuma city didn't give him much authority here in Kyuden Otomo, something that had been repeatedly thrown in his face. Fortunately, being a Hatamoto and Karo of one of the major families in the empire had its advantages, including a fair amount of political weight to throw around should the need arise.
In his private quarters, he sat in a bath smoking one of Saiko's tobacco rolls and just chuckled at the absurdities he had faced today. Eventually, when he was certain that every last drop of tension and soreness had been either soaked or smoked out of him, he pulled his scarred body out of the now lukewarm water, dried off, tied his unruly hair back in something resembling a pony tail, and collapsed into sleep. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He was standing in the snow, dressed in his heavy haori and riding garb. The haori bore the mon of the Kakita elite on the back, and he had two katana tied to his obi - the onl difference in how he had actually appeared that day. He was watching Mai ride off to an uncertain destiny, when he heard an unfamiliar voice behind him.
Shoju? THAT Shoju?
Memories of his private conversation with Mitsu cycled through his mind. He turned to face the voice, and found two people waiting for him. One was an unfamiliar man....
....and the other was Mai.
On no. By the fortunes, please no....
Fear for her was replaced in his eyes by something very dangerous as he studied Shoju, but his voice remained calm.
"I see this, and believe me when I tell you that I appreciate the chance to see Mai-san again."
His voice became a gutteral snarl.
"You should also believe, with absolute faith, that if you have hurt her, there is no place in this world or the next that will hide you from me." he chuckled, that laugh containing more malice than any threat ever could.
"But I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? I'm assuming that you went to the effort of finding my dreamscape for a reason, Shoju, and considering that you have become someone of considerable interest to me over the past 48 hours or so, I'm quite curious as to why you are speaking to me right now, instead of trying to slowly torture Bayushi Senshi to death."
Outside, Sojiro was the picture of controlled malice. Violence frozen over, frosted with a thin layer of courtesy and.... was that a hint of empathy? Whatever it was, it was clear that it a major reason he was fighting to remain calm. The other, obviously, was the image of Mai trying to contain her own horror at her situation. Indeed, on the outside he was the very picture of icy control, the only real tell being that, even in a dream, Sojiro felt the need to smoke when he was stressed.
Inside his own head, he was screaming.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 23, 2012 17:21:33 GMT -5
Shoju grinned, and made a gesture to Mai that she should move to Sojiro. Keeping them calm, well... that would just make this all easier.
Well it is funny that you mention my vengeance against Senshi, and not injuring Mai.... Shoju trailed off as he thought for a moment. Your... beloved Mai is the reason that I'm not currently on my way to destroying the Master of Secrets. She laid waste to what was turning out to be a very well laid plan... Shoju held his arms out, showing that he was unarmed.
It's not her fault. She didn't know, but I think she is beginning to understand. Shoju looked at her. She was injured, but I promise I have done my best to tend the wound without tainting her.
Shoju's face grew a little somber. Now, no further harm needs come to either of you, as long as you Sojiro-san, are willing to abide by a few rules. Shoju pointed at Mai. But if you break my rules, her fate will be one worse than death. Shoju looked back at Sojiro. So, Sojiro-san, are you willing to talk deal with, a.... Oh... What would Mai call me? A monster? A Crazy Man?
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 23, 2012 17:29:11 GMT -5
He looked just the same as he did when she last saw him. Mai didn't wait for permission -- she ran toward him, hoping she could express enough control in the dream state to touch him, even if only for a moment.
"I'm sorry," was all she could say. "I'm so sorry..."
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Kakita Sojiro
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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 23, 2012 17:50:35 GMT -5
He embraced her as she ran to him, holding her tightly to his chest.
"Mai, it's alright. You have nothing to apologize for, love. You didn't cause this." He kissed her, quickly but passionately. Brushing a tear from her cheek, he whispered, "I'll come for you, I promise." Then he looked back up to Shoju.
"No, I know who caused this, and it's not you, Mai." His gaze locked with the Tsukai, and in that moment the two men both gained some understanding of each other. Underneath the frozen viciousness of one and the crazed madness of the other was a common thread - a thread of absolute loss, of having the one thing that meant everything to that soul ripped away and destroyed while they were forced to watch. Sojiro saw his own insanity over Reina's murder reflected back at him in Shoju's eyes.
And in that instant, the ice in Sojiro's gaze melted, if only for a second.
"Before we talk of deals Shoju, I need you to explain something to me. Why? What does Mai, or a village in unicorn lands, have to do with that bastard? You should know that I'm a man who speaks what he thinks if Mai has told you anything about me, so it may surprise you to hear that I would happily put a blade through the so-called master of secrets and then send you his head, giftwrapped and with a pretty haiku attached, because of what he's done. His crimes, both against you and others, are unforgiveable. His only redeeming quality is the fact that he is living, breathing proof of my belief that you don't have to be tainted to be vile, evil scum. But I fail to see what corrupting a small border village would do to further your revenge against him. It..." he shook his head, taking a puff from the tobacco and squeezing Mai again with one arm.
"It just doesn't add up. It doesn't make sense to me, and neither does involving Mai."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 23, 2012 19:03:25 GMT -5
"Sojiro..." she whispered as they embraced. She looked into his eyes as he made his promise to come for her, though Mai's own heart sank at the prospect. Sojiro was safe right now, but if he came to meet the tsukai himself he'd surely be caught in his web...
Not knowing if anything she said could be obfuscated from Shoju, but desperate to tell her love all the same, she chances a whisper in his ear. "Sojiro, please, whatever it is he wants...don't do it. It's not worth the risk, he's insane, please..." Her tone was nearly frantic. Clearly, she was deeply afraid, both of Shoju and what he was capable of, and of the idea of Sojiro being in danger.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 23, 2012 19:42:00 GMT -5
Shoju smiled as he watched them embrace. His decision to bring her with him seemed sound.... so far.
Shoju stood still, crossed his arms in the folds of the Black Kimono he wore, and met Sojiro's eyes. He spoke with conviction, and fervor. I can only promise you the truth Sojiro-san. I can't promise that it will make things anymore sensible to you.
With that, Shoju began. First, Sojiro-san, the village is only Unicorn in the strict sense that they have pervue over it. To call the people who live there Unicorn, in the right company, would probably cause you a great amount of dishonor.
I went there to escape the ambush at the hands of the Master of Secrets and the Master of the Void. They had murdered Tenshi, and the child she carried. Shoju's eyes teared. A very piece of my soul had been sacrificed to bring life back to Tenshi, so that she could carry the child. When... When they murdered her, my mind took me to the place that all outcasts of Rokugan are sent. Far North Village.
Sadly, the boy from Bikami was a setback. He was bringing table scraps from Bikami to the outcasts, and walked in at the most inopportune time. You should know, sometimes, a few deaths are needed to achieve a goal in war, and... Well, what else would you call what exists between myself and the Master of Secrets?! Ask anyone who was there. After the necessary deaths of the tailor girl, and the magistrate, not a single person was killed that didn't oppose us in battle.
I went there seeking other outcasts of the empire who were unhappy enough to join me. Bayushi Senshi killed me once because I thought he was honorable, and had moved to meet him peacefully. Then, he killed my Tenshi after ambushing a diplomatic caravan en route to meet with the Ox Clan. I won't make the same mistake again.
It would be folly for me to meet him without.... backup. So, I sought to use those that Rokugan had seen fit to discard and sharpen them into a blade of vengeance.
Shoju broke eye contact with Sojiro, and looked at Mai. The involvement of Utaku Mai was unfortunate. The opposition from those in Kibukito who didnt' wish to join me was unfortunate.
I didn't desire either to happen. I even recanted my original position of killing all who stood against me and using them as fuel for my rituals to let them escape. When Mai arrived, her cavalry quickly dispatched my men, all 6 of them, and we were engaged in combat.
At first, I thought her to be my Tenshi. I thought that she had come back to be my death. She does so much look like Tenshi, just.... shorter Shoju grinned at that point.
During the course of combat, Mai injured me with a blade to my side. Not what you would call a normal wound. It burned at my soul. Shoju rubbed absently at his side.
In my anger, I injured her arm, and took her hostage. Shoju looked back at Sojiro. Did you know she's claustrophobic? Shoju chuckled at the thought. Anyway, I took her too an inn, dressed her wound, and she assaulted me. I reminded her of who was in control of the situation, and made her answer simple questions about the one thing she mentioned over and over and over in her fits while unconscious. YOU[/i].[/color]
Shoju held his hands out wide. And so we are here. She proved that she is worth saving. That she isn't cut from the same cloth as the Master of Secrets. She proved that she would indeed sacrifice much for her love. Shoju's voice lowered. Now, we need to find out, Sojiro-san, would you do the same?
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 23, 2012 20:20:34 GMT -5
Sojiro grinned wickedly when Shoju mentioned the wound to his side. Tengo Raimei had left her mark... good to know.
"That answers several questions I had. I disagree with you on several points, but we'll get to that. For now let's hear this deal of yours, Tamihei Shoju, heir to the Snake clan. I'm interested to hear what the pale shadow of a once honorable man has to say to me."
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Post by Shoju on Jan 24, 2012 9:16:50 GMT -5
Shoju shook his head. I am no longer Tamihei. My actions taken against The Master's Ambush only served to further damn those who followed me. I have relinquished my claim to the Snake Clan, and the Name. Tamihei Bonfei now leads the Snake Clan. I wouldn't be surprised if his practical nature had a group of Snake looking to end me, and erase the stain of my dishonor.
Shoju folded his arms back into the sleeves of his kimono. But as for my proposition... Shoju took a breath, and began to explain.
I lost everything in the Ambush. Besides losing my Clan, and my Love, I lost scrolls, a daisho, and a No-Dachi. Thankfully, I have a keen mind, and have put many spells to memory. The others, well... I don't think the scrolls I lost would be found in the libraries of the Asahina. But, You are a Kakita. I think that you can aid me in replacing my Daisho.
Shoju eyed Sojiro. I know, it seems... lopsided, that I would request just a Daisho, but hear me out. I'm requesting a Kakita crafted Daisho, Delivered by you personally. Shoju nodded, and continued. You will come, and you will bring one person of your choosing with you. No more. You will meet me in Ryoko Owari. If you alert anyone, Mai's life is forfeit. If you come in the company of more than one, Mai's life is forfeit. If you bring me anything but a Kakita Daisho, Mai's life is forfeit. Shoju's eyes narrowed. And just so we're clear, forfeit doesn't mean dead. I don't want to have to go to these measures. I truly, don't. But your beloved has really put me in a bind.
Shoju was quiet for a moment. Oh, I almost forgot. Sacrifice. When you deliver the blades to me, you will also surrender to me, some of your blood. It will have no permanent effect on you, of this, you have my word. It will only prove to temper my vengeance into the Daisho you bring me. Shoju smiled a little. Will you sacrifice a little.... blood for her? Will you sacrifice a little... honor for her? Shoju looked at Mai. Would you sacrifice a very part of who you are So that life may grace her?
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 24, 2012 14:50:07 GMT -5
Sojiro shook his head.
"I'm not sure you understand what you're asking for, Shoju. You can't use a Kakita daisho. Not 'I won't let you' or 'it's not allowed', you can't. If you think the bite from my wakizashi was bad," he grinned, "then you need to understand that the blessing on it pales in comparison to the blessings on a true Kakita blade. I don't think you will even be able to touch one without intense pain, much less actually wield one."
"I am willing to retrieve a high quality daisho for you made in the Kakita style that you can actually touch, if you would prefer. But I stand by my assessment that a true Kakita blade is going to be something you actually want no part of."
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