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Post by Shoju on Jan 24, 2012 15:01:30 GMT -5
Shoju grinned. You let me worry about that part Sojiro-san. Shoju cocked his head to the side I didn't ask for your blood for nothing Shoju's maddening expression grew troubling as he held his hand, and a fire figure took form in it. A man could be seen working a blade on a forge and anvil.
When one has all the time in the world, one has time to learn new.... hobbies. The fire in his hand died out, and Shoju swirled his hand in the air, and a portal into his memories, similar to a mirror, showed Sojiro the time Shoju spent working and forging the No-Dachi in blood, and then, Shoju carrying it against Senshi at the Ambush.
The blade will obey me. Your blood will ensure it's obedience. Shoju allowed the portal to his memories fade, and looked at the pair. The lengths I'm willing to go to utterly destroy the Master of Secrets are nearly limitless.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 24, 2012 16:17:51 GMT -5
Sojiro shook his head again. "You're ignoring the fact that you can't work a blade you can't touch, Shoju. I have a counter proposal for you."
"Suppose I could get your old sword back. The one you lost in your last battle with Senshi. I don't know where it is... but Shodai does. And I know where Shodai is."
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Post by Shoju on Jan 24, 2012 16:31:29 GMT -5
Shoju huffed. Sojiro was right. If he couldn't touch the blade, he couldn't work it, he couldn't temper it, and attacking the sword directly could destroy it before rendering it useful. I suppose you are right. If I can't wield it, I can't forge it. Shoju thought for a moment. You do realize that if Shodai took that blade, he would kill you before he surrenders it don't you? You realize he was a part of what started this? That the only reason I haven't sought vengeance on him is because his honor will torture him longer than I have the patience to? His voice had changed. He was angry.
He will never let you bring me the blade. Shoju stared at him. His face bitter at the thought of Shodai.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 24, 2012 16:37:23 GMT -5
Now it was Sojiro's turn to be a bit cocky. He took another puff from the tobacco, which never seemed to go out or grow shorter here in the dream realm.
"You let me worry about the Void Master, Shoju.... if that is what you want, which you still haven't answered. Your old sword, or something else?"
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Post by Shoju on Jan 24, 2012 17:18:25 GMT -5
Shoju frowned Don't get too smug Sojiro-san. When this dream fades away, You wake up alone, and I wake up with Mai. Shoju's tone was more irritated than threatening or boastful. Himitsu no akumu was forged with the sole desire to take the life of The Master of Secrets. It thirsts for him. You bring me that blade, and it will serve to fullfill the request for armaments.
Shoju sighed, and backed away. Everything else, holds true. You will come in the company of one other, and there is still the matter of your sacrifice. That is the most important part of this bargain.
Shoju stood waiting the answer.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 24, 2012 23:14:28 GMT -5
Sojiro closed his eyes, took a deep breath... and made a deal with the devil.
"Fine. Himitsu no Akuma and blood in exchange for Mai, unharmed aside from the wound she took in battle, and untainted. Understand that as Hatamoto of the Kakita family, it may take me a few days to make sure no one follows me. My family knows that I make a sport of harassing and scandalizing the courtiers every year at Winter Court, and my sudden departure would be certain to attract attention, doubly so now that I am Hatamoto. Traveling wherever I choose, whenever I choose, is simply no longer an option, and I'm fairly certain that the last thing either of us want is my Regent sending a group of Daidoji scouts to track me down. It would be.... inconvenient, to put it mildly."
He opened his eyes, and that frozen edge had returned to them.
"I will deliver on my end of our deal, Shoju. But understand me well. If you deviate from your end at all, if Mai is harmed in any way, I will use every weapon at my disposal to crush you. I've faced more than my share of Tsukai already. I know how to deal with Maho. I know how to deal with the oni and undead they summon, as I'm sure you figured out when Mai struck you with Tengo Raimei, and now I have armies from four clans that I can call on, as well as my own personal legion. If you betray me... if she is hurt in any way, I'll walk through the front gates of Jigoku to find you if need be. If you doubt that, just remember the lengths you are willing to go to because of Tenshi-san."
His pulse raced as he realized what he had gotten himself into. Willingly giving your blood to a maho user was quite possibly the most foolish thing you could do.... but he had Mai...
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Post by Shoju on Jan 24, 2012 23:44:34 GMT -5
Shoju nodded. He was visibly pleased by what had transpired. You have my word Sojiro-san, though... he looked at Mai I would feel a bit more comfortable if Mai would be so kind as to give you her word that she wont try to flee, or fight, or argue. Shoju grinned at her. I would rather not need to repeat this morning, or make good on my Promise Mai.
Shoju grinned, and looked back at Sojiro. I'm counting on your love for Mai being even remotely close to that I hold for Tenshi, Sojiro-san.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 25, 2012 1:38:37 GMT -5
Mai could only shake her head and beg from her own mind that Sojiro would refuse the offer. Shoju could guarantee nothing where blood magic was concerned, but it was a risk Sojiro was willing to take, for her.
She ran her hand through his hair, her eyes full of uncertainty and sorrow, wishing against hope that this sacrifice would not be necessary. When the revery was broken by Shoju's demand, Mai seemed like she wanted to get indignant, but managed to hold it back.
"I give my word of honor," she began, looking into Sojiro's face, her thoughts and feelings giving a silent oath to him in addition to the one Shoju demanded -- "I will not flee..."
I'll make this right, even if it means being stuck in my jail cell forever...
"...I will not fight..."
...Shoju will pay for his audacity, even if my hand will not deliver the blow...
Mai halted slightly on the last, giving Shoju one last glare before she turned her attention back onto Sojiro. "And I will not argue."
...Your soul will not be forfeit on my account.
With the last words spoken and unspoken, she threw her arms toward Sojiro and held him tightly. She could only wish for strength to withstand the separation when the dream finally ended.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 25, 2012 7:46:45 GMT -5
Very well then. Shoju said dryly, looking at Mai. You needn't look so downcast Mai. I was once considered good company. Shoju looked over at Sojiro. Once you have Himitsu no Akumu, the blade will almost assuredly give you a way to find me in Ryoko Owari.
Time to say goodbye. Shoju turned away, giving them a private moment, and reflected on the events. The blade would be in his hands again. His purposeful creation, would be complete.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 25, 2012 8:11:20 GMT -5
He looked down at Mai and ran his fingers through her hair as their eyes met.
"Wait for me, Mai. Stay strong for just a little longer. I swear to you that I'll bring you home, I don't care what it takes." He pulled her close. "Nothing in this world - or any other - will stop me."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 25, 2012 9:49:55 GMT -5
"I love you," Mai said through the free-flowing tears. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry you had to be brought into this. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to destroy him."
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Post by Shoju on Jan 25, 2012 11:54:27 GMT -5
Shoju began walking into the distance, the dreamscape was falling away. Come Utaku Mai. You will see him again.
As they returned to their own minds, and their own Dreamscapes, Shoju awoke on the cushion to see the room was as they had left it. Hours had passed, and most of the candles had burnt themselves out. Shoju stood, and created a small flame in his hand. He worked to get light into the room. He pulled the map back out, and sat down looking at it.
It would probably be a day of travel if the weather held to reach Ryoko Owari, and that was hoping that the snow in the mountains between here and there was light. He thought about traveling by aid of the kami, but... Well, he wasn't sure that Mai could handle that again.
He began to make plans. They would need Travel Papers, Fresh Clothes... Warmer Clothes, and some supplies. In a predicament like this, Shoju's normal course of action would be just to acquire what he needs from the nearest traveler who looked to be his size. But the idea of drawing more attention to them so far removed from a large town seemed a poor idea.
Shoju sat and thought. Surely there was an answer.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 25, 2012 13:19:36 GMT -5
Sojiro awoke in the middle of the night, sitting bolt upright from his sleeping cushions. His first reaction was to vomit, or scream, or throw something breakable.
He did none of these things. Instead, he grabbed his haori and hakama, forgetting his kimono for now, and made his way towards the door from his room. At the last moment he grabbed his two katana and his obi and tied them on in the tachi position - the position reserved for war.
I'm coming for you Shoju, and hell is coming with me.
It was time to have a conversation with the Void master. A very direct conversation. Lighting a tobacco roll, his haori still open, he stormed out of the Crane wing and into the Phoenix wing, daring any servant he encountered to try to stop him with his eyes.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
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Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Jan 25, 2012 14:07:22 GMT -5
Mai woke up bleary-eyed, her clothing soaked with cold sweat and tears. Her last words to Sojiro still echoed in her ears, along with her unspoken pledge to him. Your sacrifice will not come to pass, she promised him, not while I can stop it...
...If I can stop it.
Mai was true to her word to avoid argument, as she simply avoided speaking to Shoju whenever possible. She found an unused washbasin and managed to clean herself up slightly, letting the cool liquid soothe her tear-streaked face, washing away the dirt and grime that had collected in her struggles. She still felt unclean, like Shoju's presence had released some kind of invisible film over her skin, but at least it was something.
Mai was never a good student of meditation, but there seemed to be no better time than the present to practice. She set herself up on a cushion near a small window, letting the winter rays of sunlight warm her person as she sought company in her own mind.
She lasted a few minutes, at most. Like always, Mai could never be satisfied simply being. Her ears began to perk at the distant sounds of the other patrons of the inn, of children laughing and playing games in the road. Her mind wandered for several minutes, imagining among them, basking in the freedom of the open sky, the music of civilization.
Slowly, inspiration began to dawn on her, and she put her mind toward planning her next step.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 25, 2012 14:36:13 GMT -5
Shoju watched as Mai tried to meditate. He realized what would need to be done to ensure they traveled well. Shoju went to the door, and called to a servant. He requested the presence the innkeeper.
She was an old woman. Almost... unnaturally old looking, as if she had been carved by an artisan, as a mockery of old age. Shoju offered her a cushion, but she politely declined, complaining of old bones, and winter, and it would take her a year to stand back up.
Shoju smiled politely, and used impeccable courtier skills to get the information he was after. It was obvious that he had training at one point.
While Mai meditated, and planned, and plotted, Shoju spoke with the innkeeper about local bandit activity. He explained that He and Mai were scouts for the mighty army of Kaneka and while scouting, they had been assaulted by a group of bandits. The story he weaved to the innkeeper was fantastic, vivid, and detailed.
The innkeeper gave him information about men that had been spotted in the forest from time to time. She was sure they were up to no good. She explained that a group of peasants had gone after them, only to disappear. Several days later, their weapons, and skulls were returned to the inn. Gruesome people, the innkeeper called them, as she wrapped her shawl closer around her shoulders.
Shoju showed concern for the innkeeper, but his voice had changed after the information. Almost as if he was pleased to hear of the deaths of the villagers. He showed the innkeeper out of the room, and told her that Mai's arm looked to be healing well, and that they would settle up with her, and leave in the afternoon.
After the innkeeper left, Shoju looked over the map again, smiled as he tapped at it. and looked at Mai. While lifting a blade against me would break your word to Sojiro, I'm sure you would love nothing better than to lift it against something. Well, now you will get to see what a real bloodspeaker is. Shoju's tone at speaking the word was one of revulsion. And once we've saved these peasants, we're off to Ryoko Owari. the City of Lies, The Crown of the Empire, My former home. Shoju chuckled slightly. Who would have thought I would ever step foot there again.
Shoju prepared himself, and laid out Mai's armor for her. Prepare yourself Mai. I wont be offended if you pretend each and every one of the men we seek is me when we engage them Shoju grinned, and prepared himself to leave.
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