Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 30, 2012 20:21:32 GMT -5
Mitsouko had a troubled and busy night and was feeling very tired. The last subject, the Lion murder, was just another thing to worry about, when Sojiro was announced. Though it wasn't only him, but Shodai... what made her excited and concerned. His visit could only mean trouble.
She re-dressed herself and asked them to be introduced in the main chamber. Soon she found them there. She didn't hide her concern about the visit in so unlikely hour. Though, remarkably was the first time she saw the to together, with their similarities outlined by the proximity. Like brothers. Though soon the Crane Woman dismissed those distracting thoughts, Sojiro's face more readable than Shodai's. Mitsouko bowed to her guests, obviously respecting their different status. Not having met the Void Master since Seawatch castle, she was curious about his news, and had many things to talk to him as well, but it probably could wait a little more. It's a pleasure to meet you again, Shodai-sama. Sojiro.. she nodded to her friend and hatamoto.Given the hour of our meeting I see we have a serious subject at hand. What happened?
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 31, 2012 3:45:44 GMT -5
Sojiro had taken the time to stop back at his quarters and properly dress himself, but the lack of sleep and his bloodshot eyes would be hard for Mitsu to miss. She had seen those signs on him many times before, and Sojiro knew better than to beat around the bush with her, especially this late.
"Mitsouko-sama, tonight my sleep was disturbed by a message from Tamihei Shoju. It would seem that he is the bloodspeaker that Mai-san faced when she left Kyuden Doji, and although her forces were victorious in their battle, he managed to escape with her, and now holds her hostage in Ryoko Owari."
Sojiro went into the story in detail, telling Mitsu everything except the part about Shoju wanting his blood.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 31, 2012 4:50:50 GMT -5
While her mind raced, processing all the possibilities, her eyes shifted from one man to another, implying Shodai's presence meaning there, then returning to Sojiro. So… you offered him the sword he forged to kill Bayushi Senshi, when he only asked you a Kakita Blade? Sojiro knew Mitsouko better to know she was not only puzzled about the events, but perplexed about his reasons to do it.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 31, 2012 5:16:46 GMT -5
"I'm not putting a Kakita blade in the hands of a Tsukai of that caliber. He has already turned a normal nodachi into something vile - just imagine the atrocity he could create with a Kakita blade."
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Agasha Shodai
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Jan 31, 2012 12:38:37 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai remained silent through the discussion between Mitsouko and her oldest friend as he tried to think of ways to minimize the destruction that the crazed Shoju could unleash with the restoration of his sword and the tithe of blood the khadi was demanding...
Two ideas came to mind about the latter - which he kept to himself, having noticed that Sojiro had chosen not to tell Mitsouko. Either tricking Shoju into thinking that he was getting Sojiro's blood or denaturing it for any potential maho use with an infusion of powdered jade.
There was no way that Shodai would permit Sojiro to go through with it if he could possibly prevent it...
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 31, 2012 13:57:35 GMT -5
After some minutes in silence, her gaze locked in Sojiro's, Mitsouko spoke: "Very well. I wish to hear from your mouth what do you think will be the consequences of your choice. Delivering this Tsuki what he wants... means to kill Bayushi Senshi, with Crane cumpliments." If she didn't share long years by his side, she wouldn't tell it. But Sojiro was too clever to make this ounterproposal offering a thing almost impossible to get without help, when with a snap of fingers he could get a Kakita blade. Discussing about the Utaku's maiden importance against Senshi's importance in the war, to say the least, was useless, she knew it. He was blind of love and probably, it was not only because the shiotome, but for Reina's loss. But maybe, having him verbalizing it, could made Sojiro understand what she was seeing. Something he, of course could not because his love's life was at stake... or it seems to be.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 31, 2012 14:39:30 GMT -5
Sojiro's mismatched eyes grew wide in disbelief. Was the Master of Secret's life even worth considering?
"Senshi? Do you want my honest opinion of this? He has no right to the title of samurai! He parades around his missing arm like he's some great martyr when how many samurai serving him gave their lives to erase the stain of his cowardice when he refused to join the war? You saw with your own eyes that his precious wife was keeping close company with Akodo Tomatsu-sama during the mission we went on, and he knowingly let his wife fight against us at Toshi Ranbo, in spite of the sacrifice of all those samurai under him and his declaration to support the Hantei. And after that declaration, did his forces assist us at Toshi Ranbo, seeing as they were already there? No. the coward ran away and decided to "assist" the crab at the wall, although I've certainly not heard any reports of Scorpion fighting there.... seems as if they never showed up. Much like they never showed up at Swift Sword, or any other battle in this war. And now, instead of doing something useful, he sends an army of ronin, not even his own clan's army but ronin, to harrass the Kitsune. Very convenient considering the massive blow the Mantis suffered at Seawatch Castle at our hands. It looks like he's more than willing to reap the rewards of our efforts, especially if he or his clan don't have anything to lose by doing so. He attacked a diplomatic caravan under a flag of truce in order to murder a pregnant woman, in territory that does not belong to the scorpion, and lied to Shodai-sama in order to convince the Void Master to assist him - apparently he was is too much of a coward to even manage to kill a pregnant woman by surprise without help. And that murder is precisely what drove Shoju mad, and the reason Mai is now his captive."
"You ask me what the consequences of retrieving this sword will be? Simple. An honorless, pathetic coward of a man may die for one of the many crimes he has committed, and the Scorpion will have a new leader - and I can't help but think that any new leader would be far better for both them and us than Bayushi Senshi. Given the chance, I'd like to duel him myself. The empire would be better off without him."
"Besides, it doesn't matter if I give him a Kakita blade or his nodachi, he will still seek to transform it into something truly awful and then end Senshi's life with it. Would you rather he did this with a Kakita blade, possibly having the chance to reclaim his old weapon at a later point, or would you prefer that I just retrieve his sword, let him use that to kill Senshi, and only have one Jigoku-spawned blade in his possession instead of two, one of which was made by our clan?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 31, 2012 17:30:19 GMT -5
Because… if you wish to duel the Scorpion Champion, Sojiro, you have my permission. But for sure, you don’t have my permission to help this Shoju to kill him. It’s low, it’s filthy, it’s unworthy of you. What if you follow inadvertently Senshi’s steps, Sojiro? For the love of a woman? And... most of those mistakes we all recollect here, were led by his Love for a Shiotome, Sojiro. It’s plain simple and everyone in the Empire with the minimum of intelligence can tell this.
About Scorpion's politics? Scorpion chose to disband into the smoke of war, and we may call them traitors. Phoenix choose to delay their military gathering, and Mitsouko turn her gaze to Shodai, and we may call them traitors; Dragon fail in be united into a purpose, we have them attacking our shores in higher numbers than defending our venal alliance, and we may call them traitors. And we, Crane, chose to make a truce to Lion and may be called traitors by some…. I don’t need to go further about our political stances by now. His death will make Scorpion turn to Kaneka in a blink. Specially if a Hantei supporter, or the Crane, is involved. I will not permit you to dishonor yourself this way. And more… she blinked. At least, this Senshi is fighting against the khadi, and not favoring him at least, he is able to see this sorcerer as it is. Looking Sojiro again, she felt her lips trembling. Or now do you think maho is a practice unfairly accused of being the cause of damnation of our empire? Or do you think this Shoju is a victim, and the source of the blood he uses to his foul sorceries, criminals who deserved to die? Is it about honor, is it about what is right, is it about what exactly? Another shiotome is involved to this khadi, Shoju. Seems he is very fond of them. Now, it's your beloved one, but once it was Haruka, once it was Haruka's sister… I am no fool to tell you to forget her but… tell me. If this Tenshi was, me? Or if your Utaku maiden instead?… would you let one of us have an existence as an aberrant undead? Mitsouko sat, just suddenly too tired. She wasn't immune to Sojiro's dispair, but cannot see him following this path, being fooled by this dangerous khadi. Many already tried to fool him, but he seemed to have countless resources to twist the events to his favor, always. I don't know a man or woman who meet this khadi and is still alive, who didn't lose at least a bit of his honor…
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Feb 1, 2012 1:30:19 GMT -5
"As far as this Tenshi is concerned... I am no expert on the subject, but you know how often I've encountered Bloodspeakers and their kind, and I can tell you that I have never seen anything to lead me to believe that an undead could carry a child, Mitsu-chan. Everything I've seen, read, and heard says that it simply isn't possible. I have no doubt that she was tainted, but I find it very difficult to believe that she was undead, given that the only proof we have of that, to my knowledge, are the words of Senshi."
"I'm not saying that Shoju is an innocent victim. Far from it. Mai wouldn't even be involved in this had he not tried to take over a town by creating undead there. He kidnapped her to try to force my hand in this matter, and it's not something I will either forgive or forget. But if you think that the possible death of the scum that leads the scorpion clan matters to me when compared to the possibility of Mai being killed and then turned into some sort of abomination like Shoju.... I'd honestly value the life of an eta over the life of Senshi. Or a horse. Or a pig. He is not worth saving. You say that his death will drive the Scorpion into Kaneka's camp, but I disagree. I believe that the Scorpion clan is quite loyal to Hantei, and it was Senshi and Haruka's close connection to Tomatsu-sama that led to the scorpion's late entry and total lack of effective action since then. Besides, as I have already stated, Shoju is going to try to kill Senshi no matter what we do or don't do. The only thing that will change if he has this sword is what piece of steel he will try to put through Senshi, and that Mai will be safe."
His eyes narrowed.
"And if Mai is safe, there is nothing stopping me from hunting him."
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 1, 2012 2:24:06 GMT -5
Well, try to kill their leader to test their loyalties then, Sojiro... she smirked sadly. All you know about the "truth" of these things are what HE, Shoju, told you, Sojiro! Is she really alive? I could even question her honor and innocence, but in fact, you are far beyond reason already. Don't try to mask your motivations on the "fairness" of letting the Scorpion Champion die by the arts of a rabid dog like this khadi. Don't try to justify your choice of leaving your duties behind in order to cause such damnation, not only above Senshi, who really doesn't need your help getting damnation to himself, but over this woman, over yourself, over Crane's name. When you deal with a tsuki, when you help them... you will have the same destiny Haruka had. And we know... she cleaned the gleam of cold sweat starting to sprout on her forehead. A honored man have few choices here. You promised him what he wants, and honestly you will give it to him; you will get this woman back but, if she is only a shadow of the woman you think she is, she will fall upon her sword to clean both honors, yours and hers. You lost anyway. She cannot hold a tear that rolled over her face, but swiftly she swept it away. I will not forbid you. Against my will and my reason, I will support you, because you are like a brother to me. But I am only doing it because you came here to tell me... And you, Shodai-Sama... she shook deprecatingly her head, showing her utter disappointment. Being able to foresee some of the destruction it will cause wasn't enough strong reason to refuse deliver this sword? She waved dismissing her guests. Go you two, please. I am tired.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Feb 1, 2012 6:25:25 GMT -5
"And what "dishonor" would she be cleansing? The "dishonor" of making sure that even if no one went with her, she would defend that town by herself if need be? The "dishonor" of knowing she was outmatched by him and fighting anyway? Or maybe you are referring to the "dishonor" of her defeat at his hands. I know someone else who thought along those lines once, and we both know what has become of him, don't we?"
He shook his head, not believing the words coming out of Mitsu's mouth.
"So what would you prefer I do, Mitsouko-sama? Ignore the fact that Shoju has a woman who risked her life to keep him from harming innocent people because it might.... what, put Senshi at risk? When he's already at risk anyway? What do you think is more dishonorable, giving him his sword back, or doing nothing, and allowing him to turn someone who was willing to give their life to defend innocent people into a khadi like himself? You act as if my finding his sword is the same as swearing myself to be his apprentice, as if I've somehow damned myself."
Seeing that she had asked them to leave, he turned to go, wondering if he would get an answer to his questions before he left.
(OOC Sojiro is turning to leave but hasn't left yet. If Mitsu has something else to say, he'll stop and listen.)
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 1, 2012 7:03:38 GMT -5
"Sojiro... I am talking about the dishonor of being used to manipulate you into doing something I suppose you don't want to. Is she interested in defending innocent lives from Shoju? And now she dragged you to it. Unwilling, but her lack of preparedness put her on it. Had her heard Jade Magistrates exist? Did her study the case, prepared herself to face maho, seek help with experts? No. A normal shiotome find in lesser things reason for dishonor, dragging down you to this situation when she most likely failed because she found entering in a village riding her horse and swashing her blade would be enough to defeat maho... why would it be different? And no... you chose to deliver his tainted sword back. No matter what we think about Senshi... Shoju is a greater enemy of this Empire." "He already destroyed Scorpion's leaders, and will start consuming Crane as well. Think of it."
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Feb 1, 2012 7:55:33 GMT -5
Sojiro was almost to the door when Mitsu spoke. Turning his head, he looked at her over his shoulder.
"Yes. The best plan was obviously for her to find a book and do some research, or seek out a jade magistrate, when every hour wasted put more people's souls at risk. She should have done nothing to protect them until she understood her enemy completely."
"That line of reasoning sounds a lot like Hantei-dono's actions during the yobanjin war. We've seen where inaction leads to. So while I think about your words and this Tsukai supposedly destroying Crane leaders, I suggest you ponder what, exactly, indecisiveness and inaction due to fear will accomplish. When I return, perhaps we can compare notes."
And with those words, he left the room, leaving Shodai to speak to her privately.
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Kakita Sojiro
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Feb 3, 2012 0:58:23 GMT -5
Sojiro entered his room in a foul mood, unintentionally slamming the door behind him and probably waking all of winter court in the process.
That stubborn woman! She never backs down. And to even suggest that I value Senshi's life over Mai's? What has he ever done to help us?
Knowing better than to continue this line of thought, he sat down and ran through a meditation technique he had been taught during his time at Reihado Shinsei by his Sensei there. He closed his eyes, tensed and then relaxed each muscle group, and took slow, deep breaths. As his body unknotted itself, so did his emotions.
She's scared. And who am I to hold that against her? We're both responding to our past experiences with bloodspeakers in our own way - her to the hell Alesha put her through, me to Reina's death. She barely made it out of that in one piece, she doesn't trust herself right now, and the person she's counting on the most for support is rushing off to charge right into a situation very much like the one she just faced.
But I can't let fear - hers or mine - stop me. Not if I want Mai to live. Not if I want to live through this. Fear will paralyze me like it's doing to her right now. And that will get me killed.
He stayed in meditation for longer than he realized, sorting out the tempest that his mind and heart had become, until finally he felt the morning sun on his closed eyelids. Coming back to reality, he found his ink and brush and wrote a letter to Mitsu, calling for a servant to deliver it to her staff. Then, he went to a very old chest that he had kept for this very situation - his worst fear. He opened the chest reverently, pulling out each item one at a time.
The first was a pair of hand wraps that he had soaked in jade petal tea for months, during his recovery from the battle in the Phoenix lands that had cost him his first love. The tea had stained them a brownish color - a sure sign that it had permeated the cloth thoroughly. In an almost trance-like state, he wrapped his hands, each one up to the elbow, paying particular attention to supporting the wrists and thumb joints, making sure the wrap on his left hand didn't snag on the jade ring he always wore.
Next, he pulled out a set of old but meticulously cared-for armor that had been wrapped in green silk. He unwrapped his father's armor like one might expect from someone handling a holy relic, and looked it over with the same sense of awe and respect. Laquered steel bands were painted in black, the outlines and edges lined in Crane teal. The plates were held together with silk cording that faded in and out from a blue to a green and back again, and each plate had etched into it the lines from a story that his father had told him since he was a boy - the story of Lady Doji and the beggar in the snow.
Remember the beggar's words, my son. When you die, will you be remembered? Or will you be just another strand in the tapestry? Do not seek to be remembered for glory. Be remembered for making a difference.
He smiled at his fathers words as he donned the armor overtop of a silk shirt, adjusting a few of the cords to assure a proper fit. Next came a gift his Uncle, Saiko's father, had given him. A pair of Gaijin-made leather boots that came up to the knees, the toes constructed in the style of tabi boots. They had been given to him for the long trek back from Dragon lands to the Crane territory, and they were not only comfortable, but they offered incredible traction as well as protection from water. He took the tanto that he normally carried in his sleeve and tucked it into the left boot, placing a matching one in the right, before pulling out the next items - steel suneate and kote that matched the colors and design of the armor he now wore. He fastened the leg armor over the boots he wore before pulling out yet anotherl item - a pair of tekko he had created himself. The gloves were made of leather dyed black, but instead of the typical wood or metal plates, Sojiro had affixed pieces of jade to them, covering his fingers and the backs of his hands in the sacred substance. After putting the gloves on, he fastened the kote in place on his forearms.
Finally, he reached in and withdrew the last object - a box that contained three sheaths as well as an obi that seamlessly faded blue into green into blue along it's length. The obi that had once held his mother's daisho.
The sheaths were the original sheaths for Tengo Raimei and Tengo Denkou. He set the wakizashi sheath aside and drew Tengo Denkou from the custom dual sheath he had made for the pair, placing the katana in it's original sheath. Releasing the hidden crystal katana from it's place in the custom sheath, he did the same with that sword. He then tied the obi in place, securing the crystal katana to his hip alongside his present from Battou. He grinned as he remembered the words engraved along the blade of that katana, and how the softly glowing blue light the blade emitted seemed to pool and radiate from those words: Aku Soku Zan.
Slay Evil Swiftly.
Finally, he took some of the extra blue/green cording used to repair the armor and wound it into a thick cord, tying the cord to either end of Tengo Denkou's sheath so that he would be able to carry it on his back. When I find her, she's going to need a weapon. Setting the katana beside a bag carrying a few other things, Sojiro gave his traveling preparations a satisfied nod and left the room to join the Crane strategy meeting. He wanted to get Shodai and leave right this second, but he was not going to simply ignore his duty to Mitsu, even after their argument last night - and especially after the letter he had sent her.
It just wasn't the sort of thing a good Hatamoto - or a good brother - would do.
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Zeure
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Post by Zeure on Feb 3, 2012 2:32:17 GMT -5
Which was about the time that Battou came into the room. He looked tired, but was still fully dressed, he must have just come in himself from all his endeavors in court. Though, Sojiro would think, from much better circumstances than himself.
"Sojiro, you're making so much noise...and you're dressed for travel? What are you doing?"
Battou's eyes narrowed as he looked at Sojiro trying to guess what he was up to even though he had already asked him.
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