Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 3, 2012 21:39:51 GMT -5
Haruka seemed anxious by the look of things, but when she stopped to look around the scenery she started to wonder if she was going to suffer from yet another traumatic vision. Hazarding a guess, she wanted to believe this wouldn't be like the last dream state she was in. Looking on his form she turned her eyes a bit, feeling awkward by the sudden appearance of a man's full on presence.
"Since we last spoke? A few months at most, Sprinkles-san. I didn't think I'd see you again."
Dressed in a peasant's rags her mentality seemed to reflect her current state, while her desire to offer something up to the gaijin produced a wonderful dark kimono that she held up to him.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 3, 2012 21:48:34 GMT -5
Sprinkles stood in silence for a moment. Then turned to see her. He looker her up and down, scrutinizing her clothing choice before realizing he was not dressed himself. He took the kimono from her and donned it.
I was dead. I have returned once again. What has happened since last we spoke? He said it all so casual as if death was a common occurrence. Then his gaze became very serious. And do not lie to me.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 3, 2012 21:57:47 GMT -5
Haruka seemed very disheartened to hear him say it like that. Her head bowed and her long black unkempt hair slipped past her shoulders and covered her face. Her nature was completely different much as his was, she was submissive, bowed and physically lowering herself as if holding onto the mountain for dear life.
"So much has happened. As I understand it, the Lion and the Crane made peace with the treaty I helped to initiate it. The war rages on around us... but that seems like a world away now."
She sighed heavily looking out at the landscape around them. Haruka hadn't lived long on high mountains and still found such heights a little unsettling. At least since it was a dream, the winds were nothing more than a faint breeze rather than the howling blast they would be in reality. Quite the setting for the two who shared this space.
"Shoju has... well." She hesitated heavily having to steel herself to bring up such a matter. "I betrayed his trust when someone found out about my connection with him. Needless to say we're not on such good terms anymore... My son is safe and now..." Her head bowed again in frustraition and pain. "Now I'm a prisoner in the Shadowlands. The Maho-Tsukai, a former Isawa, named Yun is trapped in here with me. And that's... all I know."
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 3, 2012 22:16:20 GMT -5
Anger seemed to physically emit from Sprinkles body. That fool! What did he do to you? Where is your strength? Where is the spirit of the woman who defied her husband, her clan, and her enemies?
He began to circle around her studying her as she stood there. It was like a parent looking at a disappointing child. You were once great. I thought you may even have the strength to be my equal. But now you are nothing. Are you Tainted? Did that drain the strength from you?
He stopped in front of her. He reached out and cupped her cheek. Her eyes slowly met his and for the first time a small part of him seemed like the man she had once met. What happened to you, Haruka?
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 3, 2012 22:25:10 GMT -5
She seemed to recoil slightly at his touch, her eyes were a bit wild and strained as they took in his face again. She didn't pull away from his touch completely though since she wanted to say needed to be said while she looked him in the eye.
"I am not tainted. I am here being held against my will. I have no one else to live for. You were gone, my family is gone, the only person I could still fight for was myself and the poor soul who's in here along with me. I'm..."
She winced a bit as if the pain her body was recovering from was still taxing her in her subconscious. Her hands broke some of the rock she was holding onto, as it was clear she was in a great state of duress.
"I've lost everything.. but in truth, that's not what bothers me. I never had station, I never had a great purpose beyond serving in battle. The only thing I live to fear now is never escaping this place and succumbing to the taint."
Her form shivered in frustration. "I don't want to lose that last piece, I don't want to lose myself."
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 3, 2012 22:49:39 GMT -5
Sprinkles withdrew his hand. He looked at her with contempt. You are pathetic! he spat the words at her as if they were vile.
You lost everything? Where is your bushido now? Where are your ancestors? Where are your children? I offered you everything! I offered you immortality! And you turned me down. For what? Your own sense of worthlessness. You thought you were not worthy. And now you're scared to lose yourself. What makes you worthy to even be yourself?
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 3, 2012 22:57:35 GMT -5
Haruka soaked his words for a time, digesting them thoroughly, but the only emotional response that built up inside her was that of rage. She snarled like a discontent animal averting her eyes since looking at him might only inspire more anger.
"At the time I had everything I could have ever dreamed of wanting. Me becoming immortal wouldn't have changed things as they are now!" More rocks seemed to crumble in her hands, not harming her hands but just showing her sheer inner fury. "There was nothing I couldn't do myself, I have come this far and all I ever needed was who I was! I'm more than worthy to live, I'm more than worthy to be who I once was!"
Haruka actually stood up finally, facing him in that same calm firmness he once recognized of her. But her hands were fists, her glare was like living fire. "Don't you dare insult me or any who came before me! I'm the last of my Utaku line, I'm the only one I know who has ever come this far and seen all I have and still breathes of her own volition! I didn't come all this way to have you simply taunt me!"
All the rage she had been channeling inside was starting to get loose, her fists shook at her sides as Haruka looked all too ready to attack and tear him apart.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 3, 2012 23:10:34 GMT -5
Sprinkles smiled at her. Welcome back, My Lady. I had almost thought you lost. Now you must remember your promise to me. You can't die. And I don't just mean physically. If they try to break you again, kill them. By any means necessary.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 3, 2012 23:30:29 GMT -5
Haruka looked at him with a slightly calmer expression, realizing he placed his words intentionally.
"You're quite right. I suppose I've let my hope to save the fallen cloud my judgement. But it's clear this time I can't let that desire become my downfall. If I'm lost who will save them?"
She seemed to nod and relax gradually from her heightened state as she took a deep centering breath. After she had returned to a more natural state she looked to him curiously.
"So why have you come all this way then, just to catch the news of current events and to provoke me back into a fighting spirit?"
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 3, 2012 23:48:22 GMT -5
Sprinkles stared up at the stars. He was still smiling but his eyes seem to be searching for something unseen. It is as I said. I died. I needed to know how long I was gone and having been in your mind before it was easy to find my way there again. I had no idea you were in such trouble.
He looked at her again. My Lady, oh how I wanted you. I almost lost my way. It may surprise you how much dying can bring clarity. I truly hope you get out of your current circumstance. But I cannot help you. Weather the idea to ask him or not even occurred to her it was now answered. She was alone to find her own way.
I have found my path. I know how to kill the Kami. None shall stand in my way. There was a confidence to him that suggested he truly believed it. You are an amazing woman. But you are just a woman. The flash of lightning in the night. I am eternal. When you are dust I shall remain.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 4, 2012 0:02:53 GMT -5
Haruka wasn't amused by his words. Not that she ever would be, but it was just another reason to escape, just another reason to get out.
"You can look down on me all you like, but there were mortals that ascended before. You shouldn't take the lives of those who can pass so lightly. Until we fulfill our destiny our souls will continue to be reborn in each life until the wheel sees us through."
She stood as the honest and firm opposition she always was, trying to deliver him from such a dangerous plot. Kami could die, but it was the furthest thing her heart could ever want.
"Sprinkles-san, you know how I feel about all of this. I can see how dangerous your path is, don't let your immortality and your certainty in its endless nature blind you to the possibility. You died once, you could very well die again. And one of these times you might not get back up."
She grumbled a bit as she turned her back onto him and looked out a different direction, out to the earth rather than up to the sky, looking for anything she recognized though she knew she couldn't from this perspective. "I'm sorry, I can't offer you anything more. But I will keep my promise at least, certainly if not for you then for myself. I hope fate will show you your path, and that the divine will see your destiny through."
Haruka seemed ready to dismiss the feeling of having Sprinkles with her again. It seemed strange but of all the company she could have longed for she seemed to start changing, starting to shun the feel of another near her or the idle words of simple conversation.
|
|
quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
|
Post by quarim on Feb 4, 2012 0:39:05 GMT -5
Sprinkles walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. It was a gentle touch just to remind her of his presence.
He whispered in her ear. Not in the seductive manner he used to but just because the mood seemed so fragile. I do not look down on you. But the truth remains. I will live and you will not. The Kami are my enemies. And I will crush my enemies just as you will crush yours.
Sprinkles grip tighten suddenly. Before she realized what was happening Haruka was falling. He had thrown her over the side of the mountain. As it commonly occurs in dreams the fall seemed to take longer than it should have. The perfect reflection of the water allowed Haruka to see herself as she crashed into it.
Haruka awoke with a start. Her heart was beating fast and the adrenaline allowed her to put aside the pain for the moment. She realized Sprinkles had done something to her by throwing her over the edge. Something inside her was broken.
((occ: If you don't like the last part I'll erase the last two sentences.))
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 4, 2012 3:27:17 GMT -5
((I just want to know what 'broke' inside her))
Haruka shuddered deeply, she wasn't certain if she had wanted to dream in a place like this. The boiling sensation of her anger that was pent up in the dream seemed to make her hands shake. She'd unknowingly balled them into fists the entire night.
She let her hands ease. Haruka panted uneasily as she looked around but quickly realized she couldn't discern if it was day or night or how much time had truly passed anymore. Out of a little habit she found herself speaking a few thoughts aloud.
"How long was I asleep?"
Looking over herself she saw how her flesh was becoming scarred and weakened with all the abuse. Grumbling she started to wonder if it was time to start really fighting back the way Sprinkles had spoke on. Perhaps it was time to take a stab at one of Rashiru's little pets the next time they tried to move her somewhere. It was time to test the waters and stop sitting around like a mere prisoner.
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Feb 5, 2012 2:25:50 GMT -5
And maybe it was the false front that Haruka had put up, maybe it was because of how incredibly wounded she was believed to be, but the next time that the door opened it was not the usual trio of beings. The bigger of the two pets that Rashiru had hefting Haruka around everywhere entered the room alone.
He looked down at her, in her wounded state and sniffed the air a few times. He grabbed the collar that she had around her neck and lifted her up to a standing position by it. It did not help any of the pain that she was feeling to be handled so roughly. He was grinning maliciously at her, obviously it did not care how she felt.
He put the key into the lock and opened the collar that she was wearing and then grabbed one of her arms, as he had done many times to drag her somewhere.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 5, 2012 6:26:02 GMT -5
It was in that moment with the one beast alone trying to manhandle her that her instinct finally snapped. That inhibition and restraint that had kept her so disciplined in the presence of such beings was completely eroded. Her free arm swung around and caught the beast in the throat startling it for sure. Haruka's hand was barely big enough to manage a grasp on it's muscular neck, but it was enough to keep a hold on its windpipe.
The beast's grip released on her arm as its breath started to struggle against Haruka's assault. Her second arm now free she used the extra limb to help pin the beast to the ground as she swept its legs out from under it, landing it flat and hard with a bone crunching repercussion against the pitiless stone floor. A rage filled the woman like never before, her second hand formed around the beast's throat as she started to growl and snort with the sheer amount of effort exerted.
Her adrenaline started pumping, her eyes became focused like the moment before a sword strike. But it was her hands that could feel the rebellious pulse, the struggle to breathe and come free. The beast grabbed her arms but Haruka's merciless fury had found its place. It's claws dug into her arms but she would sooner die than see the beast escape her now. This was her chance to punish it, this was her chance to kill rather than continue to be the subservient being she'd allowed herself to become.
Where the beast's strength started to wane, hers intensified as she roared in absolute anger.
"Die dammit all, die!!"
The pained whimpers and remaining cries of the beast sounded, its legs squirming and kicking out, also scratching Haruka and trying to kick her away. Haruka didn't care, if she did nothing else in that moment, she watched as the cloudiness settled into the beast's eyes, and felt as each heartbeat grew weaker and weaker...
|
|