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Post by Shoju on May 10, 2012 9:05:19 GMT -5
Yamuso bowed to Battou, his smile peaking out from under his mask. "Greetings, and congratulations to you Kakita Battou-sama." Yamuso folded his arms into the sleeves of his Kimono. " I am an acquaintance of your bride, we met some time ago in Scorpion Lands, when celebrating the victory over the Yobanjin." Yamuso's sized the Kakita up, and smiled. "I am Shosuro Imogawa."
Yamuso shot a glance around the room taking stock of his surroundings, and patted his side through the sleeve of his kimono. All seemed to be going smoothly so far. "I know that there is a strained bond between our clans now. I hope that my arrival isn't a problem, I just wish to.... express my congratulations on the fine Kakita daimyo taking a husband."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 10, 2012 18:15:43 GMT -5
Indeed, Chad-sama. You will, I promise. And even though she was preparing to leave and redress, she changed her mind, since the outraged tone of Daichi-sama to his sister wasn’t to be ignored.
Daichi-sama, your sister showed herself as a skilled shugenja and her help was essential… I am quite impressed! Thank you for sending Yumi-san as your emissary! Though, her eyes followed Battou for a moment, and crossed with the ones of the masked Scorpion… The Kakita daimyo lost her focus in the chatting for a while. Those eyes...
Daidoji Ryo entered in the room where the Daidoji were keeping the Kakita shireikan for interrogatory. The veteran taisa and cousin of the Kakita daimyo had been introduced to Hitoshi in the incident of Seawatch Castle, and never thought he would see the Kakita warrior in such situation. Hitoshi wasn’t in his best moment, and maybe teh Daidoji man had misunderstood it entirely, but for a moment Ryo thought Chad was considered an ally by the new shireikan. Then, HItoshi acted like possessed by righteous fury and attacked the Yasuki daimyo… Hard to understand. Ryo approached and the guards stepped back. He was a tall man and even though he wasn’t really intending to be intimidating, his stark tone and his directness used to cause this impression sometimes. He looked to the shireikan into the eyes, not caring the different stations between them.
Shireikan Hitoshi-sama…You understand the shame you brought upon Crane tonight? Attacking an ally like this? In the Kakita daimyo’s wedding day? I hope you can bring new facts to light, explaining your reasons… It’ll be a hard coup to Kakita family if two shireikan in a row happen to be either rebel...or tainted beyond redemption.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
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Post by Agasha Shodai on May 11, 2012 21:00:15 GMT -5
"Shiba Shugo" nodded, recognizing the panda spirit's parable instantly and seeing the wisdom in it. "Leaving the monk in the untenable position of deciding what was more important to him: his feelings for the nun or propriety. This is surely excellent advice for the man, Takeyabu-san, but perhaps you could help me with the natural question the man would ask me, for I fear I lack the wisdom to point him to the answer myself...
"The man in question - if not for his critical role in managing his extensive family's needs - would, unlike the monk in the story of Eshun, gladly embrace the woman openly if not for the fact that doing so would have extensive repercussions... Not excessively for himself - the man is open-minded enough to realize that people can always find fault with another - but could be potentially damaging for the woman and both families..."[/b]
"Shugo" paused trying to think of an analogy that would resound with the panda. "...Much like a man sworn to protect a sacred tree temporarily abandoning his post and allowing a flock of woodpeckers to damage the tree. In and of itself, this would be a mere disappointment, but if the man's slip allowed a mere insect - one that previously couldn't get through the tree's bark - get inside and infect the tree with a disease that kills the sacred tree..."[/b]
He shook his head. "The man never wanted the responsibility that has been forced upon him, but his family needed him and they called upon him; as they had many times in his life. How could he in good conscience turn from those duties for his personal desires, the only thing in all his life he has ever asked for in return for a lifetime of service? Is he wrong to want something more to his existence than duty?"[/b] He looked morosely at his cup of tea and refreshed it, wondering if the panda - who lived a simple, natural existence - could work his wisdom around the strictures of human society.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on May 14, 2012 14:38:47 GMT -5
HItoshi looked up at Daidoji Ryo as he entered the room.
"Ah. I might have guessed it would be you."
He looked down at the floor again and his lips moved soundlessly, but clearly enough that Ryo could make out the fact he seemed to be saying and suddenly you are absent.
Through an effort of will, Hitoshi raised his head again. "What can I say, Ryo-san? I am damned either way. I have already brought shame on my family. Perhaps it is better not to bring them further into disrepute by... Well. Perhaps better if I were to simply..."
He sighed. "By the Fortunes, I don't know."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on May 15, 2012 5:08:18 GMT -5
He smiled politely at the scorpion, listening to his tales. He had that look on his face that was terribly fake, but congenial. Though he shook his head at him when he mentioned the strained relationships. "Think nothing of it."
He kept listening, trying to determine the veracity of his words, and coming to the conclusion that he had no way of really being able to tell as the man, if he was hiding something, was very good at it.
"She doesn't ever tell me of those times, she said it was very hard for her. But then again, I was kept out of the yobanjin wars, my talents as a smith were put to the test then instead of my talents with a sword. Please, tell me how you met, where were you stationed?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
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::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 15, 2012 5:20:05 GMT -5
Ryo narrowed his grey eyes. At least some sense of decency. Even if he was talking to himself...like many tainted people used to do.
In a dire moment like we are facing now, I'm sure we cannot spare a fine warrior and leader, due misunderstandings of any type. Maybe you can think differently, but I assure you... Mitsouko-sama spent most of her adult life under my command and I know she'll want the truth... you owe it to your family. If you know it, of course. Or maybe... I shall start asking your family, your men, or your sweet and serene spouse... anyone who can help us to figure out the reasons beyond your actions.
The corner of his mouth twitched when his thoughts wandered through the consequences. He was trying very hard to both offering options to Hitoshi and to remain courteous... In the remote case that weird outburst had an honest reason behind it, Ryo wasn't wishing to dishonor Hitoshi even more.
Ryo crouched near Hitoshi Listen... You should think better about it. If you need some time, very well. But is better for you to be prepared to tell what you know... It can be the difference between having the opportunity to repair what you just did... or have your name falling into an uncomfortable oblivion.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on May 15, 2012 17:46:34 GMT -5
Hitoshi matched Ryo's gaze. "Leave my wife alone. She may not have been the woman I was in love with when I married her, but she deserves better than you hounding her. Kimanai is a good woman."
Despite his bindings he struggled to his feet, anger lending him strength. "And you ask me if I am tainted beyond redemption? If I will tell you the truth because Mitsouko-sama will want the truth? What do you think I have lain awake worrying about this past month?! Who took us on a mission into the Shadowlands, ostensibly hunting a traitor to the clan, only to pull us out again once we happen to stumble across a powerful tainted artefact? Who has been behaving erratically, suddenly turning her back on a man she has spoken of with love and marrying inside the clan for no discernible benefit? Who did I listen to questioning the value of honour with two strange sohei? I ask again, you ask me if I am tainted?!
"By all the Fortunes I want Lady Kakita to be fine. I want to be wrong, to have misunderstood, to believe that the oni briefly bound to her soul had no lasting ill effects. But I have watched her change and I worry. For if she falls... the heart and soul of our family... the one who I have trusted in all things... I do not know what the point of life is. The Empire is at war with itself, two men declare themselves Emperor, my heart and home life is confused and aching, and my days and nights are haunted by - " He stopped suddenly, as if aware that he was saying too much.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 15, 2012 18:07:31 GMT -5
You know, Kakita cousin... the older man said, calmly (though Hitoshi could briefly see in Ryo’s eyes the effect of Hitoshi’s words about Mitsouko’s erratic behavior; it was true concern), we always can expect to see the sparkle of pride to ignite in such occasions, when truth and honor of a samurai are questioned? I can see yours. Thus, there’s hope and I am glad to see you in your feet again. He sighed. And, if I was you, I wasn’t questioning your daimyo’s methods and reasons right now… unless your reasonings are the real reasons for what you just did back out there. Now, shireikan-sama, can you explain why in Jigoku you attacked the Yasuki daimyo?
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on May 16, 2012 17:34:26 GMT -5
Ryo’s use of the word cousin seemed to move Hitoshi. He looked at the ground and said quietly “I am more closely related to the Daidoji than you may have guessed, Ryo-san. Are you sure you wish to hear this? It will bring shame on your family as well as mine...” There was a brief look of hesitance on the older man’s face, but he knew his duty and insisted, so Hitoshi continued.
“Then to begin I must take you back into the past, to the time of the Second Yasuki War and my grandfather, Daidoji Yoshino. He was a brave warrior and zealous in his defence of the clan… On occasion perhaps a little too zealous. Sometimes things happen in war that a man may question after, but Yoshino-sama was a man who would sacrifice anything for the Crane. He fought on many battlefields, but in a particularly vicious conflict near Clear Water Village he met his end, struck down by an unknown Crab warrior.
Casualties on both sides were high that day, but the Crane were eventually pushed from the field and my grandfather’s blades were never recovered by his family. This is why I wield a blade made for me by my father, rather than the one which should be mine by right. My grandfather’s spirit did not rest easy, and he was unhappy with this violation of tradition. I have always been able to see him when he has been present, and he has taken a particular interest in my life. Sometimes he has been a source of wisdom, sometimes he has goaded me to great heights, and sometimes he has simply been irritating, but recently...
"This war seems to have confused him; he cannot understand that the Yasuki are our allies now. I asked Chad-sama to use his influence to see if he could recover the blades in the hope that it would lay his spirit to rest, but rather they seemed to act as a focus for his rage. I felt him controlling my movements whilst I held the katana. I fought him as best I could, trying to avoid hurting our guests, but he wanted all the Yasuki dead. I am not at my peak Ryo-san, and I could not stop him.
"So there we have it. A tale that brings shame on both our families. In another time I might seek the Kitsu or the Toritaka for guidance, but we are at war with both. What options are left, both to remove the shame from the clan and to halt his desire for vengence? I am at a loss."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 16, 2012 19:33:22 GMT -5
Ahhhh.... Ryo nervously pushed back his hair, while considering the aspects of the tragic tale Hitoshi was bringing to him. Suddenly, he could feel dragged to this dramatic confession as if it was his personal life. Well, Mitsouko told him when she saw Aiko, his first love, as a ghost in the Monkey Lands. If his beloved Aiko could be disgraced by her sense of duty until she was released from her sad destiny as gaki by Toku Kenpachi’s forgiveness… why not a Daidoji warrior could refuse to rest until his sword has returned to his bloodline? Then, somehow, your ancestor isn’t appeased and can’t rest, rather staying around you and demanding things from you, and sometimes, commanding and possessing you? Shireikan-sama… It’s shocking. I can’t think in better word to define it.
He glanced at the guards that, as expected, seemed absolutely absent from what they’ve been talking, keeping a proper distance from the two men. I’ve heard things like that before and… it fits the whole scenario, Hitoshi-sama. But, indeed, we have a problem here. But... do you think the blades are cursed?
As the Kitsune siblings seemed to be involved in their own world, ignoring people around in a mute dialogue of eyes only, Mitsouko used the moment to let them alone and trying not to stumble in her own dress, going straight to where her husband was engaged in a conversation with the strange Scorpion. Her heart was pounding, why in the hell this man were doing there? And now, with all the innocent guests exposed to his…presence? She couldn’t see the other man around, Omigawa, and wasn’t wishing to cause another scene in her own wedding. But dammit, if necessary, she would do. With a frozen smile she joined Battou and the masked man.
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Post by Shoju on May 22, 2012 9:13:15 GMT -5
Yamuso growled inside. The Crane was going to pepper him with questions. "It was a tough and dark time for everyone involved Kakita-san. A tough time indeed. During the Yobanjin War, I saw little of the war. I was tasked with keeping the peace in the lands of my family. " Yamuso's voice held a proud tone. "I didn't meet Mitsouko-sama until the celebration held at the conclusion of the war.
Yamuso shifted his weight a little, and looked towards where the man who had created the commotion had gone. "There are days, when I wish that I could have been on the fields, fighting the Yobanjin. That is an enemy that makes sense. The enemies I faced during those days made less sense I'm afraid."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 22, 2012 11:49:20 GMT -5
With a nod, she softly spoke (which was, in many senses, exact opposite to how her thoughts were screaming in her mind. Also, she missed the Air Kami who used to be around her until the Oni incident): "Well, "Scorpion-san", where exactly are your family's lands? I'd love to hear that. By the way, a close friend of mine is traveling through Scorpion Lands, and I haven't news of him lately, so... maybe you heard of him, if he passed by your lands."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on May 22, 2012 13:29:48 GMT -5
Omigawa popped the rest of the morsel he'd been eating into his mouth as he watched the bride and groom converge on Yamuso. He trusted the former Dragon to handle things himself, but he also recognized an opportunity when he saw one. The food wasn't exactly doing anything for him anyway, what with no working taste buds to appreciate it. His painted face an emotionless mask, he made his way through the crowd of courtiers to stand a short distance behind Mitsouko. "Kakita-sama," he said, in a voice she would surely recognize, "a moment of your time, if I may?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 22, 2012 17:58:06 GMT -5
The Kakita daimyo recognized Omigawa’s voice, and it wasn’t of course, a glad surprise. Not only Yamuso was there, disguised as Scorpion, but his pale friend as well, in Unicorn robes. At least, Yamuso could have some utility; if she could convince him to help. But about Omigawa… what?
Having little or no time to propose what came to her mind, she risked:
“Well, “Scorpion-san”, forgive me. I’d love to talk more about the other conversation we had the last time we met, about that man who happened to be widowed… I think my brother was looking for him and, if you think you may happen to know how to find one of them… well, I’d be very glad." A quick smile crossed her face. " But… Please, talk to my husband, he knows what I am talking about.”
For a moment, her eyes locked to Battou’s, and for the first time she sensed the connection he mentioned several times before. But then she turned to the voice behind her:
“Of course, please, follow me.”
She motioned to outside, following a paved path leading to a private training room or dojo, in the middle of this secluded garden. They crossed by guests and guards, of course, but this part was relatively quiet. Mitsouko slid the shoji door and entered, inviting him to do the same.
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Post by Shoju on May 22, 2012 19:05:04 GMT -5
Yamuso bowed low to the Kakita as she retreated with His lord. He turned back and looked at the groom. "So Mitsouko-sama says that she is looking for her brother, and a man he was seeking. Tell me, who is missing? I would love to be of aid to the Lady of the Crane and her new husband."
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