Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on May 22, 2012 23:31:18 GMT -5
He eyed the scorpion apprasingly for several seconds during their exchange, and again as the Dragon came over to greet his wife. Then he listened to his questions.
"She is looking for her adoptive brother, Kakita Sojiro. As for who he was seeking, I do not know, he did not make me aware of it before he left; in truth, I was not even aware he -had- left. But I'm sure that we will find him eventually. He is one of the greatest swordsman in the empire, and it would be quite the task to kill him."
He turned sideways and held out a hand indicating that he and Yamuso should walk and talk, moving about the room.
"I'm terribly sorry for your troubles during the war, I'm sure that your... service, did you well enough though. I find that too many people want frontline confrontation and then when they get it are not able to remain as stalwart as they had assumed. Not that I would assume such of your, of course."
He placed a hand upon his mouth, as if he had spoken hurtful words unintentionally.
"But you met at the celebration afterward. Where at, if you don't mind me continuing to ask you questions. I was, myself, sequestered in the mountains above Kyuden Doji, I did not even recieve word that the war was over until months afterward, so a lot of the details escaped me."
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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 23, 2012 8:13:48 GMT -5
Omigawa bowed gratefully and passed through the doorway, his senses alert. "I apologize if there is any deception in my appearance, Kakita-sama," he said. "I have not attended an event of this importance in some time, and I had to fall back on my experience in my previous Clan to come up with appropriate attire on such short notice." He smiled, a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. "I would also like to thank you for inviting me, as this is certain to be a momentous occasion." There was a mocking tone in his voice that he wasn't quite able to hide.
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Post by Shoju on May 23, 2012 9:55:55 GMT -5
Yamuso cringed at the name of Sojiro. He knew that name. "My service to my homelands was the greatest thing I have done in my life. I've had the fortunes smile upon me, and have lived long enough to serve both front lines, and behind the lines of my enemies. To be given the opportunity to defend my home was the greatest honor for me. Few understand how important home is until it is lost. "
Yamuso walked with him, and when they were out of earshot of many people Yamuso lowered his voice. "I know the name of the brother. And I know of the man he sought. I also know through my travels that they were both involved in a battle that took Ryoko Owari by surprise, leveling the Governor's Manse. Sojiro-san may be a gifted swordsman, but I fear the one he sought was a madman. I've heard that the one he seeks has gone by many names. My brethren call him traitor. Some, call him Taizin, Some call him Oronkohiro, Others, call him Shoju. No matter the name, his madness holds true. If Sojiro survived the encounter with him in Ryoko Owari, he should consider himself lucky."
Yamuso looked into the eyes of the Kakita. "I have heard rumblings that the traitor has sought revenge on many for the death of his beloved. If Sojiro seeks him, then he must have something of terrible importance to Kakita-san. Seeking the serpent that is Shoju alone, is folly.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 23, 2012 12:14:06 GMT -5
"I like it, Omigawa, as it reminds me my grandmother, formerly Moto Tiakun, and the treasures from far western lands she used to collect. If I have a... fascination for them, she can be blamed for it." Mitsouko waited, knowing they weren't there to talk about fashion.
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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 23, 2012 13:18:23 GMT -5
Omigawa clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace slowly. he gave the open dojo area one more quick once over, then faced Mitsouko again. "Straight to business then," he said, recognizing the look in her eye. His gaze never wavered from her as he walked back and forth slowly. "I have a confession to make, Kakita-sama," he said. Despite the fact that they couldn't possibly be alone, Omigawa seemed entirely unconcerned. "I told you my mission in Crane lands was to protect the locals from bandit attacks," he said. "That was not entirely truthful." His eyes narrowed, and his mouth set into a hard line. "My fellows and I are in the Crane provinces in search of an artifact," he said. "An artifact that a group of your clan mates took from the Shadowlands and brought here."
He stopped pacing and faced Mitsouko. "While it's no lie that my men and I have been suppressing the local bandit population, my primary goal here is to retrieve that item." he paused, waiting to see how Mitsouko would react to this information.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 23, 2012 14:08:08 GMT -5
"And... what exactly is this item? Where exactly it was supposed to be and who's its owner?" Was the simplest reaction possible, and she used it.
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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 23, 2012 15:18:18 GMT -5
Omigawa paused for a moment, as if considering something. "The item is a helmet," he said finally. "It is very distinctive; if you were ever in its presence, you would know." He shrugged. "Where it was prior to its theft is irrelevant. I believe it was taken to Seawatch Castle, for all I know it might still be there. I was hoping that, as a high ranking Crane lord, you would have some information on that. It's owner," he said, looking Mitsouko directly in the eye, "is me."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 23, 2012 18:24:42 GMT -5
Beautiful eyes you have, Omigawa. Interesting. Thank you for letting me admire them. Though, now I realize I’m not sure if it’s your real identity… So… she gave a brief smile and broke the eye contact, studying his stance and pondering her options. Let me understand a point or two, please? You say it was a theft? Also, previously, forgive me if I jump to wrong conclusions but… Are you saying Crane stole it from you?
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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 24, 2012 6:03:01 GMT -5
As the name 'Shoju' was uttered, Battou flinched. It was a small mistake, and he was quick to correct, but all the same he had betrayed an understanding. Abruptly Battou turned to face the scorpion.
"I'm sorry, if I perhaps... misunderstand your words or intentions, but... are you quite good friends with Sojiro-sempai?"
There was a click to the way he said that, and the way he moved, the way he stood, that was a predication of possible violence.
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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 24, 2012 7:53:47 GMT -5
So this is the way she wants to play it. "Forgive me if I spoke out of anger, Kakita-sama," he said. "The item was indeed stolen, but I believe the original thieves have been dealt with. Those who have it now may simply believe the item's true owner to be dead, thus making them innocent." Behind his back, Omigawa's hands clenched. "I do not know if you can assist me in this matter, Kakita-sama," he said, "but it has been a long journey, and I would like to resolve this as quickly as possible."
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Post by Shoju on May 24, 2012 9:17:56 GMT -5
Yamuso folded his arms in the sleeves of his kimono, and wrapped his hands around the comfortable grip of his blades. He had seen agitation like this before. "No Battou-san. I do not know Sojiro-san personally. He is a gifted swordsman, and his name is known throughout the empire. Naturally, I knew the traitor before his betrayal, He was more than a passing acquaintance. I have seen his madness in full bloom since. He is no longer the man I once knew. His actions shame my Lord, and all who follow him."
Yamuso casually adjusted his posture, sliding his foot back into a slightly more defensive posture. He had no intentions of instigating, but he certainly wasn't going to be caught unaware. "I know that the traitor was in Ryoko Owari, and I know that Sojiro-san engaged him in the battle. What became of individuals after the battle, I do not know. There are rumors, whispered far away from ostentatious gatherings such as this. Rumors that the traitor may have called upon even darker energies. What The Traitor was doing in Ryoko Owari, I do not know. I heard tell of a woman in his custody, but that can't be substantiated. What Sojiro-san was doing seeking him, I do not know. I'm sure it wasn't for a social gathering, Battou-san"
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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 24, 2012 9:39:51 GMT -5
Slowly, as Yamuso continued to speak; his posture relaxed, and his hand fell to his side.
"I'm... I'm sorry, yes, it was clearly a misunderstanding of words. Now that I hear that Sojiro-sempai is possibly in danger... it puts me on edge. And in a scorpion city and... it's a lot to take in."
Battou shook his head a few times, clearly having some sort of internal monologue with himself, but quickly he was smiling again and looking towards Yamuso. He continued to walk alongside the man as they turned about the room.
"I think that everyone is so tense right now, its part of the reason that we opened the reservation list to both those who support Hantei-ten-o and Toturi-sama. I hope that I have offered no offense to you, I deeply apologize for putting your mind on past hatred and betrayal."
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Post by Shoju on May 24, 2012 12:16:15 GMT -5
Yamuso bowed slightly to it. "Think nothing of it Battou-san. I remember the feeling of worrying about my kinsmen in danger. Especially one as close to you as Sojiro-san." Yamuso relaxed his grip on the blades, but didn't unfurl his arms completely, and looked past the Kakita in front of him for a moment.
"Tell me Kakita-san, when did you meet Mitsouko-sama? How did this marriage come to be?"
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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 24, 2012 18:07:54 GMT -5
"Cursed, Ryo-san?" Hitoshi laughed bitterly. "I have no idea. I am a simple bushi; I pay my respects to the Fortunes and my ancestors, follow the Tao as best I can, and leave other matters of the spirit to the Asahina.
"And in that sentance I have hit the nub of my problem - I look to my reverred ancestors for guidance - maybe I should simply obey my grandfather's wishes and ask Mitsouko-sama for permission to challenge as many Yasuki as possible? Personally I can't see any good coming from actions like that, and I am starting to regard their daimyo as a friend, but aren't our ancestors supposed to be wiser than us?"
He sighed and slumped back against the wall, slowly making his way to the ground as the fire seeped out of him.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 24, 2012 19:00:20 GMT -5
Well, I am not a great philosopher or a scholar of metaphysics but I think it's a good question to make to a shugenja. By the way, I also think you should try to get the guidance of a shugenja about the dealings of your ancestor’s spirit… Then, you shall find a way to appease your ancestor's wrath against Crab and permit him to rest in the place he really belongs to…Lady Yukihime-sama or even Yuuto-sama maybe can help you. If not any of them, maybe.. Ryo hesitated for a moment, but decided to mention a name, since he knew the compassionate heart and the wide range of abilities this man possessed. ... There's also a very special person: Agasha Shodai, the Void Master. Anyway, all of them are people you can trust to help you... if you think it's the right solution for you, of course. Right now… I guess you should recompose yourself, go home and think about your next steps. A sad smile crossed Ryo’s face, and he said something else before leaving Hitoshi alone, and free to go: What the Yasuki daimyo will do? Probably, he's waiting for good, very good explanations. Your daimyo will not expect less than it. So, Hitoshi-sama, if I am in position of giving you a final piece of advice, it is: maybe much of your past relied in the guidance of your Daidoji ancestor but, right now, you should take the reins of your life and decide your destiny by yourself.
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