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Post by Shoju on May 29, 2012 8:37:14 GMT -5
Yamuso's face turned into a scowl at the words Battou spoke. He had no intention of leaving, but now, he might just have to put a blade through that stuffy Crane's heart.
He walked through the crowd, and rounded a corner, in the shadows afforded by the corner, It was almost as if he disappeared. He removed the cumbersome kimono, and the hood, and felt more comfortable wearing pants and a tight shirt. He readjusted the blades so that they sat against the flat of his back, and scanned the building.
He was soon at home, in the rafters. While he lacked the ties to the Shadow that the Goju and Ninube could boast, Yamuso could boast will, and perfection of form. He moved with amazing precision, and soon found himself trailing in the rafters as Battou walked, murder burned in his eyes, and in his mind.
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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 29, 2012 12:09:06 GMT -5
Omigawa's smile was as far from 'warm' as a smile could get. "You're right of course, Kakita-san," he said. "You have no reason to trust me, as I have given you none." He spread his hands wide, palms facing outward. "I think it is in our best interests to seek a peaceful solution to all this. I must therefore ask, what sort of proof would you require that I am telling the truth?"
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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 29, 2012 16:27:36 GMT -5
Mitsouko walked along the room, while thinking about his question. Then, she turned to the painted-face man:
I’d think about some ways to do so, but in fact I realize the best method would be learning how this powerful item came to your hands, which most likely would include knowing about your history. How comfortable are you to give me that? I don’t know how interested you are in letting me judge whether or not I can help you to see this helmet again… If doing so does not stain my own honor, of course. Her eyes narrowed a little.
Anyway, yes, if we think enough about it, the only reasonable possible outcome is a peaceful one. What are our options, ‘Omigawa’? Even if one of us bleed to death tonight over a helmet, it’ll not end here and now.
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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 30, 2012 8:00:22 GMT -5
"I see," Thrakhath said. "Well then, in the name of peace, I will tell you the truth," he said. "I warn you however," he said, "that you may not like what you hear."
Thrakhath clasped his hands behind his back and began pacing again. "My real name, is Thrakhath," he said. "Formerly of the Moto family, though I doubt they would acknowledge an affiliation with one such as myself. When I was young, only a year or so out of my gempukku, I became Tainted." He watched her for a reaction to these words, and when it seemed that violence was not imminent, he continued. "I knew what I was in for, but I was unwilling to take my own life just yet, and spending the rest of my life sitting in a monastery drinking tea did not exactly appeal to me either."
"In my moment of indecision, I was given a third option." He smirked. "As it turned out, there was a group of samurai living out there in the Shadowlands who shared my taste for life, and my unwillingness to spend my days drinking tea; a group calling themselves the Spider. They saved me that day, and taught me of a way to live with the Taint without allowing it to control me. I have been fighting alongside them ever since to help carve a place for ourselves in the Shadowlands, and I was there when we tried in vain to find a place for ourselves in harmony with the Empire rather than in conflict."
Every muscle in Thrakhath's body had tensed as his story had gone on, and he watched Mitsouko carefully. "Life in the Shadowlands is not kind, Kakita-san," he said. "Despite the difficulties, we have managed to make a home for ourselves there, and we have even tried to assist the Hantei in his war with his brother when and where we can." He stopped his pacing and lifted a hand to stave off the inevitable protest. "Indirectly of course, we know what such an affiliation would do to the Hantei's credibility." He lowered his hand and continued. "It is my hope that the Empire will one day be able to forgive us for choosing to live with our affliction," he said. "Which brings me to the artifact," he said. "The helmet is a badge of office of sorts, given to the Champion of the Spider as a symbol of leadership." Thrakhath watched Mitsouko carefully, ready to spring into action if the need presented itself.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
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Post by Zeure on May 30, 2012 23:35:16 GMT -5
thank the kami for servants... Battou thought to himself as he finally came into view of the Dojo. He decided that Mitsouko's manor was far too large and grandiose... quietly another part of his brain told him that he was simply too used to the small spaces that had been granted him while he was in training with the master artisans. And yet another part told him that he could get used to living in a place like this.
He stood for a moment, appreciating the grounds around him, since his connection with Mitsouko had not shown any sort of further disturbance. He wondered how he should play the move. He thought that she was probably in there alone with the other man, trying to find out as much as she could from him before she did anything else. If Battou simply burst in, it might put the man in a hard position that would force him to act rashly... ha, I'm trying to keep people from acting rashly... that's.. so funny...
He took a few hesitant steps forward, towards the Dojo and placed himself, near it, quietly. He was not the sort of man that had never had to sneak anywhere, quite the contrary, there had been a number of times in his earlier life where the circumstances that surrounded his proclivities with the fairer sex had forced him to make a quiet egress.
For the moment, he listened.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 31, 2012 5:19:50 GMT -5
Mentally she essayed to speak the strange name the Spider had. Of course she was expecting nothing better than it but, somehow, while his words turned into a whole scenario in her mind, Mitsouko realized it was the truth he believed in. A truth she could believe in as well.
Wouldn’t she be forced to face the same dilemma if she wasn’t surrounded by true friends (or maybe, if she hadn't the same role in the Empire?). What if she was a simple low ranked samurai, fighting that oni? How many of them committed seppuku after that? How many were forced to retire and how many… she felt a chill in her spine. How strange was to feel some sympathy for his story? Anyway, there were other questions to the “Spider Champion”, about things that didn’t fit into his speech. Mitsouko was static as a bride statue, planted in the place before him; close enough to be touched by his shadow.
Though, Thrak… Hath-san, now your kin leads an attack to the Empire. No wonder we were reticent about considering that proposal. Seems your kin’s humors are… quite instable, to say the least. Sounds to us that many of the “Spider clan” weren’t committed with the “wish of living in harmony with the Empire” part of your speech. Some of you consort with oni, mad maho practicioner find shelter and amnesty in your ranks... maybe it's not your fault, but you can't blame us for the lack of trust. Traditionally we rokugani have serious issues with such things.She sighed: I went to the Shadowlands, ThrK- Hath-san... I saw a little part of your reality... Forgive me, your name is very exotic... What does it means? She showed little interest in making it something else than a civilized parley. If he was a champion of some sort, as he said so, the samurai-ko believed he could understand the situation the way she saw it. Maybe she would end paying for her courteous beliefs, but it was indeed a great opportunity to understand and predict whether one day the Spider could join the Empire as equals.
In fact, I went there because a man called Alesha sought a place among the "Lost". He caused a massace in Seawatch Castle, he summoned an oni and tried to bind it to me. I can't forgive such acts.
She allowed the subject to die, on purpose. His reactions were interesting to her as well.
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Post by Shoju on May 31, 2012 8:09:16 GMT -5
Once Battou had left the buildings, and moved through the gardens, Yamuso had shadowed him from the side, watching his movements from shadows. Even as a Dragon, he had been gifted in tracking and hunting prey.
As Battou reached the building, Yamuso took a perch on the roof, keeping ears and eyes on much of the ground, and on Battou as well. He could hear muffled words from inside, but couldn't discern the nature of the conversation.
He waited, patiently, knowing that the only chance of recovering the artifact was the path most bloody.
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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 31, 2012 9:01:40 GMT -5
Mitsouko's lack of a violent response did not surprise Thrakhath. What did throw him off, however, was her continued cordiality. Most samurai, when confronted with his true nature in such a blatant fashion, grew cold and angry at the least, and rabidly violent at worst. Perhaps there's more to this daimyo than I first imagined, he thought. "My name is an old Ujik-hai word, Kakita-san," he said. "It means..." he trailed off for a moment, and his eyes looked past her. Something that might resemble sadness touched his face for a second, and Thrakhath closed his eyes and shook his head, putting on his stoic expression once more. "I apologize, Kakita-san, but I seem to have forgotten what it means. if you are ever among the Moto, you might ask one of them."
He began to address her other points, one at a time. "As I recall," Thrakhath said, "any attacks we have made against the Empire recently have been directed against the Crab, who have thrown in their lot with Toturi. The more of them forced to defend the Wall from us, the less available to fight for the would-be usurper, no?"
"As for maho," he said, "there are practitioners of such magic within our ranks, I will not deny it. I have dabbled in it myself from time to time. To us, the already Tainted, maho is simply another form of magic, and a tool to be used. I see little difference between crushing someone's lungs with blood magic, and beseeching the kami to burn them alive." His eyes narrowed. "Oni are another matter entirely," he said. "Oni are dangerous, unpredictable creatures, and in my experience they are always more trouble than they are worth." The hatred in his eyes was plain for anyone to see. "In fact, during one of our recent sieges, I forbade the use of such magic entirely, and had to kill one or two men to make my point."
"Alesha is a madman, you won't hear any argument from me," Thrakhath said. "Madmen have their uses, however, and are easier to control than you might think." He smirked. "Just ask the Crab." His expression turned serious. "You must have endured much during your ordeal with him, Kakita-san. We do not hold men accountable for their actions outside of the Spider, but should he ever attempt to summon a demon in my presence, I assure you, he would be dead long before the ritual was complete."
Thrakhath spread his arms wide. "It seems we have both laid bare our involvement in this matter," he said. "Where do we go from here?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 31, 2012 18:22:21 GMT -5
Ha! Good question, Thrak-san! Where do we go from here...? She smiled again, shrugging in the process. She seemed very unconcerned about keeping a persona. I don’t know.
Maybe I should tell you I have it, but not here and not now. It’s currently not in my possession. But… just a point before I propose you something. Fighting the Crab is fighting the Empire, Thrak-san. Your point of view about maho and kami-based magic is quite interesting, I assure you. But, while your kin keep this point of view I don’t think the Spider will grab any sympathy among my peers. Nor mine, I’m afraid. The Kakita daimyo said in a low tone, considering how weird and far this conversation had gone.
Thrak-san, even though you are enemy of the Empire, I cannot act against my beliefs. I cannot condemn you for coming here seeking the symbol of your identity. I cannot sway a sword at you because you came here asking for what is yours. That’s yours, and not mine, and you didn’t commit the mistake of threaten me or my people. I think I shall give it back to you. Give me a week, and find me at the docks of Seawatch Castle. I’ll take the helm and deliver it to you, and then you can depart from Kakita lands, back to your …home.
Now, it was her time to piercingly look into his eyes, waiting a answer to 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 Jun 1, 2012 9:35:23 GMT -5
Thrakhath met her gaze silently. His hands clenched into fists, but he made no other hostile move. "Your proposal is not ideal, Kakita-san," he said. "However, in my experience, the essence of diplomacy is reaching an agreement that is less than ideal for both parties, yet still satisfactory." He bowed at the neck. "I accept your terms, Kakita-san, on one condition. I want your word that no one other than you will touch the helm, and that no one will tamper with it in any way." He cocked his head to the side slightly. "I know you to be a woman of honor, Kakita-san," he said. "Is that a promise you can make?"
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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 Jun 1, 2012 11:49:31 GMT -5
"It's not a matter of diplomacy, Thrak-san. It's a matter of logistics. And it's what I can do for you." Mitsouko said, displicently. "Also, it's an interesting and convenient approach of 'honor' you have here. Mainly when it cannot entirely be applied to you."
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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 Jun 1, 2012 12:46:31 GMT -5
Thrakhath found himself chuckling involuntarily. "Fair enough, Kakita-san," he said. "Still, I would ask that my helm not be tampered with before it is returned to me." He shrugged. "Whether or not you heed my request is a decision I leave to you."
He bowed, this time at the waist. "And now I think it best if I leave, I'm sure I've overstayed my welcome." A half-grin came to life on his face, and to Thrakhath's surprise, it was a genuine expression. "This has been a much more pleasant experience than I anticipated. Congratulations on your marriage, and remember," he said, with a knowing look in his eye, "there is always a third option."
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jun 1, 2012 18:20:32 GMT -5
An interesting experience indeed, Thrak-san.
She ignored what sounded as a mocking remark from his part. Her guests should be safe with his departure. And yes, it was her main concern right now. About the helmet… He dying with or without a kabuto in his head, it makes little difference to her. But she wasn't a thief or the like
Don’t worry, Thrak-san, the helmet will be given back to you the way we found it… So we’ll meet again soon, it seems.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
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Post by Zeure on Jun 1, 2012 20:07:29 GMT -5
Battou heard the closing remarks, and the imminent leaving about to happen. So he moved away from the side of the building with the door on it. Probably a strange move to Yamuso, who could not hear the conversation. He also had not touched his sword for several seconds. He remained hidden, however.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 4, 2012 8:05:11 GMT -5
The murmurs ceased, and Battou moved away from the entrance, Yamuso dared not shift too quickly on the roof and risk being exposed. He slowly edged his way in the direction Battou had gone and waited. He heard no clanging of steel, he heard no shouts. So he waited.
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