The Duel (Mostly Open)

[Utaku Mai]

This thread is a continuation of "The Court of the Shogun" and will detail the events leading up to the duel between Akodo Tsanuri and Utaku Mai, as well as the culmination of the same. This thread probably has most of the same restrictions on who could reasonably post (this is still the middle of Toturi's camp, after all) with the added caveat that this thread will be understandably Tsanuri and Mai-centric. Have fun!

Background:

The Court: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=mwk&action=display&thread=2208&page=1

The Challenge: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=mwk&thread=2208&page=1#41890

[Utaku Mai]

(OOC: Details on what happened to Mai the night before the duel are detailed here: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cos&thread=2156&page=6#42278)

Moonlight was permeating the stiff fabric of the yurt, casting alien shadows through the criss-crossing beams that supported the skin of the structure. Utaku Lien had awoken to another coughing fit, bourne from hours coming to and from the smoking wreckage of the Castle of the Swift Sword, each pass finding another wounded lion man or woman desperately clinging to life. The last pass nearly killed her, and it was only the intervention of a quick-thinking water shugenja that allowed her even this fitful rest. She was luckier than many.

She was quietly drinking from the medicine jug at her bedside, letting the infused herbs soothe her ravaged throat, when she heard a commotion from one of the nearby bedrolls. She saw a fellow shiotome mumbling unintelligible words in her sleep, thrashing at some invisible foe. She struggled for several minutes before waking up with a sudden frightened gasp.

"Onee-sama?" Lien said softly, her voice full of concern. "Is something wrong?"

The woman was struggling to gain control of her faculties, holding her head in her arms as if protecting herself from some unseen force. She noticed then a thin trickle of blood flowing from her palm, self-inflicted in her sleep. Lien looked away, blushing, to allow the fellow samurai some privacy in her current state of vulnerability.

"I'm...fine, imouto-san," she said finally, taking several deep breaths before picking herself up from her bedroll and throwing on a quilted haori. "I just need some fresh air."

Lien recognized her now, in the dim light. "Mai-sama...is it wise to go out alone? The hour is very late, and forgive me, but I'm not sure if you should be alone right now."

"Your concern is appreciated, sister, but isn't necessary. Someone should get some sleep tonight, and it may as well by you."

"Mai...good luck. With the duel with Akodo-sama, I mean."

Mai looked at her with an odd expression, the rings of exhaustion under her eyes contrasting sharply with her pale skin. She nodded her head slightly to acknowledge the battle maiden, then left through the tent flap.

---

A pale pre-dawn light began to fill the area, glistening over the river as it wound its way into the landscape. Mai stood on a small hill to the west of the camp, trying to find her center in the visage of her homeland. She could almost feel the wind blowing through the new grass springing up, the happy memories of her training and time among the battle maidens. Springs and Summers that had passed, before the sorrow and failures of the last year. She held a borrowed katana in front of her, moving once more through well-rehearsed fighting forms. One, two, three.

The kenjutsu form taught at the Utaku dojo was often secondary to mounted combat, and involved quick, careful movements utilizing defense and offense in equal measure. The point was to get fights over with as quickly as possible, to survive until your enemy died, your sisters reinforced you, or you could get back on your horse to charge. Mai's small form allowed her to move quickly, dodging attacks before coming in for her own strike, but she just couldn't put herself fully in the moment before thoughts of Shoju, the war, and her own failures began to crowd into her mind. The blade left her hands completely at one point in her frustration and lack of focus.

Mai sighed, and began to walk over to pick it up when she noticed a white movement from the northwest. She was about to run to the camp to raise the alarm, but stopped as recognition began to overtake her. For the first time in several months, she managed a genuinely happy smile.

---

Ren began to ran at the sight of her mistress, but a gentle tug on her reigns kept her pace steady as they approached Mai. The samurai-ko ran to meet them, overtaken by joy in the surprise of their arrival.

"Taro-san! I'm so glad to see you! I sent a message to Bikami as soon as I could. I feared for the worst after the attack..."

Taro, though apparently exhausted himself from his long ride, hadn't changed at all, though Mai noted that he seemed particularly suited to the kimono and riding hakama he wore, as well as the Hyugya and Utaku mons displayed on his lapels. He had had several months to acclimate to his new position in his lady's family, but was still surprised to have his low, respectful bow returned with a familial embrace after he dismounted from the steed. Ren seemed somewhat put-out that Mai greeted her second with a gentle rubbing of her flank and mane.

"Your message said your destination was to be Toturi's camp, Mai-sama, so I came to fulfill my duty." Ever a man of few words, he simply nodded his head toward the Utaku steed, some carefully bundled supplies, and a familiar katana in its purple saya. The delivery seemed most welcome -- Mai was overcome with happiness and more than a little relief.

"You've done very well, Taro-san," Mai said, making some small adjustments to the saddle before mounting herself. "We have much to discuss, but in the meantime, go to the camp and get some food and rest. I'll take care of Ren."

The vassal bowed low once more and began to sprint toward the camp and the promised meal.

Mai mounted her steed, the closest and dearest friend that she had left at the moment. She looked at the sun beginning its slow rise to the west, bent her head low, and whispered a word into Ren's ear.

"Run."

Finally, on the open fields, riding on the wind and sky against the rising sun, Mai could begin to find herself once more.

[Iuchi Ozora]

Having spent much of the night assisting the wounded, Ozora was able to get a good three hours of sleep before dawn woke him up. Stepping out into the early light, he looks out into the distance to see a battlemaiden riding hard, though knowing from experience she was having what amounted to fun out here.

He takes his time cleaning up and refreshing himself after the long night. After he heads out to the hilltop that overlooks the plains to meditate for a bit, centering himself for what lies ahead.

He has a feeling that today is going to be another long day indeed.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

There was still nearly an hour to the dawn when Tsanuri was woken by the change of guards. She didn't stand up at once, she gave herself a little time to listen the camp sounds. Left from her someone was preparing food, probably kind of soup or porridge. She heard metallic rustling when spoon touched pot. A bit further a few people was talking quietly. Someone on the right was sharpening his sword. And everywhere around she heard her clansmates sleeping breaths.

She stood up and went to the stream to refresh herself a little and drive away the remnants of sleep.
For a moment her eyes focused on the place just beside her, where last evening she was talking with ronin and where he died. But it was only a second. Now it wasn't time to think about that.

She quietly returned to her lying trying not to wake anybody and took katana she received from the armorer just a few hours ago. It was typical sword, similar to many others used by common bushi, in wooden faded-brown saya. Tsanuri found a peaceful place away of the camp and started checking the katana. It was in a pretty good shape. After two kata Tsanuri get more-less used to the sword.

Slowly the world was getting brighter.

When she finished practice, Tsanuri drank some fresh water. Her stomach was demanding more substantial meal but it wasn't the right time. Fight might be to the first blood, but if cut is made properly, first blood might be last. Especially if it's abdomen that was severed.
Stop thinking about not important matters. Tsanuri quickly moved to the place that Mai chose for the duel.

[Utaku Mai]

Mai drank in the sunlight as it poured into the landscape, letting Ren run with a freedom previously denied her by the careful Taro. It was good for both of them, being together after such a long absence. The two of them finished their ride and slowly trotted over to the hill that Mai had assigned.

Tsanuri was already there, meditating silently. Mai dismounted quietly, untied her katana from its holster at the animal's side, and carefully tied it to her obi. While it was nothing like the nearly magical Kakita blades, it was still a product of the fine craftsmanship typical of Crane sensibilities. It was weighted well to Mai's arm and to her preferred style of fighting. She thought a bit of her father Kuzon, likely somewhere in the Crane lands, far away from any knowledge of what she was doing. This was a gift from him, and while Mai had all but abandoned her Crane heritage in favor of that of her mother, it seemed to be tugging at her more and more of late. She pushed these unnecessary thoughts from her mind, and waited patiently for Tsanuri to finish her preparations.

[Saiko]

He stood on a nearby hill, a distance away so as not to intrude on either samurai-ko's preparations, but close enough that he could easily see the proceedings. His horse was a way away, his traveling gear packed and prepared, and the papers granting him leave to begin his journey home at his side, on the contingency that he would be escorted to Dragon borders so that any information he may have gleaned about Kaneka's forces could not be passed on to the remaining Dragon army, though he had no intention of such. He simply wanted to go home.

Saiko gazed out over the gentle hills being turned golden by the rising sun, hearing the river running in the background, and yet... the feeling of serenity that he had felt after his discussion with Takezo was fading. He still felt hollow, as though he still had something to accomplish, and as such, he had made the necessary arrangements to return to Shiro Mirumoto. But first, he would stay and watch, for he had to know... He had to know....

[Hida Joji]

"Good morning Ronin." - Joji says as he approaches - "You wanted to talk to me about something?"

Joji sits down next to Saiko, spits some black blood and jade, wipes his mouth saying:
"The Lion-ko is crafty, Utaku-ko's fire will make her restless. Nothing worse than seeing someone meditate, especially when your blood is up." - Joji thumps Saiko's leg with his elbow - "Not so innocent this Cub!"

[Akodo Keisuke]

It was still dark when Keisuke arrived at the dueling ground. He had not slept all evening or had he. There was no way to be sure, one moment he was meditating and contemplating the Daisho that had belonged to the ronin he had slew yesterday. When next he knew, he was speaking to a kindly old monk. Perhaps the monk was not old but it was difficult to tell. As they spoke Keisuke was constantly aware of the presence of a crow. The same crow that circled over head even now.

Underneath an young pine tree that was growing out shadow of a much larger and more weathered old pine. Keisuke found a soft patch of grass and when he had sat crossed legged with his sword across his lap he began to drift off to sleep.


Mai -- Squawk -- Nuri
The crow seemed to chatter.
Squawk -- Live -- Squawk

Keisuke, was pulled back to consciousnesses. No impossible crows do not speak. Looking left to right You do not speak do you? The crow billowed its wings in front of Keisuke's face and winked at him and then flew up in to the heights of the old pine. Well a wink is what Keisuke thought he saw at least.

He ran his hands across his forehead and stood up taking his sword in to his left hand. Others were starting to arrive.

[Iuchi Ozora]

Ozora makes his way to a viewable position to witness the impending duel. Having seen some, they still held a bit of a luxury sense for him, though Mai's participation only increased his anxiety instead of allowing him to enjoy it.

Taking up a relaxed position, Ozora waits patiently as the morning crawls along.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

When Tsanuri arrived at the designated place, Lion regent was already there. She bowed low and went to the side to meditate while waiting for Utaku to arrive. Her thoughts wander around the upcoming duel trying to recall battle maidens fighting style.

It didn’t take long to hear Mai coming. Tsanuri finished meditating and took sword that was lying near her and adjusted it to her belt. Then bowed her head to Mai.
"Beauty of morning sky is truly unmatched."

Tsanuri noticed a few silhouettes gathered nearby. She recognized Mai’s two acquaintanceshe was with the day before. And of course Joji-san. Smile crossed her face. It was difficult to mistake him for anyone. 'He must be really bored/' she thought though she was glad to have somebody on her side around.

[Saiko]

Saiko regarded the tainted Crab quizzically for a moment as he approached, pondering how this war made strange companions of them all, it seemed. He nodded, and gave a slight bow, smiling slightly at the remark, though not recoiling from the tainted man's touch.. "As you say. The winds may blow strong this morning, but will the oak stand strong, or bow and break?," he remarked, seemingly staring off into space.

He bowed to Ozora as he approached as well, still lost in his own thoughts, before remembering that Joji had asked him a question. "I was simply remarking on the daisho you wear," he replied casually. "I had hoped to possibly offer a trade for it, as I myself am in need of a blade, but now I am returning home, and it is no longer a worry."

Saiko gestured towards where the duelists were preparing, also taking note of the Akodo Daimyo wandering nearby, and began to walk a little closer in preparation of the coming sunrise.

[Utaku Mai]

[Sorry for keeping everyone waiting, I've been out of town for a bit. Also noting that I'm interpreting a kenjutsu duel as starting with the swords out rather than from a draw stance]

Mai bowed respectfully to her opponent, trying to ignore the gathering crowd forming in loosely around them. "If you are prepared, honorable Akodo-san, then we can begin."

Mai removed her hitoe and placed it carefully on the grassy meadow. A brief wind whipped through the layers of her kimono and tatsuke bakama, but the warmth of the sun was keeping the chill at bay. She unsheathed her katana, letting the blade's ringing song permeate the air around the gathering crowed. Nodding to the Akodo Daimyo, she took an opening stance, her blade gleaming in the sunlight in a well-practiced form. It appeared very defensive at first glance, though a particularly fast fighter could react well to any change in tempo with a smooth counter response. Mai was certainly one of those quick fighters, as she was small and light on her feet. She appeared ready to face anything. There was no loud exhale, no kiai shout, only a silent and dangerous anticipation, like a spring preparing to release itself at any moment.

"Akodo Tsanuri-san," she said quietly, in keeping with the ritualized nature of what was taking place. "I now give you one final chance to recant the challenge you placed before me yesterday in Toturi Kaneka-dono's court. Will you do so?"

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke stood straight, shoulders squared and marched over to Mai and Tsanuri, as surely such as the kami must have walked as in the elder days. Time seemed elusive in those moments, he noticed not the beauty of nature in that moment but the plainness of it. Looking around he realized how unremarkable this spot was. How with in weeks or days of this duels passing no one would remember the exact spot the duel occurred.


Mai spoke as Keisuke stepped an equal distance to the two samurai.

May 15, 2012 10:04:04 GMT -5 Utaku Mai said:

"Akodo Tsanuri-san," she said quietly, in keeping with the ritualized nature of what was taking place. "I now give you one final chance to recant the challenge you placed before me yesterday in Toturi Kaneka-dono's court. Will you do so?"

Sliding his sword back in to his obi, Keisuke took one swift step taking the center between the two. His arm moved with the speed of a striking viper and Keisuke closed his hand around the edge of Mai's blade. The edge cut into his hand perhaps a bit deeper than he would have liked, but that was not what was important. Opening his fingers he showed his hand palm uppermost to Mai then turned it so Tsanuri could see the wound.

His breathing shifted as Keisuke walled the plain in his hand into one of the dark corners of his mind.

Utaku Mai, you were correct yesterday, when you spoke before the Emperor; more could have and should been done in defense of the Castle. Our martial pride blinded us, and we should have taken greater care in defending the Castle, yet the Dragon fought like oni wielding their fire. Our arrogance and their madness contributed the horrors that occurred on the field. Turing to face them both he tucked his hand inside his kimono as the pain grew more intense and the blood began to escape his pain weakened grip.

Tsanuri-san if we duel everyone we disagree with or anyone one who points out our mistakes I am affaid that there would be no one left in the empire and we would sit solitary on our thrones of honor. None would dispute our honor because there would be none left to do so.

Keisuke looked a question at both Mai and Tsanuri, First, blood has been drawn, my blood. letting go a deep breath. Mai take this apology for our hasty actions, and if you can tell me what you know of this thing I have heard recently of that calls it self Shoju.
Tsanuri, will you permit me to take the burden of this days duel upon myself, so that when say that you speak for the Lion you understand that those words have consequences?

His gaze narrowed, Is this duel over, or has a battle lust taken you both and you wish to fight on and see how much more blood can be spilled?

[Iuchi Ozora]

A smile crosses Ozora's lips quickly as he is glad at the seemingly peaceful end. He stays patient though, wondering how those two headstrong maidens will take this.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

Tsanuri's eyes widened when she saw Keisuke grabbed Mai's sword. Her hand reaching her own katana stopped in the middle of the move and fell back. She frowned seeing the wound presented. She judged subconsciously that it was not dangerous, but easy to harm and probably painful. Why did he do it?
It became clear with Keisuke's words.

Tsanuri felt humiliated like never before. First time in years she was treated like child, unable to make any decision on her own. Keisuke forfeited her duel, apologized to her opponent and then edified her in front of Mai and all those that gathered nearby. Like he was a guardian of an insolent brat used to cope with his ward's pranks and misbehaviors.
She cursed herself in her thoughts. How could she be so stupid. Did she already forgot who she was and why Keisuke wanted to keep her near? She heard her inner voice laughing. "You should have known your place. Don't forget it again."

During Keisuke's speech not a muscle on her face moved revealing her thoughts. She bowed to Keisuke. 'It's over.'
She turned to Mai and bowed again.