Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 21, 2011 13:17:03 GMT -5
Growing more perplexed by the second, she took the daisho, not caring enough to refuse it twice, then handed it to Alana. Keiko then looked back at Oronkohiro and nodded for him to continue.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 21, 2011 14:06:15 GMT -5
Oronkohiro bowed, removed a scroll from a black wooden scroll case, emblazoned with the mon of the Scorpion on its side. He unrolled it, and drew his strength to him. He whispered a quick moment, and felt emboldened by spell.
"These are the last words of Bayushi Taizin, Scorpion Clan Samurai.
From the time I reached my Gempukku, I was zealous of my clan's charge in the Empire. We are the underhand of the Emperor. We strike where others do not. We are the keeper of the secrets of the Empire. It is said that there is no Secret the scorpion do not know.
My position within my beloved clan was as a magistrate. I succeeded whereever I was sent. There was no task I could be given that I could fail at. After I left Ryoko Owari, I was charged by the Kuroiban to track down, and eliminate a Bloodspeaker Cell within Southern Scorpion Lands. This duty took me across the empire, from Mori Isawa, to the Shadowlands itself. From Kyuden gotei, to Shiro Moto.
When I caught the cell on the Dragon Heart Plain, We engaged in Combat, and I and my small group of Yoriki killed many. After the battle, while searching for signs that we had dealt a crippling blow to their leadership, I found a scroll unlike any I had seen before. I quickly realized that this was a Black Scroll which had been stolen from the Scorpion.
Regrettably, I held this information from my Yoriki, and from the clan. The Black Scrolls were the one secret we, as a clan had always guarded, but we never knew. This notion that we merely guarded the secret instead of knowing the secret gnawed at me throughout the winter.
We had not killed the leader of the cult, and it became my charge to track him, and bring him to the grove. I followed him as long as I could, learning from any along the way that would teach me the ways of the Shugenja, Maho, and about the Black Scrolls that bound Fu Leng.
The entire time, I was haunted by nightmares. I saw the empire I had sworn to protect burning to the ground around me and I was powerless to stop it. In these nightmares, a young woman appeared to me, sometimes alive and well, and other nights charred, and dead. Each time, her message was the same. I could avert the destruction of the Empire, by simply learning the Secrets of the Scroll. I tried valiantly to ward myself from these nightmares, thinking they were just mind games of the bloodspeaker I tracked.
When the Yobanjin armies attacked the Unicorn lands, the nightmares worsened, and it became clear to me that the Yobanjin were going to be the destruction of the Empire. I rushed back to Kyuden Bayushi to speak with the Master of Secrets about what I had experienced, only to find that I had missed him. He was on his way to the Battle at the head of the finest army in Rokugan.
That night, I stayed in Kyuden Bayushi. The vision that night was of my champion, and all of the Scorpion lands falling to the Yobanjin invasion. I lept from my bed, clothed myself, and stole away into the catacombs beneath Kyuden Bayushi. I had decided that even if my life would be forfeit from learning the terrible secrets in the scroll, my clan, and my home would be spared.
Opening the scroll proved more challenging than originally thought. The magic of the scroll seemed ALIVE. Eventually, I was able to open the scroll, and I read it. Beginning to End.
In the end, I learned a secret. But, it was not a secret that would save the empire. Only one that would doom myself. Fu Leng was truly meant to be feared, his cruelty is absolute. His determination, unfathomable. His rage, unquenchable.
I realized my folly, and knew that I had doomed myself for a secret that no mortal should know. There was a reason that we guarded the secrets instead of knowing them.
I failed my clan. I failed my Champion. I failed my Emperor. I have hidden this scroll in the catacombs of Kyuden Bayushi. Since then, the visions have become worse. Maddening Whispers haunt me while I wake, and I swear, I'm being followed.
I have come here, to a small shrine to cleanse my treachery. Know that my treason wasn't intentional, Know that I was only doing what I thought best to save the Empire.
Taizin. "
Oronkohiro rolled the scroll again, and placed it back in the Scroll case.
"It sounds to me, like a tragedy." Oronkohiro held the scroll case tightly. "Perhaps now, you understand the earnest with which we have come to Kyuden Bayushi." Oronkohiro turned his head slightly to the right side, looking out the window. "I only regret that we weren't able to bring this to you sooner. shortly after we found this, we were engaged in battle with the Yobanjin, and by the time we were finished with out battles, the Scorpion we saw near Mountain Watch Keep had moved on. My Lord felt it in our best interest to bring this to Kyuden Bayushi rather than track the Scorpion army, and have it deemed a less than peaceful meeting".
Oronkohiro turned back to the Shosuro, and held the scroll out to her.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 21, 2011 16:14:49 GMT -5
Alana practically dropped the daisho from her hands as it became clear that they were owned by a tainted man. Staring at it with a mix of fear and disgust. Keiko seemed to handle the situation better.
She took the missive "You were right to bring this to our attention. Have you taken means to confirm its validity?"
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Post by Shoju on Feb 21, 2011 16:27:55 GMT -5
"I am quite positive that the the man in question was Bayushi Taizin, and that this was his Daisho" Oronkohiro nodded and turned towards Alana. "Fear not Miss, I assure you that the blades are perfectly safe. I would not have brought them back had they bore the taint. It is the reason that I bring just a daisho, and not his body." He shook his head. "It is unfortunate that Taizin was driven mad in his obsession to both rid the Empire of Maho Tsukai, and protect the emperor".
Oronkohiro looked out the window again, "Tell me Shosuro-san, to the best of your knowledge, does the end of Taizin's life villify him in the eyes of the scorpion? Will his legacy be that of Junzo who in his efforts to understand the scrolls became a villian, or will he be a tragic hero, more in the likeness of the esteemed Shoju who risked all, including his clan to save the empire?"
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 21, 2011 18:27:34 GMT -5
She rose her voice then, having listened to him carry on rather impatiently, "I care not for the fallen Bayushi, ronin!" She spat out the last word, using it more as an insult then as a title. "Have you taken means of verifying the validity of the claim regarding the black scroll."
Alana, realizing that this was not her place bowed and left the building hastily, daisho in hand. Keiko stood her ground then, both hands upon the box containing the scroll. Eyes ablaze with barely contained fury. Still making no sign of hostile movement.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 21, 2011 20:02:24 GMT -5
"Oh. The Scroll." Oronkohiro nodded, this was starting to be enjoyable. "Well Shosuro-san, I can tell you that in my experience, If I were to give an opinion, I would say yes, Taizin had encountered a black scroll. Judging from the burn marks on his Kimono, his hands, I would say he had in fact had a black scroll in his possession. The magic that bounds the scrolls is old, and someone of Taizin's limited knowledge in the arts of the shugenja, would surely have suffered in his attempts to release the secrets of the scroll." Oronkohiro looked back out the window again. "The only way to know for sure would be to investigate your catacombs. A task I am quite positive you will not allow a Ronin like myself to be privy to."
Oronkohiro turned to Minturo, who stood statuesque. He hadn't even flinched when the Shosuro had lost her temper. He sometimes wished that his Yojimbo was easier to read.
Looking back at the door where the other woman had exited, Oronkohiro mused "Shosuro-san, you didn't answer my question. I know you may not care for the fallen Scorpion, but in my travels here, I took time to inquire about Bayushi Taizin. While he wasn't the hero to Rokugan that someone like Bayushi Senshi is, he was well received and admired for his tireless work."
Oronkohiro turned back around, and his face was grim "Tell me Shosuro san, even if just in your opinion. Will Taizin be remembered as a tragic victim of his Yogo curse, or a as a villian, who escaped the grove?"
While Oronkohiro made no physical threat, his question carried with it a touch of irritation.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 21, 2011 20:33:58 GMT -5
She regarded him with a curious look, "If what is said is true, then he became a traitor by withholding the information when he first realized it could have been a black scroll. But it seems Taizin realized this, for he saw fit to end his own life rather then live with his dishonor. As befits any Scorpion who fails in their oath of loyalty." It was clearly a veiled threat, but it was just as clear that she knew little to nothing about the men before her even now. So her threat was just as small and insignificant as her regard for the two of them.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 21, 2011 21:22:39 GMT -5
Oronkohiro nodded. "Then the question now becomes what to do about ascertaining whether or not Taizin had truly encountered a black scroll. I have heard stories of the catacombs under Kyuden Bayushi. I have heard that they are a labyrinth that even the most seasoned Scorpion can fall prey to. "
Oronkohiro paced a little. "Tell me Shosuro san, would you allow me to accompany you in uncovering the truth about the scroll? You have my word that if we do find Taizin's Scroll, I will make no claim upon the scroll. It will be the Scorpion's to do with as you please." Oronkohiro regarded the Scorpion woman now. He had grown fond of her in this short amount of time. She would be a perfect agent he thought to himself. Her passion and fury were fantastically delicious.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 21, 2011 21:50:57 GMT -5
She snorted in derision, "Were it up to me, you'd be sent on your way with a 'thank you' and some tawdry and meaningless gift. But it is not up to me. I must now go and inform my superiors and they will decide what needs to be done. Excuse me." She left then, practically stomping each step and threw open the door heading down the road. Not caring if the 'ronin' stayed to hear word or not.
Only about ten minutes passed before Keiko returned, "I did not get my wish. There is no gift of thanks. I have been informed to tell you that we are taking action to verify the scroll, and suggest that you leave all thoughts of the Scorpion clan's single most important duty to the scorpion clan. You have earned my lord's gratitude, Oronkohiro. He will, if a scroll is recovered, seek you out to offer his favor. If not, you will not hear from us again."
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Post by Shoju on Feb 22, 2011 7:47:02 GMT -5
Oronkohiro nodded, and thought for a moment. "I'm afraid that I find this to be unacceptable Shosuro-san." Oronkohiro raised a hand, and Minturo moved in front of the door. "I have gone to great lengths to bring the last effects of Taizin here to you, and the longer this conversation has gone on, the more insulting you have become. " Oronkohiro shook his head, looking back out the window for a moment.
"Tell me Shosuro-san, did you know Taizin? Did you superiors know him?" Oronkohiro's voice was starting to sound agitated. "You question the mans word with incredible skepticism for being a former clansmen. Tell me, If Taizin were here right now, and telling you that he had found a black scroll, would you treat him the same way that you have treated me?"
Oronkohiro leaned in towards the woman with this last statement. He made no sign of agression, but his anger was showing through his so far stoic demeanor.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 22, 2011 12:10:39 GMT -5
"You forget your place, ronin. And why does the clan's regard for a dead and disloyal man matter to you? Taizin is dead, if not, then he is dead to us. I suggest you go back to your ronin sensei, Oronkohiro, and leave the matter in our more then capable hands." Noticing the increased hostility she then took three strides back, heading toward the darker edges of the room.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 22, 2011 13:48:09 GMT -5
"Perhaps I haven't been as forthcoming with you as I could have been Shosuro-san." Oronkohiro closes his eyes for a second. When he opens them, the room is illuminated in an eery blood red glow, seemingly emanating from Oronkohiro himself. There were few shadows left in the room. "I know with certainty that Taizin had a black scroll. I know the terrible secrets that the scroll contained. And I know that I don't appreciate your condescending tone."
Oronkohiro advanced a step towards her, hands crossed in front of him. "You see, I have strived very hard to ensure that my meeting here went according to the plans of my lord. I promise you, he is no mere ronin sensei, and I would ask that you mind your tongue about that topic."
Oronkohiro took another step. "I was ensured that this meeting would go far better than I had feared, but you Shosuro-san, are testing my patience".
Oronkohiro grinned, and took a step further "You are quite possibly the single most irritating, and fascinating person that I have met in quite some time Shosuro-san. I'm quite sure that you are a fantastic agent for your lord."
Minturo had made no move from the door. He merely stood stoic in front of it, hand on his katana.
"I also haven't been as forthcoming with you about the demise of Taizin, and you didn't answer my question. Did you, or any of your superiors know him personally?"
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 22, 2011 15:23:36 GMT -5
Keiko gulped, unnerved by the odd events happening around her, but managed to keep some form of composure. Her eyes darted around, as if searching for an answer before she closed them in steely resolve then opened them again, "There was one woman who remembered him. A member of my order, she spoke favorably of him."
She said this wondering if it would help cool the tempers in the room as she now clearly understood that she was not in charge of this discussion as she had thought before.
She then added, eerily calmly, "Whatever you are matters little, for if you know Taizin as well as you imply, you would also know that my loyalty, is to Bayushi Senshi, the Emperor, and the Kami. I will follow my orders or I will die. A decision was made and as such is out of my hands. The scorpion will recover this scroll, if it is there, and if it is, you will be rewarded by the champion himself. Do not take this blessing lightly."
As if in added response to her words, several shinobi who had been until now practically invisible, begin moving. Creaking of wood, flashes of movement, soft sounds of weapons drawn. It was clear they wanted their presence known, acting on Keiko's cue and hoping that the show of force would defuse the situation.
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Post by Shoju on Feb 22, 2011 17:55:42 GMT -5
Oronkohiro smiled. "I wondered how long it would be until they made their presence known." Oronkohiro glanced up, and around the room. "There is no reason to stay out of sight now, is there?" Oronkohiro mused. "Come, join us on the ground, I'm sure that you will find the rest of our time spent here much more enjoyable down here."
Oronkohiro's aura seemed to dim around him, and is it did, Oronkohiro held his hand up "Minutro, could you fashion us more natural lighting please?" Minturo simply replied by lighting a lantern.
"You speak of a woman in your order who spoke favorably of him." Oronkohiro began seating himself on the floor, and gesturing to Keiko to do the same. "This woman was Taizin's love. She knows not of what happened to him after he found the scroll. He kept himself away from her even more so than he did the Master of Secrets. He had hoped to marry her, but sadly their lives were never simple enough for a true loving marriage. Besides, from what I understand Scorpions rarely marry out of love."
Oronkohiro sighed heavy. "I know all too well the loyalties of a scorpion. Why, I have heard the tale of the Scorpion Champion who ordered one of his own to kill him to prove that Loyalty was the greatest virtue of a samurai. What I need you to understand, is that I'm not here to shed your blood, or the blood of any Scorpion. But, you also need to understand that if that is where things head, I haven't the slightest qualm about doing so."
Oronkohiro sensed the situation was still tense. "Minturo-sama. Would you oblige me by standing guard on the outside of the door. If anyone approaches please inform them that Keiko is in an important meeting. Use your best judgement if they insist".
"Hai-Sama. " was his gravely reply. with that, he slid out the door, and closed it behind him.
"This is the best peace offering I can give you Shosuro-san. I have sent my Yojimbo outside." Oronkohiro smiled, the peaks of his smile hidden in the shadows of his Jingasa. "You wont find the scroll in the catacombs, and I don't believe that it is because Taizin didn't leave it there. Sometimes, things just have a way of following people. Almost like it was destined for them." Oronkohiro adjusted his Jingasa "I mean, Taizin was doomed to that scroll the minute he found it. His mother's Yogo blood, and his ancestors Chuda blood. The Scroll must have been a Siren's Song to him."
Oronkohiro folded his arms, and looked at Keiko. "Now, what if I told you that the Scorpion could have the scroll back, but it would come with a price? Would the Scorpion be interested in such an offer?"
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 22, 2011 18:46:22 GMT -5
Keiko's eyes narrowed as she sat on the floor, listening to the bizarre man. She could tell that at that last question her fellows hiding above were tensing. Still though she wanted to hear everything before she committed to any action. The man was hiding behind his mask, hiding behind his lies, and hiding behind his yojimbo.
He had to be a scorpion... once.
Her reply was more concise then any she said before,"What. Price."
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