Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 28, 2011 17:53:32 GMT -5
She didn't really flinch as her eye darted to one side to briefly address the Kitsuki at a glance, unwilling to take her eyes off of the supposed Moto for very long.
"Thank you," She seemed firm and still tense as her intensity seemed to be her focus. She stepped out, taking back her katana and things as she ensured that the Moto had all his things as well. She gently took the lead and took him away from the court, silently hoping he would take the hint to just follow and not start any sort of scene.
"I'm not going to ask who you are or why you're here and waste both of our time, but I didn't recall any Moto being seen coming to this city as of late. All the others have come and gone already, you seem to have arrived out of the shadows itself it seems."
She stopped outside of the guard's earshot as she turned to look at the Moto, her eyes fixing on his cut. And then as she studied it a bit more she finally realized as her eyes narrowed and she drew her katana. The taint was staring her right in the face, and dressed as a Moto, the insult was inexcusable. She would strike to kill, if Archer wished he could try to defend but her wrath was undeniable.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 28, 2011 19:18:23 GMT -5
The archer knew it was over now. Haruka had seen him in Saisei. She knew who he was, and she saw through the armor. As she swung to strike, he removed the mask from his face. As the katana slid through him in a perfect killing blow, The expression on his face was soft and clear, and it was certain to anyone who saw him, that he was not Rokugani, but certainly not Gaijin. To Haruka, his face was clear. She had seen faces like this invading her lands for months now. two words escaped his mouth. Not in a cry of pain. Not in revenge. Almost as if they were spoken in peaceful gratitude.
"thank you"
The Archer crumpled to the ground. He had never drawn his Yumi, his Katana still sheathed. His corruption was clear. On the ground lay a body that should be releasing its life onto the steps, but there was no pooling ichor, not even a trickle.
Inside, Tinishi heard the commotion, and had seen Haruka lead the Moto out. It was his time.
"ESTEEMED COURT OF ROKUGAN HEAR MY WORDS. I AM TINISHI, AND I COME ON BEHALF OF THE SHADOWLANDS".
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 28, 2011 21:56:07 GMT -5
"THE WHAT!?" Chiyuki shouted in disbelief. She covered her mouth and took a few steps back from the Crab that made the proclimation.
This was bad, very, very bad. Jade Magistrates, they needed to be called. The guard needed to be called. Why was no one moving? Shock? Magic? Chiyuki edged to the door, praying that her soul would remain pure.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 28, 2011 22:22:51 GMT -5
Sheathing her blade, she left the corpse as it was. She did not know if it was safe but she heard someone shouting and as quickly and worriedly as she could made her way back into court, uncertain that this was all the taint there was in the city.
She was looking to the Kitsuki and the guards now for their act, as she was held up trying to hurry back, she had no intension of carrying her weapon inside. But her concern for the moment was the safety of Chiyuki.
(edited, hopefully to the yuusha's approval)
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 29, 2011 3:53:04 GMT -5
(edit: Approved and sorry for nagging) Some of the members of court looked aghast and others amused. Perhaps this was just a Crab trying to be dramatic or speaking of the dangers of the shadowlands? Some of the imperial guards around the large main chamber turned their attention towards the Yasuki but none made a move straight away. Outside there was growing turmoil though. Onlookers could not miss the confrontation and then the obviously corrupt corpse that was left. Some screams and shouting alerted the guards and then began to call for their shugenja brethren. Kemeji absorbed all of this, offering a quick nod to Haruka but unable to speak. Gathering his wits he ran over to a guard patrol that was rushing over. He blurted out inelequently "that tainted thing - he was with a Scorpion woman I think. She knew him anyway and nodded at him. It is reasonable to say she was involved, right?". One of the aides nodded. Kemeji continued "I can identify her. Please, follow me" and then he started to swiftly walk to the courts. The aide signalled four guards from the ten man strong patrol to escort the Kitsuki. A few others joined them in route and they quickly ended up inside, others backing away from the armed and serious looking group. It was quite some way back into court though... enough time to talk a little for those inside. Outside, Taneda watched with mild concern as an imperial shugenja looked at the corpse and began doing something. For a tainted person to make it this far in the imperial city?! It was not only embarassing for the imperial guards but near unbelieveable as well. Unthinkable even. He stood up and decided to try and find others to assist
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Post by Shoju on Mar 29, 2011 8:18:13 GMT -5
Ensuki smiled as it appeared that the archer had served as an adequate distraction. There will be those who show contempt for her actions. The Archer was favored among some in the Shadowlands, but the whole of the shadowlands is a tool right? Ensuki watched the crowd after Tinishi made his presence known. It appeared that some in the crowd didn't take the words he spoke with the appropriate gravity, while others stood more shocked and dumbfounded about who or what he was than anything.
"Yes my dear Monkey, The Shadowlands." Tinishi Straightened himself, and walked to a position where he could better see the imperial guards, He didn't want one getting the best of him from behind at such a critical juncture. "I come here today with the need to conceal my identity to gain access to the courts to be allowed to speak. Such subterfuge is deplorable, but sadly, necessary to gain access to speak." Tinishi scanned the crowd, looking for someone.
"I have spoken with some of you already, and you have refused me help. My offer came in the guise of a group of Ronin who were looking to fend off their small holdings from a larger more vicious adversary who would crush them under feet. I came looking for someone to support my cause today to broker an armistice. Sadly, the death of my father, and my subterfuge today lies at the feet of those who refused me". Tinishi paused, and took in the reaction of the assembled court.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 31, 2011 7:29:20 GMT -5
The court was now mostly silent, as other conversations ended and more turned to Tinishi. There was growing uneasiness as those who had known the Yasuki that Tinishi appeared to be realised it was someone else and whispered words started to spread around the room. The conviction in Tinishi's speech gave away some of the truth about himself - some of the guards began to move towards him warily, their hands on their weapons. Nobody quite knew how to handle the situation or wished to make a scene.
Outside, Taneda talked to other courtiers he knew and recognised and asked them to alert others of the problem. Meanwhile, Kemeji lead his growingly large group inside, with one of the imperial guards allowing Haruka to take her weapons in too since there was no time to spare. Scanning each Scorpion he could see to find the woman who he had seen before, Kemeji spotted Tinishi first just as he paused.
The group halted immediately. This was worse than they had thought. An imperial shugenja flanked by two guards entered at the same time, striding over to Kemeji's group. He glanced at Haruka for a moment, carefully noting her weapon, before doing his best to discreetly ask Kemeji about the situation. Kemeji was about to reply when he spotted the Scorpion woman from before. He explained quickly "One of the animated monstrosities of the Shadowlands was just found outside trying to enter. This brave Unicorn here struck him down" Kemeji dipped his head to Haruka, avoiding letting her know he knew her. He pushed on "that courtier, I observed her nod to the thing as she entered. She knew him. He was likely brought back by some magic. It was either her or..." he looked ahead, to where Tinishi was. His thoughts were clear. The imperial shugenja turned and began to direct efforts to at least have them both brought in for questioning.
(ooc: It would have taken some moments for Kemeji to explain, enough for Tinishi to begin talking again and Ensuki to have noticed everyone and begin to try to slip out or do whatever she hopes to?)
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Post by Shoju on Mar 31, 2011 8:30:04 GMT -5
Tinishi found who he was looking for in the room. Ensuki was positioned a little ways away from the growing crowd. She had sacrificed The Archer for this. That was not the plan. He secretly hoped that somehow Ensuki didn't live to see the wrath of Shoju. His reverence of the Archer was born from the battlefield, something Tinishi understood, and Ensuki did not.
Tinishi pulled the scroll case out, and held it high. "This is an armistice. Signed by my lord. If the Empire of Rokugan will have it, we are requesting a mutual Cease Fire of hostilities between the Great Clans, and those who live in what you call the Shadowlands. This includes the actions that have recently claimed the lives of a large number of Crab Scouts, and led to the destruction of one of our temples, and the deaths of a fair number of our people in retaliation."
Tinishi saw that time was short from those who were now filing in the Room. He spotted Haruka. She was wearing her weapons. That, is a complication... Tinishi sighed... It was becoming apparent that delivering the armistice was probably the last thing he ever would get to do.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 31, 2011 16:04:25 GMT -5
Her hands rested on the hilt of her katana for now, but her gaze much as all of the others in the room fixed on Tinshi.
"That's enough of your insolence! This man is from the Shadowlands, I wouldn't be surprised if he were tainted too! Is it mere coincidence that the thing" saying it with such venom and utter contempt, "that now lies finally at rest just simply appeared in the imperial court without anyone noticing until now!?"
She took an aggressive stance, but of course did not draw her sword, but she was prepared to if needed. She was making a scene but it would be for the good of all. She knew this was an outright offense in every sense of the meaning, her sense of justice could not be stopped as she said her peace, naturally with all the passionate force of a Unicorn.
"You've come here, to our imperial capital, stating claims on behalf of Ronin or tainted which are not recognized as an honorable order by the great clans, asking for a cease fire. Unless your act is to surrender, you've proven that an unworthy, threat has just spoken out inside of our revered court. An inexcusable offense."
She took a gentle and almost examining step away from the guards as she approached Tinshi indirectly, much as an archer might right before drawing his bow to take a shot at the target.
"You've just admitted to murder, your presence and allegiance to the Shadowlands... do us all a favor and walk with the imperial guards now. Or I personally will make certain you leave this place where you can be questioned and dealt with appropriately."
Her finger pointing out dramatically as if its focus bore some extra weight to her words. "What is your answer Tinishi?"
The Unicorn had made it clear, if he continued to speak he would only be rudely interrupted. Tradition or not he wasn't going to get much more accomplished at this point.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 31, 2011 17:11:35 GMT -5
Chiyuki blanched while Utaku Haruka spoke. This was by far the strangest moment she would ever know. She positioned herself behind a group of Crane. Kenpachi-sama once told her that some tainted things exploded upon death, tainting those around.
She was terrified, but she tried to remain calm. What if more of these things were here? If one got through undetected, more could easily have.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 31, 2011 18:53:08 GMT -5
Tinishi sighed. "You just don't understand Battle Maiden." The effects of the draught were beginning to wear thin. "You are right. though."
"I have committed murder. Here. In the capital city." "I am tainted. I have been for a very long time." "I do swear allegiance to Daigotsu, and the Spider."
Tinishi stared right at the battle maiden. "That doesn't change what I, or anyone else has said about this topic. We are seeking an armistice."
Ensuki moved through the crowd. Along the way, she dropped two drops of the blood from a vial into her hand and chanted. A small orb of fire began to grow in her hands.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 31, 2011 19:15:25 GMT -5
"You forget that you don't have the right to speak here. Nothing you say holds validity in this place. You cannot make a claim for armistice, nothing will come of what you've done today. You've wasted your breath as well as your life by coming here."
Haruka growled as her grip around her sword tightened. She was unwilling to spill blood in the imperial court, but it was clear he wasn't going to leave without some muscle to move him. She simply drew her blade and readied it but made no motion to attack for now, showing great restraint.
Silently she hoped the guards might move in now, she did not want to have to act on their behalf or alone. But as it was deplorable for him to remain here relatively unchallenged, she would not back down.
A weapon, drawn in the imperial court, against the shadows that threaten the empire. It almost feels poetic. And yet something is still amiss.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 31, 2011 21:34:33 GMT -5
Ensuki was eyeing the guards. Tinishi could handle the Battle Maiden, of that Ensuki was almost sure. The guards however, they were going to need a distraction. Ensuki nurtured the growing orb of flame, waiting for a reaction. She was sure that they knew she didn't belong, but had they found her since the Archer's demise?
"Everything we say holds validity, and you are slowly realizing that Battle Maiden. We have shown that we are men of our word. We have shown that we have the courage of our convictions." Tinishi stood up straighter. "I promise you, I'm not the one to fear in this situation."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 1, 2011 3:30:29 GMT -5
Kami, I'm going to die am I not? Chiyuki thought as she ran to Utaku Haruka's side. It was not bravery she felt. It was not the rage of justice that brought her beside the Unicorn. It was friendship. She was terrified. Scared more so than any other time in her life.
She was not a bushi, but she drew her blade when she saw the ronin hold fire. She was right there were more. Perhaps many more. The only one she could trust was Utaku Haruka. Perhaps she could block the lost with fire, while Utaku killed the thing and the lost that held the fire. Besides, she was a student. A fair trade if she died.
Alright Chiyuki you're going to get yourself killed. Let's see if some of the other courtiers are foolish enough to do this
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Apr 1, 2011 11:43:36 GMT -5
Haruka saw Chiyuki with her wakizashi out, running to her side. In the back of her mind she smiled, Chiyuki's movement was smart, even if it was a nervous motion. Haruka actually thought it was fairly brave all things considered. She'd clearly never seen battle before but she was still willing to stand beside an ally. Haruka quietly would protect her if it were possible, but she would not let it conflict with the matter at hand.
"We could go back and forth with who is right and who is wrong, Tinishi. But you clearly don't understand, the perspective of the one that rules is what matters. You can convince yourself of anything, a man alone on an island can think himself a king, but here in this place you are an intruder!"
She walked with her blade still drawn trying to get a slight distance from Chiyuki in case things turned ill quickly, keeping the pressure on Tinishi and not having notice the Chuda sneaking off. "You have every right as a burglar would in our home, and that is none." If he would move and co-operate there would certainly be no harm, her blade was merely there if he gave an ill move against her or any of the guards as she was within striking distance now.
((ooc: suppose we should wait for Yuusha @.@ *readies the poking stick*))
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