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 Mar 27, 2011 11:18:30 GMT -5
Senshi watched the exchange before answering, "Perhaps we should give your men on the road some relief, how many nights have gone past in your armor? If you desire you can select some of your men to take a night's rest in the keep and my some of my men can stand the night watch."
He sighed, "Otherwise I doubt I'll be doing much this battle, you know how it is, champion's duty and all." He winked at Tomatsu and gestured for him to follow as Senshi retrieved his old war helm his father bestowed upon him and began to don his red and blue armor.
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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 13:35:51 GMT -5
It was otherwise tranquil in the camp for the moment up until a few heavy gasps would draw the attention of the two Champions as Senshi finished dawning his armor. The Unicorn soldier holding up a Lion soldier who was bloodied and scarred both looking badly beaten but the Lion just about on his last breath it seemed as his eyes looked up to Tomatsu.
"Wyrms... on the roads..." The Iuchi healers rushed to help the two as they hurried them onto the beds.
It seemed the Yobanjin knew that cutting off the supplies would be a way to pinch the defenders. While they had applied some pressures this was certainly a more assertive tactic.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Mar 28, 2011 15:15:18 GMT -5
Well then I guess its time we make our way back, it seems that things were not as well in hand as I had thought. He said, after seeing his fellow samurai carried off. At least one of my men will get proper care, perhaps he might survive this whole ordeal after all. So someone will remember our sacrifice long enough to get to the Ikoma. He put the kabuto back on his head, and walked back to Mika, who had gathered both of their horses. He mounted it with one swift action, waiting for her and Senshi to follow as he positioned himself near the exit of Mountain Watch Keep.
He watched around him, as the samurai gathered, stopped and saluted the Lion champion. Those from all the assembled clans, even Crane and Dragon samurai, who did not always hold him in the highest regard seemed to sense the moment, and the sacrifice the Lion champion was going to make. It was as if the universe had spoken, and the Kami recognized that Tomatsu might not make it back from this mission, and that his sacrifice would be worth something.
Well, thats hardly a good sign. He thought as he returned the salutes, his kabuto covering his cocked eyebrow at the strange sight. This doesn't bode well.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Mar 28, 2011 15:44:23 GMT -5
Through the chaos of battle, he heard the familiar sounds of the Unicorn Battle Maidens. It was a welcome sight as the Crab advanced towards the Rokugani camp. As a large improvised club smashed into his left shoulder the plating there on his heavy armor finally gave way, revealing tanned and scarred skin underneath it. The Crab Champion grunted and swung the Ono he carried with his free hand, hacking into the man before he got a chance to strike at the exposed skin. If the Yobanjin were this strong, though, there was no telling what they were capable of.
When Haruka approached, his mind flashed through memories and he recalled her at the celebration that was his ascension announcement. She was the winner of the hunt and apparently not a bad fighter, either. He was not about to take her hand and leave his men behind, but instead he moved up next to her and began swinging his Ono in an arc, cleaving some and pushing the others out of the way. Behind him, the Ancestral Hida War Banner was marched on through the chaos by two Crab samurai.
As Setsuro turned to look for the banner, he caught a spear in the shoulder that had been exposed. He let out a grunt of pain as the tip sliced open a wound on his shoulder, but then quickly brought his Ono down on the raider's head, making sure that this particular combatant would never bother another samurai again. With his free hand he proceeded to pluck the spear from his side and mumble under his breath. Another soldier came at him but he was prepared this time, using the previous man's spear to skewer the foolish charger.
By the time he and the Crab soldiers were free and clear of the battle going on below, Setsuro's armor was battered and broken. What Haruka said earlier was true. Pieces of it had been lost during the battle and straps here and there were torn, plates broken and bent horribly, warped beyond use. Some missing entirely. In the very least, the war banner had been brought through and a large tent was quickly constructed by the less tired of the Crab and the Hida war banner was hung on it's side, facing outwards towards the Yobanjin legions.
Once there, he invited Haruka inside to explain to him just what was going on. It had been a while since he had been in contact with the forces here, but it was about time he get caught up on everything going on. However, new armor was brought to the tent for Setsuro as a few of the medics began to work at the various wounds that had been inflicted on his way there.
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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 16:09:26 GMT -5
Haruka watched as the medics continued, quietly noting on her way in with the Crab Champion that Senshi had moved from where he stood before. She couldn't exactly tell where as she'd never seen him from behind in that colored armor before.
While Setsuro was given a seat, Haruka chose to stand before him a table with some of the plans the Yobanjin had drawn up of their intentions to attack the keep layed out before him, the very same she'd nearly foolishly risked herself in getting, but had acquired with no losses regardless.
She took off her helmet and held it at her side as she bowed respectfully and stood again, addressing him in a fairly brisk tone for her rank. But it also seemed to betray a bit of worry on her part.
"It's highly chaotic Setsuro-sama. You didn't exactly help matters but you certainly caused quite the riot among the Yobanjin, that much I could tell even from the keep."
She kept her eyes somewhat averted from his person as she noticed a piece of broken armor on the side.
"You could have been so easily killed doing what you did. But the past is irrelevant now. The commanding Unicorn have been trying to bring the defenses tighter and tighter, as we lose more men by the day there is little else we can hope to accomplish. We most certainly will never give up this keep so willingly and will defend it to the last, but I fear not all understand just how dire this situation has become."
She paused with a deep breath, the weight of the days behind her now only filled with increasing death and burden. It was one thing to fight an enemy, it was quite another to endure one for as long as they had at Mountain Watch Keep.
"The Shogun is not long off as I know, but every day we are still fighting are so many more lives lost. I simply wish to see the end of this conflict, it would be the greatest peace I could ask for to lay this battle to rest once and for all."
The battle maiden seemed to rock back where she stood with a heavy sigh as she looked down on her helm, rubbing the blood from it. She would glance over her shoulder as the Lion and Scorpion forces readied to leave with the two Champions, she didn't fully understand as she had only just arrived in camp.
"Excuse me for a moment great Champion." She only stepped outside briefly as a quick bit of barely audible speech drew a shocked reply out of Haruka. "They're going to WHAT!?"
Haruka seemed to dip her head inside, "I am most sorry Setsuro-sama, but Tomatsu-sama.. and Senshi-sama.." The battle maiden actually looking physically shaken from whatever she had learned. The names falling on the Crab Champion's ears like weights. What could have possibly happened?
"They're going out to try and take back the road! I have to go!" Her battle mare was already standing at the ready as she swung onto the horse effortlessly and began riding to where Tomatsu stood waiting with the other samurai ready to see them off.
In her haste she had dropped her helmet at Setsuro's tent as it lay there gleaming in the fading sunlight. It seemed a storm was on its way as the heavy grey clouds began rolling in and threatening the battlegrounds with their burden of rain.
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Kitsu Hiraku
Lion Clan
Sodan-senzo * Loyal to the Emperor
Posts: 197
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Post by Kitsu Hiraku on Mar 28, 2011 16:33:58 GMT -5
Daisuke sat on the ground, not noticing what was happening around him. And yet he saw everything. Where he was, he saw the whole battlefield. He sensed soldiers from both sides, although the Yobanjin were a little "blurry". He saw the sudden movement and lives being extinguished. He felt the immense power of a nemuranai which he supposed was the Hida Ancestral Banner.
Then something changed. It felt as if fate has changed. Daisuke felt his clan champion getting closer to the camp with that aura of blood around him. It seems that there will be a battle and it will be a rather dangerous one. If they were to survive, they would have to prepare.
*Should I come back? I would probably achieve the best result while I'm in this state... and yet this place is scary when it comes to rituals...* the boy pondered.
Finally he decided. He started to speak. The kami he was looking for was easy to find because of how many important and powerful man were here.
- Great kami, I'm sorry to disturb you, but the children of Rokugan are in need. A terrible battle is coming and many are destined to die. Void is the beginning of everything and it will be the state in which the world will end. What I beg of you is that you allow the people that so many love and admire to live. Allow them to survive this battle so that they may continue to change the face of this world. Daisuke "said" in his mind trying to infuse the message with feeling of admiration and plea for the void kami. He felt when his prayer was answered and shuddered in fear.
- ... I understand that for such a thing to be done there must be something sacrificed... Let the zeal of the samurai, the feeling of duty for their champions be your prayer. Daisuke said and opened his eyes. He opened his bag and took out a scroll that was heavily ornamented. He opened it and started to recite the inscriptions, praying for the kami to listen to his pleas.
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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 Mar 28, 2011 17:05:46 GMT -5
Senshi now fully clad and dressed for battle followed his friend's cue, also noticing the grim looks of all the men around, and knowing full well he wouldn't just let his friend ride off to face the monsters on his own. Not when Senshi was the better fighter. He mounted his horse, and strode next to Tomatsu, glancing back only once to see if he could spy Haruka in the crowd, but failing to see her he carried on.
His ever vigilant men begged him in their own way not to go, but Senshi shut them up with a glare. He then looked to Tomatsu and said aloud for all nearby to hear, braking the tense silence, "I wouldn't worry, Tomatsu san! Wyrms wouldn't find us all that tasty, not with all that hair!" Several men eased up, laughing at the joke, and bringing a far better light to the mood of the soldiers and the Champions.
Senshi leaned in and whispered, "We may be getting older Tomatsu san, but I only have concern for the beasts that will share the misfortune of standing before us and our men. As always," he grinned, "I'll protect you."
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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 17:23:27 GMT -5
It was with those words that the belligerent sound of incoming hoof beats seemed to catch everyone's attention, coming from the camp as Haruka charged through and seemed to race ahead of the champions in a startling motion.
"Hold on just one second!" Her mare looked rather agitated considering the abruptness of the halt in front of the others. "You were just going to charge into a bunch of wyrms?"
She seemed to growl, overstepping her place but the tactical error was rather glaring. "There is no use in throwing your lives away by feeding yourselves to those beasts!" She spoke with a fire in her eyes the tone and the force behind her words seemed beyond her.
"They have already engaged the samurai on the road, it is clear that most of the men are either dead or dying, and I wouldn't be surprised if those things were backed up by a few more raiding groups of Yobanjin." The sky seemed to echo the gravity of the situation as a distant rolling thunder sounded.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Mar 28, 2011 18:28:10 GMT -5
Setsuro felt a slight bit of guilt the entire time he was up in the north. The Champion had left the wall in the defense of the Hiruma family Daimyo. If anyone could protect the wall besides the champion, it would be him. Still, he wondered if he perhaps left it alone for too long. That would have to change. With the Shogun on the horizon, this battle was surely well handled. There was no real need for him and his men to be here.
After a few moments, Setsuro brushed the plans away and told his men to make ready. Some packed, others attended to their wounded. It only took them a short while to get up and go, but if nothing else they had made an interesting impact upon the battle at hand. Confusion and chaos has ensued since their push through enemy lines. Now was the time that they returned to the wall.
Setsuro left messages for both champions should they return and even Haruka.
"Honorable Tomatsu-san, it was a pleasure to see you here before you left. Your feats here will not be forgotten. Good luck with your battle. When you're done here, feel free to come visit at Kyuden Hida or the wall. There is always room for another honorable soul."
The next letter was to Senshi.
"Most Magnificent Senshi-san, I did not get to meet with you here, but I have a feeling that I will get to see you again in the future. I will be stationed upon the wall for quite some time and if you wish to find me, it is there you will have the best chance. Good luck in your endeavors."
And lastly to Haruka.
"Huntress Haruka-san, Battle Maiden of the highest quality. It was an honor to fight by your side. Should you wish to do so again, you will always be welcome upon the wall. Your strength and valor are something that all samurai should have. I believe you to be a shining example of what we should aspire too. Live strong."
And with that, Setsuro and his men departed from the camp. They broke down their own camp and marched with the Hida war banner in tow. It would take them a bit to march back down to Crab lands, but they would take river routes where they could to cut time and march as if the wind itself lent them strength.
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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 Mar 28, 2011 19:11:14 GMT -5
Senshi watched as Haruka protested the two champions, startled at her breach of protocol. "Utaku san, the road is threatened, the keep needs that road. I'll leave it to Tomatsu to determine strategy, but rest assured we know what we are doing. You can either stand with your clan in the keep or come with us. Either way, know your place samurai-ko."
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Mar 28, 2011 20:16:12 GMT -5
He turned his horse around and faced Haruka. He drew his katana, and, caught up in the moment, gave her an incredibly formal salute, touching the hand guard to his forehead Hello, Utaku-san, here to see us off? He sheathed his katana. I guess you've heard that the road has been taken. I can't allow the Yobanjin to cut off my men. As for your future husband, he rides with me for friendship I guess, or perhaps some misguided sense of honor, he can't allow me to be the first into Yumi-do after all. He smiled. I suppose you'll want to ride with us. I can't say I blame you, and I'd be foolish to send away another sword, for likely we will need it.
He twisted in his saddle. Mika, my dear, stay here, there is no reason to risk your life, you alone hold all the secrets needed to keep our clan's leadership together if I die.
She said nothing, did not move in her saddle. She just stared at him from underneath her head covering, a silent command. You may be my master, but in some matters, I make my own decision. If you are to die today, I will be there to witness it and make sure your body is reclaimed, or I will die trying.
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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 29, 2011 1:16:58 GMT -5
Haruka too seemed unsettled at the notion. Though it would be a glorious death, something seemed to urk in her chest at the thought. "I will ride along with you, along with our cavalry. But I think it still best if we consider a plan of action."
Haruka had her horse walk to the edge as she looked down from the perspective of the scout archers. Too far away to shoot at from here...
Haruka placed her lance back in a holder on her saddle. She thought her words might be somewhat out of place with Senshi's irritation of her causing such a ruckus only a moment ago. But instead she took up a dai-kyu as she flexed it in her grip. It would keep her at range and deter the beasts from getting close. She only looked to Tomatsu if he might agree with her silent assessment.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Mar 30, 2011 14:12:05 GMT -5
A plan of action? I have no idea how to kill these things, nor do I have a weapon capable of doing so without great risk to me. I do have about 300 men still out there, quite a sizable force.
He thought for a second as he put his sword away.
If we can get to them, we could make our way back here. Without the road, even I agree we cannot hold our position. Perhaps its best if we create a distraction and try to get a message to my troops? If we could pin the enemy down here, my men could hit them from the rear. He put a hand on his chin and thought about it pensively for a moment.
Or we could gamble our lives on a risky attack and try to open the road again. I know the Shogun is drawing near, we only have to wait but so much longer for fresh troops. And my return home, finally. He thought. Too many matters at home need my attention, the Shogun can not arrive here soon enough.Thoughts people? Now would not be the best time to keep quiet.
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Kitsu Hiraku
Lion Clan
Sodan-senzo * Loyal to the Emperor
Posts: 197
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Post by Kitsu Hiraku on Mar 30, 2011 14:31:55 GMT -5
Daisuke ended his prayers and was prepared to stand up and do some training with the more experienced samurai. Then just as he was about to leave the state of mind he was in something happened. It started with lives being suddenly ended... Lion lives. He turned his "sight" to the place but he was pushed back by a great force, surely some form of Yobanjin magic. Pondering about this he then saw Tomatsu-sama move from where he was in great hurry. At first he thought that with forces as small as those he had he planned on returning to the camp... * WHY ARE THEY MOVING TOWARDS THAT... THING!? IT'S SO POWERFUL... maybe they don't know about it? Maybe they are going into a trap?* Thought appeared in Daisukes head. If he was right he had to act, and he had to do it quickly.
He called for his friend, a kami he met there and one that seemed eager to talk with him, maybe because he met a shugenja similiar to the Kitsu before?
- My friend, I know I had asked you much before, and surely you must grow weary of my pleas. But right now, something terrible might happened and I require your assistance more than ever. Please, help me in doing what is needed He said when he felt the presence of the kami of earth.
The plan was really simple, he asked the spirit to attract the attention of the champions by elevating a piece of land near them. After that he would use peebles and plants and form them into a short message. "CHAMPION. GREAT DANGER AHEAD. STOP. WILL ALERT LION FORCES OF YOUR POSITION. DAISUKE"
After he told the kami what he wanted to happen he arised and rushed to the commander tent. The man was in the middle of planning something with other officers and didn't notice the boy. In response the Kitsu ran up to the table and slammed his fist on it. - LISTEN! TO! ME! NOW! he shouted which made some of the Lions surrounding the table put their hands on their weapons with thoughts of punishing the young samurai for his folly. - Tomatsu-sama is in danger. Something terrible is happening on the road and he, along with the scorpion champion is travelling to the source of it. I do not know if he is aware of where he is headed but we must help him anyway. I may be punished later for my actions, but right now, we must be quick to act. And if you ask how I know of this, luckily I was meditating and the kami could reach me easily with this dire news. Daisuke inhaled some more air as he was beggining to suffocate - As you know more about planning than me, I suppose you will have to prepare a plan on how to act. The only thing I ask is to allow me to quickly reach the champions when we arrive to the place. Now if you allow me I have to prepare myseld the boy said, pointed at the region ( yes, region as without a much higher rank in the knowledge if void, that was the best he could do) in which he supposed the champions might be and left to gather the scrolls he needed, without even waiting for a response.
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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 Mar 30, 2011 21:40:35 GMT -5
"Just one, Tomatsu-san. Fire. We need fire. Shugenja-" He was cut off by the sudden surprising message of the earth from a man named Daisuke. Senshi was impressed by the man's ability and style.
He looked to Tomatsu, "He'll do."
Senshi then added, "I say we stall, try to drag them into a disadvantageous position so that when we can act we can kill them. More importantly, we need to get them away from the road and away from your troops."
Senshi motioned for a servant who brought him a new bow. Simple in design, yet ridiculously large. Clearly not an ornate weapon, or a riding bow. Senshi eyes tugged at the edges to show a grin, and he stepped off of his horse, took the long bow, notched a large arrow, then curled his body into a shot that arced out and away. It landed between two of the wyrms who took little notice of the simple arrow.
"Ha! Haruka san! Come, I have a gift for you. Its called a merenae long bow. I've waited long for a time to use this. Tomatsu san, just give the word and location, and we'll be able to hit those wyrm and seriously piss off the gaijin riders. Assuming Utaku Haruka san can hit the target." He punctuated his last remark with a wink, then took to giving Haruka a crash course in the use of the long bow.
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