Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 29, 2011 19:23:02 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 29, 2011 19:23:02 GMT -5
Hello! OCC: Well, It’s my first thread, so be nice, please! This story is kind of a sequel from Bitter Return, in Toku Torid-e Lands. It’s intended to start with a trivial plot but have great potential for political issues between Crane, Monkey and Scorpion (possibly, Phoenix). So, if you like this sort of story, be welcome to join the plot (just PM me first to possible necessary adjustments). To all interested, please join.
IC: That was indeed a tragic accident, everybody was saying. What happened with Kakita Shinoburo was tragic enough to be mourned. When coming back from Kyuden Gotei, the ship which carried the honorable sensei and his travel companions, was caught by a sudden taipan. No survivor left, and the corpse was found in the shore days later. He was an old famous duelist, a great sensei, besides his polemic personal life. Shinoburo’s official concubine, a former famous Crane geisha, Mei, was the only person in his state, when they arrived with the bad news. Shinoburo’s official wife had left long ago, and their wedding dissolved with the agreement of the both daimyo, Crane and Phoenix. Astrological matters, is what are publicly known about the reasons. Mei wasn’t sure what would happen now. She mysteriously never had children of their relationship, and the fortune tellers said her many times that Shinoburo was cursed by her former spouse to never have another child from other woman. And superstitious as she was, Mei believed in every word they said her about it. And yes, Kakita Shinoburo was born in a lineage of influent and very wealthy Crane. Even if the lands are property from The Sacred Emperor, the personal fortune of the duelist was huge, for the lands of his family were prosperous by decades. She wasn’t young enough to come back to a geisha’s house and had nothing of her own to open her own business. And she saw her destiny trapped in the hands of Shinoburo’s real heir, Mitsouko. Mei was two or three years older than Mitsouko, but her beauty wasn’t fade with the years, in fact, only increased. She know Mitsouko very little to expect much, only vaguely remembered that she was “weird”. In fact, she wasn’t even sure where in Rokugan she was. So she would send her the bad news with care. And would surely need help to assure her own future. Mei was very fond of comfort and was not ready to lose everything she strived for.…..
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 29, 2011 19:23:54 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 29, 2011 19:23:54 GMT -5
Toku Torid-e some weeks ago
Sanjuro kissed Mitsouko, feeling the time could freeze in that moment. He was sure he would remember this moment forever, and even could dream a day in the future when the couple would hold one another hands, idly watching their children playing at the Hill, as one day his parents surely did. And she kissed good, damn Gods! Sanjuro hold her tight, enjoying it. But suddenly, Mitsouko seemed to ask for breath. When he ceased the kiss, she mumbled something, but let her head drop forward, to his chest. Her weight came loose over him, all limbs and silk.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 29, 2011 21:31:12 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 29, 2011 21:31:12 GMT -5
Daidoji Ryo was in front of his tent near the Three Sides River. The Crane observed the calm night in the encampment. All his officials are in their duties or sleeping, some quiet talk coming from the barracks. He was happy by this victory from his clan. Of course, much happier by the fact his wife’s family lost their point in this court battle. Some days ago, he was at Ryoko Owari, suffering for the death of his true and only love, Toku Aiko, his cousin. Now, His daimyo choose him and his men to patrol the new province. There was much to be done. The importance of his troop of scouts and soldiers there was primarily to prevent any problem concerning the trading caravans. And keeping the route safe. It, of course, includes checking the surroundings for ronin or thieves hidings, and many trivial etctera for him. The Crane was expecting a bit of trouble with both Lion and Scorpion neighbors, so they reinforced the patrol with some of the best men available. Daidoji Ryo thought of the recent visit of his cousin Kakita Mitsouko, bringing bad news about his beloved Aiko’s death. She was transformed in a ghost. But, before Ryo could fall in somber thoughts about it also this night, a scout came to him, almost breathless. He waited for the young samurai to take a breath, and then somewhat impatient asked: “Speak, man!” “Oh, please Ryo-san, come with me. We found… a terrible scene only 3 miles away. You must see that. ….When Ryo and a few men with him came to the local, the other scouts already lit the decrepit and abandoned Scorpion House with torches. The house was very near the river, with a ruined small private berth.Their fearing faces let him know of something hideous enough to make his men to be scared about. He took a torch and entered in the ruins. It seemed to be inhabitated till few time ago. But the putrid odour lead him to a specific room, where he met with a bloody flesh pudding, that one could try to guess being formely a human being. It obviously was there for a week, and was incredible enough but it was something very strange in the whole scenary. Everywhere in the house can be found old pieces of burnt human bones. Many of them. And there was more. It seemed something huge dragged himself directing to the river, leaving behind a trail of blood and pieces of ...something. Ryo shuddered.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Ties
Mar 29, 2011 22:16:55 GMT -5
Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Mar 29, 2011 22:16:55 GMT -5
They had spent time together. Like all good lovers do. Sanjuros life had Mitsouko enter it and it gave him a sense of completion. He knew she was who he had always been looking for. They were in each others arms, and he held her as though he could never let go. Sanjuro had left with Mitsouko, heading back to the Crane lands. Although they had made many stops along the way. They sat overlooking beautiful countryside, and thinking of what would be. Sanjuro leaned in and kissed Mitsouko, it lit his world ablaze. Damn shes a good kisser, the best he thought, feeling as though he was the luckiest man alive.
Something was wrong, Mitsouko was trying to catch her breath. Then she collapsed into his arms and chest. Suddenly his world was chaos and no sense cold be made of it. He kept asking himself was this a bad dream and he found that his cheeks were getting wet although it was not raining. He gently laid her down treating her as though she was the most important person in the world, because to sanjuro she was.
Sanjuro closed his eyes and counted to five letting all the fear rush over him in wave, but after the fifth second it no longer had any hold over him. "thank you master fuju." sanjuro solemnly said. He pressed the back of his hand over her head. A fever and she was sweating. he then placed the palm of his hand over the middle of her chest. He felt how fast her heart was beating. Mitsouko began to shake. "poisoned!" sanjuro said with more hatred than he ever believed possible. (OOC: 200investagation)
Sanjuro quickly grabbed Mitsouko's daisho and placed i in his belt. He wrapped her in a blanket and then lifted her to his chest and began to sprint down the road hopfully they were near anyone. Sanjuro ran hard. Anyone who saw him this day could have sworn he could out run a Tsuno. He ran til he thought his legs would burst and then he ran harder.
............................................................
The guard at the encampment saw him. Sanjuro running down the road towards the encampment. kicking dirt and dust up as he ran. It looked as though he had something or someone cradle to his chest. The man was huge. 6'0' and looked like he had grown up in the rice fields lifting heavy things all his life. The guard announced the presence of this running man to the camp. The encampment suddenly burst into life....
(OOC: first 3 posts were intense Mitsouko, great job!)
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 9:53:48 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 9:53:48 GMT -5
OCC: Thanks, Sanjuro! I am still impressed you are understanding my poor English. I think new players will join soon. Horay!IC: To our honorable daimyo Performing our duties in guarding and patrolling the new province of Three Sides River, our men found a suspect place where there was formely a Scorpion state, with some tracks of sorcery. At least a murder was performed there, milord. I humbly ask you to send to Three Sides River Camp individuals with the necessary skills to figure out if it is in fact what it seems to be. Everything else is following as expected. I will wait for further instructions.
Daidoji Ryo. Daidoji Ryo had just finished to write a report and an additional letter to his daimyo (and Ryo wasn't exactly famous for his etiquette skills), handing it to the messenger, when a commotion erupted outside his tent. Coming out, Ryo found many of his men aiming their arrows a somewhat funny and weird vision of a large strange man running to the Crane barracks, carrying what seems to be a person in his arms. In such times, after seeing the horror they found in the house down the river, Ryo feared the worse. "Halt until I say to fire, men." He barked. The archers halted, waiting to see what the large man coming would do next. So Ryo noticed the burden the strange man carried was wrapped in Crane Colours...
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 11:36:30 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 11:36:30 GMT -5
Ryoko Owari, days ago
“Brother.” Bayushi Naoko entered at the room, barely bowing to her younger brother. They were very alike, except for the fact Kyoji was a prettier version of her. While Naoko was a bushi, Kyoji opted to follow the more subtle ways of the court, and his maskless perfect face usually used to let people speechless. But of course, Naoko wasn’t one of those who would be impressed by his appearance. It was clear she was there to ask him something. Kyoji knew her a bit to know that. She sat in front of him, not waiting for an invitation to (she had her own way when in family). Maybe Kyoji would be shamed for being her brother, but she was a respected Bayushi bushi, even without no trace of finesse or grace in her veins. No wonder her marriage with that Daidoji wasn’t been successful. She seemed impatient, and he noticed she was uncomfortable afterall. She was very accustomed to be hastily obeyed, that seems to be her problem.
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Bayushi Kyoji
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Courtier * Tempter
Posts: 14
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 16:43:53 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Kyoji on Mar 30, 2011 16:43:53 GMT -5
Kyoji had been enjoying a cup of tea as his sister entered, his face as always carrying that suggestive smile, the one that in normal company would begin the oh so subtle process of him getting what he wanted. Any sense of haste was absent from the young Courtier's motions as he offered her a polite, deferential bow from his seated position. "Ah, Naoko-sama. I trust that you are well today? Please, sit and enjoy tea with me. The Maiden hair blend is just perfect for calming the nerves." Despite her sitting before he could speak, he went through all the pleasantries with his cool grace, perhaps in his own way subtly reprimanding her lack of couth.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 17:16:40 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 17:16:40 GMT -5
Ryoko Owari
“Thank you, little brother.” Maybe she used to do that (remember him he was younger than her) to make him feel diminished. Maybe not. It was hard to know. The tea helped to make her less tense, at least, but not more gentle. She commented, summoning a less harsh voice; “This kimono you are wearing, Kyoji… It’s beautiful. And it seems to be expensive, little brother. Hee…I wonder you are investing many koku in this kind of things. Unfortunately, your pretty little face is not a novelty here, at Ryoko Owari. So, I think it’s had been an useless investment, as you of course will not succeed here with your little talents." Before Kyoji could even protest, she continued. "But… maybe you can prove me I am wrong, Kyoji-san. Maybe this cold wax face could gather something useful for our family. I am sure I can help you to get a position with you can afford your luxuries by yourself, not here, of course, if you help me first."
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Bayushi Kyoji
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Courtier * Tempter
Posts: 14
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 17:26:25 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Kyoji on Mar 30, 2011 17:26:25 GMT -5
Kyoji’s face did not move at her verbal jibes. Such blatant insult was, to him, hardly worth even responding to. He sipped his tea calmly as she spoke, his ears taking in her every word as his lips took in every drop of the warm liquid. However, she mentioned something about being useful to the family. So he spoke calmly, his voice coldly neutral. ”If there is a way that I may be of assistance to the Scorpion Clan, then I will gladly do what is necessary. I am curious, Sister, what must I do to make the Empire prosper more than it already does?” Her rather crablike rudeness aside, he could not ignore a request that could further his career and get him out of the City of Lies.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 19:40:11 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 19:40:11 GMT -5
Naoko ironically raised an eyebrow, as doubting of something Kyoji said. She liked to act with rudeness with her inferiors, treating them like ignorant children, it was well known. Even a Crab could understand her. But maybe, she was going too deep in her chosen persona. "Yes, there is. You must be aware our clan had a great loss in our claim for Three Sides River. This is an Imperial decision and we can do nothing but bow our spines. And of course you know my honorable husband, Ryo, was quickly allocated to that very site, to patrol the region with his men, by a demand of the Crane Clan. " “A message was sent from the court and equivocally came to my hands, by someone you probably know: Mei, formely from the House of Drifting Leaves, now a concubine of an influent Kakita. This Kakita is now dead. Mei thought Mitsouko would be here, in Ryoko Owari. Do you know Kakita Mitsouko? You must have known her, as she is a…close cousin of my husband, and his trustworthy chui. A self claimed duelist. She is nothing, in reality.” She sipped more of the odorous tea, gazing at Kyoji eyes. "It seems to me that Mei needs help. It’s not 'in' the letter, but I think she would be very glad to the one who help her, now she have no dana. She surely would like to continue with her life of luxuries. I think you would be great friends, in fact. She still must know much of the influent men in the Court. I think you can count on her." "As Mitsouko is far from her only close relative, besides my husband, I thought you could help our Crane branch of family in this situation. She is not really a very...witted woman, and surely you will need help in some matters. So I'd like you come to her in Three Sides River Encampment, tell her the best way possible about her father death, and join her in her travel back home. She is rich and well born, her arrival at the court in such situation can gather much of your equals. They use to appear in this moments. Maybe you can act a bit protectively, so they can know we Bayushi consider Mitsouko like our family. Should I say more? You could use your own creativeness in this task. If you can see further, it's a great opportunity. I have your travel papers here, if you have the interest of help your family. And I have little time before I must return to my duties. So, give me your answer now, if you are able."
In fact, Kyoji's sister was being pretty obvious in her statements. Of course nothing what she was talking about would have something to do with the Scorpion clan Interests, only vaguely, maybe. She was weakened by her wedding. Kyoji already had heard people whispering behind the fans about Naoko's behaviour before. It would be worth of pity, if he cared about. But of course, if he could press her in the right way, she'd be generous...
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 20:32:18 GMT -5
Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Mar 30, 2011 20:32:18 GMT -5
(OOC: Its cool Mitsouko actually I think you're in English is very good. You definitely speak it way better than half the people I work with, lol. I have to say that I just got off a 12hr shift and all day Ive been looking forward to this thread!) Sanjuro saw the barracks, but he didn't stop running at his hardest. It wasn't his own safety that worried him. He saw the archers leading him. Sanjuro would be willing to charge straight into the barracks if it meant Mitsouko would live. He wasn't willing to risk a arrow hitting her. About 25feet from the barracks entrance Sanjuro skid to a stop turning his back to the archers to shield Mitsouko. With his heart beating rapidly from the run Sanjuro managed to yell out "SHES POISONED....HELP HER PLEASE!". Sanjuro turned and opened the blanket to reveal Mitsouko's limp body being held closely to Sanjuro. He had done it, if anyone would have some way of stabilizing her it would scouts....right? they should have some form of antivenom. All he could think in these few seconds was a prayer to Benten. Please, sanjuro thought, I love her. Please.............
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 21:11:01 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 21:11:01 GMT -5
OCC: ;D
Three Sides River
Some of the scouts near the Toku recognized the woman in Sanjuro’s arms and halted. Even behind the sound of his own loud heartbeating, Sanjuro could hear the deep voice coming to him. “Prepare my tent. Call the physician.” Even before Sanjuro really see the Crane leading to him. Of course Sanjuro wasn’t able to notice his or anyone else features, as he was concerned only with his beloved Mitsouko. “We know her. She’s Kakita Mitsouko. Thank you, Toku-san, for bring her to us. You can follow us while to tell me what happened? Give her to me. You seems to be about to faint after your prowess. We can help…Is she poisoned?” It was obvious the Daidoji didn’t recognized him as the Toku Champion. The Daidoji was also concerned about Mitsouko, giving Toku little attention. They followed to the private tent, where some servants came to help. A physician came little after them. “Oh, is really Mitsouko? What happened?"
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Bayushi Kyoji
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Courtier * Tempter
Posts: 14
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 21:42:26 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Kyoji on Mar 30, 2011 21:42:26 GMT -5
Kyoji sipped his tea slowly, his eyes showing the great care he took in thinking the task over. Beyond the obvious advantages to have someone who has potential knowledge of influential men of the courts, there was the consideration of what could happen should things reach the 'how' of this alleged Kakita's murder. Yes... this could be advantageous indeed....
"Very well," he spoke calmly, "I will see what I am able to do. If you do not object, Naoko-sama, I will leave in the morning for the Three Sides River. There is much to prepare before then.[/red]
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 22:15:05 GMT -5
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Mar 30, 2011 22:15:05 GMT -5
Ryoko Owari
“OH” Naoko finished her tea and rose, turning to leave. I expected you would take this chance, little brother. "Very Well indeed.” She took the parchment from her sleeve. “There is it. The travel papers. You will receive everything you need to travel till the morning. So, farewell, Kyoji. I am counting on you.” She left and the air became more tolerable. But it was an undeniable fact that she brought him an opportunity to leave Ryoko Owari for more profitable, to say so, sceneries.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Ties
Mar 30, 2011 22:14:55 GMT -5
Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Mar 30, 2011 22:14:55 GMT -5
Sanjuro stood there staring at at Mitsouko, hoping that she would open her eyes and be ok. He kept hoping not hearing what the physician had said. "Toku! Toku! the physician is talking to you!" the deep voiced man said. "Please!" Sanjuro whispered. "what?" The deep voiced man wondered. Sanjuro came back to the world. He explained everything on they're journey up til this point. He explained how he just didn't know how this could have happened. Everything had been perfect along the way. He had enjoyed every moment with her.
"what? Who are you Toku?" the deep voiced man said.
Sanjuro turned to face him fighting every moment to keep from just collapsing "I am Toku Sanjuro."
"Wait the monkey clan champion?" The man quandried.
"I'm sorry i don't know you're name physician, but please help her." sanjuro pleeded with her. The physician stunned in being address as so could only nod and tend to Mitsouko.
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