Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 7, 2011 15:32:28 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai winced slightly; he'd hoped Kazuma hadn't noticed his glance. "Perhaps I should clarify this before you jump to erroneous conclusions, Kazuma-dono... The gems on the bracer celebrating Shiba's sacrifice have been enchanted to sense the closest items with ties to the Shadowlands or its Taint, but each one detects different types..."
He pointed to each in turn. "The emerald - representing Earth - can detect corrupted food and objects. The Air element, represented by the diamond - detects Tainted air and the spread of taint in creatures of the living world: humans, animal, and the like. The sapphire - Water, obviously - can detect the undead and ghosts in addition to contaminated water. Fire - the ruby - detects those under the effects of Maho and the onyx - the Void - can find oni and similar foul creatures that have escaped confinement in Jigoku."
"The lights within the gems, however, are key to the spell. The intensity of the light indicates strength and proximity to the gem and the light will slide within the gemstone to point in the direction of the sensed object. The ruby, sapphire, and onyx are currently silent: no objects they can detect are within the confines of your suite, Kazuma-dono. As you can see, the reaction of the emerald is brighter than that of the diamond; meaning the scrolls have the greatest taint here and it knows this unerringly."
Shodai rested a comradely hand on Tadaka's shoulder. "The diamond, however, is uncertain... Do you see how the light wobbles, but does not lock on to Tadaka the way the spell in the emerald does the scrolls? The spell cannot accurately sense masked Taint and our old friend here drank a cup of Jade Petal Tea not an hour ago; forcing what little infection he has into remission."
Agasha shrugged philosophically as he looked at Shiba Kazuma politely. "Such infections are a risk any who serve on the Wall or who would strike at the denizens of the Shadowlands directly. No one - not the rawest of bushi and not the most experienced of shugenja - are immune to simple bad luck, Kazuma-dono. The truest test of a man's character and the bonds of friendship he has made is what he does when something like this happens. Search your heart and the Soul of Shiba that has chosen you: what would Shiba have done if Isawa had been infected?"
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 7, 2011 16:58:05 GMT -5
Tadaka turns to Shodai and smiles warmly, deciding not to ask the Ishiken to remove his hand despite his Taint; Shodai knew what he was doing after all. Tadaka shook his head a little though, "I thank you for your words of support Shodai-sama, but the fact remains that I do in fact have the Taint inside me. This is not bad luck, this was of my own doing; not directly of course, as in I did not attempt to become Tainted per say. But going into the Shadowlands and staying in the City of the Lost after they confiscated my jade was of my own decision. Truly, before you ask Kazuma-dono what he would do, he has requested the full story, and I shall give it."
Reaching into his bag, Tadaka pulled out a small pouch, taking out a pinch of powdered jade and mixing it into his tea, taking a sip of it with some slight pain before going onto his story, "I suppose the best place to start would be after I returned from the Iris Festival in the Crane Lands. My return trip through Mantis lands had provoked some deal of introspection in me thanks to a young woman I met along the way who had a good deal of an impact on me. Upon returning, there were rumors swirling around the Asako and the existence of the town of Yobanjin Mura, which we knew little about at the time. I was told I was needed to meet with the Asako daimyo in Kyuden Asako as soon as I could, but when I arrived at the castle he had apparently already left. Unsure as of what to do and already having other things on my mind, it was my intention to research as much as I could about these gaijin in the Asako libraries. My studies were interrupted by requests to meet with me regarding our Clan's stance on and knowledge of Yobanjin Mura and the war. I appointed Kinen to be our diplomat in my stead, but I found even that did not stop the interruptions, questions, requests, and other distractions."
Tadaka took another sip of his tea, looking out the window thoughtfully, continuing with a voice that was at once nostalgic, resigned, and full of conviction... but soft. "I decided that my plan of action would be to take a trip of sorts, to find out what I could in disguise for the good of the Clan; I have taken many lessons with acting and know much about illusion magic, so such a thing was hardly out of the question. I was hoping my search would prove easy; My first stop was to Tortoise lands to talk to them, for it is the Kasuga's duty even more so than the Mantis or Unicorn to deal with the knowledge and threats the gaijin represent." He shook his head with a sigh, "However, disguise or no disguise, it seemed the Kasuga Daimyo was gone, and that the Kasuga's knowledge was, of course, their own by the order or the Emperor, not to be shared lest it be misused. Finding a dead end there and knowing the Unicorn were busy, I went back to the Mantis islands for my own purposes."
Tadaka picked up a green leaf that had fluttered into through the high window, turning it over back and forth in his hand thoughtfully as though thinking of something. After a second he folded the leaf in half and seemed to speak to it or kiss it, opening his hand and watching it flutter out the window like a butterfly. Turning back to Kazuma he bowed a little, "I apologize for the distraction and if any of this is disconcerting to you Kazuma-dono'; The leaf is meant for the Mantis ambassador that is in the city for sharing a sweet roll with me and I tell nothing but the truth as far as my story here. Regardless of such things, my time in the Mantis lands proved to be nearly as fruitless as the Kasuga ones; many of the high ranking Mantis were on the mainland dealing with the fallout of the war and the Shogun, and despite their more open minds, the Mantis had little to share either with a ronin or a Phoenix. I searched for some time for anything, a friendly face perhaps, but I came up empty seeking someone for the longest time. Finally I managed to find someone when I went to an island known to house a pirate base. I had learned over the past few months prior to that that some of the hardest to find and most reliable information can be obtained from the lowest parts of society such as barkeeps, bandits, pirates, and merchants; this proved to be no exception. The pirates tested me and took me in as one of their own and I managed to learn more about the gaijin lands; admittingly their information on the Yobanjin was very sketchy... but they at least had some as well as information on the Ivory Kingdoms to the south of the Shadowlands, as well as maps and artifacts from other civilizations we know little about."
"This stirred up a curiosity in me; if I was to learn of the Yobanjin to protect the Phoenix and the Empire, why would I limit myself to learning about them? All that would teach me is of one threat and I would be unprepared for the next threat. So I made the decision that I would make it my goal to learn as much as I could about the entire world, anything that could prove a threat to us." Tadaka folded his hands in his lap and continued with a small breath, "After that I left the pirates and began exploring rumors that came to me; Bloodspeakers stealing Dragon peasants, Geisha with the Taint in Scorpion lands, a corrupted mine deep in the Shinomen Mori... some proved to be false of course, but I was largely able to weed out those thanks to linking my mind with others in the Void. And the more I explored things, the more these incidents seemed to tie together. I was never found out for I would not attack these elements I found; that would quickly lead to my death and make the entire project fruitless. Instead I joined these groups or hid amongst them, aiding the Empire in subtle ways if it knew about the threat while I researched, and sending messages about those threats the Empire did not seem to know about. I believe my message about the oni mining silver in the Mori was received by Miga-san and from my knowledge made the threat known to the rest of the Council at the very least."
Tadaka, leaned back on one hand and took another sip of the jade petal tea to wet his throat, the now luke warm liquid burning down his throat none-the-less. "After some time of this, it became abundantly clear that there was more to this than even I had thought; much of it was connected by one thread, and that was the City of the Lost. It seems that the Lost had been sending infiltrators into the Empire, corrupting crops, tainting weak willed samurai, causing peasant revolts, as well as more simple and subtle infiltration. And even that seemed to lead to a larger conclusion; the Lost were the force behind the famous ronin group known simply as the Spider. It was these same saviors who fought bandits, put down revolts, and slew oni who were posing as the bandits, causing the revolts, and summoning the oni in the first place. I needed to know more though."
"Sending one more message before I went further south, I entered the Shadowlands with the blessings of the Kuni Witch Hunters, who I had brought much jade to and mempos of the Lost to in the past, as well as my time spent on the Wall itself. I knew exactly where I was going and headed straight to the City of the Lost. You heard some of what happened there; they confiscated my Jade and brought me before Daigotsu. Knowing I could not lie to this powerful Shugenja without being known, I simply bent the truth and told him I was there to learn more about the Lost. Apparently that was good enough for him since he simply laughed and told me I had free run of where he would let me in the city. During my time there I know some of the reasons for that were told to me; Daigotsu knew who I was and found the opportunity for me to be stuck in the Shadowlands without any Jade a delicious irony. It also seems he was treating me as a test of sorts for some of his subjects; I was asked many questions and attacked a few times by what were supposed to be hot headed or drunk samurai. But I knew for a fact they were simply learning more about me and the power a former elemental master could wield. So in the end they got their side of the bargain I think; they found out more about me and got their wish of me becoming... tainted. But I was not afraid or regretful at any point; I was there to do work for the Empire and not for myself. So what if one man should become Tainted for the Sake of thousands? The Scorpion in their wisdom taught me that long ago."
"From there..." Tadaka sat up more formally and straight now that the meat of his tale was done, " Well from there they let me leave. I had shielded my mind to their scrying so they were not able to track where I was headed too, which Shodai-sama here knows all too well. I ran into a Chuda performing experiments on undeath before I left the Shadowlands, finding the need to teleport out since the compound the Chuda was occupying was attacked by a small group of Samurai including the Scorpion Clan Champion's brother and betrothed. I protected them the best I could with my magic without being spotted in my work and left for the far north; there was business I had with the fight against the Yobanjin and the Spider's involvement in that very war. I stopped back into Toshi Ranbo after that was taken care of and heard the announcement of your upcoming coronation as the Champion Kazuma-dono, so I felt that it was perhaps a sign I had been gone too long and that I should return; Share what I could and catch up on things."
Finishing up his tea with a slight pucker of his lips, Tadaka spread his hands wide with palms up, "So that's my story and here I am sama's. Perhaps there are parts I have forgotten, but I think that should cover most of it. I am not ashamed to return in the state I am right now; It may be a sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice for the good of the Empire, as well as to expand my knowledge of the world and myself. I will not stop on my path because of fear or cowardice; my life and soul are for the Phoenix whether that soul is Tainted or not. I am more than willing to be the one to bare this burden for the sake of everyone."
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 7, 2011 23:29:22 GMT -5
Kazuma listened carefully each word striking home. Hearing of how his old friend had taken on this monumental task seemed to weigh heavily on Kazuma. Once Tadaka was finished Kazuma sat there for a while thinking. There were slight twitches that made it look as if he was talking to someone who could not be seen or heard. After the long silence Kazuma finally looked at Tadaka.
Your sacrifice for the good of the clan is truly one for legends. After hearing your full story I understand why you did what you did. I also understand why you are now tainted.
Kazuma picked up a cup of tea and sipped it.
Do you know why they say the Phoenix clan champion wields the soul of Shiba? It is something that is actually a misstatement.
Kazuma pointed at Ofushikai.
I am sure that many people believe that the soul of Shiba resides in his sword. This is partially true, it does reside in his sword. Until the sword chooses a new clan Champion. Then the soul of Shiba is transfered into the new champion. Shiba is able to talk to me, to give me insight into things that I should not know. The truly legendary clan champions are able to listen to the council of Shiba and use his knowledge to help form their own decisions. There is another transfer that is made when the clan champion is chosen. One that I am not sure many people know about.
Kazuma took another sip of tea and then stared deeply into the half empty glass before continuing.
Along with the soul of Shiba clan champions also are inhabited by the souls of all the previous clan champions. This allows us to have better and better champions who are able to make more level headed decisions and who do not make mistakes that previous champions may have made. All of these souls in one body however does have a consequence. One can lose themselves in the mass. Thankfully that has not happened to me and I am able to hear each one of their voices individually giving me council and guiding my decisions.
Kazuma once again looked deeply into his cup before finishing off his tea.
I tell you this because I want you to know where I am coming from when I say. Tadaka-sama I understand why you are doing what your are doing and I can condone your actions. Just know that if, for any reason, the taint begins to take control. Well, lets just say you have already sacrificed your life for the clan.
Kazuma looked up at Tadaka and then looked over to Shodai then he let a smile cross his face.
I must admit being with old friends no matter the circumstances brings me joy. Even if the news they bring is not good news.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 9, 2011 21:01:50 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai smiled as he returned his hand from his comradely gesture to his cup of tea, unconcerned about potentially tainting himself from offering moral support to his friend. The jade-laced water he'd been drinking and the finger of jade hanging around his neck just out of sight from the others had allowed him to make the gesture without risk to himself.
The story his friend shared was both exciting and tugged at the heart-strings at the same time. A smile crossed Shodai's lips at Tadaka's unique way of handling being tainted. It was a supreme gesture of sacrifice and putting the good of the Clan and the Empire above oneself... Then Kazuma's own revelations about the true nature of the Soul of Shiba - parts of which Shodai had suspected, but was surprised by the revelation of the depths to how it worked. It was amazing how much he'd learned in such a short amount of time with the new abilities he'd developed.
Shodai nodded, agreeing with Kazuma-dono's comment about news and looking appreciatively to Tadaka. "Indeed... But even bad news, when known in advance of it leaking to the general public, provides one a chance to find the good news within it. Tadaka-san is alive, has remained himself despite the corrupting influence of the Taint, and still serves the Empire without hesitation."
The Tensai then looked to his fellow Shugenja. "Your story, my friend - when the time comes to tell it to everyone - will be an inspiration for many generations of samurai to come: That if one has the willpower and strength of character, not even the Taint can force a samurai away from one's dedication to duty." The Tensai bowed to his friend. "As always, you inspire me to be a better man, Tadaka-san. I am so glad destiny bound the three of us together the way it has... A toast, Kazuma-dono, Tadaka-san..." He poured a small dollop of tea into the three cups; enough so everyone could participate in the toast. The situation was still too somber to call for sake to be brought in and Shodai was pretty sure if he started drinking, he probably wouldn't want to stop.
He raised his cup and spoke a toast he'd heard... Where was it, the Crab? The Lion? No matter... "We serve the Empire with our lives. Though we pray that death does not come for us soon, when it does, let us face it with honor so we may make the journey to join our ancestors with pride and leave the Empire that much stronger for the next generation. Banzai, my friends."
Shodai and the others drank in a moment of silence. Shodai's eyes closed as, in the back of his mind, he began to plug the pieces of information into the facts that he had previously held. A chill ran down his spine as he suddenly thought of something he had missed before. His tea cup slipped from his grip at the staggering ramifications, but he managed to catch it before it shattered on the table.
"By the Gods... That clever, sadistic bastard!" Agasha looked at his two friends, almost apoplectic with rage despite the clinical admiration the strategist in him had to surrender to Daigotsu. "I just realized why the rumors about you - the ones I fought honor duels over in the Crab lands that I told you about - persisted, Tadaka-san! While Daigotsu kept you trapped in the City of the Lost, he began a simple - but potentially devastating - smear campaign against your good name."
"Think of it... A member of the Phoenix Clan's elite - the Void Master, undoubtedly one of the most influential members of the Elemental Council - accused of committing treason by use of Maho and returning home bearing Taint, with no means to disprove the lies? It would be a field day in the courts for every single Phoenix clan naysayer in the Empire! And all it costs him are a few servants to spread rumors and slander; the benefits outweigh the costs dozens, HUNDREDS, of times over..."
Agasha Shodai grit his teeth; outrage bubbling up in his chest. If Tadaka knew he was no match for Daigotsu, that meant Shodai - as he was now - wouldn't be able to do it either... If Enlightenment and becoming Tensai were not enough to deal with the Dark Lord of the Spider Clan, there was only two other things that could possibly help: Mastering the Path of Man to remake himself and his connection to the Elements, becoming a living Fortune in the process. And, with that accomplished, communing with the ancestors to allow him to obtain the otherworldly secrets hidden within the City of Tears; home of the Tensai.
Perhaps there were other options, but these were the only ones that Shodai could think of at the moment.
'It would appear I have finally found a reason to strive to become even stronger than I currently am...' Shodai thought to himself.
Agasha Shodai looked at Tadaka, his own course of action decided. "We may need to begin looking at damage control, my friend... If you remain Void Master in title, even now that you are Tainted, our enemies in the Courts will undoubtedly spread baseless fears and distrust of our clan. The histories preserved both here and in Kyuden Agasha tell horror stories of those times we have had Masters that fell to the Darkness and leading our clan to the brink of disaster. I know you instructed Kinen-san to act in your stead as Void Master while you traveled on your quest, but do you believe he has the skill of diplomacy, the strength of magic, and the wisdom of character to be your permanent replacement?"
OOC: I was thinking this would be as good a point as any to make the shifts to the new masters discussed in the Private Chambers of the Phoenix so we can make it "official."
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 12, 2011 14:47:35 GMT -5
Tadaka nodded slightly, listening to the two; it was good to hear that they were understanding of his motivations at the very least and it lifted a large burden from his shoulders. In fact, in some ways that he did not expect. That said, it seemed some things were off as well... no matter though. Clearing his throat he spoke up, "I am glad to hear support from you my friends, to know that some things can go beyond first impressions and that friendship and trust can see through such things." He leaned back a little, his expression somewhat troubled, "That said, as far as what you two have said..."
He turned first to Kazuma, "I had heard rumors of the wisdom of former Champions being part of the Soul, and it is astounding to find that those rumors are in fact true; knowing that makes me even more honored that you have decided to treat things as you have Kazuma-dono. I understand where you are coming from as well as why you would need to act if I was to lose myself. I must warn the both of you though..." Tadaka looked between his two friends, his voice serious, "There WILL be a day I lose myself to the Taint. It's not something that can be stopped. There is a reason that the Crab keep the tainted separated; it is because they know their fate is inevitable. With proper meditation and my daily rituals of purification, it will be a very long time, but that would be assuming I was never exposed to any Taint again, which may prove to be difficult since I do not intend to shut myself away. I say this not as a threat or a warning, but only as a caution; in the course of trying to find knowledge there is no way I can avoid going to tainted places, for such places often hold the darkest of secrets that need to be known."
Letting it sink in a little, he turned to Shodai, speaking softly, "Shodai-sama, as far as your theories go, I would ask you to calm a little. I am most certain that you are at least partially right that Daigotsu was more than willing to tell tales of things I had done, using exaggeration to stir up the hornets nest as it were. But..." Tadaka paused a moment, looking thoughtful, "While I cannot be sure as to what rumors you have heard, I would point out what I just said; that they would very likely be exaggerations. I use that word instead of falsehoods since I do not imagine Daigotsu feeling the desire nor need to do that; he does have some sense of twisted honor and he seems to prefer to stretch the truth and bend it rather than ignore it. Take the Spider for example; it is true that they are a false mask, a band of lost wearing the guise of a benevolent group of ronin whose wish it is to protect the Empire. But that is at least partially true; Daigotsu and his followers do wish to protect the Empire and to get rid of the enemies who would plague it such as the Yobanjin and bandits. It is merely twisted since that truth avoids the fact that these samurai not loyal to any of our Clans are Lost and following the agenda of Daigotsu, working as a mockery of a Clan as the Spider and following him as their champion."
"Much is the same with me. Again, I cannot be sure of what you have heard or not, but I will make this clear; I have done things that would not go over so well in the courts of Rokugan that is for certain. I have practiced maho and am getting somewhat adept at it. I have summoned Oni and raised the dead. I brought the Black Scroll, the Wasting Disease, to the Twilight Mountains and there opened it to attempt to fathom its secrets. I have colluded with criminals and lost in the name of experience and getting deeper into organizations, and so I have the blood of peasant and samurai alike on my hands. I have taught the lost secrets of Phoenix magic in exchange for their knowledge. I have protected tainted samurai from being killed or hunted by the Crab and others, likely having saved the Chuda who killed Bayushi Senshi's brother in the end even."
He leaned back a little, his expression and tone the same, "And beyond that I have slept with peasants, raped geisha, poisoned people, cut people down unawares, and betrayed secrets of Clans, not just the Phoenix, to others who would pay for that knowledge. I have not killed a friend or any Phoenix, and I have always attempted to only do enough to get me where I need to go and let me discover what it is I want to know... but I can say I have done all these things, campaign to sully my name or no. Take these things as you will, I will still say that I have done what I think is right for the sake of the knowledge I need to better serve the Empire."
Continuing before either of them can speak up, Tadaka answers Shodai's last statement, "As far as damage control, I will leave this up to you, to do what you feel is best for the Clan. And I am quite aware that I am in no position to be the Master of Void; if I have not already been considered no longer so before this, I will say it should be made official as soon as possible. Replacement-wise Shodai-sama... while I have taught some to Kinen-sama, I did not instruct him to act in my stead as the Master of Void, merely that he take on duties as a representative and ambassador of the Clan. If anything, since it has come up, I would say by far that you are the most qualified to fill the position with me stepped down; You know more about the Void than anyone else I know, and quite possibly even more than myself in certain ways since you are always pushing yourself."
"That would be my recommendation at least." Tadaka takes a sip of his tea to wet his throat, the room silent otherwise.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 12, 2011 19:54:37 GMT -5
Kazuma could not believe all he just had heard. He could not even speak, he had been stunned silent by what Tadaka had just said. All he could do what just look at the man he once thought he knew.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 12, 2011 23:50:17 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai felt as if his insides were falling into the Void itself as his trusted friend and rival detailed the depths to which the Taint had pulled him... He was nauseated by the thought of how far from Bushido and the Imperial law that Tadaka had once sworn to uphold the Ishiken and fellow Tensai had fallen. And yet, ever the dichotomy, he felt the allure of such activities that the shugenja from Kyuden Agasha had occasionally fantasized in dabbling with in moments of weakness, but had always resisted the temptation by some inherent sense of right and wrong that was distilled from all the different philosophies he'd studies and something...
Instinctual, perhaps?
'Forgive me, warriors...' Shodai thought to himself to the souls of the five samurai that he'd cut down because he hadn't wanted to believe that Tadaka could do the things they'd been claiming. 'I will see to it that offerings are made for your souls and that your families will be taken care of; penance for my own crime of arrogance committed against you. I foolishly believed that because I was all but immune to the allure of the dark side of knowledge that the man who has inspired me since I was a mere stripling was the same...'
Shodai desperately wanted to ask Tadaka if he had actually ENJOYED performing such villainy or if he'd done it simply to ensure those from whom he sought knowledge would trust that he was not a spy... But another part of his very soul feared that answer, so he remained silent. He could tell that Tadaka was not admitting to these crimes to brag about them as the irredeemably corrupt maho-tsukai had done.
No... He seemed to be admitting it to dispel any hopes that Kazuma and Shodai may be harboring in their heart of hearts that the three of them would ever be able to go back to the way things were. By shattering that hope, he released any energy they may have wasted in seeking ways to bring such an event around. And by choosing to resolve this privately, it allowed the Phoenix clan to save face.
It was a cruel kindness, but one that, now that the blinders had been ripped from the shugenja's eyes, Shodai was actually grateful for.
"I was perhaps hasty in my assumptions that what I thought were lies were merely another ploy from a being that has proven in the past to be antagonistic to the Empire as a whole." Shodai said at last. As a samurai and a man, it was galling to admit to flights of fancy, but at least it forced him to try and come to terms with the situation. "So be it."
Shodai looked to Kazuma. "No matter our personal feelings, Kazuma-dono, we must take action based off this new information and then need to determine how best to proceed. As it is devastatingly apparent that Tadaka-san is no longer fit to serve the Phoenix as the Void Master, the onus falls upon I - Agasha Shodai, as the next most powerful Ishiken-do master of the Phoenix clan - to officially accept Tadaka's resignation and step up into the position." The Tensai looked at his Fallen friend. "Though I never wanted this responsibility for myself; nor in the worst of my nightmares did I dream this is how it would happen."
His gaze returned to Kazuma. "While such a resignation is normally presented to the Council as a whole, we have the reality that we are in wartime conditions. Since in such times the Elemental Council grants their authority to the Phoenix Clan Champion, that makes you the de facto head of the Council, Kazuma-dono. The rules of etiquette allow a member of the council to resign in private to the Champion, provided there is a suitable replacement that the Champion agrees to."
"I know you were not expecting to be catapulted into such monumental decisions your first night in office and this is not an act I suggest lightly, but as I am sure Kami Shiba and the others are surely whispering to you, it is what MUST be done to protect our clan." Shodai whispered apologetically with a heart-felt sadness to his voice.
And matters only got worse.
"Furthermore, when a Master Falls, the onus falls to the Champion and the Council to eliminate the fallen master; but we have fought side-by-side for more than half our lives, the three of us... We have celebrated victories, mourned our losses, and have even shed our blood to protect each other. This causes a problem for our clan... Tadaka-san is a master shugenja and his swordsmanship is excellent; only you and I, working in concert, would have the kind of skill necessary to execute him."
Shodai sighed gravely. "And though it shames me greatly to admit it, Kazuma-dono, I cannot bring myself to do this; despite his freely admitted crimes." He rubbed his forehead as he delved into his nearly perfect memory for solutions... And there was only one that he could think of...
"I believe that, in this situation, we can take a page from the Crab's policy for dealing with the Tainted: monitored banishment from the rest of society. This is what I propose, so that some measure of good can come from this disaster. We will permit Tadaka to leave Kyuden Isawa with a unique scroll that I found while travelling: the scroll is linked through the Void to a second scroll. Whatever is written on one appears on the other and remains there until a wet, non-inked brush strikes through the writing."
"This will allow Tadaka to report to the Council - specifically me and you, Kazuma-dono - of his actions as he probes the depths of what the Tainted are TRULY capable of. He will be, if not a spy, rather a scholar assigned to document what he can so that the Inquisitors and the other organizations designed to deal with Tainted individuals will have an inside look without risking the Fall of their own people. It will improve the strength of the Empire, though I am saddened at the personal cost to Tadaka's soul and the lives of those whom he will bring horrors to..."
Shodai looked at Tadaka, knowing it was unlikely he would ever see the man again in this life. "He will continue on this task for the rest of his days, until he commits seppuku to salvage what honor he can, or his Taint reaches the point that there is no trace of the man that was once our friend remains within him. Once that happens, Tadaka-san, Kazuma and I will be permitted no choice and allowed no reservation in how it will end. I know that you likely contemplated this well before you chose to return here, Tadaka-san, and knew this would be the likely outcome."
Agasha looked to the Shiba before him and the ones that preceded him. "Is this acceptable to you, Kazuma-dono? After all, as Clan Champion, you have the final say during wartime. If Kami Shiba or any of the previous champions have suggestions for how to improve this plan, I'll gladly listen, but every fiber of my being tells me this is the best we mere humans are capable of..."
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 13, 2011 5:47:21 GMT -5
Kazuma turned to Shodai. Though some of the voices in his head were arguing against it Shiba himself was agreeing with the plan. Kazuma knew that the man he once knew as Tadaka was already starting to go. He also knew that the valuable information that would be gained from Tadaka being deep inside tainted territory would help the Empire far beyond anything anyone could hope. With all of this information and after a few seconds of deliberation Kazuma turned to Shodai.
I agree with you plan Shodai-sama. The information and knowledge that Tadaka can gain from inside the most tainted places would be beyond invaluable to the clan and to the empire.
Kazuma looked down at the table and then back up to Shodai.
I also confirm you as the new void master.
Kazuma took his cup filled it with tea and drank it down slowly. He looked to be deep in thought.
There is one more matter that I would like to discuss. Tadaka you have done many grave things in your quest for knowledge. Things that, if it were any other man, would have been cause for banishment from the clan and immediate dishonorable death. Though you are doing this for the good of the clan and the empire you still bear the Phoenix clan name.
Kazuma looked up at Shodai and then over to Tadaka.
Though you will continue to do work for the clan. It is with a heavy heart that I ask. Will you, by stepping down from the master of the void, also leave behind your clan and family name. Shodai-sama is right, in some aspects, about the rumors spreading about you. There are honorable samurai who are slandering the Phoenix clan and dieing as a result of it. I ask you to add another sacrifice to your list of sacrifices and become Ronin. This may also allow you to gain even more knowledge and infiltrate even further into the tainted lands.
Kazuma looked back to Shodai.
We can keep this fact as well as the fact about the scroll secret. In essence we are executing Tadaka.
Kazuma finished off the rest of his tea.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 13, 2011 10:57:21 GMT -5
Tadaka sat there sipping his tea as well, adding the smallest pinch of Jade powder to the cup. He nodded in a matter of way as Shodai spoke, then Kazuma. It did not take him long to respond at all, "Agreed. I have no qualms being tracked, watched as it were, and also have no trouble in the slightest reporting in. You seem well aware that I would not be here to hide anything at this point, and I never intend to hide anything from the two of you; I have chosen my path and am neither proud not ashamed of it, merely accepting."
"As far as your request Kazuma-dono... it is done. It was already practically how things were; I largely traveled in the robes of a simple sohei with no mon and my changed appearance due not to illusion, but simple cosmetics, the growth of the beard you see on me, and clothing. If anyone ever asked, I was simply Tadaka; And with you making it official I hope that can clear things up even more." Finishing his jade tea he reached to set the cup down, his arm visibly shaking, "Forgive me, it is difficult to control the anguish the jade tea causes me. But the pain too is an experience, just like everything else. I have decided to seek the lotus, to touch and smell it rather than read about it. If you must kill me, that too will be but another experience in life. And that is my intent. So it is agreed."
Tadaka stood up and stretched, walking away from the table. He looked out the window at the view of the ocean and the sound of the chirping birds nesting in the crevices of the castle; Lord Sun was starting ever so slowly on his trip to the horizon, the evening beginning to a cloudless sky. After a moment of looking he sighed slightly, reaching down and undoing the obi on his kimono, folding it up slightly before taking off his kimono. Underneath he wore a gi of black and black tied off pants. Apparently he had brought his weapons in as well for his katana was strapped to his back, the pommel-less thing of a low profile and in a simple wooden sheath with no markings. Finishing folding his Phoenix robes he walked over and handed them to Kazuma, "It is done. Forgive me my friends for bringing my katana into your presence. It seemed unlikely I would get the chance to... grab it on the way out as it were, and of course I had every intent of protecting myself if you had decided not to let me go; I would not harm you and if you intend to send men after me I will not hurt them either, as much as it is in my ability. My work is too important to simply accept not being able to do it, perhaps you understand that and perhaps you do not fully. Either way, whatever happens it will be but another step on the path to perfection and harmony with the realms."
He turned one last time to Shodai and bowed deeply, "I am glad you two trusted my recommendation and congratulate you on your new status Shodai-sama; may you bring it greater glory than I have. Now... if you will forgive me you two..." Tadaka walked to Shodai and politely took the scroll from him that would be able to track him with a bow. Then he turned towards the window, pulling a knife from somewhere within his sleeve, a small thin blade, "I apologize for leaving any... mess. But I have been attempting to perfect this."
Tadaka slid the blade into his chest and tensed visibly in pain; fortunately he had taken great care to make sure the cut was right and missed any organs or other important parts, the secret of the technique. But rather than bleed normally it seemed as though a dark blood oozed out like oil, steaming with a black-red smoke. Tadaka seemed to blend with this as though he were dissolving, the process quickly ending as he did in fact dissolve seemingly, leaving nothing but a steaming stain of tainted blood on the floor of the chamber. Shoadai was immediately aware that Tadaka was no longer in Shiro Shiba; not too far but a good distance south none-the-less, somewhere in the southern Shiba provinces
The former Void Master's blood continued to bubble and smoke on the floor...
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 13, 2011 16:03:05 GMT -5
Kazuma watched as Tadaka left. He stood up and just stared at the bubbling and smoking pool of tainted blood. His friend that he had known for over 15 years was truly gone. Kazuma turned to Shodai.
Shodai-sama if you know of any rituals for cleansing this spot please do them. I must attend to other matters soon and I do not want one of the servants coming in contact with tainted blood.
Kazuma took in a deep breath, it looked as if the manner of Tadaka's departure had troubled him even more then he already was.
I thank you for bringing Tadaka to see me. We need to report to the rest of the council that you are the new Void Master and that Tadaka is now Ro The word seems to stick in Kazuma's throat. He takes another deep breath. Ronin.
Kazuma hung his head after saying the word. The events of the day had placed a tax on him. He knew that he should feel honored that the soul of Shiba chose him, but he also felt that he had just lost something with the parting of Tadaka. Kazuma took one last deep breath and then looked at Shodai and smiled.
I am sorry Shodai-sama. All that was revealed here is going to take a little time to sink in. There is much joy and sadness happening today. We must meet again in better circumstances.
With that Kazuma bowed slightly to Shodai.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 13, 2011 17:13:46 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai, now the Void Master, felt tears fill his eyes at Tadaka-san's - no, now just Tadaka, a ronin no longer deserving of honorifics - means of departure, but held them back.
'Duty must come before grief.' The shugenja thought to himself as he rose from the kotatsu table and over to the residue of Tadaka's Maho use. He covered his nose and mouth to avoid breathing the Tainted air that the diamond of Kazuma's right bracer was now surely pointing at.
"Yawning Void that binds all time and space, excize this residue of tainted evil. Remove it from the home of the honorable and take it where it may harm none. Ishiken-do, Consuming Darkness spell." Shodai chanted, splaying one hand.
As the words of the spell were complete, a small sphere of, well, Nothing winked into existence and broke down the bonds of reality. The sphere then greedily inhaled the blood, smoke, and the top half of the wooden plank that the spell's effects disintegrated. When the five element Tensai could no longer sense any trace of Taint remaining in Kazuma's quarters, Shodai clenched his fist and the orb swallowed itself.
The shugenja turned back to his collegue. "I fear, my friend, that this did not go anywhere near where I was expecting when I spoke with you in the main hall... I also agree that we will need to make an announcement that Isawa Tadaka has Fallen and no longer holds a position of authority in our Clan and that he has been declared Ronin. We will also have to attempt to make restitution - where possible - to the families our samurai have harmed while defending the honor of our Clan."
"There are five such families in the lands of the Crab that grieve because of my own actions..." Shodai sighed bitterly. "I would have any costs to make amends to these families come out of my personal assets rather than the Clan's treasury. I will not allow our Clan to make restitution for my mistakes."
"Now, back to the matter of Tadaka's final mission..." Agasha looked to Shiba, gesturing now to the left bracer. "I am glad I did not get to discuss the other half of the Tensai Order's gift to to you, Kazuma-dono. The gift will help us keep tabs on Tadaka beyond the means that he will be aware of; means that he will not be able to block."
"The gems of the bracer depicting Kami Shiba's travels with Shinsei are enchanted in two ways. One, they will allow you to communicate with the holders of the matching stones..." Shodai tapped a pouch hidden under his own obi. "Which the Tensai are gifting to the five members of the Elemental Council. As with the right bracer, the each gem is attuned to an element: emerald to Earth, diamond to Air, sapphire to Water, ruby to Fire, and onyx to Void. Removing the stone you want to use and holding it to your ear will allow you to talk to the Master holding the stone's mate no matter where you are in the Empire."
Shodai raised a second finger. "The second enchantment is the one that will help us. It will allow you to gather information by communing with the local kami spirits, despite your personal lack in magical skill, Kazuma-dono. But this brings us to the onyx, for there are no Void kami... Instead, it has been enchanted with a new spell the Tensai recently discovered within one of the previously sealed chambers in the City of Tears; one that utilizes Ancestor magic - an art that few know anything about.
"The onyx will allow you to think of someone you have forged an emotional or a life bond to and know where they are and their overall health. Since this link is tracked through Yomi rather than the Void, there is no means to shield against it unless your soul has become so corrupt that it cannot enter the Realm of the Blessed Ancestors. As you become accustomed to the spell, Kazuma-dono, you will be able to sense Tadaka's slide into the eternal darkness of Jigoku."
Agasha Shodai licked his lips contemplatively. "If we time things right - when the time comes - there is a chance we can slay Tadaka before the corruption of his soul is complete. If we succeed, Tadaka will enter Meido instead of Jigoku and Emma-O may grant our friend mercy and allow him a second chance here on Ningen-do: a reincarnation where he may atone for the crimes of this life... It is a dismal hope, my friend, but it is hope nonetheless... I will take my leave of you, my friend."
Shodai then bowed and, after turning away, finally allowed himself to grieve.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 13, 2011 17:45:25 GMT -5
Kazuma watched as his friend left and then looked at the gifts laid before him. He felt like a child again. Not feeling entirely in control of his world. He fell to his knees and stayed there for a long time. Thankful that his guards knew how to follow orders. No one would want to see him in the state that he was in now.
(End RP)
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 27, 2011 18:56:06 GMT -5
(Continuation of RP with Keshi)
As Kazuma approaches his room he stops at one of the guards.
Fetch a servant and ask them to bring tea and two cups, please.
The man bowed and quickly moved off as Kazuma entered his room. He motioned for Keshi to follow him.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Apr 28, 2011 12:38:04 GMT -5
Keshi smiles as she follows Kazuma into his quarters. Her eyes wandering the room in curiosity. The gift's he'd been presented with we're still scattered. She recognized a few of them, the Mantis one drawing her gaze for a moment.
"A wonder indeed. You have a fortune of knowledge and weaponry put into your hands. And yet you seem neither arrogant about it, nor do you seem burdened by it. I do not think in your position I could be the same."
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 28, 2011 17:10:22 GMT -5
Kazuma closed the door and turned to Keshi.
I thought the same. Thankfully when I was chosen it opened a hidden inner strength that I was able to call upon.
Kazuma walked to the door leading into the common area as he walked in he looked at the point on the floor where Tadaka had departed and his tainted blood had been left. In the time he was gone nothing had changed. The spot still looked slightly burned from Shojai's magic.
He quickly looked away and motioned for Keshi to move into the common area.
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