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 18, 2011 22:52:45 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai bowed to Isawa Tisuke, her gaze thanking him for not only making the journey but for ensuring that her daughter would live for some time to come. The Water Tensai could have purged Mitsouko's body of the poison - for a time; maybe enough for Mitsouko's would-be savior to arrive, but probably not - but to have it done and have the job guaranteed by one of the five most powerful shugenja in the Phoenix clan... THAT was something to provide any parent with absolute peace of mind.
The trip had proven to be well worth it thus far, though the odd visions were not something he had anticipated. But it provided him with a new mystery to pursue once he departed Kyuden Doji. He would just have to take care to avoid skin-to-skin contact with Kakita Mitsouko - the one element that had been the same in both odd visions.
As his hostess invited him to tea, he felt his heart flutter slightly as she began to say the name that he'd been called in the visions, but corrected herself before finishing it. He nodded, her concerns about him almost palpable in the air. "I would very much enjoy a cup of fresh tea."
Shodai paused briefly as he finally noticed a swirl of air that was sticking close to Kakita Mitsouko. "I see that an Air kami has befriended you, Kakita-san... That speaks very highly of you, you know; most air spirits are too mercurial to stay around anyone for an extended period of time. I can see that you have many questions and I can tell that you sense there is more to me than what I claim to be. But perhaps your friend there can give you some peace of mind where I am concerned. All kami can read the truth in the soul of a human and cannot be lied to. So, with that in mind, please allow me to say a few things before we join the others:"
He focused on the small air spirit, opening his soul up to the kami. "You also have my gratitude for your generosity in inviting me to stay despite the concerns that weigh upon your mind; perhaps leaving you feel aimlessly adrift in the great ocean. I wish I could answer all your questions at this time, but I am under a Destiny-enforced edict from the Fortunes themselves that decree that I may not... Not at this time, at least. I will be more than glad to answer what I can - either now or at a time of your choosing, Kakita-san."
The Void Master forced himself to stop talking; he hoped his words would be enough to allow the female samurai to regain her mental footing. She seemed like a nice girl... That much Agasha Shodai could tell without a doubt.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 19, 2011 1:18:14 GMT -5
Kenpachi looked over his tea casually. Thank the Kami for the Scorpion. The ability to read lips was useful from time to time. His servants told him that this Pheonix was an unforseen quantity. Perhaps even a rival suitor. Kenpachi thought about this revelation. He smiled inwardly at the blatent shortcomming of the larger clans. Many of them forget that servants have eyes and ears. Simply because their word means nothing compared to a samurai, does not mean that they are incaipable of gathering knowledge.
He saw Mitsouko's mother leave. An unfortunate happenstance. Kenpachi sighed inwardly. This was a battlefield that Kenpachi never favored. He was not completely unaware of the court. His training as a magistrate prepared him a great deal for political manuvers. By no means was he a Doji, but his skill was ample and often underestimated, a great boon to outwit his rivals.
Kenpachi's face showed no trace of hearing anything. He smiled,"Mitsouko-san," he said using her given name to throw off the Asako. He would likely be ill aware of his famial ties to Mitsouko. "I truely wish I was able to see you again on happier tideings. My son and I share your pain, as does all of Rokugan on the loss of an esteemed and honorable samuri. Sanjuro-sama sends his regards. I have no doubt he will be here as swiftly as the wind can bring him." Kenpachi reached into his obi and pulled out a sheet of light blue silk, inside was a simple hairpin made out of ivory. "This hairpin belonged to Doji Hinata, a famed matchmaker and the daughter of the 24th Crane Champion. She brought the blessed touch of Benten to countless houses. I bring it to you in the hopes that you may never be without the grace of Benten." After the traditional two refusals, he carefully places the pin in her hands.
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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 19, 2011 7:18:16 GMT -5
OOC: Kenpachi, just as a reminder, Shodai is currently dressed as an Asako; only Isawa Tisuke knows who he is and they have not spoken of it openly since arriving. He is also wearing a mempo that conceals his entire jawline to mask his features. It has the side benefit of preventing an effective lip reading. ;D
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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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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 19, 2011 10:16:13 GMT -5
OCC: I think Kenpachi meant he was able to read both Mitsouko's and Tisuke's lips, and the content of their conversation, for a mind like his, was very useful. And of course, there the following talk...
She cursed her lack of courtesy and control of her expressions. The experience of hearing his thoughts as words in her mind embarrassed Mitsouko, and at same time amazed her. Again, she could not hide her surprise with so clear communication, without the common coming and goings and the shame of invading hiding secrets with no intention. This gift was not a thing she liked to have, anyway, though she owed her life to the kami aid for many times as well. Once, her mother told Mitsouko she probably had been lied to a great injury in one past live, so the kami favored her in the next. But one thing she realized fast.
"Sho-san, we can talk later about Fortunes decrees, I am now in a profound debt of your wisdom, knowledge and good will to ask you to do a thing you don't feel comfortable to. But please, don't think ill of me. I have so many things to think about. You see. I am the only daughter of my father. The unique heiress. This is an honor and a burden, at the same time. He was found dead in a shore near Mantis lands; it was probably an accident, but I need to know. But first, I need to meet with my daimyo, to give them a letter from Three Sides River... Then, I need to find who did it to me, and why... And have to discover what my daimyo would like to me to do now I represent the house of my father. These are my main preoccupations, Sho-san. I think I can wait for the right time when you will be likely ready to tell me why the Fortunes asked you to hide your identity."
Mitsouko had neither reason to hide her next steps, or to tell him the first thing she would like to do was sent a message to Sanjuro. And of course she not told Sho-san she was very interested in discovers who him really was and why they were bonded since childhood, but it was just not a good time to do it.
"Well, for now, we should try the tea, I promise you it will be very refreshing.”
…. The meeting with Kenpachi and Hirotomo turned to a pleasant surprise, when she noticed the Toku samurai was there like a miai. She could now enjoy the finesse and full domain of courtier etiquette that Sanjuro told her Kenpachi possessed. Better than hers, she thought, sipping the tea, she was a lame in it. Anyway, she was expected to marry the unfortunate Hida Kimo, now dead, so all she learned about pleasantries were way enough. Their marriage was a thing her father arranged when she was just a child, with the son of his Crab friend, and she never thought much about it since it always seemed a distant possibility. But the twist of fate turned Mitsouko way back, and now she was sit in the front of the gentle Kenpachi-san, receiving from him a token of the affection of Sanjuro.
Anyway, she now realized her mother had other plans to her. Her words in the yard and then, the dismissal to clearly avoid the first meeting with Sanjuro's envoy. Of course her mother would not bless her choice. But if Kenpachi was quick enough to convince and get in terms with the Kakita daimyo... Her mother surely would not act so quickly. This man, Sho-san or whatever, was an unexpected rival for Sanjuro, since she had already been in the marriage market for so long (maybe due too exigent parents) that she was already preparing herself for chastity vows to not lose face. Mitsouko, though, doesn't want to lose the opportunity of know Sho-san better. He most assuredly could help her to discover more about herself.
"It's an honor to be presented with such exquisite and bringer of good luck object, Kenpachi-san. I humbly ask you to stay long, so you can meet and be introduced to my mother, the most honorable Water Tensai Isawa Tisuke. She will be here tomorrow, as she promised me. And please, let me introduce you a new friend. He is a good samurai and also a wise man. As my friend is by now prohibited by the Fortunes Themselves to reveal his face, he permitted me to call him Sho-san, so i ask you to do the same for now."
Mitsouko glanced at the Phoenix man, she would not lie in his behalf, so that's the best way she found to introduce him.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 19, 2011 11:56:31 GMT -5
OOC: Changed Agasha to Asako. Kenpachi may not know who you really are, but he's not a magistrate cause he looks good in the uniform. ;3
The fortunes asked him to hide his identity? Curious. Why wear the Mon of Clan and Family then? Kenpachi was used to dealing with masks. The lips said nothing, but the eyes say anything. The man was not a Scorpion after all. "Greetings, Pheonix Sho-san. It's a pleasure to meet you." Kenpachi said urbanely.
Behind Kenpachi's smile his mind began to work quickly. Perhaps this man had the backing of Mitsouko's mother. No proof was evedent, but Kenpachi had best prepare for the worst. She already appeared to favor this Sho. Kenpachi would overlook the snub that Isawa Tisuke showed him and his son. It was a minor breach, after all. The Kakita Daimyo was the best bet for an ally. Kakita Shinji was a practical man. He would see the boon in combining the blood of the Crane with that of the Monkey. No matter whom this Pheonix was, the marrigae of a Clan Champion does not happen often.
Kenpachi's manner was light and easy going. This served two purposes. First, Mitsouko needed comfort in family, she most likely had not laughed in some time. The second was to ferret out information. A man with a mask is a man with a secret after all.
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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 19, 2011 15:37:45 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai listened to Kakita Mitsouko's concerns and frustrations, finding himself sympathizing with her plight. He, too, was an only child and so his previous envoy's inability to secure a spouse for him was a concern that had weighed heavily on his parents. Putting himself in her geta, he could understand her frustration in trying to discover if her father's death was connected with the assassination attempt on her life or not. Shodai, even now that he was grown and on his own, cared deeply for both his parents. He would be devistated at the loss of either; deep understanding of the Mandala of Heaven and the process of reincarnation not withstanding.
'I wonder if she would accept an offer to assist her in getting to the bottom of this...' Agasha wondered to himself, but decided that offer - much like any other questions that Mitsouko might have - would need to wait for another time.
Shodai nodded to his host as they walked to join the others. "It has been a long time since I last had a decent cup of the tea that the Crane are famous for procuring. I am sure it will be wonderful."
As Mitsouko introduced him to the two Monkey Clan samurai, Shodai felt the corners of his eyes tighten briefly in surprised recognition of Magistrate Toku Kenpachi; good friend to Toku Sanjuro - the Monkey Clan's current Champion. The two had met briefly - little more than a nod during a function at the Fuzake Daimyo's mansion - during Shodai's last trip to Toku Torid-E while on a pilgrimage to pray at the significant graves in the Empire. The Magistrate was clearly less than enthused by the fact that Tisuke slipped away without meeting with him and the rare gift he presented the hostess with suggested he was here to act as an Omiai envoy.
A spark of intuition lit up the Tensai's mind like a signal bonfire as he realized the signifigance of the death of the would-be savior from his meditative vision.
'The Monkey Clan Champion must be the one that went after the cure for Kakita Mitsouko! And now his closest confidant is here as an Envoy... The two are surely close and the woman's death could have pushed him to an act of rashness in his grief. And as one to inherit the mantle of Toku himself, Toku Sanjuro's loss would indeed have lasting reprecussions for the Empire.' He thought to himself as his lips curled under his mempo in a silent smile of satisfaction of a solved mystery. 'Also explains why I needed to disguise myself: one, so that Kakita-san feels no obligation to the real me for doing my duty in preserving life... And two, because Kakita Shinji, the Kakita Daimyo, would probably be less than pleased to discover a stress-filled conflict between the Monkey and Phoenix clans in his domain for one of his samurai... The wisdom of Tengoku is vast, indeed.'
The Phoenix shugenja was comforted by the fact that even should Kenpachi remember his "evil eyes" he would remember Shodai simply as a member of the Brotherhood of Shinsei, not as one of the few shugenja that were candidates to become the Naka - Grand Master of the Elements, a title awarded once each generation - and decidedly not as the new Void Master of the Phoenix Clan...
Agasha Shodai bowed respectfully to the two Monkey Samurai. The disguised shugenja noticed how the young man looked a bit uncomfortable in formal wear and looked to be about the age to have just ascended to the ranks of the samurai caste. "An honor to meet you both. I spent some time in Toku Torid-E a number of months ago praying at the grave of your noble founder. It is also pleasant to see a member of the next generation of your fine Clan's honorable warriors." He said in an earnest compliment intended to put the boy at ease; the young man's discomfort was obvious. One sure way to fix that in a young man was to encourage them to talk about themselves... "So, did they have you repeat Toku Kyoji's first mission as your Gempukku?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 19, 2011 17:05:12 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled at the statement. "I was a messenger. Perhaps a less than glorious task, but we all serve the best we are able."
Kenpachi looked at the eyes of the Pheonix. His eyes widened, perhaps he knew him. Unfortuneatly, Kenpachi did not remember the samurai, at least not from the eyes. The man was charming enough. If the man could be reasoned with, perhaps this not be so bad. If a wife he needed, he was owed favors by half the clans. Kenpachi sincerely hoped he did not have his heart set of Mitsouko, battles were fought over such things.
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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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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 19, 2011 20:23:05 GMT -5
"Hirotomo-san is my cousin,Sho-san, his mother was my late and dear cousin, born Kakita. He also studied between Cranes, with the Daidoji. With great merit, I must say..."
Mitsouko formally introduced the young Toku samurai, proudly. For her, Hirotomo was family, even if he was uncomfortable there performing silly courtier tasks. She fully sympathized with Hirotomo. And Kenpachi was being an adorable guest, entertaining and spirituous.
Now, the tea calming her down for all the emotions of the day, her mind could focuse in analize the facts. The shugenja moves are from the one man accustomed with long travels and with the hard training of a bushi. He favored the right side as one man that carries a katana, not only a wakizashi...not the case today. Mitsouko can see the weight of an imaginary burden, but carried with the broad shoulder of a bushi, not a shugenja slim frame. But he also had all the typical moves of an actual shugenja, so she just can deduct he was skilled in both ways. And of course, the way he searchs for personal space...it was a distinct hint of his actual high rank. Too much accustomed to have a retinue around. And he doesn't like it.
Not so hard to find out who he is even without questioning him. Not with his so evident characteristic eyes. And his birth name was Sho. Wait...Sho... Agasha Sho! The odd young man in Firebird Falls a distant summer long ago! She was hiding up a tree and tossed a ball at him when he was performing kata, when she was 12! Mitsouko of course hadn't heard of him all this time, but she remembered of Agasha Sho being a prodigy or something like it. Of course she was not interested in shugenja celebrities at that time. Just duelists.
She was excited with her discovery. "Can you, gentle samurai, give me a moment, please? I just remembered a thing I want give to you, Hirotomo-san. A much esteemed souvenir your mother gave me once. I am sure the woman you choose to marry someday will be honored to wear something that was owned for your mother when she was a young bride. And she was so bright in her red garment!"
She arose, politely asking. "Please, forgive me, I will be back in seconds. Meanwhile, I am sure the noble samurai should be many interests in commom..."
Mei took her place while Mitsouko came to her room. She changed the white cerimonial kimono for a black one, while gave orders. " Mimi, Mei must know many people in the castle... Ask her to please try to learn everything she can about a Phoenix man that once used to be called Agasha Sho. Everything the Crane knows, at least."
She then ordered Mimiko to bring her the gift she would give to her cousin Hirotomo. He was in love, would appreciate it like something precious to give to Rinko. It was a plain golden obi, Aiko wore with the red kimono of the wedding party, after the private ceremony.
When touching the silky surface of fabric, Mitsouko thought of Sanjuro and their plans... Why she had a heart tightness, and a vague feeling of death, misinformations and tragedy? " And Mimi, find the best runner you can. One we can trust in. I must send Sanjuro-sama a message about my cure." The trustworthy servant bowed in acquiescence, and Mitsouko went back to the room the men were with the gift.
"Hirotomo-san, please accept this gift, the obi your mother used in her marriage party. It can most assuredly be lovely when wore by the bride of your choice." He of course refused twice, but it was a way Hirotomo to practice his skills in such things. When he finally accepted Mitsouko glanced to Kenpachi, that was proud. Hirotomo did his role very well. Mitsouko didn't know what the men talked in the minimum amount of time she was out, but they seemed civilized and courteous in front of Mei. "Please, bring the meal." She ordered.
The night fell and the guest were given time and enough comfort to do whatever they want, including to rest. When the house quieted, Mitsouko crossed the garden to the small dojo where her father liked to be most of the time.She sitted on the tatami, looking at the emptiness he left behind. She would miss her first hero truly.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 20, 2011 11:30:48 GMT -5
Hirotomo's eyes almost watered as he was given his mother's obi. This was a treasured heirloom. He remembered his mother, small and so beautiful. "Thank you, Mitsouko-san." He said gratefully.
Kenpachi smiled at the exchange. He was growing fond of Mitsouko, and regretted not getting to know her better before his wife's passing. Then again, if his wife had never died, she may never have met Sanjuro-sama. Fate has a funny way of turing despair into hope.
As the eveninig fell, Hirotomo found he could not sleep. His father had no such issue and his gentle snoring could be heard from the next room over. Hirotomo chose to get some exercise, perhaps that would cure his insomnia. He gathered his boken and went to the small dojo. He intended to practice kata until sleep came for him, but Mitsouko was there. Hirotomo at first hesitated to join her, then chose to speak with her. She had most likely few that understoond her pain that were close to her.
"It's an excellent night." He said casually. "It reminds me of the Daidoji School near Lonely Shore. Losing him will not go away. Hirotomo thought. He may have joined Yomi though, where all aspire to acend to. We never really lose those we care about, for they are always with us. "Have you ever heard the story of the neko and the mouse?
Neko-chan was sitting on her chair, when a small mouse ran up and asked to be chased. Neko-chan said "No, for I am tired of always acting like a cat." So, the mouse went by Neko-chan and stole some food. The master of the house saw this and scolded Neko-chan. The next day, the mouse asked to be chased again. Neko-chan looked down from her chair and said "No, I am tired of acting like a cat." The master of the house grew angry, and refused to feed Neko-chan. She grew hungry, and the mouse came by, this time he did not ask to be chased and tried to go into the house. Neko-chan attacked him. As she lifted her paw in the final blow the mouse said "I thought you were tired of acting like a cat!". Neko-chan replied "I was, but now I'm more tired of being hungry."
I remember the first time my mother told me that story. She said to hide one's true nature would only hurt yourself. Having Face is all well and good for court, but we are all human." Hirotomo finished his story. He smiled at Mitsouko. There is always life, Cousin. Always dreams to be dreamed and laughter to be had.
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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 20, 2011 14:53:36 GMT -5
The disguised Agasha Shodai nodded at Hirotomo. "Inglorious messenger duty may be, but it is still a very important task and it shows how much trust placed on you, Toku-san. For example, if it weren't for honorable men and women trusted to act as couriers and getting the word out to the various clans, the Yobanjin in the west might have managed to crush Mountain Watch Keep by now. Instead, the diverse warriors of the Empire have gathered and have been fighting valiantly to keep the incursion to a minimum." He winked his "good" eye at the newly minted samurai. "Every duty has its time and its place, after all."
Shodai took a sip of the tea, savoring the warm fluid, as he noticed Toku Kenpachi's eyes widen slightly... The magistrate may have found the memory of their last encounter, but he had yet to put ichi and ichi together to get ni. The Void Master could see the wheels turning in the man's eyes as he evaluated the assorted angles and complications that Shodai's presence caused. The man hid his thoughts extremely well, but the shugenja had not earned the accolade "Master of the Court" by not being able to figure out another's motives.
Kakita Mitsouko politely dismissed herself for a few moments while she went to fetch a gift for the young Monkey samurai. While the hostess was gone, Kenpachi and Shodai verbally jousted with each other in polite conversation in the manner of courtiers trying to extract as much information from the other as possible. It was, after all, one thing to have an accurate guess as to another's motives, but quite another to actually know. The Monkey samurai was very good at the game and managed to side-step the Phoenix shugenja's cover story to glean some of the facts of Shodai's presence on two or three points.
There were times that their back and forth left Hirotomo looking glassy eyed with boredom, so the Void Master chose those moments - as well as when Kenpachi was getting close to asking questions that Shodai didn't want to answer - to engage the young bushi, giving him a chance to hone his diplomacy skills with a genuine opponent. Shodai had been invited to assist in the training of courtiers in several nations and, while it was evident that the younger Toku-san's training had focused on martial prowess, it was just as clear that he'd inherited some raw talent at it from his father.
When Kakita Mitsouko returned, she carried a golden obi sash and had the first care-free smile he'd seen on her face since his arrival. There was a merry glint in her eye and her smile widened a touch when she glanced at him before turning to present the sash to Hirotomo.
'It would appear she's figured me out...' Agasha thought to himself. 'I wonder what it was that finally gave me away? She'll probably find some way to bring it up later though... I'll find out then.'
~*~
The rest of the initial dining went smoothly; indeed, almost before he knew it, the sun was setting. The day had proven to be full of interesting events, but it was also good to see it come to a close. Shodai set the small travel pack with his change of clothes in the quarters that had been given to him before heading to the koi pond near the dojo, which the servant said was probably the most peaceful spot on the property.
Nodding gratitude, Shodai made his way to the pond, noticing that Hirotomo and Mitsouko were sharing a private moment in the dojo as he passed by it. The koi pond had been built around a small stream that passed through the estate's land. Crossing the footbridge to the small island, the Void Master sat on the ground, setting the oil-burning lantern beside him.
'This will do.' He nodded to himself as he closed his eyes. 'All four elements present and working in harmony with each other.'
As the Void Master opened himself to his meditation, a nocturnal songbird came to perch on his shoulder and began to warble a peaceful melody that made the shugenja smile as he became one with nature around him.
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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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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 20, 2011 19:45:02 GMT -5
Mitsouko's eyes watered when she figured the philosophy behind the tale, and held her cousin's hands. "Cousin, thank you. I know I must go on. And now I know I must be prepared to embrace life because today I reborn. I wish to tell you a thing my father said once, and has guided me.
"One only makes his own shadow when steps out other's shadow."
He said me this because I was unsure of what I might be. I seek to live by his words, the best legacy he left." "I sent message to Sanjuro-sama earlier. My mother brought that shugenja to save my life. So your daimyo don't need to look an antidote further. I hope my messenger come to him as soon as possible... If my messenger were you, I was sure Sanjuro-sama will be alerted in time. We are proud of your achievements. " She smiled, wiping the tears away. "Hirotomo-san, let me show this blade. My father rather would die to let it'll be lost in the sea. Maybe was his death reason afterall." She reached the lacquered rack where a fine daisho was in display. After revering the blade, she finally unsheathed the blade. This is "Tsukinai". She proudly showed Hirotomo the high quality of the blade and the details of the hilt. The father of my grandmother, which was a Seppun, gave to her first son. Well, you know, all this old swords have tragic stories. Tsukinai is not different. Hirotomo nodded, examining the sword with respectful admiration. Then Mitsouko noticed when Agasha Sho (or his alter ego Asako Jinjutsu) walked through the garden in the koi pool's general direction.
Mitsouko sheathed and put the katana back in the rack:"Hirotomo-san, Please, fell yourself comfortable in this beautiful night. I am very pleased with the presence of both you and Kenpachi-san. I have a word to that man, though. Good night, cousin." Mitsouko bowed to her cousin before leaving the small dojo. She walked not long and watched the man communing with the nature in the tiny isle, keeping silent until she felt he was relaxed and slowing coming back from wherever his mind wandered. Then she took a rubble and threw at Agasha Sho.
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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 21, 2011 0:04:09 GMT -5
Within his meditation, Agasha Shodai traveled once again to the Mandala of Heaven, the Divine Wheel of Destiny, confirming that the "bad" fork in Kakita Mitsouko's thread of life had indeed been severed. The thread of her would-be savior, Toku Sanjuro - Champion of the Monkey Clan and Daimyo of the Taka family - had returned to fill the rend in the fabric of the future his death by seppuku would have caused.
Now their three threads moved in tandem with each other: Mitsouko's in the middle with Sanjuro's and Shodai's on either side. There was such a melange of colors that all three lines were too blurry to allow the Void Master to get an accurate read on what may happen in the future. And yet the white of the Fortune of Rebirth was still present on both Kakita-san's and Agasha's own threads. It was clear that, for the forseeable future, their three Destinies were intertwined.
Deciding to change tactics, Agasha then tried to travel back in time to where Mitsouko's thread - and later his own - began this incarnation. Shodai was shocked - enough to interrupt his meditation both times - to see that both his and Mitsouko's threads emerged from Toshigoku just before their threads were tied to those of their parents.
"Toshigoku... The Realm where the souls of those who suffered a great injustice in life that lead to their demise - be it through senseless slaughter on the battlefield or by carrying a significant grudge against another - are sent to fight until they purge that injustice from their souls." The shugenja muttered to himself as he began the journey back to where he left his body. "I wonder if it has anything to do with the images I see when Mitsouko and I are touching... After I am done here, I will have to travel to Kyuden Miya and seek their records on Miya Shokujin. Perhaps that will shed light on the meaning of these mysteries."
As Agasha Shodai's eyes opened, he saw Kakita Mitsouko standing alone across the koi pond from where he'd been sitting in meditation as she chucked a small piece of rubble - a pebble with a bit of mortar stuck to it - almost playfully at him. For a moment, he flashed back to the last time he'd seen her: a young maiden that had climbed a tree out of boredom who'd then thrown - still out of boredom - a small rubber ball at him while practicing the flowing moves of a Water style kata.
That time, the ball had bounced off his head and made him lose his balance at critical point of the complex kata. Had he actually been attempting to manifest a spell, it would have resulted in a miscasting.
But Agasha Shodai was no longer that young man.
When the stone was an arrow's length from hitting his head, the Void Master used his Kenku-honed kenjutsu skills to deflect the stone upwards. As it lost its momentum and fell, Shodai caught the pebble in his hand where it rested for a few seconds. Then, in an uspoken command, an Air kami picked up the stone - much as he'd had one do to Mitsouko's ball eight years before - and carried it, bobbing up and down like a boat on an invisible sea, across the pond. The minor spirit then dropped it in the Kakita's empty hands.
"I think I liked it better when you chose to throw your toys at me instead of rocks, Kakita-san." Shodai said while removing his mempo to expose the rest of his face. His meditation had shown him that the time for disguises were past and the shugenja had never really enjoyed wearing the things. "On the other hand, it is good to see you in better spirits now than you were when I first arrived, so let's call it a wash, hmm?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Apr 21, 2011 1:34:51 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled as he watched his cousin walk away. He remembered her blade and thought of his own daisho's history. It was rather short, having been forged on the order of Sanjuro-sama's grandfather. The blade has had a short life, a glorious one, thanks to his Grandfather, but short. What Mitsouko had said resounded in his head. True, all blades have a tragic story attached to them. Would his legacy to the blade be heroic or tragic? He looked at the pure white hilt. Fubuki was a young blade, as he was a young samurai. He was fond of his cousin, and to see her in pain hurt him. Perhaps because her pain reminded him of his lost mother.
Standing up, Hirotomo raised his boken. "Striking as Air, ichi, ni, san!" He went through his kata. "Striking as Void! San, Shi, Go!" He twisted his body and began his final kata, taught to him by an elderly monk that taught him everything he knew about the sword. His movements became unpredictable, an artistic meld of man and weapon, becoming more than thier sum. Satisfied, Hirotomo retired and hoped for a quick sleep and for tomorrow to be a little more exciting. Not too exciting. He silently corrected himself.
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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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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 21, 2011 8:21:43 GMT -5
"Yes, let's say it." She crossed the small bridge to reach the portion of land where Agasha Sho where. "But it was not 'a rock', just a pebble and 'my toys' are now a little more dangerous to throw at people." She smiled, coming in his direction: " Don't blame Kaze-no-kami, Sho-san, I just had to clear up my mind to see you as you are. Anyway, I just know the things I already knew at that time... So I see that you have a great advantage over me. But don't think ill of me. I am not a ungrateful person. If you want the things remains the same, I mean, about Asako Jinjutsu had been the one who saved my life with his skills and knowledge, so it will be. But, Sho-san, if you now wish to balance our knowledge about each other, I think it would be fair. And worthy of the young talented shugenja I harassed up with my silly tricks long time ago." She finally stood in front of Agasha Sho, glaring in his eyes.
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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 21, 2011 12:19:33 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai rose to his feet as Kakita Mitsouko crossed the footbridge.
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Kakita-san... My words were meant merely in jest; much as your throwing of the pebble was." He gestured to his eyes. "These eyes of mine have frightened the uneducated into throwing objects with lethal intent before, so I knew that it was meant as a mere test of my skills now... Much as it was when you managed to hit me with the ball when you and I last met at Firebird Falls."
"Don't blame Kaze-no-kami, Sho-san, I just had to clear up my mind and see you as you are. Anyway, I just know the things I already knew at that time... So I see that you have a great advantage over me. But don't think ill of me."
Agasha Shodai shook his head with a kind smile. "Oh, not in the slightest, Kakita-san. And just to be fair to you, know that there is no advantage between us beyond the differences in our skill sets. While it is true that I have a mixed blessing and curse in that I cannot forget anything that I have seen, heard, felt or experienced, until I saw your mother last night I was not aware of how fine a samurai you have become, m'lady. In that regard, it would appear you and I are on equal footing."
"I am not a ungrateful person; if you want the things remains the same, I mean, about Asako Jinjutsu being the one who saved my life with his skills and knowledge, so it will be. But, Sho-san, if you now wish to balance that with our knowledge about each other, I think it would be fair... And worthy of the young talented shugenja I harassed up with my silly tricks long time ago."
The Void Master's smile widened slightly as Kakita Mitsouko stood toe-to-toe with him, a determined glint in her gorgeous, unflinching, green-gold eyes, as she tried to stare him down. It had been a painfully long time since someone had posessed the self-confidence to come so close to him... Further proof that Tengoku had known that not coming here as "himself" was the best course of action.
"Either option is acceptable to me, Kakita-san, so please choose for yourself how you wish to think. Your mother mentioned something in passing to me last night that made me use my talent in divination, which is how I discovered the threat to your life. I decided I wanted to help you because it was the right thing to do... Not out of any expectation of reward or special considerations; in fact, that's why I created the fictional Asako years ago... My alter-ego allows me to serve those in need and any debts from those I helped would belong to Jinjutsu instead of me."
He paused for a beat. "I must give you credit, though... Even with the same clue of my birth name, not a single one of the Kitsuki Justicars that I have treated over the years ever discovered what you did in a single afternoon. You have not only grown into a beautiful woman in the eight years since we last met, but you also have become an exceptional samurai, a gracious hostess, and developed a keen mind as well." Shodai winked at Mitsouko with his "good" eye. "You impress me... More than I have been impressed in quite some time, Kakita Mitsouko-san."
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