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 15:21:19 GMT -5
So, Sho-san, you came here because my mother suggested something… Great. She thought. Not a surprise. The final proof that the once young shugenja was, by now, an influent personality, in Phoenix terms. Very well, I will make sure to get her promise to hear Kenpachi-san tomorrow. It's not her decision, but I don't want the Fortunes angry at me because I even didn't ask my mother to bless my marriage. And that's a good reason to get the thing clarified right now, so the mysterious Sho-san, or Agasha Sho or whatever name he has now, can be free... She truly tried to believe in her own wishes, but she had a feeling the things would not follow so easily.
She stared at his unmatched eyes, and Sho-san eyes gave her no fear or superstitious thoughts. She knew them well. From the beggining. Remembering of them in her childhood nights, when the figure of the boy used to come to stare back, or tell things... that Mitsouko can't exactly remember. In fact, she barely remembered more than the vague sensation of sadness. Sho-san ghostly appearance was sometimes pleasant, sometimes made her cry.
I am sure those Kitsune Justicars had no memories of throwing things at a Phoenix shugenja. The corner of her eyes wrinkled when Mitsouko discovered a perverse and childish feeling in such feat. The man was a bit uncomfortable, of course, because she had surpassed and invaded his personal space. It was a bit wider than the average samurai's, actually.
"I truly appreciate your kind words, Agasha Sho-san, but I am far from be everything you said. I don't know if we will have a formal meeting someday, but I liked to meet your other persona. He's a kind man. But you, the talented shugenja with many faces, that used divination and other arts to get here and save my life... You acted more than oddly today. Lost gaze and shuddering from touching me. I really wonder why... But I can also say, with no shame or hidden intention, Sho-san: we have a strange tie. Maybe the Fortunes, I can imagine, will bring us together from time to time, until we finally discover why we are bonded. I can say you, from both of us, are the one with best capabilites to figure it out. If you already don't know the truth. Why Fortunes asked you to disguise yourself, Sho-san? Why did I constantly dreamt of you when I was a child?
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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 23:07:46 GMT -5
"I truly appreciate your kind words, Agasha Sho-san, but I am far from be everything you said. I don't know if we will have a formal meeting someday, but I liked to meet your other persona. He's a kind man. But you, the talented shugenja with many faces, that used divination and other arts to get here and save my life... You acted more than oddly today. Lost gaze and shuddering from touching me.
I really wonder why... But I can also say, with no shame or hidden intention, Sho-san: we have a strange tie. Maybe the Fortunes, I can imagine, will bring us together from time to time, until we finally discover why we are bonded.
I can say you, from both of us, are the one with best capabilities to figure it out: if you already don't know the truth. Why did Fortunes asked you to disguise yourself, Sho-san? Why did I constantly dream of you when I was a child?"
The Void Master smiled at the duelist kindly. The young man he'd been when they'd last met would have interrupted the young woman's expression of concern and puzzlement. "Well, I will try to answer as many of those questions and concerns as I am capable of, Kakita-san. First, let me thank you for your words about my other persona... They mean far more to me than you would expect; this is because Asako Jinjutsu's personality is really no different my own... In that regard, I have changed dramatically in the past eight years: then I was a driven young man out to make his mark on the Empire, but now I have done so and repaid my Family's and Clan's trust in me a hundred times over."
He paused for a beat. "The reason I created Asako was to allow me to shed the titles, accolades, and honors that I have accumulated over my life's journey: some of which I sought, some of which came upon me as a surprise... For example - and this is but one of the reasons that the Fortunes required me to come in disguise to help the daughter of a trusted colleague - it is to allow those I treat to save face...
"When most people are told the man healing them is a Chui, a man who is one of maybe one hundred shugenja in the entire Empire that has mastered all 5 Elements, and a member of the Brotherhood of Shinsei - just to name a few of the things that I have done - MOST of the people I've encountered would refuse my help. Why? Because they feel unworthy for taking up a high-ranking samurai's freely offered time. And, if you'd known even two of the three things I named or - Gods forbid - ALL of the honors and titles I've earned, can you honestly say that you would have accepted my help without thinking about it for more than a few heartbeats? I've had people on death's doorstep - you included - that have refused my aid because they'd rather die than suffer the embarrassment."
"So the Fortunes provided me instructions to hide my true self - something I've done in the past when lives were on the line. Instead of a man you knew briefly in your youth, one you'd known was on the fast track to glory, honor and status - and therefore surely a busy and important man eight years later, that you might have hesitated in accepting help from, you were presented with what was the most important part of the truth... You knew that you were dealing with an extremely skilled and honorable shugenja who knew how to save your life and was there to do just that."
Shodai gave Mitsouko a wan smile. "Do I regret the necessity to lie? Of course; I'm Phoenix, not Scorpion. But do I regret that it was the best way to help you; that you and I are capable of even having this conversation? Not a chance in Jigoku."
"As for the rest of your questions..." The shugenja sighed, rubbing the back of his head, feeling the stubble rasp against his calloused hand. "I cannot honestly say that I know why you dreamt of me before or after we met at Firebird Falls. The last I saw you was the day when your mother handed you over to your father so you could return to the Crane and resume your studies at the Dueling Academy. But..." He raised a contemplative finger. "It MIGHT have something to do with the reason I reacted strangely those two times I touched your skin."
"Both times we made contact, and this is something that not happened ONCE in all my thirty summers of life, something - I don't know if it was a dream, a memory, or what - I found myself looking through the eyes of another man. I could not see myself, but both times I was referred to as 'Miya Shokujin' by the others in the... whatever it was. Also both times there was a woman - similar in both appearance and voice to you... The first time, when I touched your feet, the woman laughed; saying something about my hands being cold.
"The second time, when I checked your forehead for fever, the images returned. That time, the woman wore Seppun Hidden Guard armor from over a century ago; she was being carried towards this very manor on a funeral platform by four Gunso-ranked men who said she was dead because she got a letter saying I... Miya Shokujin, rather... had died. In the dream I saw something that gave Shokujin a clue as to what happened because he ran up, grabbed the woman's katana, and ran off."[/color]
Agasha Shodai shook his head ruefully. "And yes, I realize I sound Void-happy or have hit the sake rather heavily, but it was rather off-putting to not only see, but smell and feel the reality within the visions. I took great care in avoiding touching your skin after that, which probably left you wondering if I was inclined towards men or just not quite right in the head. It is just such a rare thing as of late for me to discover something that I have absolutely no knowledge of in some way, shape or form that it left me dazzled or stunned when it happened."
"And for that and anything else that baffled or embarrassed you, I humbly apologize for any role I had in it, Kakita Mitsouko." The Void Master took a half-step back so he could give the woman a deep bow of respect. As he rose, his eyebrow arched. "I don't suppose any of what I just said sparks any memories or rings any bells, does it, Kakita-san?"[/color]
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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 22, 2011 7:49:44 GMT -5
Kakita Mitsouko retributed the bow, rising from this with a smile of amusement. Void-happy? It seems to be good... I don't know what is this, but I can imagine I'd like to try it someday... Ahnnn and actually no, your words doesn't make such effect in my mind, but I can imagine the reason.
She whispered, returning to a serious stance: But yes, Sho-san, you are right. The Fortunes always choose right. We have the opportunity of becoming friends, I think, right now. And it would be hard to happen in another situation if, like you said, your stations and titles make us to have so different paths through life. I must admit I am puzzled with the events and mysteries, though.
I didn't have these sensations when you touched my feet and forehead. But when you and my mother were healing me, Sho-san, I remembered when I was a child of 5 or 6 years old, you... yes you, like an older boy's apparition, came to visit me several times. I can't remember the reason, because... Mitsouko swore to her mother not ever tell anyone about the travel they did to cure her from the nightmares, when she was 7. Anyway, she didn't recall much of this. ...But today, I remembered you once said the name...Shokujin. I see that, for one reason, you cannot remember either. The story you told me now, Sho-san, seems plausible, though. A sad story... she turned her gaze away for a moment, thoughtful, then asked: Do you believe Myia Shokujin commited Seppuku or rather, come to seek vengeance against the the person who caused such damages, Agasha Sho-san? Like a storyteller herself, and poet, she could not help but want to know how the story would end.
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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 22, 2011 16:02:27 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai smiled at Kakita Mitsouko's words, though he didn't have the heart to tell her that "Void-happy" was a condition that occurred when an Ishiken-do student - shugenja who can touch the infinite complexity of the Void - finally cannot cope with the sensory input from contact with the cornerstone of reality. A "Void-happy" shugenja loses his sanity, typically wreaks some serious havoc in the world, and then either self-destructs or is executed by a group of samurai with the assistance of another Void shugenja...
"But when you and my mother were healing me, Sho-san, I remembered when I was a child of 5 or 6 years old, you... yes you, like an older boy's apparition, came to visit me several times. I can't remember the reason, because..." Kakita Mitsouko shook her head in confusion.
Agasha Shodai responded by giving her a brief comforting squeeze on her shoulder with a kind smile; it was a slight breach of etiquette, but he hoped the gesture would be taken in stride.
After a few moments to collect herself, the duelist continued. "...But today, I remembered you once said the name...Shokujin. I see that, for one reason, you cannot remember either. The story you told me now, Sho-san, seems plausible, though. A sad story..." She turned her gaze away for a moment of thought. "Do you believe Myia Shokujin commited Seppuku or rather, come to seek vengeance against the the person who caused such damages, Agasha Sho-san?"
The Void Master licked his lips in contemplation. "Given what I was feeling in the vision, Miya Shokujin, while grieving, was angrier than he was miserable. I think he intuitively knew who was responsible for lying to the Seppun woman that resembled you - the lie that got her killed in battle - and stole the katana from her body so he would have it when he faced that person. I am not sure of whether he got justice or not..." He paused for a beat. "Not yet, at least."
Shodai stroked his chin contemplatively. "There are two ways I can think of that may provide the answers, though... One is to travel to Kyuden Miya and call in some of the favors they owe me to let me look through their historical records for Miya Shokujin in the hopes the answer is there... The second option would be for us to have skin-to-skin contact again to see if the visions progress forward in time or may just provide us with more information. I even know of a spell so you can see what I see; maybe your skills of observation may catch what I might miss while immersed in the moment. But from what I've noticed, the visions always involve both Shokujin and the Seppun woman..."
He blinked, remembering something that Isawa Tisuke mentioned in passing. "Wait a minute... This mansion was in the both visions as well. When we arrived, your mother told me it was a gift to a Seppun bride that was one of your ancestors... Maybe this ancestor and the woman I saw are one in the same! Do you know what her name was?"
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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 22, 2011 23:06:48 GMT -5
The Chrysanthemum Bride Manor is named after Seppun Saimei. She was the bride that never actually married, and the house was built for her as a gift from the Crane. She died before marry, in battle, and it was tragic because seems the couple were truly in love to each other. I know that The Bride estate was given for her younger sister then, that assumed the Bride's name later, Saimei, in her gempukku. Just before to marry the son of the Kakita daimyo. My father, and now myself, inherited the sword of the true Bride, Tsukinai. But the stories of the sisters are kind of intertwined... I really don't know much more. She excused herself, embarrassed for not to help more. Mitsouko would not reveal some of the gossips and scandals of the family since the Bride. Her father was a bit superstitious and once said their house was cursed to never flourish. In fact, after four generations, now there are only her, Mitsouko, the last remnant.
She put her hands in her sleeves, the thought of had almost died making her to focuse in strive and search the truth. The easier way, in fact, was to let Sho-san touch her and make the spell, but she felt she was not ready to more contact with magic for a long time. The simple thought of it giving her shudders. And, Please, Sho-san, I prefer not to be exposed to spells by now. I would bring shame upon myself if I said I do not trust your skills. But I had painful experiences with magic before, I don't trust in the reactions of my soul and mind to magic... Please forgive me. Though I agree with the search of this long buried true... As soon as I can travel, I mean. Maybe in one week. Until now, you are free to stay in the Bride Manor or, if you prefer, we can see each other again in a better opportunity. What was more interesting to you, Agasha Sho. She gently smiled, trying to put him at ease to make whatever decision he'd think was more convenient to him. Ahhhn... do you want to see the Tsukinai? It's in the dojo.
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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 23, 2011 1:31:24 GMT -5
Hirotomo walked back into the household. He reached for his tanto, preparing to groom before bed. It was not at his side. "Baka." he groaned, cursing himself. He walked back twords the dojo. It was getting late and no doubt his father would not have him sleeping in. Tomorrow would be long indeed on little sleep.
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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 23, 2011 11:11:16 GMT -5
Shodai smiled winningly at Mitsouko. The name Seppun Seimei was not ringing any bells in his mind, but the story made it plausible that the woman was Seimei. "There is no shame in fearing magic, Kakita-san... While I was treating you, I noticed how you seemed to tense up when your mother and I connected with the small nugget of magic that exists within everyone. Normally healing magics have the opposite effect because people feel a connection, a one-ness, with the shugenja healing them because it makes the treatment easier. When the opposite happens, it's usually a sign that they've had a negative reaction to magic in the past, but I will respect your privacy and not ask you what happened. Experience is life's way of TEACHING even the bravest of souls to learn caution."
He paused as he decided to admit something that he'd never shared with anyone but one of his fellow shugenja. "Even for me - as one born extremely gifted with the use of magic - there are times that the sheer amount of what the magic I command could DO if I put my will to it frightens me, Kakita Mitsouko-san... In my case, the fear is about abusing that power and failing in the responsibility that the Gods have laid on me by permitting me this gift. For you, the fear is perhaps of experiencing pain that you do not have the ability to stop. I will respect your fears and not attempt to force my services upon you, Kakita-san."
The Void Master paused to consider Mitsouko's words a bit longer. "I must admit, I did not expect you to volunteer to join me in travelling to Kyuden Miya... But I do welcome it. And to respect your fears of magic, we can travel on horseback rather than use my arts... We will simply need to arrange for someone to accompany us on the journey; for propriety's sake if nothing else. In the meantime, I will gladly continue to accept your hospitality until you feel up to traveling." He decided to gloss over the fact that while the poison had been purged, he wanted to remain on hand in case there were unforseen reprecussions because of how close she'd been to death.
Kakita Mitsouko gently smiled. "Ahhh... Do you want to see Tsukinai? It's in the dojo."
Agasha Shodai nodded immediately; perhaps if the blade was the same one that Miya Shokujin had taken in the last vision, maybe he'd have another vision. One that might mean no journey was required. "Very much so, Kakita-san."
The woman smiled as the two of them walked to the dojo. Once there, both samurai bowed to the tatami before setting their shoeless feet upon it. As they approached the rack at the far end of the dojo, however, Shodai could instantly tell that the daisho on the rack was NOT the same one from the vision he'd had. The detailing on the hilt and guard were similar, but the wrap on the hilt was the wrong color: it was the standard emerald green that was reserved to weapons made in the Seppun family forges for members of the Hidden Guard. The katana in the vision's colors were a blend of Miya green and sunlight yellow and its grip - Shodai could recall from the sensation of holding the blade in the dream - had felt uneven in his hands; a sign that the blade had been custom-fitted to the hand of the woman whom had wielded it.
This in turn begged a new question: if the blade here was not the one that Miya Shokujin had taken, what had happened to it?
"It is a gorgeous weapon, Kakita-san. I can tell it has not only performed its duty for many years but that it has been respected in turn and properly maintained. An honorable blade for an honorable wielder."
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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 23, 2011 14:14:45 GMT -5
The reaction of the Phoenix Shugenja when examining Tsukinai was not was Mitsouko expected. He seemed to be confident that Saimei was the Seppun he saw dead in is visions, but now, he was in front of The Bride's sword and apparently did not recognize the blade.
So Tsukinai is not the sword you had seen in the vision? Well, maybe your impressions are wrong about this house. The property probably was built in the fashion of a Seppun mansion in that time. It may have dozens of other mansions like this one in whole the Seppun history. It can even be already destroyed, by all I know. And well, maybe "The Crysantemum Bride" was not the dead woman you saw. But I admit it intrigues me...
But looking again the etching in the blade cleared something in Mitsouko's mind.
Wait. I remember something else my father told me about Tsukinai. Do you See this etching... "She" is a 'five bodies sword' and it's why the blade is named the 'everlasting', and 'inexhaustible'." Mitsouko was refering to the pratice to test some special blades in dead bodies piles, to know if it possessed the special cut required to perform a perfect Kaishaku. "It was a great feat for a blade, as you know, but seems Saimei had to be the kaishakunin for the seppuku of an important Imperial Family's member. Even being Tsukinai honored, she prefered not to touch Tsukinai again. Probably she rather prefered another sword...
Well, I am not an historian, these are the things told from generation to generation, maybe not totally true... But, if a Myia took the sword away, we can discover there, in Myia registers, what happened and where's the other katana Saimei once possessed. There's an actual possibility that The Bride may be the woman you saw. The story seems to fit now..."
She looked excited figuring they could now connect the pieces to link The Bride to the woman of Agasha Sho memories. But before she could express much more, her attention was diverted to her cousin, returning to the dojo.
"Hirotomo-san... Welcome again, my sleepless cousin!"
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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 23, 2011 22:49:50 GMT -5
Hirotomo's eyes mirrored his suprise. Guest or not, the Pheonix was not family. Why were they alone together? Hirotomo's eyes drifted around, looking for an unobtrusive ji-samurai. No one. Baka. What the hell are you thinking? What if someone misunderstands this?
"I...left my tanto near the training rack." he said slowly. It would be best to ignore this situation for now. "Good evening, Pheonix Sho-san. It's...nice to see you."
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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 24, 2011 23:35:56 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai straightened as Kakita Mitsouko welcomed Toku Hirotomo back to the dojo. The shugenja briefly thought about replacing his mempo, but decided against it. The Void Master knew that social etiquette was being ignored in that he and Mitsouko had been alone far longer than propriety permitted. The Duelist and the Tensai had been so focused on their conversation they'd shut out the rest of the world around them and had forgotten that they were unaccompanied.
The fact that both samurai were clearly still properly attired and were obviously not having a secret rendeszvous of a potentially shameful nature, but their word of honor that nothing untoward was intended was not enough for Rokugani society... Then there was the fact that a ji-samurai would have prevented them both from freely speaking their minds...
As a learned and extremely honorable person, the Phoenix Clan samurai rarely got more irritated than when etiquette and perception got in the way of intellectual pursuits and quandries.
Shodai turned to gauge the young bushi's reaction and saw the clear disapproval on the stripling's face. Fortunately, the young man looked like he didn't want to discuss the situation at the moment. Fine; that made two of them.
'Though I suppose now that I'm the Void Master,' Agasha thought glumly and silently to himself as he approached the training rack, "I must now uphold such rules."
The Phoenix spotted a tanto bearing the markings of the Monkey clan. He bowed to the blade and then picked it up from its resting place. The short bladed weapon was perfectly balanced and was meticulously maintained: much as Shodai himself had done with the first sword Gunso Agasha had given him when he'd returned from his Gempukku at the mere age of 10. Kot-kubenrei - Endure Hardship - had served him well until the boy he'd been had grown to the point where he could properly wield a full blade. Where most shugenja limited themselves to just wakazashi, Agasha had been chosen to master the katana to earn his paternal grandfather's respect.
Shodai had retired Kot-kubenrei - which had accompanied him even after he started carrying a proper katana - once his Agasha grandfather had departed this life. The tanto now rested in the small stone shrine he'd built with his bare hands without the aid of any magic at all. The Gunso had only respected those who refused to use magic as a crutch for hard work... While he had been less than thrilled that for his grandson magic came as easy as walking, Shodai's best memory of the old soldier was the day the shugenja had returned to Kyuden Agasha after mastering the skills of a yamabushi. He had beaten his grandfather in a practice duel the old Gunso had challenged him to and earned a bow deeper than any the young man had ever seen the old man give anyone...
"It is agreeable to see you again as well, Toku Hirotomo-san. Tell me, young man, did you know that once trained in the skill a samurai can tell what kind of man another is by simply looking at the scabbard of his sword?" Agasha asked as he respectfully carried the weapon to the young man. "Does he patch it when the elements cause the lacquer to crack? Are the bindings of the hilt wrapped tightly? It is clean, save for the dust of a recent travel, or is it dirty? All these things tell a warrior what kind of a man he is dealing with." The shugenja gingerly placed the weapon in the boy's hands with a smile. "And your blade tells me that you are a fine man that takes his duty far more seriously and you hold yourself to a higher standard than most young men your age."
Agasha raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Perhaps in the morning you and your honorable father would be interested in joining me for a practice session? I prefer not to practice alone whenever possible; I find having another person there helps me push myself harder." He glanced back to Mitsouko. "And, of course, it would be an honor to have you there, as well, Kakita-san; if you feel hearty enough to join in."
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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 25, 2011 2:16:13 GMT -5
Hirotomo chuckled. "Or the lack of wear on my blades mark me as inexperianced, but I thank you for the complement. I would enjoy practicing with you. Both the Dadoji and my sensei have taught me well, and I am always willing to show what I have been taught." The Pheonix was without his mempo. His father said he vaugely remembered the man, most likely from passing, but with the mempo on he could not remember. Father, i wish our places were transposed, you here, me in the bed snoring like thunder. Ah, Kami, what the hell am I going to tell him?
Hirotomo placed his tanto back in it's proper spot. He calmly stood around admiring the dojo, clearly unwilling to leave them alone. Ignoring the borderline scandal was one thing, leaving now would make him complicit. Hirotomo had faith in Mitsouko's feelings for Sanjuro-sama, but the last thing he needed was an idle guest to stumble upon the two of them. At least with him around, Mitsouko clearly had family to ward away from impoper seeming conduct. Hirotomo grunted internally. There was some definate pain in the ass rules about society. He was grateful that the woman he was courting was less overly concerend with social niceties. Hirotomo corrected himself the rules were there for a reason, he was a Monkey, not a Crab.
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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 25, 2011 8:18:04 GMT -5
Well, I have no excuses for my carelessly behaviour. Mitsouko thought to herself, capturing the shocked expression in Hirotomo's face. What would she say? That she had to kill the ji-samurai that was supposed to care about her modesty, when far from family? "That's really nice, my friends, but I think I will join my mother and Kenpachi-san by the morning. It will be very instrutive as I must admit I am shaming my etiquette sensei for my lack of finesse lately. Watching Kenpachi-san, a master of Sadane, dazzling my mother like the sun shining above the roofs of Toshi Ranbo, must be useful to recover some of the forgotten courtesy. I am no more in the battle field or barracks, but in the court again." But she used her best "Neko-chan" gaze, that Kakita Shinoburo used to call the expression of sweetness that rarely Mitsouko took advantage, only with her father. A delicate smile, face looking upwards to the interlocutor, eyes in a mix of pleading and friendly gleaming: "But not for long... Hirotomo-san, would you like to join me, and Agasha-san here, in our search for forgotten registers in the Myia Lands? I feel I'd like your company in this journey, as family, and your aid would be useful... And maybe, you could join later, with the permission of your family, the group that is in, like Toku champion said me, Unicorn lands...or Badger lands, I think. We intend to make this journey in few days."
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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 25, 2011 11:16:05 GMT -5
Hirotomo paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. His cousin looked sweetly at him. It was a pretty sight, though Hirotomo could not help but think of the very same look on his friend Fuzake Chiyuki whenever she was in trouble as a child. " I would enjoy that. I've only read about the Myia lands, and I'm told they are quite beautiful. I will speak with my father, my role as a courrier lends itself to travel. I'm sure something needs to sent there."
Hirotomo enjoyed the prospect of coming so close to the war. Perhaps some small force of Gaijin would need to be delt with. The only real foe he ever fought were a handful of ronin, and now that he was a full samuria, Hirotomo hungered to prove his ability.
For the moment, Hirotomo reminded himself that he was there as a marriage envoy. He hoped his father's skill at court would be enough to ease everything. Hirotomo was anxious at the prospect of heading to imperial lands. That court was no place for a bushi. It would be best if he mearly acted as an observer.
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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 25, 2011 17:08:45 GMT -5
Though Kakita Mitsouko's gaze was not directed at him specifically as she laid on the charm, he would have to have been dead for five days to not feel its allure. It was not so blatant or crass as to be called seduction, but the charm was being laid down rather heavily.
'Poor kid...' Agasha thought to himself, his face as blank as his mempo, though he was smiling inside. 'Never stood a chance... But then, I doubt I could withstand her winsome charm if she were using it on me...'
It was an elegant idea to solve a number of problems: One, Hirotomo was anxious for duties more glorious than simple courier duty - not that Shodai could blame him - and acting as a ji-samurai for a cousin on a cross-country trip was certainly a step in the right direction. Two, it would give Kakita Mitsouko-san some peace of mind to have a trusted family member along for the trip - especially after such a cravenly attempt to assassinate her.
And three, Shodai himself found himself rather enjoying the Duelist's company... It was refreshing to find someone that didn't know his full reputation and was unlikely to start fawning over him once she did. Kakita Mitsouko had the potential to be the kind of wife the shugenja had dreamed of having in his youth: gorgeous, honorable, a sharp mind that rivaled his own, and able to fight her own battles - both figuratively and literally.
"An excellent idea, Kakita-san." The Void Master nodded in agreement of the woman's suggestion. "And I have an idea to help with this plan. If there is nothing that needs to be delivered to Kyuden Miya, I can prepare a message to the Miya Daimyo to call in a favor or two that I am owed that will allow us to be granted access to the Miya records we seek. The fact that I would be accompanying the letter, while illogical in normal circumstances, would allow your cousin and I to not need to pull another samurai that might otherwise be needed for the war effort or to defend the manor. If we ask your father if he would be willing to allow us to call on your services as a certified courier to deliver it, I can't imagine he'd say no."
On the contrary, Kenpachi would surely be glad to see Shodai out of his way while trying to secure the Omiai for the Monkey Clan Champion. Not that it would truly matter since he could communicate with Shiba Kazuma from anywhere in the Empire; not that the older Monkey samurai would ever know...
Shodai covered his mouth as a yawn escaped him. "Forgive me, I fear it has been a long day for us all and suggest that we call it a night." He looked at Toku Hirotomo. "I typically try to begin my practice exercises around first light and will be looking forward to talking with you more then, Toku-san." The Void Master then bowed to the boy before turning to his hostess.
"As for you, Lady Kakita, I should have the second - and final - dose of medicine ready for you to have with breakfast. I also hope that a full night of rest will go a long way in helping restore you to full health. Do not hesitate to have a servant call me if you feel any discomfort at all." He gave Mitsouko a friendly smile. "I also look forward to continuing our conversation at a later time. Until tomorrow, then..." He gave his hostess a deep bow.
Agasha Shodai turned and departed the dojo, sliding his mempo back into place so that any servants that saw him would be unable to recognize him. The shugenja found it rather liberating that he was mostly unrecognized at this point - perhaps the first time in his entire life that he wasn't under a magnifying lens.
He idly began humming a hauntingly beautiful melody to himself as he made his way to the room that was provided for him. The song was an enigma to him; he knew it as if he had heard it a hundred, a thousand times... And yet he had no memory of hearing the song: a truly vexing conundrum for one who could remember every thought and every action he'd had from the time he was three years old.
And for the first time in his life, Shodai began to wonder if perhaps HE was not the one who had heard the song, but rather whatever was the source of the visions of Miya Shokujin...
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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 25, 2011 20:05:35 GMT -5
Hirotomo waited while the Pheonix went out of sight. He had to speak with his father. The man was charming and honorable, as far as he could tell. They would have to step up the process. Currently, the Kakita Daimyo was unavalible. Most likely his father would seek the support of the Crane Chapmpion. If the Champion agreed to the marriage, then it would not matter who the Pheonix found to champion his cause.
After he excused himself, Hirotomo walked to his father. He woke him with a gentle shake. "What's wrong?" Kenpachi said, shaking the sleep from his eyes and reaching for his weapons. Hirotomo told him all he saw and was told.
Kenpachi let out a low grunt. He rubbed his eyes. "I'll let them think they talked me into letting you go." he told Hirotomo. "Pick up Chiyuki on the way, she's in the Scorpion lands visiting her sensei."
"I don't know what's going on here, Father."
"Neither do I, but it will be fun to find out." Kenpachi said with a sly grin.
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