Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 21, 2011 18:34:49 GMT -5
"If you were to return... would Chuda, as you call him, trust you enough to speak with him?
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 21, 2011 19:13:27 GMT -5
Tadaka can only shrug to the question, "I wish I knew the answer to that. I could guess he would, but he would likely be extremely cautious to say the least after what happened the last time I was there. I do not think he blames me for it per say, but I also think he isn't sure if I had any connection to it all. Nor do I think he's trusting yet of my motivations in all this."
"Either way, it's not something I would shy away from; If there is one thing I've come to accept on my journeys it's that... well as you said, the life and ways of one man is nothing compared to the good of the Empire."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 21, 2011 20:09:52 GMT -5
"I'm glad we agree on that. The only logical outcome from such a line of thought is that you need to be a scorpion. How does Soshi Tadaka sound to you?"
He looked at him dead pan, clearly if they thought it was a jest, his demeanor showed otherwise.
"You are in a unique position, one where you can gleam more information then I can in my station. It is for that reason I want to support you, I require as much information on Chuda and Shiro Saisei as I can. You are the only man I can trust to get close to him. You will have all of my resources to do so. I only require that you swear fealty to me and your new family daimyo."
As an after thought he said, "Do accept. You are far too valuable an asset to be left to such a low station. I can overlook your taint so long as you continue to be useful. In other words indefinitely."
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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 21, 2011 23:21:17 GMT -5
The male waiting patiently at the Scorpion gates looked to be gaijin. His eyes were wide and an almost inhuman shade of blue, and his hair was a soft shade of red brown.
He had refused to present travel papers to the guards, requesting only to see 'The wanderer Tadaka.' He waited just beyond casual weapon reach, and though he wore no rice paper hat or hood the elements left no mark upon him. The wind did not rustle his clothing or hair, the rain left no damp upon him.
The illusion of mortality was different than the one he had used at Kyuden Isawa. Anyone who was not a master shugenja would not be able to even tell he was the same being.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 23, 2011 3:28:28 GMT -5
(( OOC - As a head's up, I haven't posted yet since I thought it only made sense that Haruka would have a chance to post here. If I'm incorrect I apologize. I'm in no rush, but thought I would just say what's happening as far as my posting. ))
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Apr 23, 2011 14:55:37 GMT -5
((ooc: no problem, I was more wondering what Keshi was upto as she hasn't spoken to me since posting and I'm not sure what's really going on at all @.@, there's no way this mysterious person is getting in...))
Haruka seemed to just analyze their words, but as Senshi mentioned the possibility of the man before them swearing fealty to their clan, her eyes would shift oddly, pacing in thought.
She wouldn't say anything until she heard an answer out of Tadaka as she didn't wish to impede her champion's words in any way.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 24, 2011 4:21:56 GMT -5
Tadaka leaned back against the table, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Now this was truly one of those wonderful times in life he found himself unprepared. He had learned to cherish these moments because they were really what tested his mind and made him feel like he had grown and accomplished something.
Join the Scorpion? He could have thought it over to himself... but instead he decided frankness and input were more the game here and thought out loud, "The prospect makes sense Senshi-dono; you get what information I gain and follow on my travels as well as a former Elemental Master's knowledge. I get the legitimacy of being part of a Clan so I can have travel papers, the backing of a Clan in the courts, and a means of supplies of the variety that I cannot come up with on my own. So it would seem to be fair on both sides. Not to mention it is always nice to have comrades and people who have your back."
"Then again, there are a few troubles I have in my mind that I wish to speak. First there is the matter of the Phoenix; to be sure they banished me and that is part of my burden for the moment by my choice. But to join another Clan after being banished would not only call into question my loyalty by making it seem I had planned on defecting to the Scorpion, it would also cause questions for the Scorpion; Why would you take in a banished samurai? Why have you chosen to overlook the things that caused Kazuma-dono to banish me in the first place?"
Tadaka leaned back on his elbow, clearly still in thought, "Then there is the matter of others possibly learning of my Taint and some of my acts they may not approve of, and the question of the Scorpion condemning such things or condoning them. These are not questions for you or I or Haruka-sama here; these are questions that the Scorpion would have to answer, ones that would be constantly asked and perhaps brought up again if more information if gained by others."
"For now my... problems are not known. Kazuma-dono did not make the reasons 100% clear as to why I was banished so as to not cause problems for the Phoenix, with my blessings. So I imagine besides you two there are maybe only a half dozen people in the Empire who would ask some of those questions at the moment. But there will still be questions, and if I continue on my path of putting the goals I have set ahead of my well being and reputation... how long will it be until the other questions come up?"
Reaching into his bag that sat on the floor next to him, Tadaka pulled a bamboo toothpick out of it. Using it to stir some more powder into his now luke warm tea, he found himself shrugging again, "I cannot say I have the answers to these questions myself. There are possibilities; I could say yes and trust you to handle the rest. I could say no in order to spare my friends in the Scorpion any fallout from my status and actions. I could wait and see if the answer becomes any more clear..." He took a sip of his tea and arched an eyebrow, putting the cup down, "Or I had a thought; one way to do this could be to eliminate Tadaka. The Scorpion know the value of such plans more than any I know of; If a banished priest who is prone to putting himself in danger were to die, I think few would be too surprised. Then it is merely a matter of changing my appearance and making a new identity and a Soshi is added to the ranks of the Scorpion. It does have the advantage as well of me putting those who I am close to out of harms way in regard to the implications of my actions, both politically in court as well as physically from any enemies I might make."
He gave a deep sigh, and Tadaka's appearance seemed to subtly shift, as though he looked weaker, older, more unnatural... but as the sigh ended his color slowly came back and the look of weakness and pain left. He rubbed the corners of his eyes a little before looking up at Senshi and Haruka, "One thing you must understand Senshi-dono, even before you make to answer those questions is this; if I chose to join the Scorpion I will do everything in my power to help the Clan. I was never disloyal to the Phoenix or caused them any harm, even while I was away so long. But I will be blunt and say that my search for Enlightenment and knowledge is my goal, and that will always be my goal above and beyond the Clan I belong to. I would only accept if you can accept that knowledge and know that I would be more strong headed and independent than others in the ever loyal and duty bound Scorpion. You know I speak my mind and the truth, as I am want to."
"So take that information, and those questions, as you will... Senshi-dono."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 24, 2011 9:25:50 GMT -5
"The questions you ask, about the risk you pose to the face of the Scorpion, are questions asked by any agent of the Scorpion as they act to preserve the empire. Had you had no concerns over the repercussions of being discovered, you would be a fool, and you would be dead. I understand your goal, and I would not see you hindered by such a thing as station as you attempt to find your place."
Senshi frowned, considering, "And frankly, I would not have asked without considering the consequences, and I would not have asked if I felt you were unworthy or disloyal. I know the decisions a champion faces, and do not fault Kazuma for deciding as he saw fit. It does not cheapen your loyalty in my eyes.
"You have also shown me that you think like a Scorpion as it is. I agree that Tadaka should not join the clan of secrets. But I do believe I can accept Soshi Endo a master amongst shugenja of the void."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 24, 2011 9:29:16 GMT -5
The gaijin at the gates, having not presented papers and asking to see a man they had sent only moments before to see the champion was not allowed admittance. There was something incredibly offsetting about this man, but the nature of his visit was unorthodox enough that any Scorpion within 100 feet would think this was a trap. The messenger was being watched from every nook and cranny, by every scorpion with a means to stop 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 25, 2011 1:56:00 GMT -5
Being refused entrance, Jinu settles down to wait. This was a fools errand in his opinion. He should have illusion-ed papers to show someone, but it was too late now.
He knew the one he'd been tasked to find would eventually leave. And he never broke his word.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 25, 2011 3:41:52 GMT -5
"Fire shugenja, as a suggestion; I'm strong with the element, and it would arouse much less suspicion than a Scorpion Ishiken. Otherwise, your words are wise and thoughtful Senshi-dono; that you have considered everything already is good enough for me of course."
Tadaka stood walking thoughtfully to the window as the cogs in his head started turning on this new path he seemed to be branching on on his long search; He stood leaning on the frame, body facing Senshi and Haruka so as not to ignore etiquette.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 25, 2011 9:06:51 GMT -5
"Then to your new identity. I will, of course, bide by any suggestion you may have regarding your 'disguise'."
Senshi claps his hands and his servant, the mute Alana, enters. "Alana, please show our guest to a changing room, and assist him as he pleases with his new attire. And you, Soshi san, I will of course allow you to decide what name is best for you- yes, Alana?" Senshi was interrupted as he looked toward his servant who had been gesturing frantically toward the entrance, Senshi stepped over there, listened to a few hushed words from a guard and turned.
"Well, my guest, it appears that something less then human is at my gates asking to deliver you a message. How do you wish to proceed?"
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 26, 2011 12:55:00 GMT -5
Tadaka can't help his look of surprise; something... less than human? Now what could that be? It probably wasn't some sort of undead samurai, oni, bakemono or the like, or else they would have already likely been killed. "Something less than human you say sama? I see. I can't say I was expecting anyone, but if they know I'm here.."
Putting on his hat he bowed deeply to Senshi, "I think, Senshi-dono, that this matter should probably come first; If I'm expected, meeting them in my new role will hardly be the best idea. And one who knows I'm here surely is someone who needs to at least be seen. If you have no objections I think the best idea would be for me to meet them outside the gates; After all, I would hardly wish to drag my own troubles or issues into your care while I'm already at this point. Meeting this creature outside would eliminate most pretenses of the reasons for my visit, keeping it more secret and keeping the Scorpion out of what could be a possible personal issue that could cause a loss of face."
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 26, 2011 13:30:37 GMT -5
Senshi nodded, allowing him leave. "Do as you wish, I will inform your new daimyo of the addition to his family. With luck he'll be here when you return. Kiso is a wise man and will know what ritual, if any, needs to be performed."
Senshi nodded toward his servant Alana, who ran off with one of the bushi guards, with luck Kiso would still be in town.
"I will remain here, until you return."
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 26, 2011 15:11:04 GMT -5
It doesn't take long before Tadaka is out the door and out of the palace, walking down the streets of Kyuden Bayushi's surrounding town. He thought to himself about the questions that had been answered and one's that had been brought up. But for now, he felt like he was most happy with the results so far. That said, there was much left to do, so anything he concluded would be a bit premature.
Arriving at the gate in the high wall, he spoke to the head guard, finding that Senshi's instructions had already been delivered to him, the guardsmen immediately letting Tadaka out through a small side gate. Now outside overlooking the modest fields surrounding the Scorpion capital, he looked around; it wasn't long before he spotted the familiar face. "Jinu? Well, this is certainly not what I imagined when they told me someone was looking for me." He bowed quite low to the Kitsune. "Now, how can I help you?"
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