Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jun 1, 2011 11:07:02 GMT -5
Thrakhath turned his glare on the young shugenja who had spoken, and the room itself seemed to dim as he narrowed his eyes angrily at the boy. "This woman's slight is forgiveable, she is clearly not from this land," he said quietly. "You, however, should know better." His hand gripped the hilt of his scimitar tightly, but he did not draw it. "You will show the proper respect to your lords, or you will will be added to the ever growing horde of mindless undead outside these walls, am I clear?"
When the strange woman spoke he diverted his attention to her, his hand continuing to unconsciously grip his sword handle. He frowned slightly with confusions as she explained Shoju's intentions, and glanced quickly at the Kitsu at the mention of a new host. "An interesting, if unorthodox solution," he said. "Acquiring a black scroll is no easy task, what exactly does he hope to accomplish by completing this ritual?"
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Post by Shoju on Jun 1, 2011 11:34:37 GMT -5
The woman stood, and looked at Thrakhath. "Well the first part of his goal should be obvious. He is slowly working to subvert the great clans and usher in an era where Fu Leng stands with the Lords of the Spider. His second goal is the final and total fortification of Saisei as our Eastern Front. He believes with his knowledge he attained in the first scroll, he can use the Second Scroll to raise the Iron Citadel as part of Saisei. His third goal, is to bind his essence to the Saisei. With the Iron citadel a part of Saisei his connection to this place and the Spirit Realm will allow him to circumvent the situation he finds himself in currently. With his essence tied to this Saisei, he believes that he will be able to manifest himself as a physical entity without the need for a body."
She bowed low to Thrakhath. "He has learned much in his time since his first death, and in his current state the lands teaches him constantly."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 1, 2011 12:34:36 GMT -5
"That will be no easy task I suspect. Black scrolls were scarce while I used to walk alive, and I doubt somehow that they've gone back and produced more."
The undead woman came off the wall slightly as she walked towards Thrakhath somewhat. "Just tell me where to start looking and I'll scout one out easily. Attaining it may be another matter entirely but... whatever saves time." There was a slight growl to her tone, as she was always displeased. Her steed hadn't been corrupted and would be the optimal creature to quickly seek this sort of material. She however knew little of the world in the past year, as she looked between them all expectantly.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jun 1, 2011 12:38:33 GMT -5
The idea of a bloodspeaker's soul forever tied to a castle, therefore making him nigh-unkillable, did not sit well with Thrakhath, and he couldn't help but frown. This is not something I should allow. On the other hand, an ally like that would be a very useful ally indeed. His hand slipped off the hilt of his weapon as he stood there thinking. "This talk of black scrolls and gaijin rituals is a bit beyond my understanding, I must admit," he said finally. "I must consult with our Lord before any decisions are made."
He regarded Tenshi curiously. "Any help you can provide would be most appreciated, Utaku-san," he said, making a guess at her family based on her appearance. "If you brought your steed with you, we can train it appropriately, if not I'm sure we can provide you with a suitable replacement."
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Post by Shoju on Jun 1, 2011 12:52:49 GMT -5
The woman turned and looked Thrakhath in the eyes. "He knows the idea doesn't sit comfortably with you Thrakhath-sama." Shoju looked as though she understood his position. "He does promise you however, that while the two of you sometimes have differing methods, you both work for the same goals." She turned and looked at Tenshi. "Shoju says that you will need to take care in scouting the Black Scroll. The Scroll is most likely in the possession of the Yogo family, Though it may be one of the scrolls that has gone missing recently. If it cannot be found in the Yogo Libraries, it is probably in the hands of a rogue Tsukai in the ancestral lands of the Snake Clan".
The woman closed her eyes and stood silent.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 1, 2011 13:00:47 GMT -5
She nodded in affirmation, "Then you know where I will be."
Tenshi didn't care for the hesitancy in Thrakhath's tone. Being in this place and with these people was a commitment, at this point there was no reason to go back, no reason to question in her mind as she got to her white Utaku steed and had it readied with a normal saddle. No mons, no indicating features.
Without another word she would be off, taking to the land like an expert tracker as she set off towards the Snake lands, and if it wasn't where she thought it was, she was happy to glean some information from the unsuspecting soul if need be.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jun 1, 2011 13:40:32 GMT -5
"Shoju's loyalty has always been unwavering," Thrakhath said, more to reassure himself than anything else. "I'm sure that will not change." He gave the Utaku a cursory bow as she left the room. "I will return to the City of the Lost and consult with our Lord, in the meantime I leave you to your schemes. May they bear fruit sooner rather than later," he said with a smirk. He turned to leave, his traveling cloak swirling in his wake.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 1, 2011 14:05:03 GMT -5
It would take Tenshi quite a while to reach Shiro Chuda, as she took due care to avoid the main paths and the sight of others, be them peasant or magistrate. Her steed grew wary, but Tenshi seemed to start to realize her tireless drive as she left the horse to follow along on its own, as she came to the ruins of this territory. The white stallion would lag behind and out of sight to rest as she pressed onwards.
The dragon heart plains had given little evidence to credit the temples and structures that once stood here, but the small outbreaks of taint upon the ground were a sure sign of the location. No one seemed to arrive here with more than the desire to poke curiously through the ruins. But Tenshi, unwilling to have to interact with any of the living samurai who might be around waited until nightfall.
Anyone who intended to rummage around the ruins knew to avoid the area at night since it was very easy for accidents to happen in this place. Tenshi relished the opportunity to search undisturbed as she looked through the remains of failing structures but she knew she would come up a bit empty handed. With her pure white steed sniffing around nearby, he would act as a sentinel for her to indicate if any Maho Tsukai might still be poking around, as they might prefer the cover of darkness as well.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jun 1, 2011 14:36:59 GMT -5
The Court of Daigotsu, some time later.
Thrakhath was nearly always uncomfortable in the presence of this man, but he had gotten very practiced at hiding it. He stood there looking impassive, hand resting on his sword hilt. The man in question sat on the floor behind a table few feet in front of him, a saucer in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. He lifted the cup delicately and sipped from its contents, his mouth the only part of his face not covered by the horned white mask he wore. "Chuda Shoju has been a loyal ally ever since his first death," the man said cordially. "I do not believe he would betray us now, even considering any new sources of power he may have discovered."
"Of course, my Lord," Thrakhath replied, "but if I may, I can't help but remember that messy business with another bloodspeaker who shall remain nameless, and thought he had grown powerful enough to challenge you."
Daigotsu placed his cup on its saucer and set it on the table. "That one was dealt with, as I recall," he said. "Your concern is touching, but misplaced. Shoju-san would never be able to truly challenge me, no matter how much power or arcane knowledge he obtains." He stood in one fluid motion, and clasped his hands behind his back, and Thrakhath made certain not to make eye contact. "Even so, I don't believe thoughts of betrayal would ever enter his mind in the first place. He is a true believer and loyal ally, nothing will change that."
"As you say, my Lord," Thrakhath said with a bow.
Daigotsu made a dismissive gesture with his hand. "Dispel him from your thoughts for now, Thrakhath," he said. "Let us move on to the other matter."
"The Scorpion," Thrakhath said, very nearly spitting the words. "If what Shoju's gaijin woman said is true, they are aware of our existence and have declared open war against us."
"The existence of the Spider was never meant to be a permanent secret," Daigotsu said. "Revealing our presence in the Empire in this way may not be ideal, but it will serve our purpose nonetheless." Thrakhath glanced toward Daigotsu's face, what little of it was visible, looking for any hint at what the man might be thinking. As always he could discern nothing; even with his eyes visible, the man was unreadable at best, positively cryptic at worst. "War with the Scorpion is never a straightforward affair," he said. "Such a war will be fought in the shadows and dark places where few will notice." He tilted his head slightly. "If it does come to true open warfare, however, I expect my champions to perform their duty."
"The armies of the Spider will not fail you, my Lord," Thrakhath said with steel in his voice. "Truth be told, the samurai have grown tired of border skirmishes with goblins and the Crab. They would welcome an opportunity to test themselves against a new enemy."
"They may yet get their chance," Daigotsu replied evenly. "Intensify their training, and make sure their officers understand what they may be up against."
"Your legions will be ready when the time comes, Lord," Thrakhath said.
Daigotsu simply nodded. Thrakhath remained where he was, as he had not yet been dismissed, and Daigotsu regarded him cooly. Thrakhath found it difficult to endure that stare as usual, but he made every effort to remain in place and not to show his discomfort, eyes cast downward out of respect. "You are dismissed," the Dark Lord said after several moments of silence.
"My Lord," Thrakhath replied, bowing low before turning to leave his master's chambers.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 2, 2011 9:15:49 GMT -5
The Dragon heart Plains, Shiro Chuda
As night descended on the blasted landscape, the ruins came alive. The place was teaming with life, and death. In a ruined tower, an unnatural light burned through the windows, and two Tsukai bickered. The first tsukai looked sickly, and far worse for wear. His skin was covered in lesions and boils, the taint inescapable. The second Tsukai was younger, his mind sharper, and ready for anything.
"The Scorpion will take the scroll by force! We must USE IT NOW!" The first Tsukai seemed more scared than angry.
"Quiet. We didn't steal the scroll. They don't even know we have it. We need to find more who share our vision! What would we do with the such a place? We couldn't even DEFEND such a place!" The second Tsukai seemed reasonable. "If we were to use this scroll, and survive the ritual, we would have a home we couldn't protect. We would be prone to both the Shadowlands, and the rest of the Empire! We must find more to rally to our cause."
Shiro Saisei
The gaijin woman was trembling as she walked close to Daisuke. When she was close enough to not be overheard, she spoke to him. "The master has asked for you to lay a trap young Daisuke. He says that it will show you how to harness your gifts, and use restraint to achieve greater results." She looked down at him. "The master wants you to find him a new body."
She stood up stiffly and went on. "He wants you to travel south of the Crab Wall, and find a suitable scout. Strong, at the height of physical prowess. Once you have found him, he wants you to feign helplessness to draw him in, and then bring the scout here unmolested, and ALIVE." She looked him in the eyes. "Failure in this task could have terrible repercussions Young Daisuke. Time is of the essence!" The Gaijin woman slumped into a nearby chair, and began having a vision. It was her first vision since the Spirit of Shoju had descended upon her.
It was daylight, and she was standing in a formal Rokugani city that she had never been to. The sun shone brightly in the sky, the people walking the streets wore kimono of all the great clans, and then there was darkness. The sky turned grey and the storms came. Lightning Struck the city relentlessly, and small fires were breaking out. The residents of the city became increasingly concerned with the weather and its problems, and less concerned with other things. A building, one that obviously looked as if it were meant to be guarded now stood almost empty. The prize was there.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 2, 2011 11:18:08 GMT -5
Tenshi walked firmly into the eerie light, making no attempt at sneaking around like some underhanded shinobi or other dishonorable beast. The sight might shock the two, as she appeared alive but paler than most. The very sight would cause them to clutch stores of blood they had on them as she glared straight into their eyes with the fury of the unrequited.
"Give me the scroll, and I will lead you to a new home. Well guarded, and a haven for your kind."
Her voice was unwavering, but firm and curt. She did not wait for an answer as she was prepared to walk forth and seize it herself, not making it an option for bargain. Because of her intimidating but nonviolent motions in their presence, the Maho Tsukai seemed paralyzed a moment.
"Come, the journey is long. Shiro Saisei is far enough on horseback. But for now, I will protect you till we get there. I'm certain the master will be pleased to have more students..." Her voice was cold, but there was the slightest hint of a smirk as she started walking away. Her stallion had only barely any time to rest before being called upon. But if the Chuda decided to follow her, she would be forced to walk anyway.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 2, 2011 11:52:37 GMT -5
The Tsukai stared at each other for a moment. Who is this woman?! seemed to be the shared expression on their face. The Younger Tsukai produced a wicked looking dagger, and brandished it towards Tenshi. "And just who is this master of yours, and where is this say... say... Whatever it is you called it?!"
The older Tsukai began inching away from the Younger Tsukai. His fear was evident, he clutched the scroll tightly against his chest.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 2, 2011 12:05:29 GMT -5
There was a growl from Tenshi, as any sort of hindrance was a great annoyance to her. "Shoju-sama, would not appreciate you even considering harming me. But more worrying is the fact that you think you could even take me in a fight."
Her katana was out in a slip of a motion, and her ferocious gaze fixed on the younger. "I will be having the scroll, or I will have your lives first. Whatever need be the case." Her stallion flexed with some unease as she continued to look down at them.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 2, 2011 12:16:31 GMT -5
The Older Tsukai kneeled and held the scroll above his head. "I will not fight son. It does us no good to war with the Chuda." The older Tsukai looked at the floor on bended knee. "You are no longer required to listen to your father, but I beg of you. for your sake. Do not presume you can end this with fighting. "
The younger Tsukai looked shocked. It was one person! Why kneel to one person when the goal had been to bring the EMPIRE to its knees!? "If you want this scroll, you will have to kill me to take it! I will not be denied my revenge!" The Tsukai slit his palm and launched a fiery attack at Tenshi.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 2, 2011 12:24:07 GMT -5
Tenshi pushed the stallion away in a sudden motion, having to jump from the animal's back as she growled alive. She used her prowess and downward force to part the forced kami's attack with a single slice as she glared ferociously to the younger.
"Your son has chosen death then..." She would charge the younger, attempting to pin his wrist with her ankle as she knocked the dagger away with her katana. Likely breaking his wrist, but she wasn't really interested in what else he might try to do. She had just as much strength on her own two legs as she did in mounted combat.
"A shame, the things my master could have taught you." She raised her blade to strike, only pausing to see if the father might have some sort of plea to make. She may have been remorseless, but something tugged at what was left of her withering heart not to strike just yet.
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