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Post by Shoju on Jun 2, 2011 13:19:08 GMT -5
The older Tsukai weeped a little, and simply replied "I'm sorry". The son screamed and kicked under Tenshi's pin, "IF YOUR MASTER WERE SO STRONG HE WOULD HAVE COME HERE HIMSELF!" He spat. His face showed the pain of his predicament, but he would not submit.
The Older Tsukai would watch on in horror as his son perished at the hand of Tenshi. He would relinquish the scroll to her, and he would ask only for enough time to fetch his horse. It was an old mare, hardly a 'horse' compared to Tenshi's. He would wrap a tattered riding cloak around himself, and prepare to follow her to Saisei.
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 2, 2011 13:28:06 GMT -5
She gave no apology, as her eyes were firm. She felt no need to justify her actions or explain the situation even a breath further as she would show a gentler side at least when leading this older Maho Tsukai to his new refuge as she took her time.
She didn't know what this man might think of Shiro Saisei, but she hoped her diligence would assist the matter of restoration. It would take her another few days at the slower pace, but the scroll he required was secure. Whether this man would be of much use or not wasn't really her duty, but another Maho user in the fortress could only add to their power. They would be alone on their journey, but Tenshi wouldn't look the man in the eye much as she looked more preoccupied in thinking than anything. Her thoughts were replaying the battle in her mind, as she was trying to come to terms with things. This might be something she'd discuss with Shoju, but otherwise she doubted it would matter much. Her pure sister was more dangerous than even her undead self now, but her intent was still as veiled as ever.
She would give the gaijin woman her scroll, never bowing, never saying anything as now she'd have to wait for a body as well. Tenshi only went to wipe the blood from her blade as she'd remain in waiting for Shoju's return or orders.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 3, 2011 8:43:42 GMT -5
The Gaijin woman looked over the old Tsukai. "Your power is great. It is surprising that you didn't fight back against Tenshi." The gaijin woman cocked her head curiously as she spoke.
"One does not survive as long as I have without understanding your adversary. This woman is strong, and I can sense the Maho used to bring her back was extraordinary. If her Master is responsible for that, then he would make a great ally indeed." The Tsukai bowed low towards the gaijin woman.
The gaijin woman cackled. "You mistake me for the master. No I promise, the master is much more powerful than I, though... this wasn't always the case.... " The gaijin woman closed her eyes. "The master returns. His desire for a new body is growing. Though the Scroll Tenshi delivered with you will please him greatly." The gaijin turned her gaze back to Tenshi. "Tell me, What does Tenshi require? Your Loyalty will not go unrewarded, surely there is something that you would desire?"
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 3, 2011 13:55:53 GMT -5
"I do not hunger, I do not thirst. My only desire is to repay the man who gave me this life..."
For once Tenshi seemed to lower her gaze in reverence to the spirit form of Shoju.
"And to speak with him again." She would bow steadily to them as she would withdraw into the dark halls. She had no room and really no need of one as she was a restless being, driven not by hate, anger, or revenge but a form of burning desire to her duty. She would simply patrol the open spaces for now, not even taking interest into the other goings on inside the other rooms she passed.
There was much Shoju would need to know, and Tenshi wished nothing more than to explain the situation in full with him. Haruka was a more dangerous feature of the empire now, and dealing with her might be the key to his goals.
She silently wondered if even her new Scorpion husband had any idea what kind of woman Haruka truly was. And then shook her head, doubting so as she quietly smiled to herself. For now Tenshi would comfort in knowing she'd done her task for Shoju and then some. Reward wasn't important anymore, what could be given to one who has nothing, and feels nothing.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 3, 2011 14:12:23 GMT -5
The gaijin woman began to say someting, and then Tenshi left the room. The Spirit in her mind forced her to see. A body must be found. Being confined in this state was wearing thing the composure that Shoju had worked to form as his time as a spirit drifted on. His rage and lust for revenge fueled his desire to be made whole again.
The Gaijin woman called for Iromasu, and relayed the plans for the augmetations to be made in the southern end of Saisei to accommodate the Iron Citadel that would be raised there. Iromasu was not downtrodden as she had expected to be. The work on Saisei was slowing as the temple city was nearing completion. The addition of a new structure, and expansion of the grounds would give him something new to focus on.
After Iromasu had left, The Gaijin woman began preparing a ritual. Tenshi had seemed to need to talk to Shoju more than most, and she hoped that she could Draw Shoju's Spirit into a more material form.
The Gaijin woman worked into the night. Several Tsukai died during the ritual.
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 3, 2011 22:33:49 GMT -5
Tenshi was placid but firm as she watched the movements though the night. Allowing her horse to graze in the tainted lands it soon started to change from the inside out. Exposure was inevitable, but the steed had to eat.
Besides that she seemed to care very little for the beast that bore her weight, but the stallion seemed relentlessly loyal regardless. Some of the other Maho Tsukai might overhear her talking to herself when she believed she was alone. She never said much that made sense as her eyes would stare out into the expanses of the Shadowlands.
"What roads... where will you lead them Haruka... you were never meant... they will never know..."
She seemed to wrestle in her mind, though her face showed no pain or distress. The lifelike color her skin was retaining was starting to fade somewhat, but the powerful Maho that had restored her would keep her in this condition. It was still largely difficult to tell that this woman was dead. Even the usual scent of the taint did not stain her.
For now she would remain, occasionally lurking around and easily accessible should she be required for another task, or if someone dared to try, a conversation. All the poetry and gentleness her sister had seemed to be forsaken in Tenshi, as she watched some of the lost training around the city from some of the higher halls.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 6, 2011 14:56:43 GMT -5
It was late when the man came into the chambers. The Gaijin woman had been slumbering, thankful for the peace that had been given to her mind lately. Shoju had grown despondent, unsure if he would ever again be amongst the living again. This had left him weary, and agitated, leaving the gaijin woman's mind time to rest.... and possibly heal.
The young man came in the meeting hall, and gently rose the gaijin woman. "We have found a body." was all that he said. The gaijin woman shot awake, and began searching for her master's spirit. She soon found him, and and he was again probing her mind.
The only thing she heard was "Bring me to it."
And so the young Tsukai brought the gaijin woman outside to the body. The Crab Scout was not dead, which meant that the the ritual could be just right. If this worked out, this would be the last body Shoju ever needed.
The gaijin woman found 3 of Shoju's most prized Tsukai students, and roused the old man who had arrived with the scroll. She brought them all to Shoju's private chambers and began working the ritual. 2 Tsukai collapsed on the floor from blood loss, and the old man was nearly fatigued.
In the End, no one was sure if the ritual had worked, or if it had been a complete failure. The Crab Scout was no more, and the Spirit of Shoju had left the Gaijin woman's thoughts. She couldn't tell if he was able to use this body, but she was hopeful.
She had dismissed the tsukai, and they collected the two who had fallen. They would not be missed. The Gaijin woman had fallen back into a deep slumber.
Tenshi
Things had been out of sorts lately, and Tenshi had spent much time by herself. Even now she found herself alone... Until she heard the soft footfalls behind her.
"It is a welcome change to see you through the eyes of the living Tenshi-san." The man standing behind her said. He looked like Shoju in some ways. The scars were gone from his hands. His hair was short, his clothes were Crab, and his face looked grizzled, as if he hadn't shaved in a long time. But, the eyes, they had the same "look", the facial features were "Close". He sounded like Shoju as well.
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 6, 2011 16:05:40 GMT -5
Much as any warrior would greet their leader, Tenshi immediately went down on a knee in salute to Shoju recognizing him immediately.
"It is very good to see you again, Shoju-sama." Her gaze bowed in respect. "I am only sorry that I could not be of more assistance to you. The ways of the Maho Tsukai are something I know of... but have to ability to practice now, since what's left of my blood runs cold and still in this form."
She was ideal, impossibly loyal and obedient. She showed her reverence only to him, and even in the privacy of their solitary meeting she hoped to convey her deepest gratitude.
Her gaze only rose slightly to examine his new form more thoroughly as her eyes focused on the physique. "I must admit this is a far stronger form than you once held. And alive.. Shoju-sama, you deserve another life for the greatness you spread."
But through all her compliments, there was this sense of unwavering seriousness. Tenshi was holding a fist across her chest while she bowed to him, and while she could have smirked with pride, she wasn't certain if such mortal emotions were worth her time anymore even in the face of someone so powerful in spirit and ability.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 7, 2011 8:48:26 GMT -5
"Rise Tenshi-san. You honor the Spider with your actions." Shoju walked and stood beside her, and looked in her eyes.
"The ways of the Tsukai can be brutal. I see in you a path different from them. Your martial skills mean you have few equals on the battlefield." Shoju rubbed his face, feeling the stubble for the first time. "This body does feel strong. I hope that I may keep this form, though the lessons of my former body were excellent reminders of all that has been sacrificed." Shoju relaxed a little, hoping that his cue would allow Tenshi to feel at ease. Of all those Shoju had raised to a second life, Tenshi's will was the strongest, and her devotion the most unwavering.
"While without form, I saw your pained expressions, heard your troubles whispered and wished that I could understand them. Sadly, the only way I could have at that point puts a great deal of strain on the mind, something I dare only to use against that wretched Gaijin woman." Shoju's voice was monotone, his disdain for the gaijin woman showing only his eyes. "Tell me Tenshi-san. What troubles your mind?"
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Tenshi
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 7, 2011 9:33:12 GMT -5
Tenshi rose as she took the hint, but the burden on her mind seemed to continue to direct her eyes to the ground.
"I apologize if my verbalizations were a discomfort to you, Shoju-sama. But of course I think long and hard on what has come to pass in these months I have been subdued under the earth."
She paced a few steps, trying to settle herself somewhat and keep her eyes off of her lord.
"But this only has ensured that what I fear may be true. The one you know as my sister, the one who was my sister has grown silently and secretly attached to your ideals. I have no further restraint on my soul to prevent me from walking this path, but she however would be immediately punished for even a moment's error."
It was now that she would stop glancing to him over her should, and looking him in the eye in all seriousness, as her body angled passively away from him.
"This is clearer than ever in our first battle. She placed herself between the surrounding forces and you on purpose. She prevented them from launching an initial ranged assault with her own life. Every motion she made, was calculated and intensional. Even as you requested I leave the battle as you began your duel with her, I could see something in her eyes. She would not have killed you."
Her form turned to face his. "She wants you for something Shoju-sama, and in truth I do not know what. Haruka had always been hidden from the eye of anyone other than the Utaku, because she was exceptional as a battle maiden, but also because she had grown to resent all of Rokugan for the way that they looked upon the Unicorn Clan.
Haruka has a dangerous heart and soul, and she has never relied on anyone before. The fact that she is willing to risk so much for your cause makes me worry to what she could possibly ask of you."
Tenshi was about as relaxed as she could be in her current state. Her tension was evident in her words and breathing, but she was at least in a far better state with Shoju with her. She didn't know if he admired her or not, but it was whether he understood how worried she was for his safety. This would seem ironic to most, but it seemed to be what caused her this discomfort even with a seemingly immortal man before her.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 7, 2011 9:52:22 GMT -5
Shoju listened to Tenshi intently. Taking in every word. "Your appraisal of your sisters actions is impressive." Shoju smiled as he walked towards Tenshi. "I knew that you would be an excellent advisor."
Shoju began walking. "Come Tenshi, Walk with me. Haruka has been a peculiar sort ever since she stormed Saisei. She saved Kijiro, she was reasonable. She accepted my gift and kept it near her, alas... She could not be bring herself to use the gift I had given to her husband."
Shoju and Tenshi reached the courtyard. it was late, and there was little movement outside. The undead corps that Iromasu had forged into his elite team of engineers were entrenched in their plans behind the temple. Soon, the Iron citadel would be raised, and Saisei would be complete. "I too could see that the duel was a ruse. To be honest, had her husband not shamed himself, I would not have been able to kill her. Make no mistake I would have wounded her, but it would not have been enough to kill her."
They reached the outer wall of Saisei, and Shoju quickly cast a spell that lifted the pair off the ground, and placed them on top of the wall. The view of the Shadowlands from this height was astounding. You could see a great distance in every direction. "I was unaware that she held such a disdain for people of the Empire. Tell me Tenshi-san, do you fear your sister has a sinister plan in store for us?" Shoju looked Tenshi in the eyes as he asked the question, and then out across the night sky to the West. Under Moonlight, the City of the Lost rose, and illuminated the horizon.
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 7, 2011 10:10:17 GMT -5
"For us, Shoju-sama? No no.. for you and you alone I suspect."
She took a deep breath as she looked at where those that still clung to the light gathered even in the darkest reaches. Even to her there was a surreal aura of beauty in it.
"And in truth, though it may only be an imagined thing, I think she means to have a sense of revenge on any and all who might have crossed her. My mother never wished to give her power, nor did she deserve it. But with this Scorpion she does... She sees you as a force of judgment on those who thought ill of her.
She does not have the heart to rule, but that does not mean she would not have the will to punish and oppress. Haruka will bide her time for now, but gradually she will gain a sense of her reach, and if you aid her she might find her strength even sooner.
Why she protects the Scorpion husband of hers? Honestly, I would not know..."
She turned to face him again, "You could ask her yourself, I think by now she has no reason to lie to you. Who would believe an undead battle maiden and you, Shoju-sama."
She rubbed her brow with some pain, "I only tell you this as I wish to protect you. For dead or alive, that woman will do something to Rokugan. But what exactly, I know not yet.
But what you do now is your choice, I was glad to have had the chance to confide in you, Shoju-sama." As she bowed deeply to him, clearly complete in all she had to share.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 7, 2011 10:29:20 GMT -5
The revelations that Tenshi had brought to Shoju were revealing into the nature of one he deemed an ally. "An interesting predicament to find myself in, I must say." Shoju looked back at Tenshi. "It seems there is more than one who sees me as a force to judge and cleanse the Empire for their needs." Shoju looked north towards the Crab wall.
"I appreciate your desire to protect me Tenshi-san. You have been a great ally to me." Shoju bowed towards her. "At least for the time being, I will leave the Empire to think me dead. The Scorpion have the body, let them think me gone. As for Haruka, We will be looking to make contact with her soon. After the Scroll is opened, and its power complete, We will be making a move to procure the 3rd black Scroll. With its power, we will make a move to free a Prisoner. If the Empire disagrees with our terms, we will use the scroll's power to destroy something precious.
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Tenshi
Ronin
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 7, 2011 10:34:23 GMT -5
She was honored, and it felt strange as he bowed to her. A servant was all she'd think herself now as she stood before him.
"Simply give the word, and I will ride, alone or with company, I will ride wherever you wish, to whatever end, Shoju-sama." She would take a place by his side for now on the wall as she looked out over the land, a small smile creeped into her face but she said nothing.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 7, 2011 13:03:28 GMT -5
Shoju smiled standing next to Tenshi. She had become more than Shoju had ever expected. He was proud to have found someone with such drive and determination. He was fairly confident that with Tenshi at his side, The Spider would flourish.
Shoju would watch the Sun rise before heading back into the Temple. He was greeted by the Gajin woman who had feared the worst. "I'm so happy to see you amongst us. I feared that the ritual was a failure."
Shoju nodded at her. "I appreciate all of your hard work. Bring me the No Dachi that Thrakhath-sama procured, and send word to the City of the Lost that if possible, I would like to personally thank him." Shoju felt the weight of the No Dachi in his hands, it was obviously Scorpion in design. It was a nimble blade indeed. Shoju backed away from people and studied the blade.
Few people in the Empire could wield a No Dachi with grace. The great blade was awkward for many to use. Those who could, were far more deadly on the field of battle. Senshi had proven his prowess with the blade, The next time it happened that Shoju and Senshi were in battle, Shoju planned to return the favor.
"If I'm needed, I will be at the forge. Please send for me if Thrakhath-sama should reply, or if the Kitsu boy is seen. I do worry his impetuous nature will be his undoing." Shoju turned to make his way to the forge, No Dachi held in a ceremonial position against his shoulder.
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