Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 10, 2011 7:49:02 GMT -5
Tenshi stood for some time at the wall looking out on the City of the Lost. Her beauty did not fade in death, but she did maintain this haunted look while her eyes were picking out individuals on the horizon.
While Shoju had left her side she still churned with silent thoughts, but her mind had turned more to the offense that would be needed against the Scorpion and against any other enemy that might stand against them. Tenshi made her way down and got to her horse as she looked for those training with blades and certainly any cavalry practicing.
She kept herself busy by working to help train and increase the skill and finesse of those that used Saisei for self improvement. She would see those with vengeance stirring in their hearts, but with quiet words she would tell them to force it down. She channeled their rage and showed them how it was a pure fuel for focus in battle.
Out of the corner of her eye she could glance Shoju departing for the forge, which was the only building to survive the previous attack. Those assembled there would salute along with Tenshi to their lord and resume their efforts for the upcoming conflicts.
She never killed anyone while training, but she wasn't afraid to show them what the penalty for failure was as she personally sparred with some of the better individuals, building a level head for those concerned. Tenshi was delighted in all of it, but she hardly showed it. The only thing she could have wished for were more cavalry to train...
Undeath is more like living than I could have ever imagined. I don't know when or if my strength will wane, but this... sort of power is what the empire refuses? They know nothing of the hungering darkness. But I will never forget my oath, Shoju-sama.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 10, 2011 10:04:37 GMT -5
Shoju worked in the back of the Forge, undisturbed from most. It was this area where he had recovered from the original battle, and where he and Kijiro had resided while Iromasu worked. He toiled over the blade, bathing it in blood, and tempering it. When the blade was tempered in the fire, one could what sounded like a scream, long and shrill.
When Shoju finished with the No-dachi, He walked towards the front of the Forge, and made his way towards the training grounds, with the No-Dachi Slung across his back. He found Tenshi, and smiled.
"I see you found a way to impart your wisdom upon the Spider Tenshi-san." Shoju said with a sideways grin.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 10, 2011 10:27:33 GMT -5
The man sparring across from her bowed deeply to them both as he stopped, allowing Tenshi the freedom to speak with lord Shoju.
"It is all I can offer in preparation for the coming battles ahead. I hope it's enough, Shoju-sama."
The others who stood training seemed astonished. In the face of anyone else, they never heard more than a few words from this remnant of a woman. It seemed as though she was not even a remotely relaxed soul, but she wished to show some side of her to only Shoju. They did their best not to stare so they wouldn't suffer her wrath later...
"I trust the reforging went well."
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Post by Shoju on Jun 10, 2011 12:41:29 GMT -5
"Indeed. I believe that this No-Dachi will serve as a very suitable replacement to my former blade." He adjusted the No-Dachi to a postion that allowed him to draw it. The Blade was a Crimson color, and almost seemed to have an inherant glow. "This evening, is the culmination of the work to raise the Iron Citadel Tenshi-san. You are responsible for bringing me the scroll. I hope that you will be in attendance for the ritual. Without you, We wouldn't have it."
Shoju smiled. It was as if his entire personality had changed since returning to a physical form. he seemed happier, and more interested in things. One would have to wonder if it were a side effect of the form, or if there were another reason.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 10, 2011 13:16:09 GMT -5
She bowed as he finished, pleased by his regard for her. It wasn't the reason for her actions, but that didn't mean she wouldn't play the part if he requested it.
"I only do what you wish, lord Shoju-sama. But of course I will attend if you so desire for me to."
She stood at full strength before him, silently admiring the blade. She wondered if the color had a hidden strength beyond its intimidating glow, however she wasn't curious enough to test the theory.
"Is there anything else you require Shoju-sama? You need only ask."
He always had her attention as she rested her hand on her sheath. Tenshi's strength from her rebirth was finding its limits at long last but she was far from weakening, she simply needed to pace herself or risk wearing out the form she'd been restored to.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 13, 2011 9:52:57 GMT -5
"Shoju smiled. At present? Well, I would love a chance to spar with someone. I haven't yet had a chance to adequately train in my new form, and I would love a chance to." Shoju grinned.
"Afterwards, we must prepare for the ceremony, and then I hoped that you would accompany me on a journey." Shoju said, matter of factly. "I wish to obtain the third black scroll, but I'm fairly confident it lies within the Yogo Libraries."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 13, 2011 15:50:08 GMT -5
Tenshi stood and bowed deeply as she readied her blade before him. While she had no fear of pain anymore, she wasn't really happy to toss her unliving limbs to the dogs if she could help it, nor would she harm Shoju...
"Of course, lord Shoju-sama. Another thrust into the heart of the Scorpion would be a most interesting venture." She would actually smirk to him as there was some sense of desire stirring inside at the thought.
He could feel his strength returning as they quarreled, Tenshi showed her piercing gaze, identical to Haruka's. The fury of the battle maidens was certainly a trade mark of their training as some of the most ferocious women in the empire.
His elongated red blade was a slight challenge for her to keep away, but she pressed Shoju to push himself, flexing these unfamiliar muscles and letting his new blood churn with adrenaline. Needless to say the showing got the attention of most of the others standing around as they took a moment to observe their combat.
Tenshi came to quickly realize that Shoju was not only a proficient swordsman, but now stronger and with a hunger in his eyes and strikes that did not persist before. It was more than she was ready for as the No-dachi slipped past her katana and dug itself straight into her shoulder.
There was no blood left to gush from the wound but she looked to it with some disdain. She would merely grunt as she felt little from the actual hit, she would have to make herself more aware of the injuries she sustained as her nerves had already died off. She dislodged herself with the awkward sound of flesh coming off steel.
"Your blood and fury make you greater than you were before, Shoju-sama. That much I can now see.." She stowed her blade for now and bowed more deeply to him.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 8:44:31 GMT -5
"My apologies for the injury Tenshi-san." Shoju bowed deeply, and walked towards her. He pulled a tanto from his obi, and grabbed a still living Lost Bushi that was training, and sliced his forearm, letting his blood fill and pool in Shoju's hands. He then clasped Tenshi's shoulder and closed his eyes. for a moment he stood silently, and then he opened his eyes, and removed his hand. The wound was gone. "My time without form has led me to find a fury I had never tapped into before. The feeling is unbelievable, and at the same time maddening." Shoju bowed low to Tenshi. "Thank you for indulging my desires Tenshi-san. You are truly the finest swordsman in all the Lost... Save possibly for Thrakhath-sama himself."
Shoju began walking, "Come Tenshi, let us prepare for the Ceremony".
A Short time later, Shoju appeared behind the main temple of Saisei clad in a dark robe. The color was interesting. It looked black, but in the light, it was as if it had a green shimmer to it. Assembled with Shoju was elderly Tsukai who had arrived with the scroll, several young Tsukai, and a woman, who looked oddly beautiful in the surroundings. She whispered in Shoju's ear, and then nodded. When Tenshi Arrived, The Ceremony would begin.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 14, 2011 12:08:44 GMT -5
Tenshi had no special attire or anything truly for the event as she simply came on her own, but knowingly gave the Maho Tsukai a great amount of space. Many of the lost had come in attendance with her, but all would keep their distance respectfully as for the moment they did not wish their blood spilled just yet if they could help it. Tenshi took the opportunity to nod with a smile to Shoju, as she looked on proudly.
Shoju-sama, I have great expectations of you. Prove the belief wrong, show the world that you are more than what the samurai and the emperor believe. With your strength and ambition the Spider can rise, just like this tower from the ashes of the fallen.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 13:09:25 GMT -5
Shoju bowed low in response to Tenshi's Words. Those close to Shoju could see a small spatter of blood drip to the ground, and then his voice filled their mind. "Loyal Spider. We come to this point today to continue our pursuit of a place in this world for ourselves. A place to call home. A place to belong to. Now, witness the arrival of the Iron Citadel!"
Shoju's voice exited their mind, and the Tsukai with Shoju began the ritual. Blood was spilled, and the scroll opened. The power of the scroll was violent at times, and coursed around the Tsukai. Soon the ground beneath them began to shake and in places, the ground began to shift and break. One of the Young Tsukai fell to the ground, and his body was consumed by a forming crevasse. The same fate befell the other young Tsukai, and now it was just the elderly man, Shoju, and the woman. Soon, the ground erupted and a Tower of obsidian before to rise straight from the earth.
The Citadel was huge. The plans to enlarge and reinforce the southern end of the compound had been for naught as the citadel had sheered through the wall. The size of the citadel was immense.
After what seemed to be an eternity, the ritual was complete. Shoju strode towards the elderly man, and whispered in his ear. The Elderly man's face bore an expression of horror, and then he clutched his stomach. As he fell back, Shoju's hand and bloody tanto could be seen. The woman bowed low to Shoju and entered the citadel. Shoju followed and beckoned Tenshi to follow him.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 14, 2011 13:44:20 GMT -5
The other lost would cheer and actually lift up some sense of pleasure at the mighty citadel. Tenshi in full battle gear, as she had no other clothing to really appear in, was content to stride in after Shoju with her gaze lowered, her voice was still and her actions were calm and focused.
She took great strides to catch up with Shoju as she bowed her head to him. "Forgive me Shoju-sama, but I must ask if the old Maho Tsukai's death was truly necessary?"
Her tongue rolled in her mouth a bit as she was starting to consider losses, but she wasn't about to question the nature of the one she spoke to any more than she had. More a passing curiosity than a pressing interest. She would follow him like a loyal bodyguard and shadow his movements as she allowed him to lead. Her eyes keenly took in the sharp angles and the horrific architecture in detail.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 13:57:28 GMT -5
Shoju grinned. "Why Tenshi-san, I'm surprised at you." Shoju's tone didn't match the words. The words seemed to be chastising, but his tone seemed more pleasant. "Yes Tenshi-san. His death was in fact necessary. I assure you though, death is merely a transitory form for the old man."
Shoju was smiling. As they reached the inner sanctum of the citadel, one could see that this was an elaborate and awe inspiring structure. Shoju stopped walking turned around, and looked Tenshi in the eyes. "As I'm sure you are realizing, in your current state, you have more energy, less need for rest, and a burning desire. All of these things are magnifications of the qualities you had before your rebirth. I require the old man to possess those same qualities, and he was simply unable to do so in his state. As they stood there talking, The form of the old man walked up to them, still oozing from his wound, but looking.... oddly better.
"Go forth and find a Tsukai, have them tend your needs, and then find the library. I want a complete inventory of all knowledge we now have within our grasp." Shoju said leaning towards the old man.
The old man bowed, and began walking away.
"In life, that man was a renowned ronin scholar. He was quite the studious one before his wife was destroyed, and his son drove him to Maho. He lost the love and thirst for knowledge along the way. I have simply restored it, along with the physical ability to pursue it."
Shoju began walking. "In my research of this citadel, I have come to find that it has a vast repository of scrolls in a fantastic library. I now have a librarian."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 14, 2011 14:22:05 GMT -5
"I see that now. You have a place for all of Rokugan in your eyes it seems." She would allow another smirk at the thought.
"It won't be long now before your forces are assembled and prepared for your orders, Shoju-sama. They are willing and eager to see what you have in store for the empire and your enemies." She hesitated a moment to look at the vast crew of lost starting to accumulate around Shiro Saisei.
She took the moment to continue speaking with him though, but her eyes kept scanning him to see if he grew tired of it. Tenshi did not wish to overextend herself and bore her master.
"If it would please you, Shoju-sama, I do not wish to become a member of the Spider clan, as I would prefer to remain under your order and your direction alone." She spoke sincerely, as she stood with him.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 15, 2011 10:34:05 GMT -5
"I have a place for anyone who shares my vision Tenshi-san. As a young man shortly after my Gempukku, I met the old man in the lands of what is now the Monkey Clan. Our paths crossed when I was investigating a group of bandits stealing from Scorpion Lands. He was purchasing the scrolls they would happen across and building his library." Shoju's face looked lost in a memory. He was the first to explain to me the secrets held guarded, and unknown. He explained to me that knowledge was the absolute power in the world."
"As for the forces, well..." Shoju thought for a moment. "I feel right now that Saisei is in dire need of fortification. The folley of many who have tried to unit the Shadowlands in some way shape or form, was the lack of fortifications. They felt that the Shadowlands itself would afford them the protection they needed. I too believed this." Shoju's expression turned sour. "It is a false sense of security. Saisei will not fall again as long as I am among the living." Shoju's expression returned to normal. "Once we have an adequate build up of force here in Saisei, I believe that we should begin more incursions towards the Scorpion. The problem of course, is the Crab stands between here and there."
Shoju gestured for Tenshi to walk alongside him, and began moving through the stairwells towards the top of the Citadel. As they walked, Shoju spoke. "Tenshi-san. I appreciate your unwavering devotion to me. I will not force you to do anything that would be against your will, as long as it doesn't go against my will." Shoju looked at her as they ascended the citadel. "I do believe that no one should take issue with your lack of official fealty to the Spider, as they will see that you serve me, and i serve the spider.
They reached the top floor of the Citadel, and a large opulent open chamber laid out in front of them. There were many places where the chamber gave way to open air verandas. There were meeting quarters, and sleeping chambers.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 15, 2011 10:58:28 GMT -5
Tenshi looked around a bit curiously at this top floor. Excellent viewpoint, strong fortifications, but she had the thought cross her mind who might stay in such opulent spaces in this defiled land.
Once they reached the top, Tenshi bowed to Shoju before leaving his side to simply roam the rooms. Her eyes continuing to wander as she seemed to be forming a visual memory in case it might be necessary to know the lay of the tower should it ever be assaulted. Truth be told there was no doubt in her mind that someone would try, it was just a question of how many and when.
Her hands gripped one of the frames that acted as an open passage for now between meeting rooms, as she leaned on it. The battle maiden only now seemed to realize how much time she'd been able to spend with Shoju alone, and it was when her curiosity started to prick her.
"It's the first time you've been able to breathe the free air in some sense of peace Shoju-sama.. Perhaps it's a little presumptuous of me in a place like this but.." She looked down in some shame at herself for being so gruff and discourteous. Her mind had been far too focused on combat to actually be a decent companion to the Maho Tsukai. Her sincerity at least had not fully left her. "Would you like to talk more over tea. I'm certain after that ritual your body could use some sustenance."
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