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 May 31, 2011 22:46:07 GMT -5
This is the Conclusion of the Threads of Destiny saga within the Crane lands (for the time being at least) and is immediately preceeded by Blood Oath and The Shokyaku stories.
"Asako Jinjutsu", Kakita Mitsouko, and Toku Hirotomo, having discovered a grave threat to Rokugan in the form of the mysterious oni that rendered Toku Sanjuro an amnesiac, reversed course to Kosaten Shiro to acquire supplies and reinforcements in the form of a Gunso's worth of Daidoji yarimen, a wagonful of Jade, and six shugenja summoned by Agasha Shodai, Void Master of the Phoenix Clan.
While in Kosaten Shiro, Kakita Mitsouko recieved a communication in the form of an old friend, Doji Mikado, that she has been chosen as the new Kakita Family Daimyo and was "officially" introduced to Agasha Shodai - whom had assumed the guise of "Asako Jinjutsu"; a guise Mitsouko had penetrated shortly after they'd met - during a tea ceremony where Mitsouko declared - in a private moment - a desire to use this opportunity to be reborn.
The events of this thread will begin approximately one week after Blood Oath and will prove to be a test - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - to all those involved. It will take place along the shores of the Three Sides River in two locations: the main battlefield where the river dumps into the Lake of Sorrows and the Oni's lair, a partially submerged cave approximately an hour north of the battlefield on horseback, where the summoner hides.
The Main Battle is open to any who wish to join the fight (PM first, please) but the fight in the Oni's lair will be limited.
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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 Jun 1, 2011 18:01:11 GMT -5
Two days ago, The Crane and the allies the Phoenix Void Master gathered had returned to Three Sides River where the valiant scouts, led by Daidoji Ryo, were tracking down the lair of the filthy oni. Now, when three different extra groups of Crane, two of them led by experienced Daidoji combatants that already had faced the Shadowlands reality, or studied with the Hida. The other was formed by six Asahina Shugenja. They were recruited to support the magic plan, entirely developed by the Phoenix allies, that was fundamental to a battle against the monster with less losses and minimum failure risk. They were afterall in the middle of the Empire, not in the wastes of the Shadowlands. The Crane clan and Phoenix Shugenja were merely waiting to know the exactly location of the monster. It took no longer as the scout used the time Mitsouko was in Kosaten Shiro to tirelessly scan the area. Soon Daidoji Ryo came to them in the Daidoji encampment with great news. The dusk was falling over the barracks We finally located the lair of that foul beast, Mitsouko-sama. It is far from where we first locate the remains of a group of sorcerers. Like I told you before, they were destroyed. We think there was a fight against two groups, for the remains we found there a month ago, but everybody was killed by the monster... but we know the monster dragged someone to the river with it. We just don't know if what he took was dead or alive in that time. The comment made Mitsouko to remember Sanjuro, and she exchanged glances to Hirotomo, but said nothing. Unfortunately, no one got news about his actual location yet. And now, they needed to focuse in a greater task, that would prevent anything worse to happen with the already weakened Empire. Yes, Ryo-san, that is important to remember. Not everybody present here was aware of this important facts. Where exactly is the hide of this beast? We locate it near the river dumps at southeast. I was there and I am sure the lair is near. The stench is unbearable and the place is ...changed, to say the minimum. As we planned, we returned to plan and lead the warriors to its den. Mitsouko turned to her friends, while Daidoji Ryo opened a map and traced the route to the local the oni had its lair. She recalled the plan to everyone there, in general lines: Like we said in Kosaten Shiro, Isawa-san will be our bait, and let me say it's very brave of you, Phoenix-san. Our spearmen will be prepared to surround the oni, when it appear, with their spears covered with this jade, like Jinjutsu san explained before. Our friends the Inquisitores will prepare the jade with their magic. We know the Asahina friends here will perform a spell to turn the water solid, so the oni will not dive or drag one of us to water when we face it. The shugenja will use some powerful spells to make jade rain over the beast. We believe the commander of the oni is on the lair of the monster, and we will enter there, while you face the oni outside. Once its master is dead, the oni will be weakened, and will be easier banish it to whatever you used to send it, as said the specialists here. All we need is that every of you do the exact thing we plan. Jinjutsu-san will lead the shugenja, I will be the voice to you bushi. You, Hirotomo-san, please...stand by my side. I need you next to me.
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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 Jun 2, 2011 11:41:09 GMT -5
Hirotomo nodded silently. This was it. He lightly fingered the jade powder his father gave him. He had taken his swords to be sharpened before the battle. He looked around. Some people may not be coming home. He took Sewing Needle and placed it around his side. He would use this weapon. He did not want to stain Fubuki with tainted blood. He listened to the plan. He knew little about tactics, but thankfully Mitsouko did. He changed into his cotton kimono. It was heavier. He felt the weight on his shoulders. It felt comfortable, like his gi back at the dojo.
"I'll be next to you cousin." Hirotomo said with a grin that he did not fully feel. Dying was not an issue for him. He would miss Rinko, but he did not want to attend any more funerals any time soon. As they started out, Hirotomo said a silent prayer to Toku-dono, for guidance and for strength. He very well may need both.
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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 Jun 2, 2011 12:39:19 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai/Asako Jinjutsu looked at the map that Daidoji Ryo had unrolled, taking in the markings from the various scouts that had tracked the foul beast over the past week. The oni's lair was situated at the mouth of the Three Sides River where it dumped into the Lake of Sorrows. Likely in a cave in the mountains that formed a barrier between the Scorpion and Lion Clan territories.
"I would recommend against broaching the beast near its den for two reasons, Mitsouko-san. One, because the corruption that it has spread will strengthen the oni's foul abilities as well risk infecting our men with Taint. And two, if we're near the den the Maho Tsukai that summoned the oni can reinforce his foul creation by attacking us directly: Void and Maho spells are a very powerful combination and, with the oni as well, could easily wipe us all out... If we had more than just myself and Tetsuro-san to provide defense against the Void magics, that'd be another story, but there's no way we would be able to protect EVERYONE."[/b]
Shodai looked at the scale of the map and then followed the river north until he found... "Here! This spot where the river bends northwest towards the Kitsu Tombs..."[/b] He tapped his index finger on the map. "It's where the river is thinnest and it's a good five or ten miles from the den. I suggest that we set up our oni-slaying task force here and have Tetsuro-san lure it up there: get it away from its base of power and its summoner. Once the oni is trapped, I can lead a small strike force into the heart of the beast's den."[/b]
Isawa Tetsuro nodded in agreement. "Ame, Inugami, and Agito have nearly finished the process of using their spells to infusing the Daidoji yari and armor with the Jade we were able to procure. They promise that it will be done before the morning. Given that, I would recommend that we start preparing our trap at sunrise: it will help us be able to see things without worrying about torches and such. Not to mention giving us an advantage in that the monster will already be tired from a night's hunt."[/b]
The two Phoenix shugenja looked to Kakita Mitsouko for her opinion.
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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 Jun 2, 2011 13:24:53 GMT -5
A further glance at the map Daidoji Ryo produced showed to Mitsouko the advices of Asako Jinjutsu were wise; the Daidoji veterans nodded their approval as well. Very well, dear allies of the Empire. We had our best option for the trap. I know we will resist time enough to… she hold up her speech when a small Daidoji warrior joined the barrack. He walked with some difficult, his head covered by straps and he showed signs of his quasi death. But Mitsouko was glad Jun survived. He bowed deeply. Daidoji Ryo presented him briefly, as the one who survived the oni. People looked at the young archer with curiosity. Need to tell us something, Jun? Sorry Mitsouko-sama, Ryo-san. I think it can be useful, or not, but the physician said I need to tell you… Somewhere when I was trying to reach the encampment and alert about the oni, I was severely hurt and… I started to sense things. I am glad Asako-san healed me, though. Some of them I remember. I was listening a voice near of me… of someone called Isshin… At first I thought it was a good voice, it seemed to ask for help, but then I noticed it was… crazy. I mean, like a child, talking senseless things; sometimes asking for help, sometimes saying…Jun grew embarrassed…shugenja things. Everybody in the barrack looked confused, Jun finished: It’s all. As soon as I knew you were to find its commander, the memories of it returned to my mind, sama. Mitsouko nodded: Thank you Jun-san. I am glad you are willing to help and much more you are recovering well. After a discreet nod of Daidoji Ryo, the physician helped the young bushi to leave, after the usual bow. Mitsouko turned to Sho-san: So, Asako-san, we have an useful information in it or it can be an effect of the fever and such?
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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 Jun 2, 2011 23:53:31 GMT -5
When Daidoji Jun - the young scout whose life Shodai had saved when they'd first discovered the presence of the Oni - mentioned the name Isshin, a soft sigh of regret escaped the Void Master as he bowed his head in a silent prayer for the soul of the young man Jun had named. He'd been hoping that the shugenja was either a known Maho Tsukai or one of the rare Ishiken-do students that existed outside of the Phoenix Clan...
But it was not meant to be... There was only one man in the current generation of Ishiken-do practicioners named Isshin: Isawa Isshin.
Shodai looked towards his first student; his eyes soft with comforting support that was unfortunately lost on the young man. The reaction of Isawa Tetsuro was heartbreaking to Agasha... His student's breath froze in his chest and became ragged, he clutched his eyes and gutteral moan escaped his lips as he dropped to his knees with a loud *POP*. "No~oo... Not Isshin!"[/b] Tetsuro doubled over and began to dry heave; nauseated at the Crane bushi's revelation.
The disguised Void Master knelt by his pupil and placed a comforting hand on Tetsuro's shoulder. He glanced up at Kakita Mitsouko, his eyes glistening with restrained tears. "I fear, Mitsouko-san, that it is all very useful..."[/b] He said with a sigh as unrestrained tears dribbled from Tetsuro as he attempted to come to grips with the emotional turmoil he was feeling.
"Jun-san here just described what happens when an Ishi student goes Void Happy... The Void is the very cornerstone of reality: everyone and everything is made from the four Elements and the Void binds them all in harmony together. But if an Ishi delves deeper into the Void than his mind can cope with it... It breaks - just like an egg dropped from a roof. It is a danger that a student in the first four Rings of instruction are subject to when they try something they haven't prepared themselves for."[/b]
He sighed. "Unfortunately, once a Ishi goes Void Happy, they present a severe danger to all around them... They lose their grip on what is real and the seemingly real 'unreal' of the World of the Void which overlaps Ningen-do. They lose their capacity for reason and discipline and will overreact with or without provocation... What's worse is they retain their ability to alter the Void. The only solution to Void Happiness is death... Preferably before the Ishi reshapes reality based off his insanity."[/b]
Shodai gripped Tetsuro's shoulder in a silent command to get a hold of himself and, to the young man's credit, he began to.
One of the Daidoji veterans looked confused. "So you know who is behind the Oni?"[/b]
The Void Master shook his head. "But that makes no sense... Neither Isawa Isshin nor his master Asako Ryuken possess knowledge of the Maho magics needed for Oni summoning nor should either have been capable of becoming Tainted enough in a month and a half to be CAPABLE of invoking the spell. There is something that isn't adding up here..."[/b] He muttered to himself as he tried to put the pieces together.
"Who in the name of the Kami Doji is this Isawa Isshin you keep mentioning?!"[/b] Daidoji Ryo demanded hotly.
"My brother..."[/b] Isawa Tetsuro gasped at last, rising to his feet to reveal red-rimmed eyes before turning away to walk towards the door. "My TWIN brother!"[/b]
Agasha Shodai rose to his feet. "Tetsuro!"[/b]
The young man shook his head without facing his Master. "You needn't say it, Sensei. I have witnessed Void Happiness before... I know that the man that was my brother is already dead and that we need to kill his body to eliminate the oni."[/b] Isawa Tetsuro looked over his shoulder. "I will do my duty and play my part, Master... Just promise me that you will do whatever it takes to bring peace to my brother's soul."[/b]
Shodai nodded once, his heart breaking for his student even as he felt a swell of pride that even in such dire circumstances Tetsuro was capable of severing his emotions. "You have my oath, Tetsuro."[/b]
The nineteen year-old Ishi then turned and exited the tent without another word.
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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 Jun 3, 2011 0:10:46 GMT -5
Hirotomo almost jumped out of his skin when the young man yelled. Void happy? Probably a shugenja thing that he would never understand. The young man was in pain. Hirotomo felt pangs of compassion for the man that lost his brother. He knew what that felt like. To have some mockery walking in his flesh though was a horror Hirotomo was glad he would never know.
He idly touched Sewing Needle. He just wanted this to be over. He really hated all this waiting. The longer he had to think, the more unsure he felt.
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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 Jun 3, 2011 9:32:47 GMT -5
Although Mitsouko was used to shugenja terms, because her mother and early years in Phoenix lands, most of the concept of Void was just enough for her. The reaction of the poor Tetsuro-san, though, was easily understood. When the Isawa shugenja left the barracks, she turned to the men gathered there: That's a possibility that Asako Ryuken and his student had been the group that faced the maho tsukai, if we consider the information our scouts got in their pit. Or, in a worst scenario, Isshin became...Void Happy, like you said, and caused to his group to be entrapped to the maho tsukai... Being him the invoker or a hostage of the oni, for the little I understood his unbalanced powers being used by the oni creates a greater threat to us right now. I think we will need extra care in our action, but Jinjutsu , please explain us better how it change the things; if it does. Can we resume to our first plan?
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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 Jun 3, 2011 23:13:12 GMT -5
Shodai nodded. "The initial plan remains sound, Mitsouko-san, provided that we make one or two adjustments. In the case of oni summoning, the summoner is always reduced to a slave of the monster to whom they surrender their name to - real names have great power, which is why an oni must be given one in order for their unholy birthing to be complete. That the shugenja is insane makes the beast's job of control easier, allowing for him to absorb the shugenja's powers more easily, but at the same time makes it harder to break down Isshin's soul to be come an Oni Lord."[/b]
Agasha stroked his chin through his mempo as he began to put the pieces together. "A Void Happy shugenja is easily confused if they are overwhelmed with constantly changing conditions: multiple attackers, differing spells, etc... That Isshin's senses will be connected to those of the Oni means that ambushing the demon and constantly harrying it will do that task for us nicely."[/b]
He paused for a moment. "It means that we can minimize the strike team that goes after the shugenja directly: three or four at most. I HAVE to be one of the ones to go... Not just because of my promise to Tetsuro, but that I am the only one with the skill of magic to counteract the worst he can throw at us. Tetsuro will be more than capable of leading the shugenja at the ambush site - if anything he'll now be even more focused on the fight. For the others, they need to be skilled bushi capable of thinking outside the box..."[/b]
"Joining me MUST be voluntary. Until I can see Isshin directly, I will not be able to gauge the magnitude of the threat he presents. The assault will not be as glorious as the main battle will be - it is little better than an execution, after all - and it could be even more dangerous than facing the Oni directly, but the outcome of the assault will determine the fate of all those that will be joining Tetsuro to attack the Isshin-no-oni."[/b]
The Void Master turned in a slow circle so that his emerald eye caught Toku Hirotomo's for a brief instant. The Monkey Clan samurai had impressed Agasha Shodai immensely during their brief sparring session with his no-holds-barred type fighting style; just the thing to confuse Isshin further.
If the boy volunteered, of course.
"Who will stand with me?"[/b]
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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 Jun 4, 2011 8:20:30 GMT -5
I will, of course. Eiji-san replaces me in the command of the oni siege when I am away.
Mitsouko said simply. The Daidoji experienced man nodded at her request.
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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 Jun 4, 2011 12:19:00 GMT -5
Hirotomo nodded once. "I will go as well." Hirotomo said quickly. He turned to Eiji. "Daidoji-san, please strike once for my Lord. Hirotomo looked to the servants a ways away. His armor would need time to don. "I will don my armor now, I shall return momentarily." Hirotomo did not want to think that this would be the first time he placed his armor on where someone was actually going to be trying to kill him. He wore heavy armor, and it always took a great deal of time to don properly. The servants of the Daidoji were more than familiar with helping with heavy armor though. His mempo, a screaming monkey's face, was in his hand when he returned. He was Kenku trained, and most people thought duelist with that training. He was trained with the Daidoji though, and his classmates showed him the value of thick armor. T
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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 Jun 6, 2011 11:29:42 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai smiled at Toku Hirotomo's exuberance. "I thank you for volunteering to join me, Hirotomo-kun, and I admire your spirit, but do not forget that we still have a night's rest ahead of us."[/b]
The Void Master turned to Kakita Mitsouko. "I am also honored to have you join me, Mitsouko-san. I'll have the Inquisitors prepare the gear for all three of us to ensure that we have everything we are likely to need."[/b]
Shodai looked around the tent. "I think we have done all we can for the evening. I recommend we call it an evening and then gather in the morning after first light to assemble our units and go over the final battle plan."[/b]
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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 Jun 6, 2011 15:17:13 GMT -5
Hirotomo did not really want to sleep, so he gave the Phoenix a sheepish smile. "Just getting ready Sho-san. I think I'll stand with the guards. Sleep is not going to come for me tonight." He was too anxious. All of the relaxing tasks he had been performing lately had made him a little soft. He would spend the night in contemplation and doing something useful. He was a little afraid of what sleep might bring. His armor made him more comfortable. His father drank strong tea on nights where sleep would be a hindrance. Perhaps the Crane would have some available.
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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 Jun 6, 2011 20:29:18 GMT -5
If you need me this night, just call me. Unless we join for a cup of sake later, to a bit of inspiration before the siege and victory tomorrow, I will be in my tent. I promise you everyone with the same difficult to sleep as me and Toku-san here will be able to share their stories and some bravado to the other’s amusement, or can be at your futon twitching all night long. kakita Mitsouko smiled at the men in the room, teasing the soldiers, and the Daidoji invited the Kakita daimyo, Hirotomo and the Phoenix allies for a comforting cup of sake before the long evening of waiting.
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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 Jun 6, 2011 23:37:33 GMT -5
Through his mempo, Agasha Shodai smiled slightly at the reminder of the telling difference between bushi and shugenja... Where bushi could get drunk and still be capable of battle with varying degrees of effectiveness, a shugenja's principal weapon was their mind and needed both to have sufficient rest and be without alcohol or risk rendering oneself completely ineffective... With the kami it was either success or failure; no half measures were permitted with magic.
But in this case, a few light drinks and sharing of some stories with those whom he would be putting his life on the line with would be unlikely to hurt anything.
The Void Master accepted one of the sake cups from the servants, which he raised in a toast. "I raise this cup to you, my brothers and sisters from different Clans, for that is what we will become during the battle that is upon our doorstep. We become an honorable family, bound by Bushido and Duty rather than whom our ancestors were, as we face a threat the likes of which none of you will have ever seen and I pray none of you will ever need face again."[/b]
Shodai raised his glass to eye level. "I am HONORED to stand with you all and look forward to celebrating our ultimate victory tomorrow evening!"[/b] He said, drinking the shot of sake in a single mouthful. "Kanpai!"[/b]
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