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 Mar 10, 2011 11:02:58 GMT -5
"I state this clearly now, I have no desire to harm Oronkohiro, and if you can assist my investigation I will help you back to him then." She made quite sure to keep him clear of any falling or otherwise dangerous debris. She seemed far less ferocious and far more delicate now as her demeanor changed like the storm around them.
"You assume as though I look upon this land with disgust but I simply do not know it, and likely never will. I do not see his blood magic as a corruption, but certainly have no skill or ability in regards to it. I fear it, because I know the stories all too well, and until today have never seen such... displays before now.
Your sense of honor and duty to him are no different to mine and my clan, but only differing in... values and tradition."
She sighed heavily, her eyes looking around briefly as she ensured again that they were quite secure. She was either mentally calming herself, or had far too much on her mind to rush things. Quietly it also seemed that she was checking to ensure no one else heard or saw either of them for the moment.
"I need to know in full why he slaughtered the yobanjin camp and left the ground desecrated as he did. I would like to know what it would be in his benefit to have done. It is the only reason I am here, and as soon as I know, I will leave peaceably."
Another pause and a breath as she glanced over at his dropped weapon, her eyes gently lidding briefly as she confessed in her mind the curiosity she always kept to herself. She was in no way single minded or bore any prejudice.
"And while I am curious of his ways and spells, my conviction drives me away from even looking upon such... twisting of life and death.
But for now, your answers will be all I need, Kijiro."
Bowing her head gently.
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Shinjo Roku
Unicorn Clan
Unicorn Clan * Samurai * Cavalry * Scout * Magistrate
Posts: 43
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Post by Shinjo Roku on Mar 10, 2011 14:22:33 GMT -5
Suddenly Roku felt someone picking him up. He lookedup at her and realized it was the shiotome. He tried to protest but...
Darkness
He opened his eyes and realized he was moving. Fast. He looked down to see the Battle Maiden's horse. Damn it... now I'm gonna have to go back and save her... Pain shot up from his shoulder. Maybe not right now... And Roku slipped back to unconsciousness.
(OCC: Roku is just gonna keep slipping in and out of consciousness, so I'll just stop posting until someone or something encounters him)
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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 Mar 10, 2011 14:50:24 GMT -5
Kenpachi heard the galloping of a horse as his ono went into the door. The Emerald Magistrate came on the back of the Unicorn's horse. This was not a good omen. He ran back into the hall. He had to get the others out, the Magistrate looked wounded, but what of the others? He'd find the ronin again. With a contengent of Jade Legonaires next time.
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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 Mar 10, 2011 15:05:53 GMT -5
Haruka heard the sound of the approaching footsteps, unsure if it were friend or foe she had to move Kijiro again lest they slay her or him before their transaction was complete.
She fled to the wreckage that was the gap between the city's walls, hoping it would buy them enough time for now. She even took the time to take out a spare cloth from her armor to gently wrap his burned hands in, while she looked on him and at his armor and awaited her answers if any.
If not she would be ready to move him to find Oronkohiro, or wait for him to return if that was the case.
Roku
The horse would not stop for Kenpachi, the rider barely maintaining consciousness as the lashings of rope were clearly the only thing that helped the Unicorn stay atop the stallion. The beast clearly retreated back towards the safety of the crab lands, and the focus in his eyes showed he would deliver him to safe hands before resting. His horse came to his side, terrified and bucking wildly. Adamant to leave this wretched place.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 10, 2011 15:27:49 GMT -5
"I can tell you that the new order in the Shadowlands is looking to defend itself. For that, it needs an army. Sadly, that is of short supply here in the Shadowlands, and one has been created whenever possible. The corruption of the land is an unfortunate byproduct of this. After it is corrupted, Oronkohiro has set about razing the land with a fire that consume all life in the area. It serves to stop the corruption from spreading."
Kijiro coughed as they repositioned in the wreckage of the walls.
"The new order in the Shadowlands has deep roots. So far, I have yet to see anything that would lead me to believe that they are planning an invasion of Rokugan. In the City of the Lost to the west of here, there is a culture of the lost with more honor than I have seen in some seedier reaches of Rokugan." The healing salve was helping, and Kijiro was able to move with less noticeable pain. "As for why slaughter the Yobanjin? I can't speak for his motives in that battle, but I know that he regards this Empire as his for protecting still. I assume that he was fighting the Yobanjin for the same reason that the great clans do."
Kijiro could see the Monkey coming out of the ruined building. "The Monkey lives. Signal for him. Let him know that you survived." Kijiro leaned against the wall, and closed his eyes for a moment.
Oronkohiro
The fortress of Shiro Saesei was in ruins. What had taken his followers months to prepare, fortify and begin to build had taken the Scorpion mere hours to bring down. Thankfully, the Forge was saved. Oronkohiro stepped inside, and bent a fire kami to stoke the coals of the Forge. The heat would help, and the fire would illuminate his surroundings. Once Oronkohiro had this building secure, he would investigate the surroundings, and send word to the City of the Lost. His time as a commander of a legion was behind him. All he wanted now was to find his men.
He held the katana up, and it glowed. He was able to connect with the Archer and Tinishi. They were well on their way to the City of the Lost. He couldn't find a connection to Minturo. Kijiro was wounded, and close by.
"Hopefully I can reach him in time." Oronkohiro murmured to no one. With the fire sufficiently stoked, he exited the forge, and began looking for Kijiro.
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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 Mar 10, 2011 15:50:14 GMT -5
Haruka quickly ran out to meet with Kenpachi through the smoking cover of the ruins, if only from a shouting distance. "Don't worry about me, I've got to fetch the two other horses, I'll be right behind you!"
She waved her arms a fair bit as she knew the beast would urge him on his way out. Her ears caught the feel of the distant flame as she suspected something, she would finish out her duty and return as promised. She wanted to know as much as she could find before she returned as the plot was less about an invasion and more about a reformation. This could prove most valuable in the right hands.
She retreated back once she heard the horse ride off back to Kijiro's side as again she picked him up. "I apologize for my... rather blunt assistance, but you will only hasten your wounds if you move much on your own. I suspect Oronkohiro has not gone too far. I felt the kami shifting, if only a little near the only building left in this place."
She carried him through cover so that at most only her shaded silhouette showed through the smoke and dust, as she headed for the forge. Gently pushing through the back door which was half broken, she sat him on the wall for now as she resealed it, turning to gaze fully now on Oronkohiro, stirring up a new fire as she'd felt. "My apologies for the crudeness of my entry Oronkohiro, but Kijiro has promised me you would answer a few questions if you had a moment. I would like to know more then be on my way. In return I've brought him to you, alive as I promised." Her eyes bowed a bit as her mind drifted back to the scorpion that had died, but forced herself to focus on the matter at hand.
"But I understand if you've nothing to share, and I shall see myself out..." Appearing somewhat unnerved by the company as she glanced towards the door in consideration.
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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 Mar 10, 2011 16:27:47 GMT -5
"Good! Grab Bayushi-san on you way out!" Kenpachi yelled and chased after the Emerald Magistrate. The Utaku steed was very fast, but Kenpachi chased him and after quite awhile finally caught up to him. "Easy, uh horse-san." Kenpachi said to the Utaku Battle Steed. "I need to check his wounds." Kenpachi checked over the wounds, not fatal but he would not be able to fight until healed. "This is going to sting like hell, but you don't want the taint." Kenpachi smeared some healing herbs into the wounds, and sprinkled ground up jade over it. "You know horse-san," Kenpachi said looking back at the ruins of the encampment. "I really hope that took the ronin."
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Post by Shoju on Mar 11, 2011 9:38:18 GMT -5
Oronkohiro was caught off guard. The Battle Maiden had saved Kijiro, and had brought him back. Now, she wanted answers.
"Apology accepted Utaku-san." Oronkohiro walked over to Kijiro, and looked him over. "You have given him assistance in recovering from his wounds, and you have saved his life. Curious circumstances we find ourselves in. My once budding fortress turned to rubble by that blasted Scorpion, and now I find you showing courtesy, honor, and compassion to Kijiro."
Oronkohiro rubbed his chin, and deliberated for a moment. "Yes Utaku Haruka. I will answer your questions." Oronkohiro walked over to a low table, and seated himself at it.
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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 Mar 11, 2011 11:18:45 GMT -5
Haruka showed no desire to stay idle for the moment unless this conversation grew long. So for now she declined to sit, keeping the door a viable option in case things went to hell quickly. She certainly couldn't trust him regardless of the efforts she put forth.
"I would have rather not had things had gone the way they did in all truth and honesty, but I'm afraid I had no choice when I felt I could not be safe in such, company. But I'm hoping this gesture of compassion will show you that I'm not as quick to judge as most from the great clan lands. I come seeking knowledge and knowledge alone."
Her arms shifted in her armor as she folded them for the moment, leaning a bit against the wall. The blood of his former minion, Minturo, dripping silently down to the floor as it could not cling to her armor to stain it heavily.
"I do not wish to be spared any detail of the full extent of your intent. Surely what I need to know is most vital though and I will ask the same question I did to Kijiro."
She breathed deeply in a pause, trying to show some restraint as she kept things to business. The pinging of the death still ringing in her chest though for now, and it would be until she brought the ashes to Bayushi Senshi after this mission.
"I need to know in full why he slaughtered the yobanjin camp and left the ground desecrated as he did. I would like to know what it would be in his benefit to have done. Kijiro..." Glancing over at the man resting in relative unease but still alive. "Has spoken to me of accumulating forces for self protection, and actually working to assist the major clans in their conflict against the Yobanjin. Even burning the ground that was inevitably desecrated by your magic."
In a strange motion she reached up with one of her gloved hands and brushed the hairs from her face, as if her eyes seeing him clearly would reveal something more of him. But her gaze was focused, but otherwise unhindered by emotion. Her skin being exceptionally fair in such desolate conditions, it was almost its own relief to look on her.
"I have no reason to disbelieve Kijiro, but I do wish to hear it from you yourself and pose a further question. Why do the shadowlands need an army? If not to attack Rokugan, then surely there must be another more urgent task upon you to reach out as much as you have and draw so much attention on yourself."
Her words were piercing but not harmful, and she never flinched once while looking on Oronkohiro. It quietly sounded as though the other two horses had picked up on their speaking as she heard them pacing around outside the building before settling down and waiting on her.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 11, 2011 13:45:44 GMT -5
"I would ask you to sit, but I can understand why you have already chosen to stand." Oronkohiro motioned to a place where she could sit if she felt the need. "My business in the Unicorn Lands then eh? Well, let me lay the grand picture for you." Oronkohiro slid debris from the table, and began to weave a spell over the table. Soon, it was shimmering, as though it were a portal to look down through. Oronkohiro began to narrate the images it showed.
"Here in the Shadowlands, things have changed. While there are still horrid monstrosities to be found, Things are not the way they were when Junzo commanded the armies. They aren't the way they were when Yori took hold afterwards. There is a new leader of the Shadowlands. One with a more single purpose." Flashes and faint images of a tall man, with long flowing white hair and a mask shadowed by a fair skinned dark haired woman flittered by.
"This leader is uniting the Lost. Not the Oni, and not many of the other creatures. Some of those races have been permitted access to his order, but mainly, this is an order of those who would be deemed tainted, lost, or corrupted by the rest of Rokugan, and some, who aren't. This order seeks stability, and order in a land too often known for having none." Oronkohiro waved his hand, and the images changed. They were of the battles against the Yobanjin.
"We do not seek an open quarrel with the great clans. Many, wish to be viewed as equals. We are working to obtain this. Part of the reason I went to war against the Yobanjin invasion, was because it is a threat to Rokugan. My duty, and the Lord to which I serve, are both in agreement on this. This is my empire as much as it is yours, and we will defend it with the love, and duty that any member of any clan would."
Oronkohiro waved his hand. The Yobanjin battle was over, and the images were of the Yobanjin ambush. "We were taken by surprise by the ambush. They were coming in search of a prisoner that I took. That battle was fierce, but in the end we were victorious. The battle and the subsequent deaths of the Yobanjin offered a great opportunity to sieze more reinforcements for our cause. Our armies are not as large as others, and the reanimation of the dead serves to bolster our ranks, who in turn secure our interests."
The images changed again, and now they were of Oronkohiro setting the ground ablaze. "The sacrifices that I, and those who follow me have to make to ready such a large group of undead can bleed the ground, corrupting it, and tainting it. In an effort to halt this corruption, and stop the taint from spreading, I cleansed the area of all living things." Oronkohiro nodded, as if he could hear the Unicorn's thoughts. "Yes. the ground looks desecrated now, and for that, you do have my apologies. Give it time, and the Kami will repair the damage done. You will over time, never know that the land had been desecrated. This is the purpose of the fire."
Images flew by of Oronkohiro's dealings with Keiko in Scorpion Lands, the fealty of Kijiro, and treck back to this place, and the beginning of the construction of Shiro Saesei. "One thing is true. Our ways our very different from that of the great clans. We embrace the gift of Fu Leng, and Maho. These are our instruments. But know this. I, and those I serve seek no fight with the great clans. Why do we need an army you ask? The answer is simple. Why do the Crab need an army? Why do the Unicorn need an army? For the defense of their beliefs, their land, and ultimately, the defense of the Empire."
Oronkohiro waved his hand again, and the spell was gone. "Like I said before, we seek no quarrel with the great clans, but remember, I also said that this is not an inclusive movement within the shadowlands. The Crab are not the only thing in the Shadowlands that would serve to crush me under its foot without a thought about it. Without an army, the order would be shattered in an instant."
"Now, before you respond to what I have shown you, and said to you, I have several questions of my own. Chiefly, where is the Scorpion? I see in you a desire to understand. In the Scorpion I saw only the desire to destroy. He thinks me a traitor. And to him, and the Scorpion, I am. I chose a path I did not understand, and for that, I will always be held in contempt. It is the nature of my rebirth to this new life. Ultimately I wished that I could make him listen, but his headiness and strong will, present a great challenge to me." Oronkohiro looked at the Samurai-ko's armor and sighed. "I believe your armor answers my next question. Minutro has been slain." Oronkohiro hung his head, and quietly whispered "I am terribly sorry old friend."
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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 Mar 11, 2011 20:31:29 GMT -5
Haruka swallowed a bit deeply as she stilled herself. "Kijiro had seen to his death. However you needn't worry of abusing his corpse as he has already rendered it out of your grasp. And now I have the duty of returning to their lands, and informing his brother of what has conspired here."
The truth kicking her in the side as she visibly flinched from the impending encounter. She picked her head up, as she seemed to have let the grief go saying it now.
"But otherwise I feel have lingered a bit too long. I must return." Her head bowed lightly to him and Kijiro. "Your words will be taken all across the land after I report to both my lord, and then the Scorpion's. I will see that your words are made into a script that shall begin circulating through the lands. If all you say is true..."
She came off the wall, eyes lowering to the ground and the small flicker of fire still lapping at the wet air.
"Perhaps a proper envoy shall be sent to meet your lord. Unfortunately there is so much fear, it may take a long while. I would return myself but I am no courtier, nor true representative of any clan. I for now am merely duty bound to these words.
I cannot make any promises at all for now but..." Her head picking up in a noble fashion. "I will try to spread this news and see if perhaps a better future for us all could come of it. Perhaps something can be made from the darkness after all."
She laughed a bit to herself. "I am just a samurai-ko for now but, I would hope for a day when the allies of Rokugan can stand together. The more of Rokugan standing against the Yobanjin, the less the brothers and sisters of this realm need perish."
She seemed to move on momentum as she went out and left the door ajar. Mounting up on Roku's steed and keeping the last remaining horse's reins in her grip to guide him back out of the Shadowlands, they could see her rear and give a sort of salute of goodwill as the march of their hooves cut through the land. The focused look on her face as she caught up to Kenpachi and Roku, so many thoughts on her heart.
...No one would listen to me though, it is a fool's hope to think that anything more could come from this. He could be lying, but I want to believe... I should have killed that shinobi... I should have avenged him....
It was in that moment that Kijiro would regard the bottle of salve that was given to him. Unknown to both the battle maiden and himself a few drops of blood from Minutro had fallen in the salve he'd injested...
Karma is a funny thing.
Stopping only briefly to reaffirm Roku in the saddle of her steed she'd help guide them both out of the Shadowlands having gained a little bearing for now until they would shift in due time. The fresh air and grasses greeting the horses senses once again. But as soon as they were clear into Crab territory Haruka took Roku off and at least bandaged his wounds.
"Toku Kenpachi-san," as obviously the additional horse gave a grave truth. "he didn't make it back. I will inform the Scorpion of his death. I will... deliver the news myself."
She stood firmly with that relentless focus in her face and eyes. "I have much to do, I would only ask that you see to Shinjo Roku-san until he is fit to ride home. Our duty is done for now. Shiro Seisai is a ruin."
She seemed almost grim, but considering the news she would have to bear to the Scorpion Champion himself, any other samurai would be considering their words most carefully. She would only pause atop her stallion for a moment for Kenpachi to affirm if he would assist her in this way for now. The stallion's legs eagerly pawing at the ground.
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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 Mar 11, 2011 20:50:18 GMT -5
"Duty." Kenpachi repeated softly. "It will be done when all the Shadowlands lie in ruin." Kenpachi looked over at Shinjo Roku-san. "I will take him back to Castle Hiruma. He's not in danger, but he is not fit to return home at the moment." Kenpachi turned to the ruins and prayed softly. "Thank you, Bayushi-sama. Your service to the Empire will be spoken of with reverence as long as I have breath. I wish i could have gotten to know you better." Kenpachi turned to Utaku-san. "We both have much to do. It was an honor to ride with you Utaku-san."
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Post by Shoju on Mar 12, 2011 8:56:45 GMT -5
Kijiro slipped into a deep sleep, Oronkohiro notice the healing salve, and its unfortunate corruption. There would be no releasing Kijiro from his duty now. Kijiro was marked. With Minturo slain, the archer and Tinishi in the City of the Lost, and Shiro Saesei in ruins, Oronkohiro found enough to make Kijiro comfortable, and then sat down at the table again. From the Scroll case, He produced several pieces of blank paper and opened his Sumi-E set. Oronkohiro thought and wrote through the night. IN the morning, Kijiro awoke and found he had been tainted. He knew immediately how it had happened, and lamented. Was it purposeful, or not would be the unanswered question.
"Good morning Kijiro-sama. I trust you slept well. We have much to accomplish, but for now you need your rest. " Oronkohiro pointed at the forge, and the 2 pans hanging close enough to cook. "Rice and Tea. eat, and I will return this evening".
Oronkohiro rode to Kyuden Hida. When the guards prepared to attack, he bowed low, and placed 3 small scroll cases on the ground. One with a Scorpion Seal, One with a Unicorn Seal, and one with a Monkey seal.
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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 Mar 12, 2011 12:06:13 GMT -5
Needless to say the guards of Kyuden Hida were perplexed at how he had managed to avoid being fired upon by the Hiruma scouts. Anything that moved out of the shadowlands was an automatic target, even their own scouts by accident from time to time.
One of the guards furrowing his brow at Oronkohiro, "What is the meaning of this!? We'll take these scrolls off you, and burn them and your tainted flesh for your trouble!"
The guard's tone was obviously quite aggressive. The situation was a bit out of place considering the nature of where he'd come from, and now daring to walk straight up to Kyuden Hida. Gripping his weapon Oronkohiro could feel the guard's breath beating down on him judgingly, there was no tolerance for his kind and he'd taken an exceptional risk by coming here.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 12, 2011 13:53:33 GMT -5
Oronkohiro simply bowed again, and replied "These scrolls are letters. You can deliver them or burn them if you wish. they are to the champions of the respective clans whose seal they bear. Have them inspected by the Kuni if you wish. They are quite free of taint."
With the scrolls delivered, Oronkohiro turned around and began to walk away
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