Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
3.107
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Sit with Asako Akio
Asako Akio is making a genuine offer, not a command. It's obvious to you in the tone of his voice. You could decline, if you wished. After all, you did journey away from the camp to be alone for a while. No one would begrudge you for having some peace and quiet after all chaos of the last few weeks.
But while it wouldn't be rude, it doesn't sit well with you to deny Asako Akio when he is being so polite. In fact, your every encounter with the man has been a cordial one, and you see no reason to change that now. It would be a shame to break away from what small precedent you have in your interactions with the Elemental Master.
So, after giving a bow, you walk over to where he sits. It is surprisingly warm as you settle on the opposite side facing him, sheltered by the rocky outcropping. It reminds you of nothing so much as a hearth's fire, bringing comfort and staving off the cold. Indeed, sitting close to Asako Akio you feel the ever-present chill of the north fade away
For several moments you sit in companionable silence, simply enjoying the night. The moon is but a sliver, so the stars are shining brightly in the inky blackness that makes up the sky. They create a grand tapestry, and you take a moment to make shapes in your mind by connecting them together.
Granted, you don't have any actual knowledge of the constellations beyond the basics, but it is an entertaining exercise none-the-less. It's something you haven't done since you were very young, and the memory almost brings a smile to your lips. You restrain yourself, of course, for even in this informal setting you are with someone of superior status. A certain amount of decorum is expected.
But even still, the stargazing puts you more at ease.
"Was it a surprise to see me here?" Asako Akio asks after several minutes. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I've been attempting to stay out of the way." He chuckles. "I wouldn't wish to detract from Kitsuki Ryojiro-san's authority, after all."
"I haven't seen you before now, Asako-sama," you admit. "But I suspected you might be within the army somewhere."
"Oh? And why is that?" he asks.
You pause a moment, searching for the proper words. "Please forgive my presumption, Asako-sama," you finally say. "But Moto Shinichiro was your friend, wasn't he? If so, then it would only make sense that would become involved in this matter in some way."
"Yes," Asako Akio says softly. A small, sad smile graces his face as he considers your words. "I suppose that is true."
The silence returns, and you make no attempt to break it. It is not a heavy quiet, overpowering and smothering. Instead it is like a gentle blanket, a fragile thing that might tear at the slightest movement. You've no wish to destroy such a thing with clumsy questions.
You take a moment to observe the Elemental Master. His hair is white, but his isn't the face of an elderly man. He can't be any older than your father, by your best estimate. This makes sense with what stories you've heard. Asako Akio was always the youngest of the Heroes of Otosan-Uchi.
And yet his eyes… Asako Akio's eyes speak of an age that belies his youthful features. Those eyes have seen much more than his years would imply, and it has marked him. You know this with a certainty that goes down to your bones. He has become a legend in his own time, and the experience has left scars beyond the merely physical.
"Shinichiro was a dear friend of mine," Asako Akio says at last. "We experienced much together, and suffered through many trials. Along with Zhuge and Takano, I have never been closer to anyone else outside my own Clan and family."
"Then…" you begin, trying to find a way to ask this tactfully. You give up on that after a moment's reflection. This question isn't one that can be asked with subtlety, at least not with your skill. So you aim, instead, for brevity. "Then would you be here for closure?"
"I'll admit I suspected a remnant of him might have survived past the end of the conflict, and that it was possibly behind the bandit troubles along the Dragon-Unicorn border," Asako Akio says. "It's why I used the excuse of transferring the Yotsu Family from the former Ox Clan lands to their new holdings so I might have reason to come to Shiro Kitsuki."
"An excuse, Asako-sama?" you ask. "I'm not sure I understand."
"That was perhaps poor phrasing on my part," he replies, grinning ruefully. "That is certainly an important matter, for the Dragon were promised the land after the Yotsu had built their own proper holdings in Phoenix territory. It's just…" He sighs. "I wish to see if anything is left of my old friend. He held so much resentment and anger he never spoke with us about. Is he driven by that still and must be destroyed again, or could this shadow of him be swayed to a different path?" He shakes his head. "I'll never know unless I find out for myself."
[] Respond or ask a question. (Write in.)
[] Remain silent.
Asako Akio is making a genuine offer, not a command. It's obvious to you in the tone of his voice. You could decline, if you wished. After all, you did journey away from the camp to be alone for a while. No one would begrudge you for having some peace and quiet after all chaos of the last few weeks.
But while it wouldn't be rude, it doesn't sit well with you to deny Asako Akio when he is being so polite. In fact, your every encounter with the man has been a cordial one, and you see no reason to change that now. It would be a shame to break away from what small precedent you have in your interactions with the Elemental Master.
So, after giving a bow, you walk over to where he sits. It is surprisingly warm as you settle on the opposite side facing him, sheltered by the rocky outcropping. It reminds you of nothing so much as a hearth's fire, bringing comfort and staving off the cold. Indeed, sitting close to Asako Akio you feel the ever-present chill of the north fade away
For several moments you sit in companionable silence, simply enjoying the night. The moon is but a sliver, so the stars are shining brightly in the inky blackness that makes up the sky. They create a grand tapestry, and you take a moment to make shapes in your mind by connecting them together.
Granted, you don't have any actual knowledge of the constellations beyond the basics, but it is an entertaining exercise none-the-less. It's something you haven't done since you were very young, and the memory almost brings a smile to your lips. You restrain yourself, of course, for even in this informal setting you are with someone of superior status. A certain amount of decorum is expected.
But even still, the stargazing puts you more at ease.
"Was it a surprise to see me here?" Asako Akio asks after several minutes. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I've been attempting to stay out of the way." He chuckles. "I wouldn't wish to detract from Kitsuki Ryojiro-san's authority, after all."
"I haven't seen you before now, Asako-sama," you admit. "But I suspected you might be within the army somewhere."
"Oh? And why is that?" he asks.
You pause a moment, searching for the proper words. "Please forgive my presumption, Asako-sama," you finally say. "But Moto Shinichiro was your friend, wasn't he? If so, then it would only make sense that would become involved in this matter in some way."
"Yes," Asako Akio says softly. A small, sad smile graces his face as he considers your words. "I suppose that is true."
The silence returns, and you make no attempt to break it. It is not a heavy quiet, overpowering and smothering. Instead it is like a gentle blanket, a fragile thing that might tear at the slightest movement. You've no wish to destroy such a thing with clumsy questions.
You take a moment to observe the Elemental Master. His hair is white, but his isn't the face of an elderly man. He can't be any older than your father, by your best estimate. This makes sense with what stories you've heard. Asako Akio was always the youngest of the Heroes of Otosan-Uchi.
And yet his eyes… Asako Akio's eyes speak of an age that belies his youthful features. Those eyes have seen much more than his years would imply, and it has marked him. You know this with a certainty that goes down to your bones. He has become a legend in his own time, and the experience has left scars beyond the merely physical.
"Shinichiro was a dear friend of mine," Asako Akio says at last. "We experienced much together, and suffered through many trials. Along with Zhuge and Takano, I have never been closer to anyone else outside my own Clan and family."
"Then…" you begin, trying to find a way to ask this tactfully. You give up on that after a moment's reflection. This question isn't one that can be asked with subtlety, at least not with your skill. So you aim, instead, for brevity. "Then would you be here for closure?"
"I'll admit I suspected a remnant of him might have survived past the end of the conflict, and that it was possibly behind the bandit troubles along the Dragon-Unicorn border," Asako Akio says. "It's why I used the excuse of transferring the Yotsu Family from the former Ox Clan lands to their new holdings so I might have reason to come to Shiro Kitsuki."
"An excuse, Asako-sama?" you ask. "I'm not sure I understand."
"That was perhaps poor phrasing on my part," he replies, grinning ruefully. "That is certainly an important matter, for the Dragon were promised the land after the Yotsu had built their own proper holdings in Phoenix territory. It's just…" He sighs. "I wish to see if anything is left of my old friend. He held so much resentment and anger he never spoke with us about. Is he driven by that still and must be destroyed again, or could this shadow of him be swayed to a different path?" He shakes his head. "I'll never know unless I find out for myself."
[] Respond or ask a question. (Write in.)
[] Remain silent.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
In OTL, at one point a clone from the Egg of P'an Ku served honorably (if secretly) as the Lion Clan Champion. It's entirely possible that the clone can function as any other man - including the possibility of being swayed.
Unfortunately for Asako Akio, I don't think there's any way to make up for the reign of terror that he waged through the Dragon lands, or the dishonor he dealt to the Unicorn. This is the sort of thing that gets people killed in Rokugan even when they are entirely honorable, and acting from the best of intentions.
Happily, though, that's not really our problem. Or... no... it might be best to have some of these things thought out beforehand.
[]"Asako-sama, forgive me, but even if he could be swayed, would it matter? He did terrible things in his madness. I do not think the Dragon or the Unicorn will forgive him for them, and now we march against one who is his exact likeness with an army. Even if this shadow could be swayed, I find it hard to imagine that Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama would be willing to let him live."
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- Location
- Austrlia
[X]"I understand, Asako-sama. You wish to save your friend. However.... Even if you can bring this version of him back to the Light of Heaven, what then? Given the past, well, I'm not sure what could be done. The best I can see is your old friend getting a chance at an honorable death, nothing to be sneered at, but..."
I think that's a... smoother version. Good ideas, @Sirrocco
I think that's a... smoother version. Good ideas, @Sirrocco
Night
Widow Null
- Location
- Hoff
Attempting to respond as a Crab would, considering Crab have institutional experience with lost friends. And Lost friends.
[x] "Asako-sama, forgive my presumption, but...the man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend. The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered. Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well. Please be cautious."
[x] "Asako-sama, forgive my presumption, but...the man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend. The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered. Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well. Please be cautious."
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
Maybe we can combine them?
[X]"I understand, Asako-sama. You wish to save your friend. However....Forgive my presumption, but the man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend. The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered. Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well. Please be cautious. And, even if you can bring this version of him back to the Light of Heaven, what then? Given the past, well, I'm not sure what could be done. The best I can see is a semblance of your old friend getting a chance at an honorable death, nothing to be sneered at, but..."
[X]"I understand, Asako-sama. You wish to save your friend. However....Forgive my presumption, but the man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend. The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered. Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well. Please be cautious. And, even if you can bring this version of him back to the Light of Heaven, what then? Given the past, well, I'm not sure what could be done. The best I can see is a semblance of your old friend getting a chance at an honorable death, nothing to be sneered at, but..."
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IonicTiger
Extremely bewildered sailing vessel.
- Location
- Take a left at Albuquerque
[X]Night.
- Location
- Austrlia
Sorry, @GilliamYaeger, I think it's a bit too much. I'll stick with Night's.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X]Night.
3.108
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X]Night.
You have been taking care just how exactly you look at Asako Akio, for he is of greater status and you do not wish to cause insult. However, it is obvious even with the care you are taking that this matter is one the man cares deeply about. The man is older than you, and has done as much as the greatest of heroes in service to the Empire, and yet he seems so small as he sits looking down at his hands.
This man is a legend, and yet he confides with you these incredibly personal feelings. You have no idea why he has decided to do such a thing, but you feel you must respond to his concerns. This matter in which he speaks is something you and your Clan has dealt with all too often, and you know the perils involved with such thinking.
For a brief moment your thoughts turn to Shasa, and for once nausea does not overcome you. Instead, you simply exhale as the bitter feeling of remorse gently fills your chest. Had she been a Maho-tsukai in truth? Did it really matter, considering her sacrifice? In many ways a Samurai is defined not so much in how they live, but in how they meet their end. If this is truly the case, then Shasa died a hero regardless of her life.
But you do not believe you can say the same for Moto Shinichiro, or anything spawned from his works.
"Asako-sama, forgive my presumption, but..." you begin, choosing your words carefully. "The man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend."
"That may be true," Asako Akio whispers. If he is at all offended, it does not show on his face. "But the creations of the Egg of P'an Ku… The artifact made perfect copies, both in body and mind. Surely there is something left of the nobility Shinichiro showed so often as we traveled together?"
"The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered," you say, keeping your voice soft. This is a delicate subject, for all that you are telling Asako Akio what you feel he needs to hear. "Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well." You lean forward. "Please be cautious."
The Elemental Master sighs before steepling his fingers and leaning his forehead into them. The seconds stretch as he sits there, his gaze buried by his hands. You don't say anything, leaving the man to his thoughts. You've no wish to intrude on something so personal, no matter how clear the answer may seem to you. The Crab are gifted of a singular clarity born of long experience, and you must be patient as even the most worldly amongst the other Clans hesitate over such considerations.
"I fear you are probably correct, Hiruma-san," he says at last. "And that my hopes may be the wishes of a man longing to see a dear friend once again." He looks up, and the sorrow in his smile reveals deep wounds long since scarred over bleeding freely once more. "I suppose I shall have to take your advice and be careful in the days to come. If this duplicate must be destroyed…" He exhales, and as he clenches his fists you swear the temperature increases just a little. "Well, I can manage such things if I must."
You nod, and open your mouth to give as much encouragement as is appropriate considering the vast different in your stations. Before you can do so, however, you overhear commotion back toward the camp. You look over your shoulder to see several dark shapes conversing with the sentries.
Your night vision is quite good at this point, and even despite the difference you can make out the figures with some clarity. They are men in worn, if well cared for, armor carrying spears in hand and daisho at their hips. That marks them as Samurai, though you don't notice any Mons, and thus people worthy of attention. Perhaps they are Ronin?
The only thing that casts doubts on that assumption are the horses each figure is riding upon. They are large and powerful, far more impressive than the ponies you have ridden upon throughout your life. These are beasts that can run like the wind and maintain that pace at distances that would no doubt kill any lesser horse.
Such an animal would surely only be in its element when exerting itself in some manner, and yet these horses maintain perfect stillness. If these warriors truly are Ronin, then you have no idea where they could have gotten such grand steeds.
[] Investigate the disturbance.
[] Remain seated.
[] Write in.
You have been taking care just how exactly you look at Asako Akio, for he is of greater status and you do not wish to cause insult. However, it is obvious even with the care you are taking that this matter is one the man cares deeply about. The man is older than you, and has done as much as the greatest of heroes in service to the Empire, and yet he seems so small as he sits looking down at his hands.
This man is a legend, and yet he confides with you these incredibly personal feelings. You have no idea why he has decided to do such a thing, but you feel you must respond to his concerns. This matter in which he speaks is something you and your Clan has dealt with all too often, and you know the perils involved with such thinking.
For a brief moment your thoughts turn to Shasa, and for once nausea does not overcome you. Instead, you simply exhale as the bitter feeling of remorse gently fills your chest. Had she been a Maho-tsukai in truth? Did it really matter, considering her sacrifice? In many ways a Samurai is defined not so much in how they live, but in how they meet their end. If this is truly the case, then Shasa died a hero regardless of her life.
But you do not believe you can say the same for Moto Shinichiro, or anything spawned from his works.
"Asako-sama, forgive my presumption, but..." you begin, choosing your words carefully. "The man we march to meet is not truly Moto Shinichiro. He was born of the darkness and it is all he has ever truly known, unlike your friend."
"That may be true," Asako Akio whispers. If he is at all offended, it does not show on his face. "But the creations of the Egg of P'an Ku… The artifact made perfect copies, both in body and mind. Surely there is something left of the nobility Shinichiro showed so often as we traveled together?"
"The path that has forced Kitsuki Ryojiro-sama to march for his destruction is the only path this man has ever known, the only path he appears to have ever considered," you say, keeping your voice soft. This is a delicate subject, for all that you are telling Asako Akio what you feel he needs to hear. "Your wish to save your friend does you credit, but those around us may not understand considering his acts. The man who looks like him may understand your wishes too well." You lean forward. "Please be cautious."
The Elemental Master sighs before steepling his fingers and leaning his forehead into them. The seconds stretch as he sits there, his gaze buried by his hands. You don't say anything, leaving the man to his thoughts. You've no wish to intrude on something so personal, no matter how clear the answer may seem to you. The Crab are gifted of a singular clarity born of long experience, and you must be patient as even the most worldly amongst the other Clans hesitate over such considerations.
"I fear you are probably correct, Hiruma-san," he says at last. "And that my hopes may be the wishes of a man longing to see a dear friend once again." He looks up, and the sorrow in his smile reveals deep wounds long since scarred over bleeding freely once more. "I suppose I shall have to take your advice and be careful in the days to come. If this duplicate must be destroyed…" He exhales, and as he clenches his fists you swear the temperature increases just a little. "Well, I can manage such things if I must."
You nod, and open your mouth to give as much encouragement as is appropriate considering the vast different in your stations. Before you can do so, however, you overhear commotion back toward the camp. You look over your shoulder to see several dark shapes conversing with the sentries.
Your night vision is quite good at this point, and even despite the difference you can make out the figures with some clarity. They are men in worn, if well cared for, armor carrying spears in hand and daisho at their hips. That marks them as Samurai, though you don't notice any Mons, and thus people worthy of attention. Perhaps they are Ronin?
The only thing that casts doubts on that assumption are the horses each figure is riding upon. They are large and powerful, far more impressive than the ponies you have ridden upon throughout your life. These are beasts that can run like the wind and maintain that pace at distances that would no doubt kill any lesser horse.
Such an animal would surely only be in its element when exerting itself in some manner, and yet these horses maintain perfect stillness. If these warriors truly are Ronin, then you have no idea where they could have gotten such grand steeds.
[] Investigate the disturbance.
[] Remain seated.
[] Write in.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Does the egg of P'an Ku work on horses as well? Those certainly appear to be Unicorn horses.
My inclination?
- Give what encouragement you can - briefly.
- Beg leave to investigate the disturbance.
- Go. This may be friendly Ronin. It may be Unicorn scouts of some sort... but if it is a bandit trick, the sentries may need all the help they can get, and the tetsubo *is* a solid anti-cavalry weapon.
Don't really have the right ergs to write it up at the moment, though.
My inclination?
- Give what encouragement you can - briefly.
- Beg leave to investigate the disturbance.
- Go. This may be friendly Ronin. It may be Unicorn scouts of some sort... but if it is a bandit trick, the sentries may need all the help they can get, and the tetsubo *is* a solid anti-cavalry weapon.
Don't really have the right ergs to write it up at the moment, though.
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[X] Investigate the disturbance.
-[X]"I beg your indulgence, Asako-sama, but I feel I must investigate. My Tetsubo itches.
-[X]"I beg your indulgence, Asako-sama, but I feel I must investigate. My Tetsubo itches.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[] Investigate the disturbance.
-[]"I beg your indulgence, Asako-sama, but I feel I must investigate. My Tetsubo itches.
-[]"I beg your indulgence, Asako-sama, but I feel I must investigate. My Tetsubo itches.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Current vote bothers me a bit.
- No closing quotemark
- "My Tetsubo itches" seems a bit too inclined to violent response. There's a good chance that these are potential friendlies, and that when we get there, we'll be needed to defuse the situation rather than engage in violence.
- Doesn't offer any sort of supportive words to Asako Akio for closure on previous topic.
Mind you, I'm still not really up to producing better right at the moment. Brain. Argh.
- No closing quotemark
- "My Tetsubo itches" seems a bit too inclined to violent response. There's a good chance that these are potential friendlies, and that when we get there, we'll be needed to defuse the situation rather than engage in violence.
- Doesn't offer any sort of supportive words to Asako Akio for closure on previous topic.
Mind you, I'm still not really up to producing better right at the moment. Brain. Argh.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
The former two are most likely, for I don't think any bandit gang would be foolish enough to approach an entire army of Dragon, even if they're so close to the territorial limit with the Unicorn...
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Rescued! By ninja!