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Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)

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So today is Canadian Thanksgiving, and since you guys seemed to like the last omake I made...here's another one. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving.

Sosuke wrapped one thick finger around the far too small cup and sipped at the tea.
Did they...did they put something in this? It tasted foul, almost like someone put milk in it, but who would do that to good tea?

Well gaijin admittedly, but still, some things are just too much to accept.

Manfully Sosuke forced the thoughts from his head and the not tea down his throat.

Hida are taught to accept and work past pain after all.

Sitting across from him the small girl with red blond hair (and wasn't that a sight?) stared at him, silently drinking her own tea.
It would be impolite to force the tiny shugenja to talk, with that in mind Sosuke looked around.

His first thought was 'I wonder if that wall is thick enough to withstand my tetsubo' his second was 'I thought the Scorpion had too much finery.'

These gaijin certainly knew how to spend at least. Sosuke briefly wonders if they can fight like Scorpion as well

A slight frown across his face, come to think of it, he had seen no visible weapons since coming here. Yes they were gaijin and by definition that made their ways insane, still, what if a creature attacked them, were they just supposed to punch it death?

The image of his tiny new charge beating a goblin to death was amusing. Although perhaps like Shirou they can do strange things like envelop their fists with fire?

Finally the little Shujenga spoke
"So you are...a Samurai, what is that?" she asks.

Sosuke turns his eyes back to her and considers.
"A Samurai is one who serves the Celestial Order, we serve the Emperor and our Clans as the warriors and rulers for the lands given to us to protect."

"Rulers...you are noble?" Louise squeaks.

Sosuke nods. Clever gaijin, this one.
"Yes, I am a member of the bunke and do not hold lands of my own, but I am Samurai and thus considered noble and of a higher station than the heimin and the hinin."

"Oh Founder...I summoned a noble" Louise moans, images of her mother's...vigorous displeasure forming in her head.

Sosuke was a strong man, but even he had a soft spot for children, gaijin children included.

"You are gaijin, it is not your fault to not know better."

Louise blinked, was he patronizing her?
"What?" she asked.

Sosuke looks at her a little confused.
"What?"

Louise raised an eyebrow and answered.
"...Gaijin"

Sosuke considered explaining what it really meant but decided that discretion was the better part of valour here. Afterall, no one said insulting shugenja was a good idea, even tiny children shugenja.
"Foreigner in my tongue."

Louise stared at him with narrowed suspicious eyes for several moments.
"If you're a noble, then why didn't your magic fight my summons?"

Sosuke blinks for several seconds, before slowly as if speaking to a child.

"...I am not a shugenja, why would I be able to direct the kami in any manner?"
Louise states flatly.
"Nobles have magic Mr. Hiruma."

Sosuke files away the term Mr. for future reference.
"Well yes shugenja are samurai, I don't take your meaning?"

Taking a deep breath Louise asks.
"Are you telling me you have no magic?"

Sosuke nods and pats his tetsubo affectionately.
"I am a simple Hida Bushi."

Louise downs her tea and again hangs her head. On the one hand thank the Founder that her mother wouldn't kill her via gale force winds, on the other hand, her...Not Familiar was from some place insane, that kind of sounded like Germania.
Kirche would have a field day with him, and that thought terrifies Louise a little.

"...oh Founder another country like Germanania" she mumbles.

"Germania?" The young bushi asked.

With a dismissive wave Louise answers.
"A barely civilized country west of here, there commoners can be made noble through purchasing a patent of nobility and battlefield valour."

Now it's Sosuke's eyes that narrow, not so much in suspicioun so much as gauging where exactly to strike to make her head into a ball.
"Purchase?"

Louise opened her mouth to answer only to look at Sosuke in the eye. In a moment she saw him taking that club of his and striking her down in an instant, it was less what could be and what would be if she made him angry...she was Louise de Valliere le Blanc, and she was not a coward.

But making the man who could snap you like a twig was probably not smart, after all who knew how crazy barbarians worked?

Slowly and carefully.
"Yes although I'm sure it works differently in your world?"

Sosuke nods.
"The Seven Great Clans all trace their origins to the Seven Kami who came to Ningen-do before the Empire. There they gathered followers to fight the dark god, whose name I will not speak. These followers were the origins of the clans, my own family is descended from Hiruma, the finest Scout and Hunter of the lands. Who slew the Oni no Hatsu Suru. Hiruma-sama, served Hida-kami, the strongest of all the kami. Who in turn served Hantei-kami the First Emperor."

Fascinating story this barbarian tells, Louise thinks to herself. Curious she asks a question that's been starting to niggle at her.
"What does kami mean?"

Sosuke sighs looking at his mostly untouched tea.
"Is this land so ignorant of the Celestial Order? It is a god or spirit."

The small young woman blinks. They...didn't follow Briminir the Holy Founder? Well that explained somethings, but still...
"You're a heathen?"

Sosuke snorts. Him a heathen? He was a Crab but he knew the Fortunes thank you very much
"No I'm not"

Louise stands up and glares at him.
"You don't follow the Founder at all!"

Confused Sosuke says slowly.
"I an adherent of Lord Osano-wo yes, but the Fortune of Thunder and Fire is accepted and I make the proper offerrings and prayers to my ancestors"

Whatever she was expecting, it wasn't that Louise reflected.
"...Oh Founder"

"Are you alright?" Sosuke asked.

Deciding that she's had enough of this insanity, and desperately wanting to wake up from this dream, Louise quietly gets up and leaves. A glare making it clear she did not want Sosuke to follow.

Sosuke blinks.
"Was it something I said?"
 
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Oh Louise. You think you know pride? You have not even seen the arrogance of nobles until you've interacted with a proper Rokugani Samurai!

Great stuff, Gman. It made me chuckle. Throwing Sosuke into weird situations is a pretty great source of comedy. Who would have thought?
 
Winged Knight said:
Oh Louise. You think you know pride? You have not even seen the arrogance of nobles until you've interacted with a proper Rokugani Samurai!

Great stuff, Gman. It made me chuckle. Throwing Sosuke into weird situations is a pretty great source of comedy. Who would have thought?
Click to expand...
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He's pretty much the ultimate straight man...who also provides his own comedy by expecting things to be like he knows them. Which is why it's fun to have other people bounce off him like that. Glad you liked.
 
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    • [x] Sirrocco


    "We have discovered the location of the Tainted's base of operations," you say before returning the bow, getting straight to business. "I was asked by the Magistrate Bayushi Asami-sama to ask if you would join the assault on this place."

    "Really?" Shirou asks, his eyes widening. "I must admit I'm a little surprised."

    "You handled yourself well in the fight last night," you respond. "Even unarmed, you held your own and inflicted crippling blows. I can see why the Magistrate would want your aid."

    "You flatter me," Shirou says. "I was merely coming to the aid of a friend." He rubs a hand over his bald head. "But if the Magistrate wishes my aid, then I will gladly give it."

    "I am glad," you say, smiling. "It will be good to fight by your side when the time comes."

    "Again, you do me too much honor, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says before bowing again. "I am but a simple monk."

    "A monk, yes," you say. "But hardly simple. Not when you can move your hands as if they were on fire."

    "Ah, the Kiho." He stands up straight. "Yes, I suppose that might seem fantastical to those not used to such techniques."

    "They certainly are to me," you say. "Speaking of techniques, would you like to train a little?"

    "It would be my pleasure, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says before getting into a very familiar stance. "Push hands?"

    You set aside your weapons and get into position with the monk, your foot parallel to his and your hands raised up. He pushes softly, and you redirect his advance to the side before curling back toward him. Shirou responds by pushing your hands downward before coming up, and you have to move your hands to separate his limbs before he pushes you over.

    This exercise is actually quite different with armor on. You're a bit more constricted than when you first did this, but at the same time Shirou has to work around the spikes on your gauntlets to avoid getting cut up. So while you lack some of the mobility you held before, Shirou also cannot take full advantage. All in all, it evens out.

    Once again you are reminded of all four elements while engaging in this activity, and how they bring about the Void by acting in harmony. It is relaxing, while at the same time engaging. Push hands truly is like a moving meditation, an exultation of the spiritual through physical exertion.

    "I learned from the Magistrate that the leader of the Tainted in this city is named Hachi," you say as you circle around to push at Shirou. He merely circles back, and the exercise continues. "From the sound of it, the man is one of the true Lost."

    "Troubling," Shirou says, his hands coming beneath your elbows and twisting. "I take it he's the start of all this, then?"

    "It would appear so," you respond, barely steadying your feet in time to keep from getting tipped over. You push back, hoping to take the monk by surprise since his maneuver failed. "He can apparently spread the Taint merely from extended time in his presence. Only those who are truly gone have that capability."

    "Then it will be a difficult fight," Shirou says, redirecting your attack downward. "Such creatures often have strange powers from so long embracing the Taint. We should be take great care."

    "Indeed," you say, managing to avoid getting pulled to the floor. "The Lost cannot ever be underestimated."

    Shirou pulls away from you and bows again, and you notice that this time the exercise wore you out quite a bit in a shorter timeframe. This is likely because you're wearing armor. You are well trained in its use, and suffer far fewer restrictions than others do for wearing such heavy gear, but even still the focus required for such slow but intense combat has left you a little winded.

    You rotate your shoulders a little to work the kinks out of them, and stretch your arms. They pop audibly, and you wince in a mixture of pain and pleasure as the tension eases out of your limbs. You're a bit sore, but it is a good feeling. It is an ache that comes from being productive, and you cannot begrudge that.

    Shirou doesn't appear to be all that tired at all, though. Chances are good he was going easy on you. If this was true combat that would be insulting, but since this is training it only makes sense for those more skilled to hold back for those who are lacking in experience. And it is undeniable that Shirou is much better at hand to hand than you are.

    Which brings to mind an important question.

    "Is there any particular area where your skills would be best suited, Shirou-san?" you ask. "It would be best if everyone had the opportunity to use their skills to the fullest."

    "I am best on the front lines, to be honest," Shirou says. "I have a Kiho that helps me avoid attacks, as well as the fire Kiho you saw that allows me to make my own flesh like a hot anvil. Which means I can avoid blows and hit hard." He grins. "All in all, I guess you could say I'm suited pretty well for being in the vanguard."

    "What a coincidence," you say, smiling back. "That's exactly where I will be."

    "Then we shall truly battle together!" Shirou says with mirth. "I look forward to it."

    [] Write in.
     
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    "How does one learn a Kiho that makes them burn without hurting themselves"

    Regardless of how he answers, smile and nod.

    Make polite excuses and go to find a shrine where we can pray to Osano-wo and our ancestors properly. We've got time and it doesn't hurt.
     
    gman391 said:
    [x] Write in:
    "How does one learn a Kiho that makes them burn without hurting themselves"

    Regardless of how he answers, smile and nod.

    Make polite excuses and go to find a shrine where we can pray to Osano-wo and our ancestors properly. We've got time and it doesn't hurt.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    I think someone asked him that earlier. The answer was something like "spend 10 years seeking enlightenment". Given that we were there for that conversation it seems redundant to ask about it.
     
    [x] Make some more training with Shirou. If you're going to talk with him in the meanwhile, light topics only. IE: How's the life of a monk.
    [x] After a while, make a polite excuse and go to find a shrine where we can pray to Osano-wo and our ancestors properly. We've got time and it doesn't hurt.
    [x] If everything goes as normal.
    -[x] Find and interact with Yasuki-sama, if he's not busy.
    --[x] Speak to him about your thoughts on this night's assault. Also, talk to him about the interrogation. After training/praying, your head will be more clear.
    -[x] If he's busy, ask a servant about if there's a place in (or out) the palace where you can train with your tetsubo.

    For now this. I think we should talk to Yasuki at least, so we can share an opinion with the voice of experience that is him. We may learn something among the way. Call it a hunch if you want, I just feel this is the right thing to do.

    Inb4 yes, we're inside a Scorpion Clan's palace, where everything we say may be used against us, but... come on, some of the stuff we would be discuting with Yasuki are already known to them. Just saying.
     
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    "I do as well," you say. "It's always a pleasure to fight beside good friends." You pause, realizing your assumption. "Well, I know we haven't really known each other all that long, but I consider you such, Shirou-san."

    "I consider you a friend a well, Sosuke-sama!" Shirou says with a grin, clapping you on the shoulder. It is friendly, and really quite forward of him considering the murky area monks stand in the social order. But honestly, you find you don't mind. "There is no set time for bonds to form. They come as they will, and we must accommodate that."

    "Wise words," you say, smiling. "And I'll heed them now. I'm glad to have you as a friend, Shirou-san."

    "And I you, Sosuke-sama," the monk says.

    "So," you say, settling into stance. "Some more training?"

    "I would be happy to."

    You begin the exercise again, moving back and forth in repetitive motions. The physical exertion is welcome, but again you can't help but experience something like meditation as you go on. During this time nothing else in the world exists save you, Shirou and the push and pull of your arms as you exert gentle force against each other.

    Idly, you wonder if this state of being is the ultimate goal of all monks of Osano-wo. Meditation within combat itself, a kind of battle trance. You've felt clarity of thought in battle before, but you've never had the chance to truly explore it. But now, after doing this exercise with Shirou so many times, you're beginning to understand it a bit more.

    You and Shirou go back and forth for another half hour or so, pushing and twisting as you each seek to take the other off balance. Neither of you gain the advantage, though you come closer to losing your footing a few times. Still, you're getting better at this.

    Shirou backs away and bows to you. You bow back, and when you both rise you hear a low grumbling sound.

    "Ah," Shirou says, rubbing the back of his bald head. "The body may be the vessel for the soul, but its needs must be met." He pats his stomach. "I should go find some breakfast."

    "The sounds like a good plan," you say, bowing again. Shirou does the same. "May you have an enjoyable meal."

    "A simple one, preferably," Shirou says as he walks off. "The food here is much too rich."

    You smile a bit as Shirou makes his way back toward the castle. You're fairly tired from your exertions, but it is not a deep weariness. You've got enough energy to do a few more things today, at least. Though you probably shouldn't do anything too physically demanding without giving time for proper rest, considering the assault tonight.

    The thought of the upcoming raid makes you frown. You're all well and good physically for the battle to come, but the world is more than just the physical alone. Prayer would not be remiss.

    You go to the two Scorpion Bushi you overheard before and bow to them in greeting. They bow back, though you notice they're looking at you askance when you all stand straight.

    "So what was all that?" The woman asks. "With the pushing and such?"

    "An exercise from the monks of Shinden Osano-wo," you respond. "Shirou-san has been kind enough to work me through it on occasion."

    "Fair enough," the woman says. "Looks interesting."

    "It is," you respond. "Could you please direct me to the shrine? I would like to pray."

    "Around the back of the castle, in its own small building," the man says. "There's a statue of Kami Bayushi-sama in front of the doors. You can't miss it."

    "My thanks," you say, bowing again.

    You head around the castle, walking toward the back. It's a bit of a hike considering just how large Kyuden Bayushi is. This fortress is meant to house several hundred people easily, and a few thousand with effort. After all, there's a reason why only castles labeled 'Kyuden' are allowed to host the Emperor's Winter Court. They must be big enough to hold all the dignitaries.

    You see the building housing the shrine as soon as you round the corner. It's not tiny, but certainly smaller than much everything else you've seen of the Scorpion palace. The sliding doors are set with images of the Seven Fortunes, and in front is a remarkably well-done statue of the Kami Bayushi.

    Bayushi stands at a height equal to you, clad in loose robes. His long hair is wavy, as if caught in a breeze, and around his face is torn piece of cloth that hides his nose, mouth and jaw. His hands are brought up, as if guarded, but the eyes show no hint of apprehension. They are piercing, looking upon all who would enter the shrine as if peeling away their masks and bringing their inner being to light.

    It's honestly a little unnerving being under the Kami's gaze. You bow to him, deeply and respectfully. Bayushi is not the patron of your Clan, but he is still Hida's brother and a god from the Celestial Heavens. He is deserving of respect.

    After a suitable length of time with your head lowered, you make your way into the shrine. Inside are a number of urns, no doubt carrying the ashes of revered ancestors who accomplished heroic deeds for the Scorpion Clan. In a spot of honor at the back are statues of the Jade and Obsidian Dragons, coiled around each other with their claws interlocked. You cannot tell if they are embracing or pushing against each other. It could very well be both.

    The Jade Dragon is made from, appropriately enough, pure Jade. Quite a lot of it, too, considering the statue is over three feet long. You might have been aghast at that, but you see that the other Dragon appears to be made from pure Obsidian. Your eyes widen, and you take a step back. Obsidian is a Sacred Material, like Jade or Crystal, but it also holds madness within it. It carries the insanity of the first Lord Moon, Onnotangu, for it was created from his own blood fallen to earth after his son Hantei had cut off the god's hand.

    You make a mental note to not get too close to the statue of the Obsidian Dragon. Obsidian only inspired madness with continued close contact, but it never hurt to avoid unnecessary risks.

    You recover quickly from your shock and observe the rest of the shrine. Around the Dragons are small statues of the Seven Fortunes and the Eight Founding Kami. Like the statue outside, they are remarkably well done. Whoever crafted these was truly a master artisan. The stone looks almost as if it is alive, and the figures could reach out and touch you. The thought is ridiculous, of course, and makes you smile. Even with all the strangeness in your life, you doubt you'll ever come across moving statues.

    [] Write in.
     
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