- Location
- Moon-Station
I realise that, but i will keep the vote on him personally.
Legend of the Ronin (Legend of the Five Rings)
- Status
Interlude: The Tattooed Monk
I roll my arms, as I walk towards the bar where the Soshi would be. The smell of liquor mixed in with opium, sweat and despair to create a heady brew that I typically associated with older Scorpion women. The words of Megumi weren't wrong, they weren't right either. I couldn't let go of the past so easily, I'd been running from it for so long that to let go would be a betrayal of myself. That said, she was right, this Soshi woman, Namiko I think her name was, is her own person, her own being. To try and make her fit the image of Airi would be an insult to her, to both the memory of the woman I loved, and the new woman.
But, she was a twin of Airi, maybe she had answers, maybe she had closure. Or I was talking myself into another mistake, but I'd been doing that for ten years so what else was new?
The door opens, the bar is clean, and the servants oh so diligent in making sure everything I have is taken care of.
So diligent that they hope I'll miss them taking an extra bu from my coin purse. I didn't, and I'll be lifting some koku from the establishment later.
Sitting at the edge of the bar, Soshi Namiko was relaxed, sipping at Sake, as she listens to the wafting strains of music from the biwa. I was going to take that all away from her, ask some uncomfortable questions...
But that's what monks do isn't it?
I slide into the seat beside her, and wait for someone to ask what I want.
"Soshi-san" I say with a formalish bow.
She turns to me, upper half of her face is covered in familiar red silk, leaving her lips tantalizing untouched before me. Dark eyes sparkled for a moment before turning to confusion and wariness.
"Togashi-san..."
"I apologize for running away the other night. You...reminded me of someone."
"Oh?" She says one eye arches, the motion unhidden by her mask.
"Hai, a woman who was as beautiful as you were...in fact if I didn't know better I would say we've met before, but..."
"You speak of my twin?" She asks apparently put out a little.
I can get that. Being a twin especially in a clan that values you for that twiness can be hard.
"No, at least I don't think so, the woman her name was Togashi Airi, she was indeed a twin of you Soshi-san...but I do not believe your own twin is a Togashi?"
Namiko looks like she's been told that her drink was prepared by eta.
"...So you're that woman's friend."
My heart roars in my chest, six years, I've lived with the question of what happened to her, why she left, why she left me.
Is it now that I get an answer? Or is this just a dead end?
"You know her then?" I ask, trying to act indifferent.
She doesn't buy it for an instant, turning to me and giving a strange smile. One of pity, one of hate, one of sadness, all mixed into a cocktail of regretful desire.
"I do...and alas Togashi-san, that means this isn't happening...pity."
"...Do you know what happened to her?"
"You do not want to know what happened to her Togashi-san. Knowing that would only hurt you." she says.
I can feel my limbs tremble, my need to know pressing against me even as fear worms it's way into my stomach.
The way she looks, the way she acts...tragedy, but I know that, I know that I have to know.
She is my world, all of this all of the running away was so that she could come back.
"...Soshi-san, she was dear to me, I must know."
Namiko turns back to her drink.
"...I was not there, my sister...was however. There was a scandal, it seems that my sister influenced the wrong person, war was sure to break out...until your dear one took her place. To prevent a war between the Scorpion and the Crab, she said that she had betrayed all of her oaths, and slept with a man...for all I know she did. The outcome was never in doubt. She committed seppukku"
My hands clench, my vision blurs, as I can see it in my mind, we were both so desperate, so hungry for family, that even when we became each other's family, we still yearned for our birth families. Of course she would talk to a Scorpion bitch, of course that would be used against her. She died...and I wasn't told, why? The Togashi had to have known, had to, so why wasn't I told?
I stand up, I need answers.
"Thank you Soshi-san." I say bowing.
She barely has time to bow back before I leave out the door. There is a woman I need to see, my quasi mentor in this city. Togashi Hirumi must have known, she must have.
I push my way to the roofs and run along them towards the Dragon Embassy in Mori ward.
Feet hit solid wood and stone in a steady rhythm as my lungs burn from the effort. The wafting smell of too densely packed people, food, and life fills my lungs. The answers I need, are in front of me.
With one final leap, I land on the top of the Dragon Embassy. My hand feels the rough tiles that make up the roof, even as I push myself up to stand.
"Student" An old familiar voice speaks.
In front of me is my mentor. Togashi Hirumi was never beautiful, but handsome in her own way, reminded you nothing so much as a defiant oak, unbending before the storm. Her smooth head, belied her age.
"Shishou...I come for answers." I say.
"We all come for answers, but I imagine yours are more specific"
"Why didn't you tell me about Airi-shiryo"
"Because you are not ready"
My body tightens as I can feel rage burn through my limbs, it's only by the barest of margins that I don't attack her then and there.
"And why do you say that Shishou?" I ask.
"...Come at me and find out my student."
I looked at her for a long moment, before I launched myself at her.
My leg sweeps across her head, she leans back.
Keeping my momentum, I spin into a low kick at her legs. She hops over my legs.
A third kick this one at her waist, there's no time for her to dodge surely?
Shishou has already bent herself at the waist, flipping over my strike without even ruffling her hair.
No, there's no way I'm going to let her get away so easily!
I charge in close, fists and elbows sliding across the empty space like a river of blows.
Yet she dodges each blow, her head tilting along with her body so that all I hit is air.
Yet, I can't give up, I keep attacking, I keep pushing forward, and then she spins around me, pushing her palm into my back.
The only blow she's thrown this entire fight.
I find myself on the ground, coughing up air I didn't know I had.
"As I said, not ready" She says.
I stand to my feet slowly. I had been handled like a child, even a first year student could give a better accounting than that.
"I don't understand"
"Your Airi, she holds you tight in her chains, for a time it seemed as if that was your path to walk this life, to fulfill that destiny. But it was not to be. Yet even now her memory makes you forget all your training. Again"
I take a deep breath, and this time charge her, instead of focusing only on hitting her, I look at my foot work, I keep myself measured, my blows are a calm, precise, unpredictable, a rain storm instead of a river.
Shishou still dances through the rain, my blows couldn't touch her, but she had to work for it.
Or at least that's what I told myself when she kicked me in the chest and sent me flying across the roof.
Ow my ribs, I needed those for the not pain state of existence I preferred.
I stand up again, and take a stance.
"You love Airi, you will always love her so long as you are yourself, but you are a Togashi, what must you do to move past this?" Shishou asked.
The three steps to enlightenment were deceptively simple
Kill your family
Kill your sensei
Kill yourself
I love Airi, I love her as much as anything, even if she's gone, she's too much a part of me to let go of it.
Kill yourself
I lower my hands.
"...I kill myself to move past my love."
Shishou nods, and attacks, her blows are like lightning, yet so slow, as dodge through them, my own dance through the rain.
Kill yourself
If I had known of Airi's fate, I would have gone to the Scorpion and Crab and taken vengeance, I would drown in it with all the passion and fury of a Matsu scorned. I would never have come back to this state
I would have killed myself in passion, not in understanding
Kill yourself
I stop moving, letting Shishou's fist rocket me off the roof top, I float in the air, the subtle currents of wind carrying me towards the edge of the next roof.
So they didn't tell me...because I couldn't have moved on, I could walk the path that I needed to walk. I was born a bastard, and I might well die as one. The choice was mine now
Shishou leaps across the empty space, her axe kick coming down for my head. She will kill me if that blow hits.
Yet, that's okay isn't it? Sending me back to my love to meet in the next life is no punishment.
There is death yet life
There is emptiness yet fullness
There is rage yet peace
Airi kisses me on the lips, as the blow comes down.
I can never leave her, without leaving myself.
So I must kill myself, and become Izu in truth.
I close my eyes in acceptance
The blow never comes.
Airi is a part of me, she always will be, but I won't let her memory hold me from the path...that's not what we are.
"Welcome Izu-kun, back to the Togashi."
I smile.
"Thank you Shishou"
But, she was a twin of Airi, maybe she had answers, maybe she had closure. Or I was talking myself into another mistake, but I'd been doing that for ten years so what else was new?
The door opens, the bar is clean, and the servants oh so diligent in making sure everything I have is taken care of.
So diligent that they hope I'll miss them taking an extra bu from my coin purse. I didn't, and I'll be lifting some koku from the establishment later.
Sitting at the edge of the bar, Soshi Namiko was relaxed, sipping at Sake, as she listens to the wafting strains of music from the biwa. I was going to take that all away from her, ask some uncomfortable questions...
But that's what monks do isn't it?
I slide into the seat beside her, and wait for someone to ask what I want.
"Soshi-san" I say with a formalish bow.
She turns to me, upper half of her face is covered in familiar red silk, leaving her lips tantalizing untouched before me. Dark eyes sparkled for a moment before turning to confusion and wariness.
"Togashi-san..."
"I apologize for running away the other night. You...reminded me of someone."
"Oh?" She says one eye arches, the motion unhidden by her mask.
"Hai, a woman who was as beautiful as you were...in fact if I didn't know better I would say we've met before, but..."
"You speak of my twin?" She asks apparently put out a little.
I can get that. Being a twin especially in a clan that values you for that twiness can be hard.
"No, at least I don't think so, the woman her name was Togashi Airi, she was indeed a twin of you Soshi-san...but I do not believe your own twin is a Togashi?"
Namiko looks like she's been told that her drink was prepared by eta.
"...So you're that woman's friend."
My heart roars in my chest, six years, I've lived with the question of what happened to her, why she left, why she left me.
Is it now that I get an answer? Or is this just a dead end?
"You know her then?" I ask, trying to act indifferent.
She doesn't buy it for an instant, turning to me and giving a strange smile. One of pity, one of hate, one of sadness, all mixed into a cocktail of regretful desire.
"I do...and alas Togashi-san, that means this isn't happening...pity."
"...Do you know what happened to her?"
"You do not want to know what happened to her Togashi-san. Knowing that would only hurt you." she says.
I can feel my limbs tremble, my need to know pressing against me even as fear worms it's way into my stomach.
The way she looks, the way she acts...tragedy, but I know that, I know that I have to know.
She is my world, all of this all of the running away was so that she could come back.
"...Soshi-san, she was dear to me, I must know."
Namiko turns back to her drink.
"...I was not there, my sister...was however. There was a scandal, it seems that my sister influenced the wrong person, war was sure to break out...until your dear one took her place. To prevent a war between the Scorpion and the Crab, she said that she had betrayed all of her oaths, and slept with a man...for all I know she did. The outcome was never in doubt. She committed seppukku"
My hands clench, my vision blurs, as I can see it in my mind, we were both so desperate, so hungry for family, that even when we became each other's family, we still yearned for our birth families. Of course she would talk to a Scorpion bitch, of course that would be used against her. She died...and I wasn't told, why? The Togashi had to have known, had to, so why wasn't I told?
I stand up, I need answers.
"Thank you Soshi-san." I say bowing.
She barely has time to bow back before I leave out the door. There is a woman I need to see, my quasi mentor in this city. Togashi Hirumi must have known, she must have.
I push my way to the roofs and run along them towards the Dragon Embassy in Mori ward.
Feet hit solid wood and stone in a steady rhythm as my lungs burn from the effort. The wafting smell of too densely packed people, food, and life fills my lungs. The answers I need, are in front of me.
With one final leap, I land on the top of the Dragon Embassy. My hand feels the rough tiles that make up the roof, even as I push myself up to stand.
"Student" An old familiar voice speaks.
In front of me is my mentor. Togashi Hirumi was never beautiful, but handsome in her own way, reminded you nothing so much as a defiant oak, unbending before the storm. Her smooth head, belied her age.
"Shishou...I come for answers." I say.
"We all come for answers, but I imagine yours are more specific"
"Why didn't you tell me about Airi-shiryo"
"Because you are not ready"
My body tightens as I can feel rage burn through my limbs, it's only by the barest of margins that I don't attack her then and there.
"And why do you say that Shishou?" I ask.
"...Come at me and find out my student."
I looked at her for a long moment, before I launched myself at her.
My leg sweeps across her head, she leans back.
Keeping my momentum, I spin into a low kick at her legs. She hops over my legs.
A third kick this one at her waist, there's no time for her to dodge surely?
Shishou has already bent herself at the waist, flipping over my strike without even ruffling her hair.
No, there's no way I'm going to let her get away so easily!
I charge in close, fists and elbows sliding across the empty space like a river of blows.
Yet she dodges each blow, her head tilting along with her body so that all I hit is air.
Yet, I can't give up, I keep attacking, I keep pushing forward, and then she spins around me, pushing her palm into my back.
The only blow she's thrown this entire fight.
I find myself on the ground, coughing up air I didn't know I had.
"As I said, not ready" She says.
I stand to my feet slowly. I had been handled like a child, even a first year student could give a better accounting than that.
"I don't understand"
"Your Airi, she holds you tight in her chains, for a time it seemed as if that was your path to walk this life, to fulfill that destiny. But it was not to be. Yet even now her memory makes you forget all your training. Again"
I take a deep breath, and this time charge her, instead of focusing only on hitting her, I look at my foot work, I keep myself measured, my blows are a calm, precise, unpredictable, a rain storm instead of a river.
Shishou still dances through the rain, my blows couldn't touch her, but she had to work for it.
Or at least that's what I told myself when she kicked me in the chest and sent me flying across the roof.
Ow my ribs, I needed those for the not pain state of existence I preferred.
I stand up again, and take a stance.
"You love Airi, you will always love her so long as you are yourself, but you are a Togashi, what must you do to move past this?" Shishou asked.
The three steps to enlightenment were deceptively simple
Kill your family
Kill your sensei
Kill yourself
I love Airi, I love her as much as anything, even if she's gone, she's too much a part of me to let go of it.
Kill yourself
I lower my hands.
"...I kill myself to move past my love."
Shishou nods, and attacks, her blows are like lightning, yet so slow, as dodge through them, my own dance through the rain.
Kill yourself
If I had known of Airi's fate, I would have gone to the Scorpion and Crab and taken vengeance, I would drown in it with all the passion and fury of a Matsu scorned. I would never have come back to this state
I would have killed myself in passion, not in understanding
Kill yourself
I stop moving, letting Shishou's fist rocket me off the roof top, I float in the air, the subtle currents of wind carrying me towards the edge of the next roof.
So they didn't tell me...because I couldn't have moved on, I could walk the path that I needed to walk. I was born a bastard, and I might well die as one. The choice was mine now
Shishou leaps across the empty space, her axe kick coming down for my head. She will kill me if that blow hits.
Yet, that's okay isn't it? Sending me back to my love to meet in the next life is no punishment.
There is death yet life
There is emptiness yet fullness
There is rage yet peace
Airi kisses me on the lips, as the blow comes down.
I can never leave her, without leaving myself.
So I must kill myself, and become Izu in truth.
I close my eyes in acceptance
The blow never comes.
Airi is a part of me, she always will be, but I won't let her memory hold me from the path...that's not what we are.
"Welcome Izu-kun, back to the Togashi."
I smile.
"Thank you Shishou"
Arc V: Month Three: The Inquisitive Captain
--Akodo Tsukiko
"Is that really all you have Megumi-san?" Akodo Tsukiko asks.
You struggle to breathe, your ribs lodge a formal protest that they aren't meant to be in this many pieces. Marshalling your willpower, you tell them to shut up, and work damn them.
Fingers squeeze around your bokken, as slowly you manage to stand again. Looking in the eye, the absolute madwoman who just beat you around the training ring, again.
"No Akodo-sama." You say taking your stance.
There's a ghost of something in Tsukiko's dark eyes.
"Very good...but that's enough for today."
With supreme effort you resist letting your body collapse in relief. Once again, you find yourself cursing past you, what were you thinking woman? Taking up Akodo-sama's standing offer to any of troops to drop in on her personal training methods if they thought they were tough enough...it was insanity.
Yet as you look at the older woman, you can't deny how effective these training sessions are. You're no where near her in terms of swordsmanship, but you're growing, and with each session you return for, she respects you a little more. At least you like to think it's respect, Akodo-sama is to honourable to simply enjoy beating a ronin around right?
"Kitsu-san, heal our errant ronin, than bring her into my office."
Kitsu Ame, a shugenja of some power, does not like you. The short haired woman, is perhaps sixteen years old, and her face shows it. It's obvious to you that she worships Akodo Tsukiko-sama, and would do anything for her.
Naturally she despises you for being an uppity ronin. Yes Akodo-sama said that anyone who wanted to drop in could, but obviously the captain only meant for real Samurai.
"Akodo-sama..." Ame says softly.
Tsukiko gives a look
Ame shrinks, and walks over to you, pulling out a scroll.
"As you wish"
The kami writhe through your body, healing wounds, and knitting together bone, it's always such a strange sensation to feel healing like this. Like your skin tingles, and was dipped in a hot bath, while you drank liquid peppers. Not unpleasant but strange. With that done, Ame puts her scroll away an sullenly escorts you into the office of Akodo Tsukiko.
You both bow, waiting for Tsukiko to acknowledge you. The captain does, and you rise up to look at the office in full. Like most Lion, Tsukiko's aesthetic is Spartan, with only the trophies of war, marking it as hers. A Yodotai gladius, Yobanjin Ring sword, Senpet scythe, and some weapon you've never seen before.
"Thank you Kitsu-san, you're dismissed." Tsukiko says.
Ame bows again and turns to leave, but not before she looks at you. A venomous look that you think you would have missed a few weeks ago...another thing to thank the Captain for, learning how to read people is just as important as reacting in time.
"Sit"
You sit down on the worn tatami mats. Tsukiko doesn't poor tea, or offer water or anything you usually do for guests. On the other hand she stares at you real hard, and makes things super awkward. The etiquette learning has helpfully allowed you to keep your composure in the face of this awkwardness.
"What's your plot Megumi-san?"
"Plot?"
"Do not toy with me. A ronin does not get it into her head that she should take up an offer from a taisa on her own. Not unless that ronin is Kaneka-Shiryo come again, or stupid...and you are not Kaneka-Shiryo come again."
Not stupid either, a traitorous part of your mind continues anyways.
"I am not, but that does not mean, that Akodo-sama's offer wasn't worth taking." You say.
Tsukiko raises an eyebrow slightly.
"It does mean you have an alternative motive, while yes I have that standing offer for any samurai in the legion to train with me should they so choose. No one that I do not personally invite comes back for a second session"
Your eyes narrow slightly as you read between the lines. The offer is and always has been a trap, a trap to entice new officers and soldiers who come from the home territories thinking that they are the best thing to walk into this city. Their pride drags them into sparring with Tsukiko...who beats the crap out of them and shows them that they ain't worth shit. A trap, but one you broke by pure happen stance. No wonder she's annoyed.
"Akodo-sama is very direct."
"Honesty is no vice" She replies.
"I have no intention of deceiving you Akodo-sama. But I must keep my own vows in mind." You say in reply.
"Your own vows?" Tsukiko asks
"Hai, I have promised to be discreet about a certain matter." You answer.
"I will also be discreet...but enough stalling, if you do not start explaining, I will assume the worst"
Well that was that, time to put on you obi and go to court as you sensei used to say. Quickly you go over what you know about the woman. She's incredibly strong as warrior, and a gifted strategist besides, she was one of the few survivors of the War of Eagles that are still on active duty. A direct, hard woman, she is honourable to a fault, but not unwise to the ways of the world. All in all, most would consider her a paragon...but for a few things that have driven her rivalry with others, and seen more than a few swear vengeance on her. Tsukiko is an unabashed proponent of change for the Lion, and is a strong supporter of the Shield cities, this isolates her from the traditionalists, and has led to her more than once offending a highborn officer by telling them they were being idiotic. That and her sole crack in her armour being that of her young son, currently serving near Kakita lands, she dotes on him so it's said.
Deceiving her is worse than useless, appealing to her desire is also useless. That leaves appealing to her honour and duty, or potentially her son.
[] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
[] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
[] Write in
"Is that really all you have Megumi-san?" Akodo Tsukiko asks.
You struggle to breathe, your ribs lodge a formal protest that they aren't meant to be in this many pieces. Marshalling your willpower, you tell them to shut up, and work damn them.
Fingers squeeze around your bokken, as slowly you manage to stand again. Looking in the eye, the absolute madwoman who just beat you around the training ring, again.
"No Akodo-sama." You say taking your stance.
There's a ghost of something in Tsukiko's dark eyes.
"Very good...but that's enough for today."
With supreme effort you resist letting your body collapse in relief. Once again, you find yourself cursing past you, what were you thinking woman? Taking up Akodo-sama's standing offer to any of troops to drop in on her personal training methods if they thought they were tough enough...it was insanity.
Yet as you look at the older woman, you can't deny how effective these training sessions are. You're no where near her in terms of swordsmanship, but you're growing, and with each session you return for, she respects you a little more. At least you like to think it's respect, Akodo-sama is to honourable to simply enjoy beating a ronin around right?
"Kitsu-san, heal our errant ronin, than bring her into my office."
Kitsu Ame, a shugenja of some power, does not like you. The short haired woman, is perhaps sixteen years old, and her face shows it. It's obvious to you that she worships Akodo Tsukiko-sama, and would do anything for her.
Naturally she despises you for being an uppity ronin. Yes Akodo-sama said that anyone who wanted to drop in could, but obviously the captain only meant for real Samurai.
"Akodo-sama..." Ame says softly.
Tsukiko gives a look
Ame shrinks, and walks over to you, pulling out a scroll.
"As you wish"
The kami writhe through your body, healing wounds, and knitting together bone, it's always such a strange sensation to feel healing like this. Like your skin tingles, and was dipped in a hot bath, while you drank liquid peppers. Not unpleasant but strange. With that done, Ame puts her scroll away an sullenly escorts you into the office of Akodo Tsukiko.
You both bow, waiting for Tsukiko to acknowledge you. The captain does, and you rise up to look at the office in full. Like most Lion, Tsukiko's aesthetic is Spartan, with only the trophies of war, marking it as hers. A Yodotai gladius, Yobanjin Ring sword, Senpet scythe, and some weapon you've never seen before.
"Thank you Kitsu-san, you're dismissed." Tsukiko says.
Ame bows again and turns to leave, but not before she looks at you. A venomous look that you think you would have missed a few weeks ago...another thing to thank the Captain for, learning how to read people is just as important as reacting in time.
"Sit"
You sit down on the worn tatami mats. Tsukiko doesn't poor tea, or offer water or anything you usually do for guests. On the other hand she stares at you real hard, and makes things super awkward. The etiquette learning has helpfully allowed you to keep your composure in the face of this awkwardness.
"What's your plot Megumi-san?"
"Plot?"
"Do not toy with me. A ronin does not get it into her head that she should take up an offer from a taisa on her own. Not unless that ronin is Kaneka-Shiryo come again, or stupid...and you are not Kaneka-Shiryo come again."
Not stupid either, a traitorous part of your mind continues anyways.
"I am not, but that does not mean, that Akodo-sama's offer wasn't worth taking." You say.
Tsukiko raises an eyebrow slightly.
"It does mean you have an alternative motive, while yes I have that standing offer for any samurai in the legion to train with me should they so choose. No one that I do not personally invite comes back for a second session"
Your eyes narrow slightly as you read between the lines. The offer is and always has been a trap, a trap to entice new officers and soldiers who come from the home territories thinking that they are the best thing to walk into this city. Their pride drags them into sparring with Tsukiko...who beats the crap out of them and shows them that they ain't worth shit. A trap, but one you broke by pure happen stance. No wonder she's annoyed.
"Akodo-sama is very direct."
"Honesty is no vice" She replies.
"I have no intention of deceiving you Akodo-sama. But I must keep my own vows in mind." You say in reply.
"Your own vows?" Tsukiko asks
"Hai, I have promised to be discreet about a certain matter." You answer.
"I will also be discreet...but enough stalling, if you do not start explaining, I will assume the worst"
Well that was that, time to put on you obi and go to court as you sensei used to say. Quickly you go over what you know about the woman. She's incredibly strong as warrior, and a gifted strategist besides, she was one of the few survivors of the War of Eagles that are still on active duty. A direct, hard woman, she is honourable to a fault, but not unwise to the ways of the world. All in all, most would consider her a paragon...but for a few things that have driven her rivalry with others, and seen more than a few swear vengeance on her. Tsukiko is an unabashed proponent of change for the Lion, and is a strong supporter of the Shield cities, this isolates her from the traditionalists, and has led to her more than once offending a highborn officer by telling them they were being idiotic. That and her sole crack in her armour being that of her young son, currently serving near Kakita lands, she dotes on him so it's said.
Deceiving her is worse than useless, appealing to her desire is also useless. That leaves appealing to her honour and duty, or potentially her son.
[] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
[] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
[] Write in
- Location
- Austrlia
[X] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
High ranked Lion, known for Honor and willingness to move forward? Nice. If we can't lie, we can be subtile, and bring her in fully when we know her better.
High ranked Lion, known for Honor and willingness to move forward? Nice. If we can't lie, we can be subtile, and bring her in fully when we know her better.
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
- Location
- Leeds
Seriously its uncanny how you always seem to update at the same time Winged Knight does.
[X] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
[X] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] Explain *almost* everything honestly. Remain vague about the identity of the person to be escorted, and some of the details about what state she is in and how she came to be that way. Ask for her help recruiting other people.
I think that playing on her love for her son sounds like a bad idea. Also, what need does she have of *us* to carry a message?
I think that playing on her love for her son sounds like a bad idea. Also, what need does she have of *us* to carry a message?
- Location
- Leeds
[X] Explain *almost* everything honestly. Remain vague about the identity of the person to be escorted, and some of the details about what state she is in and how she came to be that way. Ask for her help recruiting other people.
Vote tally:
##### 3.18
[X] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
No. of votes: 2
veekie, whydoyoubother
[X] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
No. of votes: 1
EtchedSteel
[x] Explain *almost* everything honestly. Remain vague about the identity of the person to be escorted, and some of the details about what state she is in and how she came to be that way. Ask for her help recruiting other people.
No. of votes: 3
Sirrocco, Simonbob, Dark as Silver
Well that's that, working on update.
##### 3.18
[X] Explain that there's an important mission that you're undertaking, and ask for her help, in exchange you'll carry a message to her son
No. of votes: 2
veekie, whydoyoubother
[X] Explain everything honestly and ask for her help recruiting other people
No. of votes: 1
EtchedSteel
[x] Explain *almost* everything honestly. Remain vague about the identity of the person to be escorted, and some of the details about what state she is in and how she came to be that way. Ask for her help recruiting other people.
No. of votes: 3
Sirrocco, Simonbob, Dark as Silver
Well that's that, working on update.
Arc V: Month Three: Curiosity brought the Cat Back
---Explain *almost* everything honestly. Remain vague about the identity of the person to be escorted, and some of the details about what state she is in and how she came to be that way. Ask for her help recruiting other people.
Megumi vs Tsukiko=66 v 42=Megumi, R2= 44 v 54=Tsukiko, R3= 48 v 35= Megumi
You look at Tsukiko in the eyes, your voice coming out in a cool measured tone.
"You are familiar with someone known as Yasuki Gozaburo, Akodo-sama? My story begins with me breaking into his casino. It was my first case for Moshi-sama, to find the woman known as Kaiu Tanako-sama. I had reason to believe that she had been kidnapped by someone in Yasuki-san's employees, I went to rescue her. In the course of that night, I discovered a second woman in need of rescue. I brought her out of the Casino along with Kaiu-sama before the casino burned down. It was only after I returned to the Crab Embassy that I discovered the truth"
You take a sip of tea.
"That my second rescue had gained the freedom of a samurai within the Kuge caste. The imprisonment had not been kind to her, and it has taken months for her to heal, but when she does, I will go with her back to the heartland. My task is to defend her from any and all threats that would seek to stop her. She does not believe, and I do not believe that her capture was coincidence. However, I am only one Samurai, to properly defend against such enemies there must be more. Thus I come to Akodo-sama seeking to gain her approval and wisdom. Of other Samurai who are skilled in the ways of war and court, who are honourable beyond reproach, and can be relied on to be discreet."
Finishing your short answer, there's satisfaction there, you hid nothing with your words, yet Princess Aya remains safe, everyone remains safe. A part of you is aware that Tsukiko will want more, but she cannot complain about what you said, you gave her everything she needed.
The slam of Tsukiko's palm on the table tells you that you may have miscalculated...
"The name of this Kuge, Megumi-san" She says staring at you.
You're all too aware of the oppressive weight that fills this room, Tsukiko's will batters against yours. By every law of man and heaven, she is in the right to demand this. Yet can you betray your oath so easily? No, you must not, you had a plan. Tsukiko's chi comes out in a flood, her presence looming in the room. A distant part of your mind knows that she is using her bearing to force you to submission...but, there is no resistance to marshal. No way to escape with the name unspoken, and by doing so, you will place Princess Aya in danger. Tsukiko-sama is an honourable, honest Samurai, you'll just have to hope that's enough.
"Princess Aya" You say softly, with your full conviction.
Tsukiko blinks, that name of all names is not what she expected, it's clear on her face.
"What you say is impossible."
"And yet it is the truth, now you know why I keep secret so much"
"Take me to her."
"Akodo-sama..."
"You should have brought this to me immediately, no matter what spies and danger you think lurks in the Imperial Legion. I can however, forgive that oversight, if and only if, you bring me to her now. I would know what damage my Empress has undergone."
"Is that an order Akodo-sama?"
"Hai"
You finish your tea, there's nothing that can be done then. Putting the cup down, you rise with a low bow.
"If Akodo-sama will follow me then?" You ask.
She rises and, you lead her out of the room. It's a quiet, nervous walk towards the Crab Embassy where both versions of Princess Aya are ensconced. The people move around you like water against the rock that is Akodo Tsukiko. You find yourself worrying about what happens next, what if Tsukiko tries something...rash? What if she's secretly evil. (Alright you don't much countenance that one) still, you know that Hida-sama will not be happy.
Finally you reach the Crab embassy, and lead Tsukiko to where the Princesses sit. Tsukiko bows to them, despite her blatant confusion as to how there are two princess. Behind you, Hida Isano puts one strong, warm hand on your shoulder and squeezes. Oh he's pissed, time to exit stage left, you think.
After definitely not fleeing the wrath of an angry Hida, you find yourself spending the rest of the day with that serving girl Green Blossom, while you drink tea and enjoy not being confronted by Hida Isano's angry face.
--------
Three days later, Kitsu Ame hands you a small book, she looks as happy as always to see you, opening it up, you see a number of dossiers that Tsukiko put together, guess everything worked out in the end. You still haven't gone to talk to Hida-sama though.
Flicking through the pages, you end up dismissing a number of them for not being workable with your team. Whether because you're pretty sure Izu would drive them nuts, Sora would murder them, or Yukiko wouldn't like them then Sora would murder them. Still there are a few gems in there...now who to recruit
[] Kakita Toshiro (Kakita Duelist: Skilled Court Duellist, Excellent Investigator)
[] Kakita Reika: (Kakita Artisan: Master Artisan, Skilled Courtier)
[] Hida Tanako: (Hida Bushi: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Hunter)
[] Ikoma Keiji: (Ikoma Warden: Excellent Spearman, Skilled Tactician)
[] Isawa Kyoko: (Isawa Tensai: Excellent Fire Magician, Skilled Lore Specialist)
[] Yoritomo Nishiyumi: (Yoritomo Marine: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Sailor)
[] Utaku Nanako (Utaku Battle Maiden: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Horse woman)
Megumi vs Tsukiko=66 v 42=Megumi, R2= 44 v 54=Tsukiko, R3= 48 v 35= Megumi
You look at Tsukiko in the eyes, your voice coming out in a cool measured tone.
"You are familiar with someone known as Yasuki Gozaburo, Akodo-sama? My story begins with me breaking into his casino. It was my first case for Moshi-sama, to find the woman known as Kaiu Tanako-sama. I had reason to believe that she had been kidnapped by someone in Yasuki-san's employees, I went to rescue her. In the course of that night, I discovered a second woman in need of rescue. I brought her out of the Casino along with Kaiu-sama before the casino burned down. It was only after I returned to the Crab Embassy that I discovered the truth"
You take a sip of tea.
"That my second rescue had gained the freedom of a samurai within the Kuge caste. The imprisonment had not been kind to her, and it has taken months for her to heal, but when she does, I will go with her back to the heartland. My task is to defend her from any and all threats that would seek to stop her. She does not believe, and I do not believe that her capture was coincidence. However, I am only one Samurai, to properly defend against such enemies there must be more. Thus I come to Akodo-sama seeking to gain her approval and wisdom. Of other Samurai who are skilled in the ways of war and court, who are honourable beyond reproach, and can be relied on to be discreet."
Finishing your short answer, there's satisfaction there, you hid nothing with your words, yet Princess Aya remains safe, everyone remains safe. A part of you is aware that Tsukiko will want more, but she cannot complain about what you said, you gave her everything she needed.
The slam of Tsukiko's palm on the table tells you that you may have miscalculated...
"The name of this Kuge, Megumi-san" She says staring at you.
You're all too aware of the oppressive weight that fills this room, Tsukiko's will batters against yours. By every law of man and heaven, she is in the right to demand this. Yet can you betray your oath so easily? No, you must not, you had a plan. Tsukiko's chi comes out in a flood, her presence looming in the room. A distant part of your mind knows that she is using her bearing to force you to submission...but, there is no resistance to marshal. No way to escape with the name unspoken, and by doing so, you will place Princess Aya in danger. Tsukiko-sama is an honourable, honest Samurai, you'll just have to hope that's enough.
"Princess Aya" You say softly, with your full conviction.
Tsukiko blinks, that name of all names is not what she expected, it's clear on her face.
"What you say is impossible."
"And yet it is the truth, now you know why I keep secret so much"
"Take me to her."
"Akodo-sama..."
"You should have brought this to me immediately, no matter what spies and danger you think lurks in the Imperial Legion. I can however, forgive that oversight, if and only if, you bring me to her now. I would know what damage my Empress has undergone."
"Is that an order Akodo-sama?"
"Hai"
You finish your tea, there's nothing that can be done then. Putting the cup down, you rise with a low bow.
"If Akodo-sama will follow me then?" You ask.
She rises and, you lead her out of the room. It's a quiet, nervous walk towards the Crab Embassy where both versions of Princess Aya are ensconced. The people move around you like water against the rock that is Akodo Tsukiko. You find yourself worrying about what happens next, what if Tsukiko tries something...rash? What if she's secretly evil. (Alright you don't much countenance that one) still, you know that Hida-sama will not be happy.
Finally you reach the Crab embassy, and lead Tsukiko to where the Princesses sit. Tsukiko bows to them, despite her blatant confusion as to how there are two princess. Behind you, Hida Isano puts one strong, warm hand on your shoulder and squeezes. Oh he's pissed, time to exit stage left, you think.
After definitely not fleeing the wrath of an angry Hida, you find yourself spending the rest of the day with that serving girl Green Blossom, while you drink tea and enjoy not being confronted by Hida Isano's angry face.
--------
Three days later, Kitsu Ame hands you a small book, she looks as happy as always to see you, opening it up, you see a number of dossiers that Tsukiko put together, guess everything worked out in the end. You still haven't gone to talk to Hida-sama though.
Flicking through the pages, you end up dismissing a number of them for not being workable with your team. Whether because you're pretty sure Izu would drive them nuts, Sora would murder them, or Yukiko wouldn't like them then Sora would murder them. Still there are a few gems in there...now who to recruit
[] Kakita Toshiro (Kakita Duelist: Skilled Court Duellist, Excellent Investigator)
[] Kakita Reika: (Kakita Artisan: Master Artisan, Skilled Courtier)
[] Hida Tanako: (Hida Bushi: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Hunter)
[] Ikoma Keiji: (Ikoma Warden: Excellent Spearman, Skilled Tactician)
[] Isawa Kyoko: (Isawa Tensai: Excellent Fire Magician, Skilled Lore Specialist)
[] Yoritomo Nishiyumi: (Yoritomo Marine: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Sailor)
[] Utaku Nanako (Utaku Battle Maiden: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Horse woman)
Last edited:
Quest
The Great One
- Location
- Everywhere
Isn't it a week early for April Fools?
Problem with formatting, should be fixed now.
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] Utaku Nanako (Utaku Battle Maiden: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Horse woman)
- Location
- Leeds
[X] Utaku Nanako (Utaku Battle Maiden: Excellent Combatant, Skilled Horse woman)
Yeah, we probably should have.
- Location
- Leeds
Who is regretting not taking that unkept dice technique? I'm thinking that we probably should have approached her earlier.
- Location
- Austrlia
Ok.
So, I voted for the Loremaster Fire mage. Thought it'd be a useful add, more than the others.
Shugenja are the only way to deal with some threats. And, Lore is obvious.
Still, the Utaku is very good in a fight, and has best horse, so best speed if needed. Still prefer Burninator.
So, I voted for the Loremaster Fire mage. Thought it'd be a useful add, more than the others.
Shugenja are the only way to deal with some threats. And, Lore is obvious.
Still, the Utaku is very good in a fight, and has best horse, so best speed if needed. Still prefer Burninator.
- Status