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Play By Post Section => Mythic Nippon: The Demon God of Sendai => Trophy Room => Adventure III => Topic started by: BerkaZerka on March 14, 2014, 10:39:52 pm
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Mythic Nippon: The Demon God of Sendai
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/BerkaZerka/MythicNippon/Samurai.jpg)
Story Three---
Prolog___
It had been just over a month and a half since the return of the Heroes of Sendai from their mission to Hirosaki and the fall of the traitorous Magistrate Ho Kasamatsu.
During this time much had transpired –
Jie Hu Okamura, the Halfblood Samurai, had been found, jailed, and then subsequently chosen to serve Noburu Saito and the Samurai of Sendai as a Yoriki-So (or Junior Yoriki), under Yoriki Keitaro Hokusai's watchful eye, until he could prove himself worthy of the honor of full Yoriki-ship.
The position had become available, with the departure of the unusual Priest Kirito Kirigaya, who had been called back to the Temple of Five Gods for unknown reasons.
The Samurai of Sendai meanwhile, traveled to Edo to compete in the famed Dragon Boat Races and had actually managed to finish the race in a very respectable 8th Place – also winning 3rd Place for the ‘most impressive ship’ – and winning a Siberian White Tiger for their troubles (or at least that is what everyone who saw Udo’s peroxide-bleached tiger thought when they first laid eyes on it).
As for the City of Hirosaki and the fate of Magistrate Ho Kasamatsu – The Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura had secured permission from Edo to marshal force against the Hirosaki; and the Armies of Sendai and Morioka marched forth.
Interestingly enough, a war never occurred. It was upon the Army’s arrival outside Hirosaki, two weeks after leaving Sendai, that the city was discovered to have been completely sacked and burned to the ground. A great siege had occurred against Hirosaki, but sometime well before the Daimyo’s forces had even arrived.
Signs indicated that a large Ebisu invasion force had wiped out everything before them and then retreated back across the sea to their home on Hokkaido. Apparently, the Ebisu King had not kept his end of the bargain when left by the Samurai of Sendai – though to be fair, the Samurai never really had any way to ensure that he did. He had gotten vengeance upon Magistrate Kasamatsu for kidnapping his daughter the Princess.
And so war was averted before it had really begun – thanks to the Samurai of Sendai (and a fat Ebisu King bent on making a real bastard pay).
Then, with Hirosaki empty, the Armies of Sendai and Morioka stayed on to begin rebuilding and a new Magistrate of Hirosaki was called – Rai Higoshi, the nephew of the Daimyo and an ambitious social climber. Though a man of renowned political savvy, one quietly wonders if the Daimyo presented him with the position just to get rid of him – perhaps feeling that the new young and up-comer was a threat to his own position.
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15th Day of Mid Summer, 1297 (Patriot's Day)
The Daimyo’s Grand Tournament
Today the Samurai of Sendai and the little fox girl Kioko, found themselves attending the biggest event that the Mutsu Province had to offer – The Daimyo’s Grand Patriot’s Day Tournament of Fighting Schools.
Held once a year as part of the Patriot’s Day celebrations, all of the martial schools and potential champions in the region, gather together for a truly momentous tournament – comprised of three tremendous events (Archery, Unarmed, and Swordsmanship).
In addition to being one of the only times of the year where the Daimyo actually makes a public appearance, it is the chance for the best-of-the-best to compete with each other, prove their courage in conflict, and to bring honor to themselves and their schools. The highlight of the proceedings being the awarding of the Grand Championship prizes to the winners, personally handed to each, by the Daimyo himself.
Even before the events had actually started, it had been a long day for the Samurai of Sendai – they having spent the entire morning seeing to the security and assigning their Doshin to various watches around the area where the events would take place. That and the fact that every Magistrate in Sendai was already there, including Noburu Saito himself, Rai Higoshi of Hirosaki, and Mikio Amori of Aomori to overlook and scrutinize every detail in preparation for the Daimyo’s appearance later in the day.
Already, it was late in the afternoon and things had been progressing smoothly.
The Archery Competition had been first, with its four events (Rapid Shooting, Long Range Shooting, Mounted Shooting, and Trick Shots) being held outdoors, on the fields of Sendai’s Zen Archery School.
Yuki’s Mother, Headmistress Akiko Shirahata, was last year’s reigning champion and competed again this year, to ‘at least make it challenging for her daughter Yuki’, she had said with a wink.
As it turned out, Headmistress Akiko, pretty much schooled everyone again this year – but was actually prevented a complete shut-out by Miya (who somehow managed to win the Mounted Shooting event). The final outcome was Yuki in Third Place, Miya in Second Place, and Headmistress Akiko in First.
“Moma Shirahata really shoots good!” little Kioko marveled after watching the events.
Then afterward, everyone headed over to the Grand Tournament Hall in the Military District to watch the next events.
“Hey! How come Moma Shirahata didn’t get her trophy?” Kioko asked in alarm.
“Don’t worry Kioko,” Yuki’s mother Akiko replied, “The Daimyo will personally hand out all the Championship prizes at the end of the day in the Grand Tournament Hall.”
“Oh yeah,” Kioko agreed, as if she had known that all along.
Once inside the Grand Tournament Hall, the Unarmed Competition then took place.
The surprise of the day was how well the Half-Blood Samurai, Jei Hu, had done (being best known as a swordsman and all). He fought up through the ranks without much effort, and easily bested Udo to secure Third Place. Unfortunately, his luck ended there, when Roka KO’d him with a single lightning fast kick to the face.
Roka then went on to fight last year’s reigning Champion – the huge Sumo Benjiro Abukara – a former Top-Student of Master Kaito Nakamura’s School of Martial Combat.
Roka entered the ring, flexing to his adoring fans, his muscles doubling in size and awesomeness (when he activated Heavy Hitter). He then bowed to his opponent – some large nameless sumo dude as far as he knew. He was pretty large, after all.
‘This is gonna suck...’ Roka thought to himself, though he showed nothing but confidence on the outside. ‘The sumo dude is gonna be a tough one to handle. Hopefully the sumo dude will fail regarding his grapple moves.’
Then the gong sounded and the Sumo got the jump on Roka – but Roka surged to slip into his attacks first – Criting with a brutal punch to the Sumo's face for 18 Damage (with Heavy Hitter) and breaking the Sumo's nose - KO'ing him!
Making sure to double-tap, Roka then landed another solid blow, fueled by Grievous Injury Technique – to bypass Vitality and go straight to Wounds for 14 more Damage!
The force of the blow blasted the huge Sumo Wrestle right out of the ring and onto his back in a cloud of dust – causing the arena to fall silent in baited breath...
“HNNNG! Damn, Sumos weigh a lot...” Roka grunted thought he amazing move.
Then, the Sumo shook off the KO, convinced himself that he wasn’t really hurt that bad, activated Heavy Hitter himself, and rushed across the ring at Roka like a charging bull!
He then threw a Combo Power Sumo Slam on Roka – literally picking up and bum-rushing Roka fifty feet backwards, before plowing him headfirst into the ground – with Sumo Guy still on top and now trapping Roka in a Hold afterwards!
Roka took an amazing 56 Damage and was utterly crushed! But focused Ki Energy into his Brass Body Technique at just the right time allowed him to avoid being instantly Disabled! He then surged to shrug off the KO!
Seeing that Roka was still alive, the huge Sumo guy grinned widely and gave what could only be described as a 'hearty grunt' of approval...
Roka coughed, having been almost crushed by the Sumo.
“Agh, you got a damn good attack...” He muttered, readying his fists while the sumo was on him.
He then went into action, throwing a nice one-two punch into the Sumo's rippling fat rolls, doing a devastating 24 Damage Crit on the first. Unfortunately for the Sumo, with only one luck point left, he was only able to counter the Crit, and still took enough damage to be wounded.
Roka didn’t even have to throw the second blow. The Sumo shook off the KO and then stood up holding his chest and spitting out blood – yet he still smiled broadly and bowed to Roka – the Winner of this year's Unarmed Grand Championship!
The crowd went wild for Roka (their hero) and the final outcome was officially posted as Jei Hu in Third Place, Sumo Benjiro Abukara in Second Place, and Roka in First Place.
Roka was able to bask in the glory of his win for a short time, before the Swordsmanship Competition started and he was quickly forgotten (except by his loving Minions of course).
Though unarmed fighting was respected and held in high regard of itself, it was considered secondary in importance to skill with the sword – and it was the Swordsmanship Competition that the people remembered and talked about for the weeks and months that followed each tournament.
As it went, the competitors all showed great skill and promise, putting on a good show for the crowd, but as it goes, only one can be champion and after a while, the bouts narrowed the potentials down to the final two competitors – Jei Hu, who had just beaten Kaitaro, leaving his Superior Yorik with Third Place – and General Kaori Meji, General of Sendai’s Army, and last year’s Grand Champion.
One of the two would be honored as a hero tonight, the other would be forgotten like all the rest, but right now, both held out for that glory; it was in their reach and they would take it – it promised to be a good match…
As this was going on, Keitaro’s Doshin Miko, had been arrested by Jei Hu’s Doshin and taken out of the Tournament Hall for some reason.
Not that Keitaro could do anything about it at the time, as it occurred right at the start of his match with Jei Hu, but Rai had intervened and taken custody of Miko to lead her away (having just left with her moments ago) …
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During all this time, watching the events, Yuki had a chance to scan the crowd with her All Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight (a little thing she created by combining Spirit Sight and Read Aura) in order to get a read on all the Nobles that were hard to ever get a glimpse of. Nothing out of the ordinary could be seen until her gaze passed over the Magistrates and High Nobles, all sitting together on a slightly raised wooden stand to either side of an empty more ornate section.
While the Magistrate and company were unsurprising for themselves, Yuki could see – standing in the air directly above the Magistrate’s section was a large air elemental – already manifested yet invisible to everyone else, because it was not currently moving.
As Yuki was taking note of this and beginning to wonder how it could be there in a magically warded area, three more air elementals entered the hall – though these ones were unmanifested and simply rose up through the floor, taking positions high above the crowd.
Then suddenly, a hush fell over the arena, and all eyes turned to a double set of great black iron doors that led into the hall from the far side. With a loud creak, two large Samurai dressed in highly lacquered ornate black lamellar armor with matching katana and wakisashi opened them.
These two stood aside once the doors were parted, and in walked the Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura with Exalted Patriarch Yukio Onishi on one side, Grand Premier Kenji Nogachi on the other, and his personal contingent of sixteen Samurai Honor Guards following close behind. At once, everyone knelt in a show of respect and awe, as the Daimyo and his group walked across the area and took seats on the ornate section of the stands with the Magistrates and other nobles. At a nod of the Daimyo’s head, everyone then stood back up and the silence was broken, as the tournament once again geared up to get back under way.
The Daimyo appeared to be in good health, in his late fifties perhaps, and was wearing gold and black-colored divine armor, adorned with the Sendai Ancestral Blade and a matched set of Katana and wakisashi in gold leaf and green jade scabbards. Each of his sixteen honor guards were armed as the two large Samurai who had opened the double iron doors.
As everyone remarked one to another at what an honor it was to be part of such a rare public appearance of the Daimyo, Yuki tried to get a read on the Daimyo and his coterie, and noted that something was blocking her sight on the Daimyo – and this in a magically warded area!
Were the Daimyo should be, there was instead a complete void – a lack of anything at all, which her Sorcerer’s Sight could not penetrate. Was it some kind of enchanted item shielding the Daimyo from prying eyes?
Looking at the rest, Yuki noted that both the Exalted Patriarch and Grand Premier with the Daimyo had Spirit Sight up and were also scanning the crowd. Even the Chief Magistrate Noburu Saito had a small Lopan out and was looking around warily – most likely reading Aruas of anyone that might threaten the Daimyo. All of them seemed unconcerned about the air elementals however, and were most likely the ones that had control over them.
The two large Samurai who had opened the iron doors, began to close them again – when someone on the other side abruptly stopped them. They bowed to whoever it was with some apparent degree of embarrassment and self-abasement, before that person walked in, which was odd in itself – as only the Daimyo, his personal contingent, and the Magistrates were allowed to use that particular door.
Those of the crowd who noticed fell silent, as an ancient-looking, blind-eyed and bald headed old man slowly walked into the area with four serious-looking (but young and stunningly beautiful) Samuari-ko in yellow and white-trimmed lamellar armor.
The appearance of the old man caused a sudden stir among the Magistrates and High Nobles, who began to murmur nervously amongst themselves, as the mysterious stranger approached the Daimyo. The fact that they were doing nothing to stop the old man and that the Daimyo waited patiently for his approach, was enough to let everyone know not to interfere (at least for the moment).
Who was this old man, that he was afforded such surpassing grace from even the Daimyo himself?
When the old man had finally reached the Daimyo’s stand, he and the four Samurai-ko knelt before him. Upon being bidden to rise, they faced the Magistrates and the four Samurai-ko again knelt, but the old man simply bowed, and the Magistrates bowed back.
With the protocol satisfied, the old man and his Samurai-ko climbed into the stand and sat down with the Magistrates and other Nobles – to the apparent (and rather quickly hidden) displeasure of both the Daimyo’s Exalted Patriarch and Grand Premier…
As Yuki observed, she could see why the High Priest and Master Wu-Jen of Sendai might have been a little put off. While the old man appeared normal in every respect, aside from himself being a tremendously powerful Wu-Jen, the four Samurai-ko that were with him were not even human – but rather evil spirits known as Shuten-Doji – or vampires! Full of essence not their own…
Then Yuki noticed something truly shocking! The old Wu-Jen had a very faint spiritual line of attunement emanating from him – much like her own and those of a few of her fellow Samurai!
Then after another nod from the Daimyo, a gong sounded and Jei Hu and General Meji were directed to a raised ring directly in front of the Daimyo and Magistrate’s stands. A Ring Judge walked out and the three of them knelt to the Daimyo once more and set themselves to start the Final Match!
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[OOC – Rai has just taken Miko out of the Tournament hall and has missed the arrival of the Daimyo; Jei Hu and General Meji are set to fight for Grand Champion; everyone else is in the Hall, having seen everything mentioned above.]
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"Better be in the spotlight for a couple moments then be the steps tool for another's road to fame, I suppose." Roka says, shrugging sadly, until he sees the Samurai-Ko.
"Woah. Old Man got a good taste in women." Roka says quietly.
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Looking around, Yuki notices Roka.
"Congratulations on the tournament Roka!"
She says excitedly.
"Pst, guess what."
She continues in a whisper, going closer to Roka.
"Those samurai-ko are actually vampires! I wonder just how much our Daiymo trusts that Wu-Jen to allow him to bring vampires that close to him..."
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Formalities satisfied Keita quickly rushes out of the stadium to find Rai and Miko to get to the bottom of this disturbing chain of events.
[Continued in The Jail house ... Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=745.0)]
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"Ha ha, thanks Yuki.... Wait what? Are you sure?.... I really don't want to get infatuated with another demon..." Roka says sadly.
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Yuki makes a pouting face.
"Of course I'm sure. Ask one of them yourself if you doubt me!"
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Roka grimaces, and takes one look at the vampire samurai.
"I'll... I'll take your word for it, ha ha." Roka says, shaking his head. "Too bad you or Miya didn't win in the archery contest. Your mom's a good shot, ha ha."
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"Well of course she is, she's taught Miya and I everything we know!"
Yuki replies boastfully. She then gets quiet.
"But I sure did terrible, ugh...."
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"Don't worry, ha ha. You did better then poor Udo. I'm gonna have to do something about him at some point in time..." Roka says, shaking his head.
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In the Main Ring meanwhile, the General and Jei Hu meet for their match.
Jie Hu looks at the General, and before doing anything else bows very deeply. So deeply he almost looses balance at first. And smiles, a genuine smile. He wasn't expecting to go this far in the tournament, and he sure didn't expect to be facing the General either. When he stood back up as normal, he looked the General straight into his eyes.
"My name is Jie Hu Okamura, the Half-Blood Samurai." He said, with the hint of a smile.
Jie Hue readies his blade, prepared to combat the greatest swordsman he'd ever have the honor of facing (or so he thinks). All the dangers, all the fights, all the masters he had bested... it all boiled down to this one moment, between him and the general of the greatest armies of earth.
Jie Hue raises his blade - and readied to strike.
"Well met," the General replied and bowed back to Jei Hu. He then drew a deep breath, activated Amazing Celerity and took up the Vengeful Counter Stance with his double katana pair.
Jei Hu knew that this was not going to be easy.
When the gong sounds, General Meji is off with alarming speed, causing Jei Hu to surge in order to go first.
Throwing a double Multi Attack at the General, Jei Hu swings his blades four times, ready to add Crashing Mirror to any strikes that get through the General's defenses. Unfortunately, the General expertly parries all four attacks - slicing Jei Hu twice in the process for 9 Damage and then 17 Damage! (Though Jei Hu burns his last Luck Point for half)
Seeing that it's unlikely that this is going to last very long, Jei Hu Surges for Vengeful Counter Stance and braces for the incoming onslaught!
Surprisingly, the response is not just a flurry of multi attacks like has been seen throughout the tournament so far.
Rather, the General first tries to Feint Jei Hu with a false attack and the gambit works - setting Jei Hu flat-footed against the General's next attack.
The General then dumps 7 Accuracy for +7 Damage with Power Attack and spends 2 surge for True Strike with Grievous Injury Technique. That coupled with the fact that he has Surprise Strike, takes +5 Damage for the Crit, and Jei Hu fails to Crit his Parry Roll, brings a superbly precise stroke - ending on the half-blood Samurai's bare neck for 36 Damage!
The General however, pulls all but 10 points, Wounding Jei Hu for just 1 Wound Point of Damage and winning the match without spending his last Action for the Round (or taking off his opponent's head).
Following the match, General Meji bows to Jei Hu, the Ring Judge, and then to the Daimyo and Magistrates stand.
Walking off the ring, he adds to Jei Hu - "You have incredible skill. Now you begin to hone it with discipline."
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"Well of course she is, she's taught Miya and I everything we know!"
Yuki replies boastfully. She then gets quiet.
"But I sure did terrible, ugh...."
Miya raises an eyebrow at Yuki's comment.
"Actually... Oh nevermind." She smiles to her friend. "You did wonderfully Yuki, 3rd place is not something to be ashamed of."
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As the fight ends, Roka raises his hands in victory.
"Ha ha! That was a great fight, and even better, I made more money then a peasant would in his whole lifetime." Roka says, smiling.
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Miya raises an eyebrow at Yuki's comment.
"Actually... Oh nevermind." She smiles to her friend. "You did wonderfully Yuki, 3rd place is not something to be ashamed of."
"I suppose. You did great though Miya! You actually beat my mom at the mounted challenge!"
Yuki exclaims.
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"I'm still not quite sure how I managed that last shot during the mounted contest." Miya grins with a mschievous smile.
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Jie Hu, completely awestruck by awesome swordmanship the general displayed, stood there a few moments before reacting. He then turned to him after hearing his praise, He bowed to him saying "Thank you for the lesson." He then bows to everyone else in the order they stature demands.
He then proceeded to find Roka. He wanted to talk to man that managed to down him in 1 kick. (after getting healed up.)
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OOC; I'll assume finding Roka is easy enough, ha ha.
"Ah, the new Yoriki-So." Roka says, surprised seeing the half blood. "What do you need?"
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As Rai returns to the turnoment he finds his team mate Roka and says, "Hi congrats on your win in unarmed. Who won the swordsmen competition?"
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Udo Kuwabara glumly strokes Bleach the tiger, "It's alright, Bleach, maybe next year..." He stares at his Tiger, whom he has been able to communicate with quite well. Even more-so than Yoshi,
"That was an exciting tournament though, the Chinese man knows how to fight, if nothing else, and Roka beat up the Sumo rather masterfully. The archery contest was rather neat as well. And I got to head butt Keitaro, albeit in a swords-contest! but it was fun while it lasted"
He nods, but now what? Might as well wish congrats to Roka... And like everyone damn person in the team, he goes to find Roka. "Congrats for winning, Roka" he says, smiling meekly.
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"Ha ha, thanks guys. As for who won, well, I doubt the winner would come and hang out with us, so that would be General Meiji. Good fight by the Yoriki-So though." Roka replies, laughing.
"Also, Rai, what's going on with MiKo? Or whatever her name was?"
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Rai responses, "Miko is accused of stealing from a noble house. Honestly I don't believe it especially because Keitaro said that Jie used it as a distraction from there fight."
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"... Looks like Keitaro is going to be a sour loser. Unfortunate." Roka says, shaking his head. "I don't know miKo at all, honestly, so I can't say anything, but I'd hope we'd wait until judgement day before we start deciding our thoughts on the matter."
"Whatever, not my buisness. Aiko, mind getting me something to drink?" He then asks, turning to one of his adoring minions.
"Of course." She replies and goes away.
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Rai responses, "Miko is accused of stealing from a noble house. Honestly I don't believe it especially because Keitaro said that Jie used it as a distraction from there fight."
Jh just gives Rai an annoyed look "First off all, i dont know you well enough to let you use my first name. Secondly, it's Jie Hu. You might want to obtain that information beforehand, to not risk looking like a fool. And thirdly why would i do that? don't you think i have enough problems as it is with me being a... halfblood."
JH, quite offended doesn't wait for Rai to reply before turning to Roka.
"Takemura-Senpai, Glad to have met you in the ring. I came here to congratulate you on winning the unarmed event. That was one giant of a man that you took down, thats no small feat." He smiled towards him.
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Keitaro enters the Arena (or the part of it where his companions would be) And looks around for Roka. Upon seeing a gaggle of woefully woo'd women he knows Roka is nearby. "Roka! Roka where are you?" He pushes through the crowd until he sees him. "Roka may we have a word somewhere more... private?"
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Roka looks at Keitaro, concerned.
"I'd love to talk Keitaro, I'm certain you could use someone to talk to, but I can't be late for the award ceremony. Maybe later?"
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Roka looks at Keitaro, concerned.
"I'd love to talk Keitaro, I'm certain you could use someone to talk to, but I can't be late for the award ceremony. Maybe later?"
"Right, congrats friend! I'm sorry i forgot to say that didn't I?" Keitaro sighs, "Yeah meet you before dinner? Anywhere in particular?"
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"Just come to my home before the party.... Which I was supposed to mention after the ceremony. We should be able to talk for a bit then." Roka replies.
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"Just come to my home before the party.... Which I was supposed to mention after the ceremony. We should be able to talk for a bit then." Roka replies.
"Oh a party!? Perfect. yes I will meet you there. Congrats again!" Keitaro bows politely and walks off on his own for a bit. Thinking to himself about what he is going to do about Miko...
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"Ah yes, Roka" Udo proclaims, remembering, "Here's your sword pair you lent to me" He holds them in front of him, to be given back to Roka.
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Another gong sounded – and the First Place Champions of the three Tournament Events were all called forward.
The Magistrates and High Nobles looked thoughtfully at the three Champions and chatted amongst themselves about the matches, discussing some of the highlights they had seen and the moves that had impressed them the most. The Daimyo also looked interested in what he had seen, but spoke to no-one, while his Samurai Honor Guard, the Exalted Patriarch, and Grand Premier of Sendai kept a watch on things. The old man and his Samurai-ko also sat silently, observing the proceeding with a strange dignity.
“Akiko Shirahata, Roka Takemura, General Kaori Meji” the Chief Judge called aloud, motioning for the winners to take the stand before the Daimyo.
A hush fell over the crowd, and after the three had knelt to their Lord and the Magistrates, the Chief Judge spoke once again – “My Great Lord, it is my honor to present to you: the Grand Champions of this year’s Grand Tournament of Fighting Schools, held in your most bountiful honor – “
“Akiko Shirahata, Grand Champion of the Archery Competition!”
“Roka Takemura Grand Champion of the Unarmed Competition!”
“And General Kaori Meji, Grand Champion of the Swordsmanship Competition!”
The Daimyo regarded the three champions standing before him a moment and then spoke – “Ah, it is good to see you standing here once again Headmistress Shirahata, and you as well General Meji.” Then addressing Roko, he went on – “And you, young Takemura, you have brought much honor to your family here today. I will be keeping my eye on you and, if you continue in this path of excellence, I have no doubt that you shall one day serve among the finest Samurai of Sendai.”
Then turning to the Chief Magistrate, the Daimyo added, “Chief Magistrate Saito, your Yoriki have all shown themselves remarkably well today. Clearly you are cultivating well-honed swords and even sharper minds. In this you honor Sendai.”
“Thank you my Lord Hasekura,” the Chief Magistrate replied with a low bow.
Then the Tournament Directors brought forth the prizes to be awarded to the winners and the Daimyo stepped forward to hand each one from a Tournament Director to the recipient – which was a tremendous honor to be sure.
To Yuki’s mother Akiko, the Daimyo first handed a small coffer of gold ingots and then an ornate masterwork gold and ivory greatbow.
To Roka, the Daimyo also handed a small coffer of gold ingots and then a masterwork silver and jade accented breastplate.
Then to General Meji, the Daimyo handed another small coffer of gold ingots and then a masterwork silver edged katana and wakisashi sword pair.
At that, the three before the Daimyo knelt again humbly, and offered a collective “We thank you Great Lord,” before backing away the appropriate distance and turning to go off to one side of the area.
The Daimyo contingent then stood and once again everyone knelt, as the Daimyo and those with him moved to exit back through the great double iron doors they had originally come in through – only this time, the Daimyo motioned for the old man to accompany him.
Leaving his four Samurai-ko in the company of Magistrates – which appeared to be exactly what none of them wanted, judging by their shocked (yet quickly hidden) looks concerning the matter – the old man stood and walked with the group alongside the Exalted Patriarch and Grand Premier, who had since reigned in their emotions and seemed completely at ease with his presence now.
Yuki, watching the proceedings, noted the three unmanifested air elementals go out with the Daimyo, while the manifested one continued to hover unseen over the Grand Tournament Hall.
Once the Daimyo and his party had gone, everyone turned and knelt to the Magistrates before starting to filter out excitedly – going over the day’s events and ready to hit the local taverns and geisha houses en mass – yes, today would certainly be a good day for all the local businesses!
As the area slowly cleared out, Chief Magistrate Noburu Saito came forward with his younger brother – Chief Scribe Juro Saito.
After the appropriate protocol, Chief Magistrate Saito spoke – “You and your Doshin have done a fine job here today, seeing that things have gone smoothly and no harm has come to our Beloved Daimyo.”
“You honor me with your service and I want you to know that the Daimyo and Sendai value it as well. As token of this appreciation, you will all take this evening off and join me at my home for dinner and entertainment.”
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Rai meanwhile, suddenly felt ill. For some reason his head was spinning and he felt like he needed to lie down.
Something in seeing the Daimyo for the first time triggered something in him and whatever it was flooded his mind so deeply as to be completely unintelligible at the moment…
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Yuki's Mother waited for the Chief Magistrate to finish speaking and then slipped in behind her daughter Yuki. Little Kioko was with her and grinned from ear-to-ear.
"Guess what?" Kioko said to Yuki excitedly - "we have a present for you!"
"Yes," Yuki's Mother confirmed, "I want you to have this," she said, handing her masterwork greatbow to Yuki.
"I have one already, from last year, and it would be a shame to hang this one on a wall, when you could bring it the honor and renown it deserves by actually using it in your defense of Sendai."
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Then the four beautiful Samurai-ko move over from the stands, to smile and wink at Roka as he talks to the Chief Magistrate.
Roka can't help but notice how incredibly sensual-looking they all appear ...
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Jie Hu just stood there a little dumbstruck. dinner... at his place? Oh maaaan, im so going to jail again... Oh well... i hope those samurai-ko will be there, atleast then it would be interesting.
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Rai as the daymio leaves starts to fall to his knees as he becomes nauseated. He is breathing harshly almost as if he has suddenly gotten ill. The room spins around him as he comes closer to passing out.
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Yuki's Mother waited for the Chief Magistrate to finish speaking and then slipped in behind her daughter Yuki. Little Kioko was with her and grinned from ear-to-ear.
"Guess what?" Kioko said to Yuki excitedly - "we have a present for you!"
"Yes," Yuki's Mother confirmed, "I want you to have this," she said, handing her masterwork greatbow to Yuki.
"I have one already, from last year, and it would be a shame to hang this one on a wall, when you could bring it the honor and renown it deserves by actually using it in your defense of Sendai."
"Really!?"
Yuki asks excitedly, giving Kioko a hug as she does.
"Thank you mom!"
She says, giving her mother a short bow.
"I'll make sure it gets put to good use, and bring honour to our family."
She says proudly.
-
Rai as the daymio leaves starts to fall to his knees as he becomes nauseated. He is breathing harshly almost as if he has suddenly gotten ill. The room spins around him as he comes closer to passing out.
Keitaro rushes to his side and catches him as they were fairly close to each other standing watching the ceremonies. "Hey, you okay Rai? Let's get you indoors somewhere and out of the heat." Keitaro calls over a healer from the arena (the ones who healed after matches) and asks for him to see to Rai, of course he stays with him.
-
Then the four beautiful Samurai-ko move over from the stands, to smile and wink at Roka as he talks to the Chief Magistrate.
Roka can't help but notice how incredibly sensual-looking they all appear ...
Roka smiles back, until remembering Yuki's statement about them being vampires, and turns away from the vamps.
"My lord, thank you for the invitation." Roka says to the magistrate, bowing.
-
Rai tries to stand and response but the moment he puts more weight on his feet his world turns black and he falls.
-
"Thank you." JH adds after pondering if he should excuse himself from the party or not.
-
Keitaro rushes to his side and catches him as they were fairly close to each other standing watching the ceremonies. "Hey, you okay Rai? Let's get you indoors somewhere and out of the heat." Keitaro calls over a healer from the arena (the ones who healed after matches) and asks for him to see to Rai, of course he stays with him.
Outside, a Priest of the Temple of Five Gods responds to give Rai a look-over.
"I'm sorry," he says, "with all the competitors advancing today, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who can heal anyone until tomorrow. You better just get him someplace he can lie down for now."
Rai tries to stand and response but the moment he puts more weight on his feet his world turns black and he falls.
"Yep. Probably should get him plenty of water too. He may just be overheated..."
-
Outside, a Priest of the Temple of Five Gods responds to give Rai a look-over.
"I'm sorry," he says, "with all the competitors advancing today, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who can heal anyone until tomorrow. You better just get him someplace he can lie down for now."
"Yep. Probably should get him plenty of water too. He may just be overheated..."
Not knowing what else to do, Keitaro slides Rai over his massive shoulders and carries him to his horse. He then Rides off towards the Hokusai homestead outside of the walls to make sure the workers there can keep a watch over him and hopefully he can get a good meal and some rest. he of course will return to the grand feast with the Magistrate as he has unfinished business to attend to...
-
Udo stares oddly as Rai fell to the ground. Raising his eyebrow, he shrugs as Keitaro swiftly ptakes off with him outside. He turns his attention to the Chief Magistrate, he bows, "Many thankings for the invitation, Chief Magistrate."
He stares oddly at the Samurai-Ko (the vamps, though unbeknownst to him) before looking over his group once more, specifically at Roka. One day... I'll honor my family too I'm just not sure how at this point, definitely not by fighting...
-
Chief Magistrate Saito raises an eyebrow at Rai's 'fainting spell' but just says, "I trust that will be taken care of prior to our dinner. See you all there."
He then takes his leave of the Samurai, who are now alone with themselves in the Grand Tournament Hall. Looking around, they see that only the Doshin are left there, cleaning up, and the four Samurai-ko, still undressing Roka with their eyes...
-
Once the magistrate leaves the group, Roka bows, and then returns his stare at the vampire chicks, internally debating his predicament. Physically they rival the succubus (maybe). However, knowing his luck, these demons are likely aiming to kill him. Decisions decisions...
"Screw it." He says simply, heading towards the vampires.
-
"Really!?"
Yuki asks excitedly, giving Kioko a hug as she does.
"Thank you mom!"
She says, giving her mother a short bow.
"I'll make sure it gets put to good use, and bring honour to our family."
She says proudly.
"Screw you, I wanted a bow too." Miya pouts. <--Berka do not use that against me. :D
"Hmm... What happened to Rai? Did he eat anything unhealthy?" Miya asks.
-
Chief Magistrate Saito raises an eyebrow at Rai's 'fainting spell' but just says, "I trust that will be taken care of prior to our dinner. See you all there."
He then takes his leave of the Samurai, who are now alone with themselves in the Grand Tournament Hall. Looking around, they see that only the Doshin are left there, cleaning up, and the four Samurai-ko, still undressing Roka with their eyes...
Curious as to why four vampires came with old "Uncle Kenjiro", Yuki decides to flat out ask them. Not wanting to get the attention of too many of the Doshin, she tries to do so quietly.
"Pst, why were you four with Uncle Kenjiro? How do you know such a great Wu-Jen mage?"
She asks. She's both curious of the vampires connections with him, as well as the mage himself, as he seems to have the same attunement they have.
-
"Hello Roka Takemura," the Samurai-ko all say together in a creepy sing-song unison...
Then one steps forward to speak and Roka notes that they are all well above the normal level of human attractiveness, yet not quite on par with the Succubus Lilitu in that regard. Maybe they are not as powerful as the sex demon after all.
"We have heard of your great exploits," the apparent leader of them says, and Roka is relieved to find that they are not nearly as creepy when only one of them speaks at a time.
Then Yuki approaches to ask them some questions.
The Samurai-ko smile and answer, "We are Master Yunikawa's Personal Guard. We go where the Servants of the Iron Circles cannot."
At this last part, the one talking looks up and points to the invisible Air Elemental still hovering near the ceiling of the Tournament Hall (which right now, only Yuki can see).
"You see, Master Yunikawa is a great Wu-Jen of tremendous power over all of Creation, yet even he cannot prevent the Elemental's one-minded ire at the site of the Corrupted Ones."
-
OOC: When Roka was first made, I had no idea that Lecherous was the most dangerous flaw in game. XD
"Ladies." Roka replies, and then Yuki cuts him off, before he could say another word. Looking up at the ceiling and seeing nothing, Roka shrugs, unconcerned.
"So what have you heard of me? I'm surprised my fame has reached the servants of a powerful wujen. Woah... Yuki, didn't that guy we saw before we went to herosaki mention that their master knows about what happened with Sakura?"
-
Keitaro sees that the attendants take great care of Rai at the Hokusai homestead. He wonders if when he recovers this maybe a chance to get to know his mysterious companion
OOC: Rai you awake yet? lol
-
OOC: No He is effectively knocked out until the memories are back.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
-
"I see."
Yuki replies to the four women, impressed at the wu-jen's power. She then turns to Roka and nods.
"He should be able to help us understand what happened to Sakura..."
She begins.
"And we seem to have some other connection with him as well. Though I don't know if it's related to Sakura or not...."
Yuki finishes, trailing off towards the end.
-
"Screw you, I wanted a bow too." Miya pouts. <--Berka do not use that against me. :D
"Hmm... What happened to Rai? Did he eat anything unhealthy?" Miya asks.
"He collapsed in pain, and Keitaro took him outside to see a doctor, even though the team-doctor, well, sorta-doctor, is right here" Udo sighs in contempt.
He shrugs, "So, uh, yep." He says, looking at Roka and Yuki leave to talk to the Samurai-kos. Just him and Miya now, so he averts his gaze to her, before looking at the ground.
-
"So, Kuwabara. How did it feel to bash the fat ones head in?" Jie Hu asks Udo (who appearently forgot he was even there...)
-
Udo shakes his head, as he indeed forgot that the Chink was still with them, "Huh? Yeah, it was..." Awesome, "Uh, part of the tournament, which was fun."
Udo answers carefully, seeing how the highly judgemental Miya is there, "How was uh, your fight... Chinese guy?"
-
Udo shakes his head, as he indeed forgot that the Chink was still with them, "Huh? Yeah, it was..." Awesome, "Uh, part of the tournament, which was fun."
Udo answers carefully, seeing how the highly judgemental Miya is there, "How was uh, your fight... Chinese guy?"
"Ha! i guess i'm not the only one then." He replied back to Udo with a smile. "The name is Okamura, Jie Hu Okamura." he added with an annoyed look, but then he proceeded to tell him about his fight. "I learned on a previous occassion the fat one's love for multi strikes, so i took that lesson to heart and beat him." Then after thinking for a few seconds he added "Though i am not surprised i didnt win the last fight.. The generals skill is superb, i would have been dead if he didnt hold his last attack in."
-
"Ha! i guess i'm not the only one then." He replied back to Udo with a smile. "The name is Okamura, Jie Hu Okamura." he added with an annoyed look, but then he proceeded to tell him about his fight. "I learned on a previous occassion the fat one's love for multi strikes, so i took that lesson to heart and beat him." Then after thinking for a few seconds he added "Though i am not surprised i didnt win the last fight.. The generals skill is superb, i would have been dead if he didnt hold his last attack in."
He stares at the man strangely before replying, "He is the General of Sendai's army, you'd expect him to be that skilful. But how do you know Keitaro?"
-
He stares at the man strangely before replying, "He is the General of Sendai's army, you'd expect him to be that skilful. But how do you know Keitaro?"
"Some time ago, i was in the middle of nowhere, and i how i got there is another interesting story but alas not one i will tell today" Jh started with "And out of nowhere this giant of a man comes and start insulting me, calling me mudblood and all other sorts of things. At first i didnt mind the man because i was wounded an in no condition to fight him. But then he started shouting nonses, so i agreed to fight him." He shakes his head at that part. "That was a misstake, in my wounded condition i couldent defend myself properly so i only managed to almost cut his off before succumbing to his blows. Ironicly enough as soon as i went down, so did he." He brightens up at part.
-
"Some time ago, i was in the middle of nowhere, and i how i got there is another interesting story but alas not one i will tell today" Jh started with "And out of nowhere this giant of a man comes and start insulting me, calling me mudblood and all other sorts of things. At first i didnt mind the man because i was wounded an in no condition to fight him. But then he started shouting nonses, so i agreed to fight him." He shakes his head at that part. "That was a misstake, in my wounded condition i couldent defend myself properly so i only managed to almost cut his off before succumbing to his blows. Ironicly enough as soon as i went down, so did he." He brightens up at part.
"...Yeah, Keitaro is one to do that." Udo nods, remembering some 'adventures'. This man dislikes Keitaro, which is a plus, hopefully he also has some sense, unlike his apparent rival. He continues,
"So you're of mixed parentage? Sorry to hear about that..." He trails off, wiping his nose with his sleeve, "Wait, your the guy whose been challenging schools, right?"
-
"...Yeah, Keitaro is one to do that." Udo nods, remembering some 'adventures'. This man dislikes Keitaro, which is a plus, hopefully he also has some sense, unlike his apparent rival. He continues,
"So you're of mixed parentage? Sorry to hear about that..." He trails off, wiping his nose with his sleeve, "Wait, your the guy whose been challenging schools, right?"
"I'm not. The only people who really bother to make a fuss about it are either short-sighted fools or, like Keitaro, all muscle but no brain." He Shrugged.
Jie hu jumped up at the mentionion of the dojos. "Yes..." He replied slowly.
-
"I'm not. The only people who really bother to make a fuss about it are either short-sighted fools or, like Keitaro, all muscle but no brain." He Shrugged.
Jie hu jumped up at the mentionion of the dojos. "Yes..." He replied slowly.
Udo raises an eyebrow, but then perks up, "Ah, so what do you know of other than fighting?" Hoping the man is educated in something, "But yeah, I dunno why you decided to challenge that school, but I think that's why Keitaro was sent to find you, maybe?"
-
Udo raises an eyebrow, but then perks up, "Ah, so what do you know of other than fighting?" Hoping the man is educated in something, "But yeah, I dunno why you decided to challenge that school, but I think that's why Keitaro was sent to find you, maybe?"
"I like painting. My father always said, 'if you cant handle something delicate as a 'pencil?' how are you going to be able to handle a sword.'" He smiled at those words.
"i did it for several reasons. But the largest being i wanted to test my skill, to get my armor scratched so to speak. But.. at that last school i went a little overboard. I became to full of myself." Jie Hu's face darkened visibly and his tone changed to somewhat sadder one. "This dojos master, was exeptionally skilled. When we were both wounded, he offered a tie." Jie Hu closed his eyes momentarily. "And i, too eager to prove myself declined, and the master.. Well... well he died..."
-
"I like painting. My father always said, 'if you cant handle something delicate as a 'pencil?' how are you going to be able to handle a sword.'" He smiled at those words.
"i did it for several reasons. But the largest being i wanted to test my skill, to get my armor scratched so to speak. But.. at that last school i went a little overboard. I became to full of myself." Jie Hu's face darkened visibly and his tone changed to somewhat sadder one. "This dojos master, was exeptionally skilled. When we were both wounded, he offered a tie." Jie Hu closed his eyes momentarily. "And i, too eager to prove myself declined, and the master.. Well... well he died..."
Udo withholds laughing, "Well, it's something. You have anything to show?" He studies JH, but doesn't respond to the last comment.
-
"Some ordinary paintings of fruit bowls and other stuff." He replied smiling, thankfull of the change of topic.
-
Keitaro goes to the cellar and pulls out a bottle of his family's vintage Rice Wine and takes it back to the sitting room. He pours the whole thing into a decanter and pulls a fresh glass from the shelf. After pouring himself a generous portion he sits himself down into a plush, high back chair. "Ahh" he says after taking a sip, then a gulp, of the deep reddish brown liquid.
Didn't realize how tired I was from fighting today. Its nice to kick back and relax. Though I need to figure out a way to beat that Chinese half wits defenses. He is a rather skilled combatant. Maybe he would make a strong future ally, but at least for now, especially with this whole Miko thing, he remains my enemy. Ugh, I've made some mistakes before with my friends. I fear they may never get set right, hopefully I can get this mess sorted out. I wish dad were here. He would know exactly what to do. He always did.
Keitaro spends some time in the chair thinking and contemplating, and of course drinking his fill of his Wine. He will stay here until either Rai wakes up, or it is time to go to the magistrates hall for dinner.
-
Rai Tsukahara’s memories tumbled through his fever dream in a torrent – some suddenly changing from dream to reality and some, which he had believed to be his own all his life, faded into the ether…
Tsukahara wasn’t even his real family name. He was Rai Go-Uda – son of his father, Emperor Tenno Go-Uda, who had been killed by the Chinese during the invasion.
He was the rightful Heir of Nippon and was the Great Hope of his Nation – that he would one day rise above the Chinese Oppressors to drive them from Nippon and take his rightful place on the Jade Throne.
The Ninja of the Setting Sun Clan, led by Ninja Master Kai Shugyo, had been the ones to spirit him out of the Imperial Palace when he was only four years old. The Ninja have always been the secret protectors of Nippon – the Shadow Servants of the True Emperor – the enemies of the Yakuza, who seek only for their own power!
Taken as a child and hidden away, Rai was given false memories. Everything Rai thought was his background was a fabrication, magically created to protect his secret from those who would try to destroy him. The memories of his father being killed and his hatred of the Chinese were true – only the details were altered in his mind as part of the great ruse.
Now that Rai was twenty years old, the veil over his mind has been lifted and the fate of himself and his homeland lay squarely in his own hands.
As he reeled from the startling revelation, the words of Ninja Master Kai Shugyo echoed in his head. It was his instructions for Rai, upon regaining this great knowledge –
‘Rai. You are now a man of skill and placed at the doorway of influence and power. It is rightfully yours to take, but first you must gather allies to the cause. You must find those of power that you can trust and secretly prepare them for the day they will rise up as one united blade, against the Chines Invaders who have taken your Birthright!
Be slow and cunning in your efforts. Do not tip your hand too soon, lest you fall into the enemies’ hands!
We of the Setting Sun Ninja Clan have, over the years, been slowly forging ties with all of the Ninja Masters of Nippon and will back you when the day is right. First however, you must attain a position of power yourself – such as Daimyo – becoming it yourself, or if that is not possible, allying a just and powerful one to act as your voice in recruiting other supporters.
To this end, beware the Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura! He is an ally of the Chinese – a tool of the False Emperor – and part of a secret network of evil spirits known as the Rokurokubi (Pennaggolans) that infest the Ruling Class of our once Great Nation! Recognize them by the inability of the Feng-Shui Masters to detect their auras and tread carefully! United, they can crush you in an instant!
Before you can ascend to the Jade Throne, this cancer must be removed from Nippon’s veins. The Ninja Masters of Nippon even now position themselves in proximity to these ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing – ready, once you have gathered your allies, to strike!
Until then, do not try to contact myself or any Ninja Clan directly. As things begin to be put into motion, you must drop the garb of shadows and put on the robes of nobility and rulership. Should you ever need to get word to me however, use intermediaries, that cannot be traced back to you.
Rai, this is your destiny. May the Ancestors and Five Gods guide you in this quest.’
-
Rai awakens slightly shell shocked at the return of his true life. He resolves to think through anyone he tells. As he gets up he does not recognize where he is and looks around for someone to tell him where he is.
-
Rai awakens slightly shell shocked at the return of his true life. He resolves to think through anyone he tells. As he gets up he does not recognize where he is and looks around for someone to tell him where he is.
A maid who has been attending the Yoriki steps in carrying a pile of linens and almost jumps into an oil lamp that is sitting in the room. "Excuse me, I didnt mean to disturb you. I see you're feeling slightly better?" She bows after finishing in respect to Rai's station.
-
Rai sees the bowing maid and asks, "Yes I am feeling much better. Can you tell me where I am?"
-
Rai sees the bowing maid and asks, "Yes I am feeling much better. Can you tell me where I am?"
"This is the estate of Master Hokusai. He brought you here to see you were well looked after. You collapsed in the arena and he didnt know where else to bring you since the priests and healers were all occupied in the city what with the tournament and goings on. I believe he is having a drink in the sitting room downstairs and first room on the left." She sets the linens down and bows again before exiting the room.
-
Dinner With The Magistrate
Having only a few hours, before the dinner with the Chief Magistrate, to get cleaned up and bind any lingering wounds from the Tournament, the Samurai of Sendai left the Tournament Hall and the beautiful yet unusual Samurai-ko, to go tend to themselves. For Roka, it seemed like leaving unfinished business for some reason, but the conversation with the Samurai-ko had winded down naturally with no further sexual overtones and he did have a little celebrating to do for the day’s Win after all.
Kioko hugged Yuki and then went home with Yuki’s Mother, while Yuki and Miya went to their homes to wash up and choose nice outfits for the dinner.
Keitaro had already left previous with Rai, while Roka (of course) was not afforded any real rest – his adoring fans demanding his attentions and bringing round-after-round of celebratory drinks for him in the very streets a full hour and a half before he could finally slip away.
Udo thought that taking a hike out in the woods might do him good – until he nearly fell over dead from his serious wounds that unfortunately, had not been attended to after his loss in his last competition – and realized that perhaps rest (and simply not moving) would be a better idea. It only hurt when he breathed, and blinked, and thought about eating for some reason… Hopefully, the Priests of Sendai could do something for him tomorrow, as trying to do Surgery on oneself was probably not going to be the most pleasant thing one could experience (but if it came to that)…
Jei Hu meanwhile, left thinking of how close he had come to winning first place. Hopefully by this time next year, his experience and skill will have improved enough to be a real threat for the General of Sendai.
As he was headed home, the thought that he should change the spelling of his name, by switching the ‘I’ and the ‘E’ in his first name popped inexplicably into his head, but he dismissed it as a silly impulse and went on his way.
---
Entering the Magistrate’s home later that evening, the Samurai were met as usual, by Juro Saito, the Chief Magistrate’s brother and Steward of Sendai.
Juro carefully took each of the Samurai’s long weapons as they entered and placed them in a special room near the front of the house – but left them with their waiksashi.
While it was customary to be allowed to retain one’s short sword when entering the home of an equal of less, being allowed to do so by a Superior as a great honor. The fact that the Chief Magistrate was now allowing them this privilege was a sign that the Samurai Yoriki of Sendai were beginning to earn his approval and trust.
The evening at the Chief Magistrate’s home then proceeded as it had always gone before; the requisite entertainment, food and music – not to mention the lovely young geisha running about – and all this time with no sign of the host. This was not terribly unusual for a busy Superior though, and it would be at the end of the evening when the Magistrate would make an appearance – then he would reveal the purpose of the meeting.
Sure enough, after things had begun to wind down, the Samurai found themselves alone with Juro in one of the great rooms after all the geisha had suddenly stood and hurried away. Moments later, the white rice-paper door at the far end of the room slid open and the Chief Magistrate Noburu Saito entered.
Everyone bowed their heads, waiting for the Chief Magistrate to speak, which he did after glancing them over and biding them to rise – “Welcome my Yoriki! I trust your dinner was enjoyable?”
“As I mentioned before, I am very proud of not only your performances in the competitions today, but of the outstanding manner in which you and your Doshin carried out the security details to ensured a safe and smooth-running venue for our Great Daimyo. You have all brought great honor to yourselves and your families.”
As he spoke, the Magistrate moved to a dark lacquer box in the corner and pulled six small scrolls out from it.
“Kenjiro Yunikawa, a retired Wu-Jen of Sendai, Grand Premier Emeritus of the Sendai Order of Arcanum, and personal mentor of the Daimyo, has requested your services in a private matter – of which I am not privy to.”
“The Daimyo has therefore authorized you all a Leave of Absence, so that you may go and attend to Master Yunikawa’s request. He will expect your arrival at his mountain home, sixteen miles west of Sendai in three days.”
Handing the papers to Juro, the Chief Magistrate continued – “Your Doshin can handle things while you are away; please do not take any with you in this particular case, as this is not official business of Sendai, but more of a personal favor of the Daimyo and myself.”
“You may take as long as you need to see to Master Yunikawa’s needs.”
“I am sure that Juro can handle any of your questions.”
With that, the Magistrate moved to leave the room. While he didn’t seem upset or anything by the sudden outsourcing of his Yoriki, one got the feeling that this sort of thing was not exactly the status quo.
It was at this point that anyone wanting to speak with him personally would have to quickly (but carefully) get his attention…
-
It was at this point that anyone wanting to speak with him personally would have to quickly (but carefully) get his attention…
"Magistrate a word about my Doshin please. I do not believe she is guilty and I ask that my judgement be trusted on the matter as I secure proof. In my absence of the city may I request that she be placed under guard in her own home and not in prison. And that any judgement or sentencing be staved until my return? I understand this is entirely informal and not at all polite, but given the news of our departure coinciding with her trial period, and that she serves under me and my watch. I feel this the only means of action at the present." He then bowed and awaited response to his abrupt questioning...
-
Wujen... Just like Sakura. This is a good opportunity to find out whatever happened...
Udo nods, he grunts in pain, still hurt, but is glad that he will get an opportunity to see a wujen. Content, he hasn't any questions for the moment.
-
The Chief Magistrate paused a moment and then nodded, motioning at his brother Juro to make it so.
"Do not fear for the Doshin," the Chief Magistrate Saito then replies to Keitaro directly, "I don't believe her capable of hiding the truth from me. So, if she is not guilty of the charges, she will be released back into duty and the source of this 'misunderstanding' will eventually be traced to the source."
-
The Chief Magistrate paused a moment and then nodded, motioning at his brother Juro to make it so.
"Do not fear for the Doshin," the Chief Magistrate Saito then replies to Keitaro directly, "I don't believe her capable of hiding the truth from me. So, if she is not guilty of the charges, she will be released back into duty and the source of this 'misunderstanding' will eventually be traced to the source."
"Thank you Magistrate, I will not forget this" Keitaro bowed and retired himself to the tabke to finish his sake.
-
"Uh, sorry to bother you, Chief Magistrate..." Udo says quickly before the Chief Magistrate heads out, "But, I was, uh, wondering whether the Wujen Yunikawa wanted us in specific to aid him, or if he just wanted general assistance by any samurai group"
-
"Yes, I believe he did ask for you specifically," the Chief Magistrate says, "but as I have said I am not privy to why."
"Now, you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
With that, the Chief Magistrate takes his leave and the Samurai are free to leave or stay as they please.
Juro Saito meanwhile, hands out everyone's new traveling papers.
-
JH, stands there silent and bows when the magistrate is done talking.
-
When the magistrate leaves Rai bows and proceeds to receive the necessary papers.
-
"Roka" Keitaro plainly says as he finishes he glass. "That conversation. You got time?"
-
"Roka" Keitaro plainly says as he finishes he glass. "That conversation. You got time?"
"Maybe." Roka whispers to Keitaro, as he bows to Juro Saito.
"It is a grand honor to be summoned here, and trusted to carry our short swords. Thank you my lord." Roka says to Juro Saito. He would have said it to the magistrate but he was in a class he did not want to waste the magistrate's time.
"But I must go and prepare. Excuse me." Roka says, and then motions for Udo to follow.
-
The smelly samurai bows as the Magistrate leaves, and thanks Juro Saito for the honor of having the meal. About to start eating, he notices Roka motioning over. Not willing to let go of eating right now, he takes his bare hand and grabs a fistful of whatever he can find into his mouth.
"Fhanks! Ah, I ghotta 'oh" He mumbles with his mouth full, following Roka.
---
Continued in the Operation Make-Over Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=756.0)
-
"Maybe." Roka whispers to Keitaro, as he bows to Juro Saito.
Keitaro just nods and loooks around the room.
-
The smelly samurai bows as the Magistrate leaves, and thanks Juro Saito for the honor of having the meal. About to start eating, he notices Roka motioning over. Not willing to let go of eating right now, he takes his bare hand and grabs a fistful of whatever he can find into his mouth.
"Fhanks! Ah, I ghotta 'oh" He mumbles with his mouth full, following Roka.
i get thrown into jail for rolling my eyes, and he can do that?! Farking racists. JH thinks to himself, and almost rolls his eyes but he stops himself from doing so.
"Thank you for this evening, Saito. But alas, i have something i must do and i hope you have a nice evening." He bows to Juro Saito before making his leave to the market district. He intended to get a masterwork katana and. Also a few wooden swords.
-
i get thrown into jail for rolling my eyes, and he can do that?! Farking racists. JH thinks to himself, and almost rolls his eyes but he stops himself from doing so.
"Thank you for this evening, Saito. But alas, i have something i must do and i hope you have a nice evening." He bows to Juro Saito before making his leave to the market district. He intended to get a masterwork katana and. Also a few wooden swords.
keitaro watches JH leave and decides to trail him. He grabs his Nagamaki as he leaves the building and quickly goes into sneak mode. He will use his skills in moving silently and disguise to remain unseen as he observes JH moving through the city
---
Continued in the Boiling Point! Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=753.0)
-
Rai walks up to Miya and says, "If you don't mind I would like to talk to you in a more private setting."
-
Yuki quietly sits in the room, still pondering over how she was unable to read the Daiymo, and if that might be connected to the great Wu-Jen Kenjiro Yunikawa, and his request of their services. Regardless, as Roka said before, they need to speak with him anyway, so this will be a good opportunity to earn his favour so they can ask him questions.
"Juro, what do you know about Kenjiro Yunikawa?"
Yuki asks curious.
"He seems rather close to the Daiymo."
-
"Juro, what do you know about Kenjiro Yunikawa?"
Yuki asks curious.
"He seems rather close to the Daiymo."
"Ah," Juro replies, apparently brightening a bit to suddenly be included in the conversation - "Kenjiro Yunikawa was the Grand Premier of the Sendai Order of Arcanum before the War. It was in part, due to Master Yunikawa and his mastery of demons, that Sendai held so long against the Chinese before the Daimyo fell in battle."
"Anyway, Master Yunikawa was already pretty old (even at that point), having also been advisor to the previous Daimyo, Ken-Ichi Hasekura - Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura's Uncle, and retired shortly after Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura was re-instated by the Chinese."
"He is pretty reclusive now; and I'm actually surprised that he suddenly showed up all of a sudden to request your services. I don't think he has been in Sendai for at least ten years before today."
-
"Ah," Juro replies, apparently brightening a bit to suddenly be included in the conversation - "Kenjiro Yunikawa was the Grand Premier of the Sendai Order of Arcanum before the War. It was in part, due to Master Yunikawa and his mastery of demons, that Sendai held so long against the Chinese before the Daimyo fell in battle."
"Anyway, Master Yunikawa was already pretty old (even at that point), having also been advisor to the previous Daimyo, Ken-Ichi Hasekura - Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura's Uncle, and retired shortly after Daimyo Shinsen Hasekura was re-instated by the Chinese."
"He is pretty reclusive now; and I'm actually surprised that he suddenly showed up all of a sudden to request your services. I don't think he has been in Sendai for at least ten years before today."
"It will be a great honour to assist him then."
Yuki replies with a nod.
"So, did he retire because he was....well....old, or were there other reasons?"
She asks with a slight tilt of the head.
"It seems odd for such a man to suddenly become reclusive after advising the previous daiymo."
-
"I presume it was just the appropriate time," Juro replies.
-
Rai walks up to Miya and says, "If you don't mind I would like to talk to you in a more private setting."
Miya gives a curious look. "What about? If it's about that then my answer is no."
-
Miya gives a curious look. "What about? If it's about that then my answer is no."
Rai looks surprised and says, "What do you mean by that? I just wanted to have a conversation."
-
"I presume it was just the appropriate time," Juro replies.
"I see."
Yuki replies.
"Juro, can I request a meeting with the Chief Magistrate? I wish to discuss something with him in private, preferably before we leave to see Kenjiro Yunikawa."
-
"Yes," Juro replies, "I'll see if I can set something up for you tomorrow afternoon then and let you know."
-
"Yes," Juro replies, "I'll see if I can set something up for you tomorrow afternoon then and let you know."
"Thank you."
Yuki replies, standing up. She then decides to go home, being done here for the night. Though once at home she decides to see if she can find her mother to ask her a question.
OOC - I have no idea why I didn't think of her mother to begin with haha.
-
Rai looks surprised and says, "What do you mean by that? I just wanted to have a conversation."
She smiles at him. "Oh, nothing. Where would you like to talk then?"
-
She smiles at him. "Oh, nothing. Where would you like to talk then?"
"How about I escort you home and we talk on the way?"
---
Continued in the Walk and Talk Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=757.0)
-
Yuki replies, standing up. She then decides to go home, being done here for the night. Though once at home she decides to see if she can find her mother to ask her a question.
Yuki's Mother lets Yuki in.
"Shh... I just got little Kioko to sleep," she whispers, motioning toward the little fox-girl, asleep under a bundle of blankets on a nearby futon. Yuki sees that luminous little cloud spirit thing curled up under the girl's chin - purring like a kitten...
"She was really wound-up after all of the excitement with the tournament," Yuki's Mom smiles, "What can I help you with dear?"
-
Yuki's Mother lets Yuki in.
"Shh... I just got little Kioko to sleep," she whispers, motioning toward the little fox-girl, asleep under a bundle of blankets on a nearby futon. Yuki sees that luminous little cloud spirit thing curled up under the girl's chin - purring like a kitten...
"She was really wound-up after all of the excitement with the tournament," Yuki's Mom smiles, "What can I help you with dear?"
"D'awww"
Yuki gushes, looking at Kioko.
"I just had some...concerns about the tournament today."
Yuki begins.
"When you were reading the auras of everyone at the event, did you notice anything....odd?"
She asks hesitantly.
-
"I just had some...concerns about the tournament today."
Yuki begins.
"When you were reading the auras of everyone at the event, did you notice anything....odd?"
She asks hesitantly.
"You mean the Daimyo?" Yuki's mom guesses.
-
"You mean the Daimyo?" Yuki's mom guesses.
"Yes....So it was the same for you then?"
Yuki replies.
-
"Yes, if you mean that he is somehow shielded," Yuki's Mother replies. "But that is the prerogative of the Daimyo to keep himself very private."
She then adds, "I believe it is some sort of Arcane Relic - an old war Tesson - that he carries that allows him that level of privacy."
-
"Yes, if you mean that he is somehow shielded," Yuki's Mother replies. "But that is the prerogative of the Daimyo to keep himself very private."
She then adds, "I believe it is some sort of Arcane Relic - an old war Tesson - that he carries that allows him that level of privacy."
"I see."
Yuki replies, with sigh of relief.
"I was worried something might be wrong, but I guess I was just over-thinking it, hehe."
She says with a smile.
"Thanks mom! Goodnight."
-
16th Day of Mid Summer, 1297
A Very Solemn Day
Cut In from Boiling Point! Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=753.msg27206#msg27206)
The next morning, with seven homes, three commoners, and one of Roka’s Doshin lost to the flames (before a Priest could be brought on scene with a Water Elemental) – Keitaro faced the Chief Magistrate, in his home with Roka’s Doshin and a number of Senda’is Military Commanders sitting in Tribunal.
Keitaro told his side of the story, but the Daoshin were there to contradict him, revealing that they were with Jei Hu when the fire started and it had to be Keitaro that threw the lantern that started everything and not Jei Hu.
Because of Chief Magistrate Noburu Saito’s Read Aura ability, it was impossible to lie to him.
When the Tribunal was over, it was clear to him that Jei Hu had admitted to setting up Miko to get back at (or blackmail) Keitaro – which excused Keitaro from his unorthodox ambush in the alleyway with bear-traps in order to force Jei Hu to confess to the crime.
Killing Jei Hu was also something that could be over-looked by the Chief Magistrate, as it would be up to Jei Hu’s Family to seek vengeance by calling a Blood Duel if they chose to do so.
Unfortunately, there was no excuse, nor pardon, for Keitaro starting the fire that cost life and caused so much damage.
The Chief Magistrate had no choice but to condemn Keitaro to death for this thoughtless act.
In a gesture of redemption however, Keitaro was granted the opportunity to commit Seppuku to save Face and protect the Honor of his Family name.
“Do you want your fellow Samurai to witness your redemption Keitaro Hokusai?” The Chief Magistrate asked stoically, “Or do you wish to keep this a private affair?”
-
"Yes, call for them." He said with a heavy heart...
-
The Samurai of Sendai are called to the Solemn Assembly at the Chief Magistrate's house.
"Any last words you would like to share?" The chief Magistrate asked, as Juro Saito handed Keitaro a tanto and sheet of paper to wrap the blade in...
-
The Samurai of Sendai are called to the Solemn Assembly at the Chief Magistrate's house.
"Any last words you would like to share?" The chief Magistrate asked, as Juro Saito handed Keitaro a tanto and sheet of paper to wrap the blade in...
Keitaro scans the room trying to avoid the eyes of his companions. Until he gets to his closest friend, Roka...
"Roka, We have known each other from birth. I am sorry I have failed our friendship. Fight well, die better." He looks again at his companions.
"I am sorry I have failed all of you, and your trust in me as your companion was misplaced. I die now to regain my honor, so I may see my father again in the next world. I love you all, you are my family. Never faulter on your mission, stay true to your oath, and your bond with each other. Honor the Daimyo and your fallen allies with your fight."
With that he bows his head slightly in respect for his comrades. Then he plunges the tanto into his chest piercing his heart.
-
As the life begins to leave Keitaro's body, it suddenly glows with a searing white brilliance and then vanishes completely – leaving only Keitaro's clothing and the Seppuku tanto behind!
Everyone in the room is shocked by what has just happened and the Chief Magistrate utters "Praise be to the Holy Ancestors..."
Some of the Samurai however, have seen this before - it is what happened to Sakura when she died too...
-
Roka turns away, fuming over the event. Seppuku may regain Keitaro's honor, but the death of those innocents, and Roka's Doshin...
-
Odd way to die...
Udo frowns thinking about all who died in the fire, as well as that the Chinese guy, Jihelu? Died (though he might've deserved it, who knows?), but Kuwabara can't help but feel a bit giddy that such a liability for Sendai has died. A pity that such a person died with his honor intact though, after killing so many innocents. Withholding his spit, Udo walks home with Bleach and his squirrels. He's got a lot to do today...
-
After the ritual suicide and subsequent clean up, Juro Saito approaches Yuki.
"The Chief Magistrate will see you now," he says quietly.
Juro then leads Yuki into a private room, where after a short wait, the Chief Magistrate comes in.
"What's on your mind, young Shirahata?" he asks.
-
Rai seeing Yuki leave to meet with the magistrate he uses his stealth to follow and attempt to listen in on there conversation.
-
Rai manages to flip up over the rooftops of the Magistrate's house and then down into some bushes outside the room Yuki is in. It's going to be hard to hear everything clearly, but this is as close as he can safely get, and his hearing is pretty decent.
-
After the ritual suicide and subsequent clean up, Juro Saito approaches Yuki.
"The Chief Magistrate will see you now," he says quietly.
Juro then leads Yuki into a private room, where after a short wait, the Chief Magistrate comes in.
"What's on your mind, young Shirahata?" he asks.
Yuki gives a short bow and begins.
"Yes, i just had a few questions I wanted to ask you."
She begins.
"Can you see spirits?"
Yuki asks, just to confirm.
[If so]
"Then have you noticed the spiritual attunement myself, Kioko, and some of the other samurai have?"
-
"I can see spirits when needed, yes," the Chief Magistrate replies, then takes a moment to activate Spirit Sight.
Looking at Yuki, he then takes out a small lopan and further examines Yuki with Read Aura.
"I don't see anything out of the ordinary with you, Yuki Shirahata," the Chief Magistrate concludes.
"If you are seeing something in yourself and that little So-Kitsune of yours, then perhaps you should bring it to the attention of Master Kenjiro Yunikawa when you see him."
"Other Wu-Jen know how to bind Oni and Elementals to their will, but it is said Master Yunikawa has the power to bind even the Spirits – something never before heard of. If anyone would understand 'mysterious spiritual attunements', as you say, then it would be him..."
-
"I can see spirits when needed, yes," the Chief Magistrate replies, then takes a moment to activate Spirit Sight.
Looking at Yuki, he then takes out a small lopan and further examines Yuki with Read Aura.
"I don't see anything out of the ordinary with you, Yuki Shirahata," the Chief Magistrate concludes.
"If you are seeing something in yourself and that little So-Kitsune of yours, then perhaps you should bring it to the attention of Master Kenjiro Yunikawa when you see him."
"Other Wu-Jen know how to bind Oni and Elementals to their will, but it is said Master Yunikawa has the power to bind even the Spirits – something never before heard of. If anyone would understand 'mysterious spiritual attunements', as you say, then it would be him..."
"I see."
Yuki replies, a bit disheartened the magistrate could not see what she could.
"I shall do that then. What do you think about us bringing Kioko along with us when we go to see Master Yunikawa? Would it be ill advised?"
She asks.
[Separate Question for after to save time]
"I also noticed something...strange during the Tournament while scanning the auras of others, to ensure the safety of those there. Did you notice anything odd as well?"
She asks nervously, clearly not wanting to say explicitly that she couldn't read the aura of the Daiymo.
-
"There have been So-Kitsune before, and unfortunately, I’m sure there will be more - as long as the Nine-Tailed Fox hunts the flesh of men," the Chief Magistrate says.
"Yet the Exalted Patriarch of Sendai mentioned that this So-Kitsune of yours was from the future?"
"Knowledge of the future could be a very valuable resource…"
The Magistrate then thinks a moment about it and comes to a conclusion – "Take the So-Kitsune with you to Master Yunikawa."
"If she has any knowledge that can be of use to us, Master Yunikawa can obtain it – and of course, he would be one to know how to help the girl finally rest with the Ancestors in the peace that she deserves..."
---
Then in answer to Yuki's other question, the Chief Magistrate answers - "Ah yes, your powers are new to the presence of the Daimyo. You must mean about how one cannot see or read the Daimyo's aura."
"Rest assured, that is simply a precaution against spying that the Daimyo affords himself."
-
Roka turns away, fuming over the event. Seppuku may regain Keitaro's honor, but the death of those innocents, and Roka's Doshin...
Miya approaches from behind Roka and puts a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"Roka, you don't need this anger. It won't help ease the pain and will only ruin your memory of Keitaro. He was a good man even if he did make mistakes."
-
Then in answer to Yuki's other question, the Chief Magistrate answers - "Ah yes, your powers are new to the presence of the Daimyo. You must mean about how one cannot see or read the Daimyo's aura."
"Rest assured, that is simply a precaution against spying that the Daimyo affords himself."
Rai hears this peace of information and thinks to himself, "So our Daimyo is one of the Rokurokubi." Thinking that this is likely the most important information he is going to overhear. He focuses his mind on not leaving a trace and moves quickly away from the area.
-
"There have been So-Kitsune before, and unfortunately, I’m sure there will be more - as long as the Nine-Tailed Fox hunts the flesh of men," the Chief Magistrate says.
"Yet the Exalted Patriarch of Sendai mentioned that this So-Kitsune of yours was from the future?"
"Knowledge of the future could be a very valuable resource…"
The Magistrate then thinks a moment about it and comes to a conclusion – "Take the So-Kitsune with you to Master Yunikawa."
"If she has any knowledge that can be of use to us, Master Yunikawa can obtain it – and of course, he would be one to know how to help the girl finally rest with the Ancestors in the peace that she deserves..."
---
Then in answer to Yuki's other question, the Chief Magistrate answers - "Ah yes, your powers are new to the presence of the Daimyo. You must mean about how one cannot see or read the Daimyo's aura."
"Rest assured, that is simply a precaution against spying that the Daimyo affords himself."
Yuki considers Chief Magistrate's recommendation, but finds herself questioning how safe it will be for Kioko, or if she even wants her to go...
Regardless she bows her head again.
"Thank you Chief Magistrate, I'm relieved to know it is nothing more than a precaution."
Then, assuming social protocol dictates it is allowed, Yuki excuses herself from the Chief Magistrate, and makes her way towards the occult district.
-
Everyone leaves the Chief Magistrate's House feeling pretty sober.
The Samurai of Sendai have a full day to see to things, before needing to travel the sixteen miles west, into the high mountains, where the mysterious retired Wu-Jen has his remote citadel...
-
Miya approaches from behind Roka and puts a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"Roka, you don't need this anger. It won't help ease the pain and will only ruin your memory of Keitaro. He was a good man even if he did make mistakes."
Roka sighs, and turns towards Miya.
"I know. That's why this is.." Roka says, clenching his fist, "this is such a blow. When Keitaro and I were studying... Well, suffice to say that I was not that year's golden boy. Keitaro was "Sendai's Hope". And he broke."
"Miya, the Yoriki of Sendai are supposed to be above this. We are supposed to be the best. And our best just fell to the pressure."
-
Udo continues home, picking up his backpack and some money. Smelling surprisingly fresh, he groggily goes about town, looking for a Priest to heal him of his wounds.
While walking, he realizes that in only 5 months, almost half of his group have died. He shudders, hoping some sort of wacky omen isn't taking place. He also find himself smelling terribly different, to the point that the squirrels aren't jumping on him. So very... Odd.
-
Roka sighs, and turns towards Miya.
"I know. That's why this is.." Roka says, clenching his fist, "this is such a blow. When Keitaro and I were studying... Well, suffice to say that I was not that year's golden boy. Keitaro was "Sendai's Hope". And he broke."
"Miya, the Yoriki of Sendai are supposed to be above this. We are supposed to be the best. And our best just fell to the pressure."
Miya just sighs before responding.
"The pressure is great, this I do not disagree with. But that does not mean we must linger on a defeat. You must act as our leader Roka because that is what you are, if you do not withstand this blow then the samurai will fall one by one."
She gives an encouraging smile.
"I wouldn't worry to much, a great change is coming to our world soon and it is a change for the better."
-
Miya just sighs before responding.
"The pressure is great, this I do not disagree with. But that does not mean we must linger on a defeat. You must act as our leader Roka because that is what you are, if you do not withstand this blow then the samurai will fall one by one."
She gives an encouraging smile.
"I wouldn't worry to much, a great change is coming to our world soon and it is a change for the better."
Roka nods.
"I hope so, Miya. I hope so. But you're right, I can't let this get me down." He says, resolving himself.
"Be ready tomorrow. The WuJen wouldn't invite us for something trivial."
-
Udo thanks the priest for healing him, and then sets off to look for Roka. Assuming he finds him, he asks for a favor, knowing that Roka knows a lot of people,
"Roka... Do you know anyone who could get something... Exotic, for me? It's kinda important, and I'd pay for it."
-
Udo thanks the priest for healing him, and then sets off to look for Roka. Assuming he finds him, he asks for a favor, knowing that Roka knows a lot of people,
"Roka... Do you know anyone who could get something... Exotic, for me? It's kinda important, and I'd pay for it."
"Udo, I could get you a personal concubine. Multiple ones. If you need. What do you like?" Roka says with a chuckle
-
"Udo, I could get you a personal concubine. Multiple ones. If you need. What do you like?" Roka says with a chuckle
"What? No!" Udo says, completely disinterested, "I want more animal-friends to take care of, ones that aren't in this... Uh, region, or one that is harder to find. I dunno, I feel more and more connected to them."
"So, uh, maybe... A really big boar?" He adds on, hopeful.
-
"Oh... Isn't that tiger enough?" Roka asks, shaking his head.
-
"Bleach is a wonderful friend, and he's lotsa fun to be around, but I can never have enough of these guys, they're like new family, and are useful"
He smiles, "And they are good for scouting"
-
Roka sighs.
"I'll see what I can find. Don't steal from the magistrate while I'm gone though."
-
"Yay!" Kuwabara says, following Roka.
-
"Hey guys.!" Kirito almost pounces on them. Or atleast walking up from behind them. He almost gives Udo another Shock, buty deciding against it, Remembering about the squirrels last time. "Wow Udo, you look... remarkably, fresh. Good for you.'" He smiles as he gives him the thumbs up.
-
Udo turns his head to look at him, Noooooo! He's back!, with a terrified face he stares at Kirito, "Oh, it's, uh, you. What happened?"
Good thing his monkey is at home, though it's my monkey now...
-
"Hey guys.!" Kirito almost pounces on them. Or atleast walking up from behind them. He almost gives Udo another Shock, buty deciding against it, Remembering about the squirrels last time. "Wow Udo, you look... remarkably, fresh. Good for you.'" He smiles as he gives him the thumbs up.
"Well hello again Kirito, welcome back." Miya glances at him.
-
Realizing this a good chance to explain some things, Yuki speaks to the group.
"Um, so the Chief Magistrate said if we bring Kioko with us, then Kenjiro Yunikawa may be able to tell us how to help her..."
She says, ignoring Kirito joining the group (the killjoy!).
"But I'm not sure we should..."
She continues hesitantly.
-
Rai seemingly coming out of nowhere says, "I think its the best thing we could do for her. The longer she is here the more likely oni will get her."
-
"I hate it when you do that Rai." Roka says, shaking his head.
"But we probably should bring her to the WuJen. He's the only one who could help in her predicament. If we don't bring her now, we will never get the chance again."
-
Rai looks at Roka and says, "That is my talent. Why should I not practice it? Besides it is useful for getting information."
-
Udo looks at Rai confused, "Why would the Oni get to her?" He shrugs, but puts his opinion on the matter, "I think we, uh, should- its a rare occurrence when one of the most knowledgeable wujens invites you, and its a good oppurtunity. Plus, I think we should bring Sakura's odd spirit thing, it seemed quite atatched to Kioko last I saw of it"
-
Rai looks at Roka and says, "That is my talent. Why should I not practice it? Besides it is useful for getting information."
"Practice it on foes, not your fellow Yoriki, Rai. Or at least, don't practice it today." Roka says, shaking his head. Udo looks at Rai confused, "Why would the Oni get to her?" He shrugs, but puts his opinion on the matter, "I think we, uh, should- its a rare occurrence when one of the most knowledgeable wujens invites you, and its a good oppurtunity. Plus, I think we should bring Sakura's odd spirit thing, it seemed quite atatched to Kioko last I saw of it"
"True, we should find that Spirit Familiar. I think that's what they called it."
-
"Practice it on foes, not your fellow Yoriki, Rai. Or at least, don't practice it today." Roka says, shaking his head.
Rai responds with, "Foes if I am caught would kill me. While my allies just think it as an annoyance. But you are right considering the events of today I should be more sensitive."
-
Udo looks at Rai confused, "Why would the Oni get to her?" He shrugs, but puts his opinion on the matter, "I think we, uh, should- its a rare occurrence when one of the most knowledgeable wujens invites you, and its a good oppurtunity. Plus, I think we should bring Sakura's odd spirit thing, it seemed quite atatched to Kioko last I saw of it"
"The cute spirit is always by Kioko anyway."
Yuki replies.
"I'll let Kioko know we're bringing her then..."
She finishes.
-
Rai responds with, "Foes if I am caught would kill me. While my allies just think it as an annoyance. But you are right considering the events of today I should be more sensitive."
Udo points at him, "... You... you're speaking..."
Shaking his head, he then looks at Yuki, "You don't seem very, uh, sure of bringing Kioko with us. Why?"
-
Udo points at him, "... You... you're speaking..."
Shaking his head, he then looks at Yuki, "You don't seem very, uh, sure of bringing Kioko with us. Why?"
Rai shoots Udo a glare and says, "I can speak just fine. Why did you doubt my ability to?"
-
Rai shoots Udo a glare and says, "I can speak just fine. Why did you doubt my ability to?"
"Uh, just because you refused to speak to us back in Hirosaki..." Udo says, staring at him back. "Like, you didn't even respond at times haha"
-
"Uh, just because you refused to speak to us back in Hirosaki..." Udo says, staring at him back. "Like, you didn't even respond at times haha"
"Maybe he found himself." Kirito chuckles with a happy look at Rai.
-
"Maybe he found himself." Kirito chuckles with a happy look at Rai.
Rai looks over, "Found is such a general term. I would say I had more of a paradigm shift."
-
Kirito gives Rai a mysterious look but makes no comment of it, instead he changes the subject. "Anyone seen my monkey? I was away visiting some friends and learning some more shamanistic powers in the mountains and he ws gone when i came back." He asks.
-
Kirito gives Rai a mysterious look but makes no comment of it, instead he changes the subject. "Anyone seen my monkey? I was away visiting some friends and learning some more shamanistic powers in the mountains and he ws gone when i came back." He asks.
Udo rubs his chin, "Uh, I don't think you had that monkey since we left Hirosaki. Didn't see it on the wagon on the way back. I think."
He shakes his head, "But loads of stuff happened while you were away. Keitaro's uh, gone"
-
Udo rubs his chin, "Uh, I don't think you had that monkey since we left Hirosaki. Didn't see it on the wagon on the way back. I think."
He shakes his head, "But loads of stuff happened while you were away. Keitaro's uh, gone"
"I had my monkey with me. Strange." He shrugs. "Yes, i heard. He set fire to a bunch of houses and made innocent people die. Quite frankly i dont think he deserved to die with his honour intact, but who am i to question the magistrates wishes."
-
"I had my monkey with me. Strange." He shrugs. "Yes, i heard. He set fire to a bunch of houses and made innocent people die. Quite frankly i dont think he deserved to die with his honour intact, but who am i to question the magistrates wishes."
"We should not talk about such unfortunate events." Roka says, clenching his fist. He then stares at Kirito, specifically at his hand.
"Seeing how you aren't drinking yourself senseless, I assumed you've gotten over your alcoholic phase?"
-
"Yes, part of the reason i visited them to begin with." He smiles genuinely. "So, i heard we goth quite a wu-jen to visit... What are your thoughts on the matter?" He asked gently.
-
Udo points at him, "... You... you're speaking..."
Shaking his head, he then looks at Yuki, "You don't seem very, uh, sure of bringing Kioko with us. Why?"
Yuki doesn't answer Udo. Instead, she looks away with an unsure expression.
-
"Yes, part of the reason i visited them to begin with." He smiles genuinely. "So, i heard we goth quite a wu-jen to visit... What are your thoughts on the matter?" He asked gently.
"Them? Who did you visit, Kirito?" Roka asks, smiling and wondering. Yuki doesn't answer Udo. Instead, she looks away with an unsure expression.
"Yuki?"
-
"Them? Who did you visit, Kirito?" Roka asks, smiling and wondering.
"I will explain everything later." He chuckled out, Kirito was unexplainably happy for some reason.
-
"Yuki?"
"Hm? I'll go let Kioko know she's coming with us."
Yuki replies, walking towards her house.
-
"Hm? I'll go let Kioko know she's coming with us."
Yuki replies, walking towards her house.
"If you're okay with it." Roka replies, and turns away.
"I need to go make some purchases. See you all tomorrow."
-
Yuki replies, walking towards her house.
Arriving at home, Yuki is met by her Mother (and Kioko of course).
"It's too bad about that fire," Yuki's Mother says, not going into any detail, due to the little fox girl's presence.
"Yeah, I heard there was a really bad fire!" Kiokoi says - the little luminous spirit familiar on Kioko's shoulder suddenly taking the shape of ghostly white flames - as if to help illustrate Kioko's words.
"Did you help put it out?" Kioko asks curiously - to which, the spirit familiar 'douses' itself and begins to steam - before popping back to normal and hopping up and down excitedly...
-
"If you're okay with it." Roka replies, and turns away.
"I need to go make some purchases. See you all tomorrow."
"Roka, i have something to discuss with you." Kirito said as he walked after him.
-
"Roka, i have something to discuss with you." Kirito said as he walked after him.
Roka sighs.
"Make it quick, ha ha. It's only noon and I'm already tired."
-
"Oh, i think you'll be postively stunned when you hear what i have to say." He smiled, then he got closer and whispered "Meet me at my house, tonight." then he walked off, to buy wooden swords and other toys to give to orphans at some random nursing home.
-
"Ha ha, I make no promises, but I'll try and be there." Roka says with a laugh, and countinues on his shopping trip.
-
"Ha ha, I make no promises, but I'll try and be there." Roka says with a laugh, and countinues on his shopping trip.
"Thsi isnt something you'd want to miss out on." Kirito replies, waving his and and walks off. anime style.
---
Continued in Kirito's Secret Thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=768.0)
-
Arriving at home, Yuki is met by her Mother (and Kioko of course).
"It's too bad about that fire," Yuki's Mother says, not going into any detail, due to the little fox girl's presence.
"Yeah, I heard there was a really bad fire!" Kiokoi says - the little luminous spirit familiar on Kioko's shoulder suddenly taking the shape of ghostly white flames - as if to help illustrate Kioko's words.
"Did you help put it out?" Kioko asks curiously - to which, the spirit familiar 'douses' itself and begins to steam - before popping back to normal and hopping up and down excitedly...
Yuki smiles at Kioko.
"No, unfortunately I didn't know about the fire until after."
She replies, leaving out Keitaro's part in it and the loss of lives. Yuki then turns her mother.
"The chief magistrate has recommended we take Kioko with us to see Kenjiro Yunikawa."
She begins.
"He thinks that Kenjiro Yunikawa will be able to answer some of the questions we have."
Yuki then looks back to Kioko.
"How about it? Wanna come on an adventure with us?"
She asks excitedly.
-
Udo waves good bye to the leaving party-members, seeing them leave, he decides to talk to Miya, "So, uh, are you excited to meet the Wujen Kenjiro? I think it'll be exciting, and will allow us to find, out more about, uh, Sakura and Kioko. But I ah, still wonder why he wants us personally..."
-
"How about it? Wanna come on an adventure with us?"
She asks excitedly.
"An adventure? Oh yes!" Kioko replies excitedly and the spirit familiar squeaks gleefully in response.
Yuki's Mother purses her lips however and gives a very concerned look.
"Yuki," she says, "if you do this, you have to promise me to look after your 'little sister' and see to it that she get's 'home'."
"Home? I get to go home?" Kioko interrupts, jumping up an down uncontrollably - "Oh I miss my mommy so much! I want to go home!"
"Uhm... yes, Kioko dear," Yuki's Mother replies, trying to calm the little girl down with a hand on her shoulder.
Then to Yuki, she continues, "The Wu-Jen Yunikawa can certainly show you how to get Kioko back 'home', but ..." and here she bends over to whisper in Yuki's ear - "He may try to take her as his own, for he can enslave spirits. You mustn't let that happen. You cannot leave Kioko with the Wu-Jen, for any reason - no matter what."
Then speaking again at a normal volume, Yuki's mother smiles and says "Promise me this Yuki."
-
"An adventure? Oh yes!" Kioko replies excitedly and the spirit familiar squeaks gleefully in response.
Yuki's Mother purses her lips however and gives a very concerned look.
"Yuki," she says, "if you do this, you have to promise me to look after your 'little sister' and see to it that she get's 'home'."
"Home? I get to go home?" Kioko interrupts, jumping up an down uncontrollably - "Oh I miss my mommy so much! I want to go home!"
"Uhm... yes, Kioko dear," Yuki's Mother replies, trying to calm the little girl down with a hand on her shoulder.
Then to Yuki, she continues, "The Wu-Jen Yunikawa can certainly show you how to get Kioko back 'home', but ..." and here she bends over to whisper in Yuki's ear - "He may try to take her as his own, for he can enslave spirits. You mustn't let that happen. You cannot leave Kioko with the Wu-Jen, for any reason - no matter what."
Then speaking again at a normal volume, Yuki's mother smiles and says "Promise me this Yuki."
Yuki nods to her mother and smiles.
"Of course I'll promise that!"
She then turns to Kioko.
"You better go pack! It'll be quite the adventure, hehe!"
-
"Yay!!!" Kioko cheers and runs to get her school books.
-
17th Day of Mid Summer, 1297
Into The Mountains
The early morning mist still clung to the ground as the Samurai of Sendai collected their mounts and geared up for their latest adventure.
They had gathered at the City Gate early, so that the journey to Master Yunikawa’s mountain home would end with plenty of daylight left – as traveling in the mountains at night was a dangerous business.
Unless they lost their way or encountered unforeseen delays, the trip would take nearly a day's travel, with them arriving at their destination sometime in the late afternoon. They would be expected to stay the night of course, as it would be an insult to be forced to return with so little daylight left, or denied shelter from the cold mountain air.
Little Kioko rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes, as she waited patiently, sitting in the front of Yuki’s saddle with the little spirit familiar happily riding on the girl’s shoulder as always. In her little green sailor’s outfit and clutching her schoolbooks so closely, it was hard to believe that she wasn’t just a normal little girl.
“Where are we going?” Kioko asked, as everyone made the last minute checks to their mounts and equipment. “Are we going to find my mommy now?”
-
Rai smiles and says, "No little one but we are taking you to someone who might be able to."
-
"Aww..." Kioko says, slightly deflating in her excitement - while the small spirit familiar on her shoulder just sighs heavily and rolls its eyes, as if in disgust...
-
"Aww..." Kioko says, slightly deflating in her excitement - while the small spirit familiar on her shoulder just sighs heavily and rolls its eyes, as if in disgust...
"Don't worry."
Yuki says, trying to cheer Kioko up.
"The person we're going to see is known as a great Wu-Jen mage. He can do all kinds of cool magic!"
-
"Ooh, Magic! Really?" Kioko says, brightening immediately - with a happy chirp from the spirit familiar to suggest its agreement.
-
"Lets get going shall we?" Kirito asked wondering for himself if it was near his Nezumi friends.
-
Roka arrives, followed by his three students, who are all looking groggy.
"Firstly, Kioko, Yone told me to give you this lunch pack to snack on. It's gonna be a long ride." Roka says smiling.
"Secondly, I realize that we aren't supposed to bring Doshin, but we need a bunch of people to stay with our wagon. So, I brang my students with us." He says, and then looks at his students.
"Dont repeat that to your mother." He says, sternly.
-
Udo comes ready with all his animals companions, excited, he doesn't even bother hiding Kirito's monkey (though it's being guarded by the squirrels for whatever reason....)
"Hello Kioko, glad you could, uh, come with us. And stuff" He says, grinning. "This should be ah, interesting experience."
-
Roka arrives, followed by his three students, who are all looking groggy.
"Firstly, Kioko, Yone told me to give you this lunch pack to snack on. It's gonna be a long ride." Roka says smiling.
"Secondly, I realize that we aren't supposed to bring Doshin, but we need a bunch of people to stay with our wagon. So, I brang my students with us." He says, and then looks at his students.
"Dont repeat that to your mother." He says, sternly.
Rai looks at the students and says, "This mission was not suppose to go outside us. Do you really think it is a good idea to bring inexpernce people with us Roka?" as he finish hisstatement Rai loks at Roka with a semi disapproving look.
-
Rai looks at the students and says, "This mission was not suppose to go outside us. Do you really think it is a good idea to bring inexpernce people with us Roka?" as he finish hisstatement Rai loks at Roka with a semi disapproving look.
Roka waves it off, and then looks at Rai.
"We were told not to bring Doshin. I'm not bringing Doshin. Otherwise, you'll just have to trust the guy with the strongest fist in Sendai."
-
"Yo Rai." Kirito said to him, he then did a series of super quick hand gestures. "I know who you are."
-
Rai sees the gestures and nods his way at kirito and responds with a quick flurry of hand signles that mean, "We will talk later." He also says out load, "Good to see you back with us."
Responding to Roka, "I will trust you but I wont go out of my way to protect them."
-
"Never asked you to." Roka replies, shrugging.
-
"Oh, Udo," Kioko exclaimed, laughing - "You have all the best pets!"
---
With that, the Samurai of Sendai headed out the City Gates and on their way.
-
It was late in the afternoon, as the Samurai of Sendai made their way up the final leg of the narrow mountain trail leading through the rugged and high terrain to Master Yunikawa’s place.
Kioko, who was riding with Yuki, gazed in wonder at the spectacular views offered by the high mountain vantage, even pointing out Sendai in the flatlands sixteen miles below – “Look at that! You can see the whole city from here!” she said excitedly.
Rounding a corner, an awesome sight came into view – Master Yunikawa’s mountain home.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/BerkaZerka/MythicNippon/Manse.jpg)
The whole thing was more of a miniature citadel, sitting on the top of a thick spire of rock, with a series of ancient stone steps and heavy rope bridges leading up to it. A large round landing just below the entrance was wide enough to accommodate the horses, but they would have to be carefully led one at a time up the narrow way. Leaving them below was not an option, if the Samurai wanted mounts to ride back after their business was finished.
As the Samurai stood at the base of the first stairs looking towards the imposing stone structure, the wind blew cold and chill through the high mountain air – and everyone felt a sudden unease.
Kioko shivered uncontrollably and snuggled backward into Yuki’s chest – “What is that weird lady doing there on the landing?” Kioko asked with a trembling hint of fear in her voice, while the little spirit familiar squeaked once and darted into Yuki’s armor to hide.
Looking carefully at the landing, no one saw anyone – the landing was clear...
-
Rai looks at Yuki and asks, "Can you see any thing with spirt sight?"
-
Kirito casts spirit sight, and looks at landing again.
-
Rai looks at Yuki and asks, "Can you see any thing with spirt sight?"
Yuki uses her spirit sight and looks at the landing.
-
Kirito and Yuki, feeling a powerful focus of Ki energy in this place – and an unwholesome presence – activate Spirit Sight.
Immediately they recognized the place as a tremendously powerful Spirit Shrine, wrapped in some sort of Epic Magic beyond their comprehension.
Kirito and Yuki also saw the woman Kioko could see – an unmanifested Kyoso-No-Oni, sitting on the stone railing of the platform – she was a dark pillar of vaguely female-shaped flesh, sprouting four monstrous arms and crowned with a wicked rack of sharp horns.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/BerkaZerka/MythicNippon/Oni.jpg)
This was a powerful Independent Demon, able to move through rock and stone at will and throw great bolts of soul burning fire, which was rumored to permanently drain a person’s Ki energy (or Essence) – burning its victims alive from the inside out.
Currently, she just sat there watching the group with an indifferent and somewhat smug look, until her eye’s met Kirito’s gaze – though nothing changed in her expression, Kirito immediately knew that she was aware that he and Yuki could see her…
-
Yuki turns to Rai and nods, indicating that she can see something, but she doesn't say what.
"Don't worry Kioko, she's probably just a friend of Kenjiro Yunikawa."
Yuki says, placing her hand on Kioko's head in an attempt to calm her. She then turns her attention to the Kyoso-No-Oni.
"We're here by request of Kenjiro Yunikawa."
She says to the woman, to see if she gets a response of any kind.
-
"What did you see, Yuki?" Roka asks, curious.
-
"Oh, just a VERY powerful spirit shrine, and a equally powerful... eh.." Kirito glanced at Kioko to make sure she wouldent be able to hear him. "A very powerful Oni."
OOC: Does Kirito know about the Oni's abilities?
-
"What did you see, Yuki?" Roka asks, curious.
"A Kyoso-No-Oni."
-
"A Kyoso-No-Oni."
"... Oh." Roka says, sobering up, and motioning for his students to sober up as well.
"Oh, just a VERY powerful spirit shrine, and a equally powerful... eh.." Kirito glanced at Kioko to make sure she wouldent be able to hear him. "A very powerful Oni."
OOC: Does Kirito know about the Oni's abilities?
"Wait, Kirito. You can finally see spirits?" Roka says, surprised that Kirito can do something useful.
-
"Yes. And i can do fire balls." He gave him the thumbs up and a childish grin.
-
"Yes. And i can do fire balls." He gave him the thumbs up and a childish grin.
"Did you ever figure out what those plants did?"
Udo asks, yawning. Staring at the nothingness, he suddenly shivers- Keitaro at least was able to fight unmanifested spirits. Hopefully this one indeed worked for the Wujen, or at least didn't attack for its own purposes.
-
Rai hearing what it was grabs his chain weapon. He doesn't put it into a threatening position but it he is clearly ready to use it.
-
Yuki and Kirito watched the Kyoso-No-Oni as Yuki spoke, gauging its reaction. At first, the ten foot tall (counting the horns) Oni seemed not to be listening, but then with a flick of one of her four arms, she motioned up the stairs towards the door of Yunikawa’s citadel and whispered in a terrible voice, light as the air, yet painful to be heard and eerily alive, like some entity all its own – ‘inside.’
As the rest of the Samurai watched the empty landing, they heard the sudden whisper carried on the wind, seeping (like some black disease) into their very souls…
Kioko’s eyes widened as the sound – “What is this place? I’m scared!” she said in alarm, not wanting to go any further, and keeping very close to Yuki.
-
"This... isnt a very good place for children." Kirito said with a sad smile to Kioko.
He then said to the group "Let's go, i do not wish to tally here any longer than needed."
-
"Don't worry Kioko, we will protect you." Roka says, comfortingly. "Everything will be good."
-
Feeling uneasy as well, Yuki decides to cast Danger sense, to see if there's any imminent danger to the group.
-
Nothing imminent...
-
Knowing she won't be lying, Yuki now answers Kioko.
"Don't worry Kioko, even if they're scary they don't mean us any harm. The Wu-Jen mage here can help us get you home."
Yuki says.
"We'll keep you safe, don't worry!"
-
As Yuki says this, the unmanifested Kyoso-No-Oni (without even standing up) sinks slowly into the stone landing and disappears from Yuki and Kirito's view - though Yuki's danger sense gives no indication that this has changed anything...
-
Rai gets off his horse and moves to go up the stairs.
-
Udo just moves forward, "C'mon guys, uh, not much to do other than continue on. If the invisible demon-thing wanted to harm us it would attack us already, I think"
-
Udo just moves forward, "C'mon guys, uh, not much to do other than continue on. If the invisible demon-thing wanted to harm us it would attack us already, I think"
"Yup. Sounds good. Come on lads." Roka says to his students, motioning for them to follow him.
"Except you, Renzo. Tie down the horses, and then come up."
-
Yuki waits for Kioko's reaction to her before deciding to move forward or not.
-
Udo stops, looking at those who are dismounting they're horses, grunting a bit, he makes out several animal sounds (yep, surge point and all that).
"Yoshi? Uh, you wanna come with? Or just stay here?"
-
'Stay with horses,' Yoshi neighs simply...
-
Yuki waits for Kioko's reaction to her before deciding to move forward or not.
At Yuki's gentle prompting (and no longer able to see the Oni), Kioko is OK with heading up to the citadel now...
-
'Stay with horses,' Yoshi neighs simply...
Udo frowns, "All right big-guy, stay safe!". Scratching Yoshi's mane, Udo looks at Roka's lackey (the guy tiring the horses) and tells him,
"This one is called Yoshi, so don't make his rope too restrictive. Thanks"
-
'Hey! I think those eagles want to eat us!' protests one of Udo's squirrels...
-
He looks up, searching for birds other than Chiko, who is perched on his shoulder. Looking down at his squirrel companions, he raises an eyebrow. Perhaps, if one of the eagles tried to eat a squirrel... He could grab it? That'd be kinda cool.
I don't think they'd attack you with all the humans around haha, but if they get too close you could seek refuge in my armor if you wish. Well, not all of you, I don't want Roka to try to drown me again...
-
The Samurai led their horses carefully up the ancient stone steps and across the heavy rope bridges, arriving at the upper landing where Yuki and Kirito had seen the Oni.
There was nothing about at the moment; just the cold wind that whipped through the spires of rock upon which the citadel was built. The horses jostled nervously, though there was plenty of room for them on the landing – which offered a spectacular view to anyone who cared to look over the edge. Below was a sheer drop, six hundred feet to a jagged floor of broken rock and stone.
From the landing, the Samurai only had fourteen more steps to climb and one final rope bridge. Having situated the horses, they moved up the steps and across the bridge, knocking loudly on the heavy ironbound door that led from there and into the citadel.
There was the sound of a bar being raised, and then the massive door swung outward slowly, revealing the beautiful, yet cold face of one of the four Samurai-ko who had made an appearance at the tournament with the mysterious old man.
“Welcome Samurai of Sendai; Master Yunikawa is expecting you,” she said with a soft yet unemotional voice, as she made a bow – “Come inside out of the wind and into the warmth of the Master Yunikawa’s fire.”
Moving in cautiously, the Samurai and little Kioko saw a large and inviting meeting hall, set with dark and intricate wood furnishings and lit by a large fireplace on each side. To the far end was a raised platform with a small rock garden and coy fish pond built into it. Seated on a high-backed chair bordered by a carved pair of dueling dragons was the mysterious old man from the tournament – Master Yunikawa; blind-eyed and baldheaded. Seated before him on the floor were the three other Samurai-ko he had been seen with earlier.
“Welcome to my home,” Master Yunikawa said in a frail yet deceptively articulate voice. “I am glad to see that you have come. I have a matter to speak with you about, but first I will show you all the proper hospitality. Please come in and warm yourselves. We will eat and see to your rooms for the evening and then we can talk business.”
“Oh, what’s this then? You brought a little So-Kitsune with you? She is welcome too of course – you can tell me all about her as we dine.”
At that, the three Samurai-ko seated before Master Yunikawa rose, and after a short bow to the Samurai of Sendai, they and the one who had opened the door, retired through an archway exiting the room to prepare the dinner.
Looking around, everyone could see a number of these rounded archways, all leading away into other parts of the citadel – and one of which (immediately off the meeting hall) looked to lead into an expansive library and study.
Kioko clamped onto Yuki’s leg and had a look of extreme uncertainty about her – and her little spirit familiar was still hiding inside Yuki’s armor, having yet to even so much as peek out. Kioko was staring at the archway leading into the library and would not turn away, practically hiding behind Yuki’s leg from it.
Master Yunikawa seemed to notice this and spoke to her in a reassuring voice (though the last part was obviously meant as a warning to the Samurai as well – “Do not fear little one, they will not harm you, or even move from that spot, as long as you do not try to pass that arch – it is forbidden and to do so is death. It is important that you understand this.”
Still having Spirit Sight up, Yuki and Kirito understood what had gotten into Kioko and just who ‘they’ were – two massive unmanifested Oni stood guard outside the archway entering the library. They were Me-Zu-Oni, fourteen foot tall, seven feet wide, shaggy horse-headed demons that wielded great iron ono (double-headed pole axes) – each of the massive axe blades wreathed in a strange bubbling silver energy.
These were Captains of Dai-Oni-Nai-Anchi’s Iron Circle’s Army – Independent demons of the First Circle and they stood guard, scanning the area with a piercing gaze that could actually be seen radiating from their eyes – a gaze that Kirito knew could pierce any illusion.
Their presence here, and the Kyoso-No-Oni outside, spoke volumes of Master Yunikawa’s power – These were the very most dangerous of Oni to summon and exceedingly difficult to bind – only the most powerful of Wu-Jen could even attempt such a thing and few there were brave enough to take the terrible risk involved in doing so.
Then looking upon Master Yunikawa, Yuki’s heart jumped a beat. At the tournament, she had been sure that she had seen a feint line of spiritual attunement (exactly as hers) with him, while in the Magically warded area. Here however, there was no such line and the area was certainly not warded against magic – far from it – the place was simply overflowing with arcane energies!
As for her danger sense, she could feel no immediate threat - though this place was certainly not safe.
It made her feel on edge - sort of like she imagined she would feel if she decided one day to sit on the edge of a volcano to have tea with a dragon...
-
"We are very vulnerable here. If we are betrayed then we will all die and I can not allow that to happen." Miya whispers to Rai a quietly as she can.
-
Rai slowly nods and whispers back, "To late to turn back now without being rude."
Rai looks at the old man and asks, "How many oni do you have here?"
-
Roka looks sharply at Rai, and then bows towards the Wu-Jen.
"Apologies for my friend's disrespect. He means well, grand Wu-Jen. It is a great honor to be invited to your Castle. Yuki Shiratahara has told us much about your grand magic prowess."
-
Yuki uneasily looks at the archway with the two oni guarding it, before looking back to Master Yunikawa.
"Are there any other places that are...forbidden?"
She asks, looking back at the two oni. Since most of the samurai can't see the oni, she figures it's best to get the ground rules now.
-
Udo enters through the heavy door, and squints at the old man. Looking around at the refined surrounding he suddenly feels a bit self conscious about his out-of-place animal troupe...
"Uh, Wujen Kenjiro? I, uh, hope you don't mind my animal gang here... Uh, sorry about that"
-
“'Enough'; Ha ha ha ha!” laughed Master Yunikawa at Rai’s question and the mild tension that was filling the air. “But please, you must all call me ‘Uncle’; I insist and will accept no less!”
“And I give you my word that you (and your pets) will come to no harm while in my home, as long as you are respectful and follow this one rule – ‘do not pass through that arch under any circumstance’ – for as I have said, to do so is death.”
“Nothing else is ‘forbidden’ as you say, and you are free to explore anywhere else in my home that you like.
“But now, come with me into the dining hall and we shall eat!”
Master Yunikawa got up and motioned for the Samurai to follow.
Moving into another richly appointed room, the group was met by the four Samurai-ko, who busily laid various foods out on a large low hibachi table in the center of the chamber.
Kioko was noticeably more relaxed in this room (not being able to see the two large Oni guarding Master Yunikawa’s library).
Sitting around the table, the Samurai and Kioko were treated to a multiple-course meal starting with various sushi rolls, expertly made by the Samurai-ko, and culminating in a comical show of cookery, when two minor fire spirits – each about the size of a chipmonk, jumped out of the hibachi table and began playing with the assorted dishes – cooking them to perfection in the process.
Kioko laughed in delight at the antics of the two animated motes of hovering flame and for a while looked happy to actually be here.
-
Kirito who had been quiet most of the time speaks up. "So.. what is secret, how do you manage to get the Oni's to serve you Uncle?" He asked carefully.
-
i won't stare I won't stare I won't stare... Okay, just a bit. Roka thinks to himself, as he winks at one of the samurai-Ko, and then turns to the wujen.
"The food your Samurai-Ko have made is delicious."
-
"Yes, my lovely Samurai-ko are quite the exceptional chefs!" Uncle Yunikawa remarks.
Then turning to Kirito he begins to answer the Priest's question about the Oni.
"Over the years, I have mastered the summoning and binding of various Oni," he says, "and have even developed some techniques for dealing with the most powerful of them..."
Then seeing Kioko begin to get uncomfortable at the talk of 'big scary monsters' as far as she was concerned, Yunikawa smiled and changed the subject - "But we can speak of that at some other time."
"So, tell me about this most beautiful little fair folk girl," he said, winking at Kioko, but expecting the Samurai to answer...
-
Yuki is about to answer, but realizing she'd fail at lying, and that Kioko shouldn't directly be told she's dead, she leaves it to the other samurai to explain her.
-
"She is.. how to put it... a little fox girl." Kirito smiled. "Excuse me Kioko, i need to explain this in another language." He smiled at her.
"Kioko is a mystery to us too, we know she is one of our deceased friends, reborned in the future. Around 700 years. We also think its likely that the Kitsune killed her, as i assume you know she is a ghost already. But how she got here remains a mystery. We brought her along too ask for your guidence regarding her." He added in the old realm tongue.
-
Unsure what to add on, and assuming that Kirito said something somewhat informative, Udo blurts out, "Uh, Wujen Kenj- err, Uncle, do you remember Sakura Kahiwagi? When she, uh, died there was an odd burst of light, and her familiar spirit thing is for whatever reason really attached to the uh, Kioko."
Gulping, as he has been wondering about this for months, "Why did Sakura, and uh, also one of the Samurai we were with, Keitaro, die like that?"
-
Rai looks at Udo and says, "I hadn't know that the light had happened before Keitaro."
-
"Kietaro!" Kioko said sadly at the mention of his name and began to tear up. She had just found out about his and Jei Hu's deaths yesterday and had really grown fond of the large samurai by then.
"There there," Yuki said, comforting the little girl and holding her close until Kioko had had a good cry.
"Feel better now? Yuki asked.
"Yes, and I'm sorry," Kioko sniffed, "I know he has gone to live in heaven with the ancestors, but I still miss him. I'll be OK."
“I see,” Yunikawa then said thoughtfully, after Kioko had regained her composure, “we must continue this conversation elsewhere.”
“But first, my Samurai-ko will show you to your rooms.”
“Those of you who wish to discuss this matter can meet me back in the main hall, while the rest stay with Kioko.”
“When this matter is resolved, then we shall discuss why I have called you here.”
The four Samurai-ko then rose and led the Samurai down a hall to a series of three large rooms, each connected to the other two by a curtain covered archway. The furnishings were a simple yet comfortable – each room containing enough places to sleep, plus a large low table, plenty of seating, and a scribe’s table set with parchment, inks, and brushes.
Once the Samurai had seen their rooms, one of the Samurai-ko knelt down to speak to little Kioko – “Kioko, why don’t you draw us some pictures, while some of your friends go to speak with Uncle Yunikawa?”
Kioko looked up at Yuki with a worried expression and asked “you’ll stay with me right big sister?”
When she had said that, the little spirit familiar that had been hiding in Yuki’s armor finally came out – chirped loudly and hoped back onto Kioko’s shoulder – where it stared humming, as it mimed painting a picture in the air.
Laughing, Kioko went over to the scribe’s table and pulled a large sheet of paper out of the well-stocked cubbyholes underneath.
Then getting a brush and ink, she looked at the others still in the room – “What shall I draw?”
“Oh – I know, I will draw the little fire creatures that cooked us our dinner! Mother will want to hear about that! And I can draw one for Mama Shirahata too!”
-
"Hmm... I think Yuki would love to, little Kioko, but she's the only one here with a tiny bit of knowledge about the occult. Hmm... Do you want to draw with the Onohara boys? I heard at least one of them can draw.Right?" Roka asks, looking at the students sternly.
-
"I want Yuki! But they can draw too." Kioko replied honestly.
-
Yuki smiles at Kioko and nods.
"Of course I'll draw with you! But in exchange, when everyone else comes back, I'll go talk to Uncle Yunikawa, and you'll stay here with them, okay?"
She asks, bargaining with Kioko.
-
"Hmm... I think Yuki would love to, little Kioko, but she's the only one here with a tiny bit of knowledge about the occult. Hmm... Do you want to draw with the Onohara boys? I heard at least one of them can draw.Right?" Roka asks, looking at the students sternly.
"Roka... Just..." Kirito just shakes his head, it was pretty obvious he took offense at Rokas statement.
Yuki smiles at Kioko and nods.
"Of course I'll draw with you! But in exchange, when everyone else comes back, I'll go talk to Uncle Yunikawa, and you'll stay here with them, okay?"
She asks, bargaining with Kioko.
"There really is not any need Yuki. I am the most knowledgable of the occult in our little group, and if you have any questions, i can answer them for you after our talk with uncle Yunikawa.
-
"Oh, I don't mind," Kioko adds - just because she can.
-
"There really is not any need Yuki. I am the most knowledgable of the occult in our little group, and if you have any questions, i can answer them for you after our talk with uncle Yunikawa.
Yuki looks at Kirito for a moment silently, before smiling.
"That's nice."
She replies politely.
-
Yuki looks at Kirito for a moment silently, before smiling.
"That's nice."
She replies politely.
"Kirito, learn to be respectful to your peers." Miya says to him in a protective force before turning to Rai. "It happened a long time ago, as far as I know we thought nothing of the light until Keitaro's 'experience'."
-
"Kirito, learn to be respectful to your peers." Miya says to him in a protective force before turning to Rai. "It happened a long time ago, as far as I know we thought nothing of the light until Keitaro's 'experience'."
"To my peers? Need i remind you that of us, i have the highest political standing?" Kirito replied, now stanrting to get mad, walking away to where Uncle was.
-
Rai looks at Kirito and says, "Your family my have the highest standing but that does not mean we are not in the same boat."
-
"To my peers? Need i remind you that of us, i have the highest political standing?" Kirito replied, now stanrting to get mad, walking away to where Uncle was.
"I have little respect for somebody who can not hold his tongue among allies. Perhaps you should have learned how to be humble before you became a Samurai." She snaps at him with a glare before turning away.
-
Kirito stops in his tracks and turns back, with a slight bow he says. "Yes, you are right. Sorry for my sudden outburst."
-
"Apology accepted." Miya responds without turning toward him.
-
And now, Kirito walks towards the other room to talk to uncle.
-
Rai leaves to meet with "Uncle".
-
"Ha ha, sorry about that guys. The words simply slip out in this case." Roka says with a chuckle.
"I should probably go. The two of them will probably accidentally insult the wujen." Roka says, shaking his head.
-
Udo keeps silent, perhaps realising he probably shouldn't have reminded Kioko of Keitaro's death. Interested nonetheless, and shrugging during Kirito's ego-fest, "C'mon Bleach"
Him and his tiger walk to Uncle, hoping his his answer will clear up some things.
-
Rai leaves to meet with "Uncle".
Miya begins to follow Rai with a protective eye before giving a short glance back at Yuki.
Be safe. She thinks to herself.
She then continues on her way to meet "Uncle".
-
As the Samurai moved together out of the rooms and back towards the main hall, they arrived through one of the rounded archways and saw that Uncle Yunikawa had returned to his chair to smoke a long thin pipe and that the Samurai-ko were all there as well, seated before him.
When he saw the Samurai enter, he smiled and motioned with his pipe for them to take a seat on the raised platform before him – his Samurai-ko moving back behind him to make room.
After handing his pipe to one of the Samurai-ko to put away, he looked thoughtfully for a moment before speaking.
“A most intriguing So-Kitsune you have brought,” Uncle Yunikawa began – “And while all re-incarnate back into Creation in time following their deaths, I have never heard of something like this. It is true that Kioko is your friend Sakura Kashiwagi – reborn in a new life that will not happen for another seven hundred years – but why has she come back this far in time now? That is the question.”
“Of course, I can help you return her to the Ancestors (and will), but I am left to ponder the disparity in times.”
“A lot can happen in seven hundred years,” Yukikawa continued on – “But unless we know of what transpired in between, there is little we can do to change the future – what will be will be.”
Then giving a thoughtful look, Yunikawa made a proposition – “It is a simple thing to look into the dreams and memories of a man, Spirit, or Oni.”
“If you will consent, I shall do so tonight with Kioko as she sleeps. She will of course be unharmed by the experience and it may shed more light on this perplexing mystery.”
-
"Uncle, I... Well, all we want is to return the girl to the ancestors. The sooner the better. She has suffered much, you see."
-
Uncle Yunikawa regarded Roka – “Getting into the Spirit World is easy – getting to the Ancestral Palace requires great sorcery.”
“It exists in the Spirit World just below U-Mani the Moon and is a very long way up – many days journey for creatures that can fly and completely out of reach for most men… but with certain knowledge and the right spells, it is possible.”
“I will provide a means for you to take Kioko to the Ancestral Palace, but before that you must do me a service. This is after all, why I have called you here, but once that is done, I will grant you this boon.”
-
Rai nods his head and asks, "Uncle, do you have any idea why the previous samurai in our group dissolved into light?"
-
"Thank you uncle. It is greatly appreciated that you even consider our request."
-
Uncle Yunikawa nods to Roka and then turns to answer Rai - "Actually I do. The phenomena has been a study of mine for a long many years."
"It is unusual for anyone to witness such a thing; and to have more than one such occurrence happen among the same group of people is incredible."
"It is actually what I have called you all here to discuss - but that can wait until the morning. For now though, is there any more to discuss of Kioko?"
-
Perplexed, Udo asks, "Wait, so if you find something about the future from Kioko, and then uh, change it. What happens to Kioko?"
-
"Well..." Roka begins. "I'm not educated in the occult, so it would be appreciated if you could explain how this could have happened. I don't understand it."
-
"Yes, of course," Yunikawa replies to Roka, " I will explain everything to you all, tomorrow morning."
Then to Udo, he answers - "It would be difficult to imagine what to change now, that could possibly have a very great impact seven hundred years from now. Most likely, whatever future Kioko is from, was created due to an infinite number of important choices."
"Of course, if something did happen to change Kioko's personal future, it really wouldn't matter. Kioko, after all, is just another incarnation of the same spirit that Sakura was. If not Kioko or Sakura, then she would simply be someone else - for that is the nature of Creation."
-
Kirito just listens carefully. "Thank you." He said
-
Back in the rooms meanwhile, Kioko looked up from her drawing and smiled, then announced to everyone – "it’s finished!"
Proudly holding up her picture, Yuki and Roka's Students saw that Kioko had drawn a scene in Sendai, outside of Yuki's Mother's house. All the Samurai were in the picture, as well as Yuki's Mom.
Kioko had drawn herself into the picture as well, standing next to Roka and Yuki, with the little spirit familiar and two fire spirits hovering nearby.
Curiously, the drawing also showed a strange collection of tiny little creatures with radishes for heads and spiraling sprout-like limbs, gathered at the feet of everyone in the picture ...
-
Curious, Yuki points to the little creatures in the picture.
"What are those, Kioko?"
-
"Oh, they live in Mama Shirahata's garden," Kioko said mater-of-factly – "They are funny too!"
"Mama Shirahata says they keep bad bugs out of the garden."
-
"I see, they're cute!"
Yuki replies, while wondering why she never noticed them before.
-
"Yes, of course," Yunikawa replies to Roka, " I will explain everything to you all, tomorrow morning."
Then to Udo, he answers - "It would be difficult to imagine what to change now, that could possibly have a very great impact seven hundred years from now. Most likely, whatever future Kioko is from, was created due to an infinite number of important choices."
"Of course, if something did happen to change Kioko's personal future, it really wouldn't matter. Kioko, after all, is just another incarnation of the same spirit that Sakura was. If not Kioko or Sakura, then she would simply be someone else - for that is the nature of Creation."
Still confused Udo just slowly nods, "Well, uh, okay then... So, uh, what happens in the Spirit World?"
-
"As I said," Yunikawa answers Udo, "I shall tell you all about it in the morning."
-
Rai bows and says, "Thank you, Uncle. I will now take my leave." Rai goes to travel back to his room.
-
Udo frowns, as he is really eager to find the answers to the multitudes of questions that have come up in the recent months. "Alright, Uncle. Seeya uh, tomorrow morning then" he gets up to bow, and continues to a room.
-
Kirito on the other hand, is eager to discuss the Oni. "How come.. you've surrounded yourself with evil demons and Oni?" He asked cautiously.
-
Uncle Yunikawa gives Kirito a look that seems to convey a patronizing quality, as if he somehow pities the Priest's blind ignorance.
"Keep your friends close; Keep your enemies closer," Yunikawa laughs.
"I have been bestowed, by the Ancestors, the ability to bind these dangerous demons and Oni - to harness their power for the benefit of Mankind. As a Priest with this selfsame gift, you understand that Demons and Oni are immortal. If they are not bound then what else are they?"
Then after a pause for dramatic effect, Yunikawa answers his own question - "they are free."
"Would you, that I release these terrible demons? Let them work their evil upon the world according to their own agency? No, of course not!"
"Learn from this 'good' Priest and no longer fear to use the tools at your own disposal."
-
"But all of us dont have mean to hold the creatures in full control for long. But i am not just a priest, i've learned secret magic." He smiled back.
-
"Oh really," Yunikawa says with a raised eyebrow.
Then he adds, "I can teach you how to harness that magical energy more effectively if you wish..."
-
"Oh." Kirito looks surprised. He then smiled and said "Do you want me to call you Uncle or Sensei?"
-
"'Uncle' will suffice," Yunikawa answers with a smile.
-
"Now i just need to learn the method to control them perfect like you uncle" He smiled at him.
-
"Well, I must retire for the evening," Yunikawa said to Kirito and Roka, "We shall talk again in the morning."
With that, the old Wu-Jen and his four lovely Samurai-ko withdrew from the hall and though the library arch that everyone had been forbidden to pass - disappearing into other passageways beyond ...
-
"Well, I must retire for the evening," Yunikawa said to Kirito and Roka, "We shall talk again in the morning."
With that, the old Wu-Jen and his four lovely Samurai-ko withdrew from the hall and though the library arch that everyone had been forbidden to pass - disappearing into other passageways beyond ...
"Hmm... He is an interesting person. I will have to make sure to talk to him tomorrow." Miya thinks to herself out loud.
-
18th Day of Mid Summer, 1297
Secrets Reveled
The night seemed to pass without incident in the Samurai’s three interconnected rooms (although once during her sleep, Kioko started to whimper and fidget restlessly, but that soon passed).
One had to wonder though, if it was something Uncle Yunikawa was doing, or simply a nightmare caused by what she had seen the previous day – it was quite understandable that the sight of three major Oni might have had that effect on a young child.
Early the next morning, two minor fire spirits walked into the rooms and flared brightly, before making a loud noise like the crackling of new logs on a fire. Their snapping and popping awoke anyone who had not risen earlier, and in a shrill voice – like steam venting from the lid of a boiling pot – one spoke – ‘Breakfast is served. Please join the Master in the Tower of the Morning Sun.’
The Samurai quickly gathered their things and made sure Kioko was fully awake, before taking her and following the two motes of fire down a hall and up a spiraling stone staircase.
At the top, the stairway opened into a round open tower on the top of Uncle Yunikawa’s mountain citadel. The amazing chamber was lit with a dazzling array of vibrant colors, as the morning sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling vertical rows of crystals set in the walls surrounding the room. A faint tinkling sound could be heard in the air, apparently emanating from the crystals themselves, though it was not unpleasant to hear and gave the room a feeling of tranquility.
The furnishings within were of the cleanest white, opulent, and rich and included a large low table set with the morning meal – sweet rice cakes, bean and egg salad, tea and various fruits.
Uncle Yunikawa sat at the table and welcomed the Samurai in; his four Samurai-ko sitting quietly behind him beautiful, and emotionless as ever.
When the Samurai and Kioko had sat down at the table (and the two fire spiritd had moved into a fireplace on one side of the room), Uncle Yunikawa bid them to eat, as he told them of what he had learned of Kioko’s memories and why he had called them to his mountain home –
“Good Morning my honored quests, I trust you slept well.”
“And Kioko,” he smiled – “I will help your friends here to take you home, but first they must do something for me, that will allow them to better help you later. You must be brave and patient until it is done, as is to be expected of a ‘granddaughter’ of the Emperor.”
“Now to the business at hand – First, about Kioko’s ‘home’. Suffice it to say that there was little I could glean from such an innocent young mind, but that the affairs of her people have vastly changed from what they are now, and that unknown foreigners (who were certainly not Chinese) had a small influence in the governance of her homeland.”
“Our way of life seemed similar to theirs, yet the titles of rulership had changed and the Samurai were no more – only the Emperor remained. And the children of all the land, called him ‘Grandfather’ out of respect and love. Though the rest of the governing body seemed corrupt and reviled by the people – basically nothing more than a military dictatorship, it would seem.”
Pausing to see if any of the Samurai had questions before continuing, Uncle Yunikawa took a long sip of hot tea…
-
Yuki nods and takes a sip of her own tea.
-
OOC: Honored quests?
Roka bows deeply towards the Wujen, and then speaks.
"Uncle, the food has been fantastic, as always." Roka says, beginning his question with a compliment. "So, that is the fate of Nippon? A military dictatorship, influenced by other foreigners?"
-
"But that makes me wonder.. Is the future set in stone? Is there anything that can be done?" Kirito asks gently, before taking a sip of his tea.
"I arrived here hoping to get answers and end up with more questions." He let out a small sigh.
-
Rai nods his head and says, "Thank you for the food Uncle. As to the issue of the future, it doesn't seem much different than it is now. Let us all look at now objectively almost all the warriors come from our class which is higher then peasants and they have to listen to us. No samurai is disturbing but maybe what samurai are change. Besides this little girl comes from far in the future. I doubt what we do now will change much." Rai takes another sip of tea
-
"Yes," Yunikawa replies to the three speaking Samurai - "Seven hundred years of history will not be changed with the finite amount of knowledge that we have before us now (in this lovely little girl)."
Then Yunikawa gave a thoughtful (almost knowing look) - but said nothing more...
-
Udo nods, making odd sounds while slurping his tea, "Although we can't change the future, can we at least influence it, just leave a bigger mark? Or is there nothing we can do, and just leave things to fate?"
-
"Yes," Yunikawa replies to the three speaking Samurai - "Seven hundred years of history will not be changed with the finite amount of knowledge that we have before us now (in this lovely little girl)."
Then Yunikawa gave a thoughtful (almost knowing look) - but said nothing more...
Roka nods, slowly.
"It's unfortunate. Hopefully we will be able to change the future a little bit for the better."
-
"The best one can do, is 'live for the moment' and focus on making a difference in the 'here and now'," Yunikawa says.
-
Suddenly, Yuki looks like she forgot to ask something.
"By the way, Uncle Yunikawa, is there any chance you can create a legacy item for me?"
She asks, thinking about enchanting her new bow.
-
Somewhat surprised by the change of conversation, Yunikawa thinks a moment and then agrees - "Sure, why not - it may help you in the mission I have called you here for."
-
“And speaking of that,” Yunikawa goes on before Yuki can say anything, “As to why I have called you here…”
“There is a legendary ‘Book of Secrets’, hidden in a remote mountain shrine sixty miles further up this range to the north.”
“I want you to go and recover the book for me and bring it back here.”
“The quickest way to do this would be to return first to Sendai, then travel sixty miles up the Emperor’s road, before cutting west back into the mountains. Yuki, you will have no problem finding the shrine – simple follow your eyes.”
“The journey will not be without peril, for the shrine is said to be guarded by the gods themselves, who would not let the book fall into the hands of those not strong enough to prove themselves worthy of taking it.”
“For this reason, I offer to imbue you with a portion of my life energy and the sorcerous powers that I possess.”
“In essence, I can grant each of you the power to cast one of my Spells, as if you had studied the ways of the Wu-Jen.”
“Here is a list of these spells, look them over and choose wisely, for I can imbue each of you with only one.”
Uncle Yunokawa produced a small scroll with a list of spells (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=208.msg2609#msg2609) from the cuff of his robes, handing it to Kirito.
“Bring the Book of Secrets back to me and I shall reward you handsomely; with bars of jade and moonsilver.”
-
"Ooh"
Udo murmurs, curiously looking at the list of spells. Still having not made up his mind, he asks, "Why do you want the, uh, Book of Secrets. What's in it?"
-
"For one, it contains the true history of Creation," Yunikawa answers Udo; then with a wry smile he adds, "and then there's the whole 'Secrets' part, haha! Who can resist that? Certainly not I!"
-
Yuki thanks Yunikawa for agreeing to enhance her bow, then she asks him a question.
"Why now?"
She asks plainly.
"Why ask for us personally to do this for you?"
-
Answering Yuki, Yunikawa says with a nod, "It is my pleasure."
"As for the Mission, well... I have spent the better half of my life researching and seeking after arcane knowledge. And at last I have uncovered the location of the hidden shrine of the gods - but as you can see, I am no longer young like yourselves."
"That is why I asked for you personally, I have been watching you since you were called as Chief Magistrate Saito's Yoriki; and find your exploits remarkable - especially how you handled the rebellion of Magistrate Ho Kasamatsu."
"I need strong young Samurai to recover this Book of Secrets for me and you young Samurai are it."
-
Rai looks up and says, "Last night you told me you would explain what happened to our comrades, Uncle. Could you finish that explanation?
-
The Outdoorsman looks up quizzically, "Wait, what are you expecting us to encounter?"
-
“Ah yes,” Yunikawa replies to Rai – “Sakura and Kaitaro were linked to something great, through a mark of divinity that only the gods and a select few mortals can actually see.”
Here Yunikawa paused to give Yuki a knowing glance.
“I don’t fully understand these spiritual links yet,” he then went on, “or what the end purpose of them are, but I am confident that the Book of Secrets holds the answer.”
Then turning to Udo, Yunikawa said simply - "I expect the gods to test your ability to get their book."
-
Roka smiles, and bows to the wujen again.
"Thank you, uncle. Do you have any ideas what kind of tests the gods would test us with?"
-
Nodding at Roka, Udo asks (as he is having a bit of a tough time deciding), "In relation to Roka's question, which of these would you recommend for this?"
-
"If I know the gods (though I am hardly a priest) haha" Yunikawa chuckles, "they will basically try to kill you with their minions and magic and probably deviously creative traps of some kind (it's all so exciting isn't it!) haha!"
"If you live, then you pass the test."
"Completely up to you, as to what you think will help you," He then says to Udo - "You all know yourselves better that I."
-
"That sounds lovely." Roka says with a laugh, though internally groaning.
-
"If I know the gods (though I am hardly a priest) haha" Yunikawa chuckles, "they will basically try to kill you with their minions and magic and probably deviously creative traps of some kind (it's all so exciting isn't it!) haha!"
"If you live, then you pass the test."
"Completely up to you, as to what you think will help you," He then says to Udo - "You all know yourselves better that I."
"... Well, okay. Thanks Uncle!" Udo smiles, deciding to get a familiar. He's always fantasized of having a large, yellow squirrel...
"So, uh, will you be teleporting us there or will we be traveling?"
-
"I can't teleport you unfortunately, as I have never been there," Yunikawa says, "But I can get you back to Sendai, if you would like to experience 'instant travel'."
"As for your journey, it will be in rugged mountain terrain - so prepare accordingly."
-
"Ooh, that would be cool." Roka says.
-
"Ooh, that would be cool." Roka says.
"What is?" Udo asks, "But I do like the sound of going to the mountains, the air is nice there..."
-
"Instant travel? Oh i need to learn that spell sometime.. But that will hafto wait, im eager to take a test
or untill i get more XP" Kirito replied smiling.
-
"Yes, I'll have to show you that when you return," Yunikawa says to Kirito.
Then to the rest - "Any last questions about your mission?"
-
"Yes, I'll have to show you that when you return," Yunikawa says to Kirito.
Then to the rest - "Any last questions about your mission?"
"Oh yeah. This request may seem odd, but... Generally when we go on a mission, we being a lovely maiden who can cook. And, well, your samurai-Ko are fantastic. Is there any chance one could come along with us?"
-
Rai says, "Don't listen to him Uncle. He just wants to take one of them to bed. Do you need to take every demon we meat to bed?" looks at Roka and shakes his head.
-
Uncle Yunikawa seems genuinely taken aback by Roka's bold request for a moment - and Rai's accusation - but then laughs it all off.
"Of course, take 'Jenna'" he says, motioning to one of the four Samurai-ko.
Jenna meanwhile, bows slightly, but otherwise shows no emotion about the sudden assignment.
"Oh, are you going with us?" Kioko asks.
"For a while, yes," Jenna answers simply, but giving the little fox girl a smile.
-
"Ha ha, thank you very much, uncle."
-
"So, shall we get started on your assignement then?" Kirito asks.
-
“Do I get a spell too?” Kioko asked innocently.
“Ha ha ha ha!” Uncle Yunokawa laughed warmly – “No Kioko, I am sorry, but you are too young yet – and besides, it involves needles… Lots of needles – and I am sure you would find the process most unpleasant.”
“Needles?!? Oh! I don’t want any spells then, thank you Uncle!”
Then Yunikawa had the Samurai-ko set up some mystical incense, as he directed the Samurai to sit together in a circle in the center of the Tower of the Morning Sun. The morning rays glittered in through the strange tinkling crystals in the walls and bathed the room in thousands of small rainbow motes.
Then asking Yuki for her bow, he took it from her and waved his hand over it slowly, before literally disappearing from before her eyes – only to reappear a moment later about two inches farther back with his hands extending the bow back to her.
“There you go;” he said to Yuki, “may this arcane bow give you the strength to bring many generations of honor to your family.”
As Yuki took the magical artifact, she sensed that it could grant a Physical Boost twice a day and also be used to summon an Elemental once a day as well.
Then turning to the others, Yunikawa directed everyone to bare their arms and sit in the meditative position.
As they did so, the old Wu-Jen removed his shirt and sat in the center of the Samurai, as one of the Samurai-Ko brought out a flat wooden box and set it before Yunikawa. When Yunikawa opened the box, it revealed a collection of hundreds of long thin acupuncture needles, each made from black tarnished silver.
Then, for the next hour, Yunikawa chanted a ritual of meditation, while the lead Samurai-Ko laboriously applied every single acupuncture needle from the box to the Wu-Jen’s chest, neck, and face.
A visible miasma of energy could be seen around Yunikawa and it appeared as if it was slowly being drawn into the needles, which started to shudder slightly with each thump of his heart – sending visible ripples through the air as if the air itself around him was the surface of some disturbed pond.
Only a few moments after the last needle had been placed, the Samurai-Ko then began to withdraw each needle one at a time – transferring them to one after the other to the seated Samurais’ bared arms.
The Samurai felt only the slightest jab with each one, then a strange numbness. For the next thirty minutes the process went on, until the numbness of one needle had built into a raging fiery burning by the time the final needle was placed and each Samurai had a pincushion of needles sprouting up and down each arm.
“It is done.” Uncle Yunikawa stated simply, as the last needle was placed.
At that, all four Samurai-Ko began helping to remove the needles and place them back into the flat wooden box.
“Ew, that was so gross!” Kioko commented – having patiently waited through the entire ordeal. She had a sour look of disgust on her face and was immensely glad no one had to stick her with a needle.
The Samurai meanwhile, thought that they felt no different for the moment, except for being completely drained of energy and somewhat bloodied.
Then a spark of knowledge suddenly lit within their minds – and just like that, they knew how to cast the Shared Spell. It was as though they had always known how to cast the spell – and in fact, not one of them could remember a time that they had not known it. The whole perception of the Samurai had changed, as if the spell had always been a part of them – though deep down, they were aware that this was not true.
“You will be fatigued by the ritual for a day or so,” Yunikawa said, as he put his shirt back on, then opened a Gate into the air. On one side of the Gate was the Tower of the Morning Sun in Yunikawa’s mountain citadel – on the other side, was a broad corridor located somewhere within the Sendai Order of Arcanum.
“I suggest you take the day to recover your strength; then leave on your mission tomorrow.”
“As you wish Master Yunikawa,” the beautiful Samurai-Ko Jenna said, ready to head through the Gate as soon as Roka was ready…
-
Yuki bows deeply to Yunikawa.
"Thank you for the bow. We will make sure to retrieve the book of secrets."
She says. Yuki then turns to Kioko.
"Let's go back now, Kioko."
She says with a grin, leading her through the portal (assuming there is no other issue).
-
Rai rubs his arm trying to get some feeling back in it. He stands and says to the others, "Well time to go." He moves to the gate.
-
She slightly rubs her arms where the needles were.
"So I assume that we will be able to cast the spell just as if we were you instead?"
She awaits 'Uncles' response.
-
"Thank you Uncle." Kirito smiled though obviously quite fatigued. "We will soon meet again." He blurted out.
-
Yunikawa replies to Miya - "No, not like me - like you (with an average ability to do so)."
-
"Hmm... Alright then. Thank you for your time 'Uncle'."
Miya then stands, bows, and goes to look for Rai.
-
"...Weird!" Udo exclaims as the process is finished. "Thanks a lot, Uncle," HAe continues, amazed at this newfound knowledge. "Can't wait to use this..."
-
"Thank you, uncle." Roka says, bowing, and then rubs his arm.
"Come on Jenna. And Rai to. I need to speak to you... Hmm... Never mind. I can say it once we all get back."
-
Walking through the Gate, the Samurai entered the large imposing building that was Sendai’s Order of Arcanum (where the Occult Community met to practice their trade).
Almost immediately, the group was met by a number of Novice Wu-Jen – very surprised to see them – who ushered everyone but Yuki out of the place as quickly as was politely possible.
Stepping outside in the noon sun, the Samurai saw their mounts waiting for them in the street with Roka’s Minions. Apparently Master Yunikawa had not forgot about getting them home, as some of the Samurai had.
Being back in Sendai, away from Yunikawa’s mountain, home felt good.
There was something unnerving about the dark and oppressive citadel, with its hidden monsters and eerie hallways – that may or may not have shifted from time to time of their own accord.
Now that they were away, the thought that they had willingly referred to Master Yunikawa as ‘Uncle’ seemed a little improper, given his station, though one could chalk it up to the eccentricities of old age.
“Hey,” Kioko called, sounding a little disappointed, “We are back in Sendai. I thought he was going to help me get back home!”
-
"Soon, Kioko" Udo states, yawning, "First we have to find some book for the Wujen Kenjiro, and then, uh, he'll bring you home."
-
While she was not ushered out herself, Yuki followed the rest of the group outside regardless.
"Don't worry Kioko. We just have to help Uncle Yunikawa out first, then he'll help send you back."
Yuki replies reassuringly, being intentionally vague as to where 'back' is.
"Let's go back home for now, Kioko!"
Yuki says, leading her back to her house.
(Once she takes Kioko back, Yuki wants to return to the Occult Society, provided her mother has nothing she wishes to say/ask first)
-
Rai moves toward Roka and says, "You wanted to speak to me?"
-
Rai moves toward Roka and says, "You wanted to speak to me?"
"Yes. First, are you a Yoriki of Sendai? Do you know what that title stands for?"
-
"Yes. First, are you a Yoriki of Sendai? Do you know what that title stands for?"
Looking at how close the others are especially the demon Jenna Rai asks, "I would rather have this conversation somewhere elese. Could we move it to a more private venue?"
-
Oh snap, the pince! Kirito thinks to himself but manages not to let it show, instead he decides to listen in on their conversation
-
Looking at how close the others are especially the demon Jenna Rai asks, "I would rather have this conversation somewhere elese. Could we move it to a more private venue?"
".... Rai, this isn't a private conversation. It's a lesson. Though, I discussed Udo's issues by himself... Very well. Jenna, my students will direct you to my house. I hate leaving a lovely woman by herself, but duty calls." Roka says, smiling, as he turns to Rai.
"Alright, come on ." Roka says, leading Rai to a secluded spot.
-
Rai walks to the secluded spot and says, "What does being a Yoski of Sendai mean? It means a first step. It means gathering allies. It means that I suspect of Kirito told you and why we are having this conversation."
-
Rai walks to the secluded spot and says, "What does being a Yoski of Sendai mean? It means a first step. It means gathering allies. It means that I suspect of Kirito told you and why we are having this conversation."
"I suppose Kirito told you as well then?" Roka asks, frowning slightly.
-
Oh snap, the pince! Kirito thinks to himself but manages not to let it show, instead he decides to listen in on their conversation
Miya walks over to stand near Kirito, she turns to him with a straight face.
"So Kirito, what do you know about Rai? What's your opinion on him?"
-
He looks at Roka with surpise and says, "Did he not tell you everything?" He sighs think he misread the situation.
-
He looks at Roka with surpise and says, "Did he not tell you everything?" He sighs think he misread the situation.
"He told me something about Ninjas." Roka says, looking at Rai, shaking his head.
"Anyways, no. Being a Yoriki isn't about gathering allies. What nonesense. Being a Yoriki of Sendai is to be the face of Sendai. What we do, reflects on Sendai, on our magistrate, and, our daimyo. That is what being a Yoriki of Sendai is. Do you know why I am telling you this?"
-
Rai shakes his head and thinks to himself. I guess I can trust kirito more then I thought. He didn't tell Roka a thing. Rai looks at Roka, folds his arms, and says, "You are clearly telling me this because you don't think I do any of those things well. Also probably because your pissed off that I tried to stop you from taking a Demon from "Uncle" with us."
-
Rai shakes his head and thinks to himself. I guess I can trust kirito more then I thought. He didn't tell Roka a thing. Rai looks at Roka, folds his arms, and says, "You are clearly telling me this because you don't think I do any of those things well. Also probably because your pissed off that I tried to stop you from taking a Demon from "Uncle" with us."
"Well, yes on the first, no on the second, in this case." Roka says, shaking his head.
"We are Yoriki. No matter what we consider each other as, when on duty, we are Yoriki. An insult to one of us is an insult to our magistrate. Our reputation is our magistrate's reputation."
"Now, as Yoriki, we can not, in front of people of importance, insult one another. We can apologize for another's actions, and correct it, but to claim such things, as true as they maybe, in front of the higher ups is not just an insult to me, but an insult to our magistrate. That is the same reason why I did not tell anyone about Kirito and Keitaro's misbehaviors during our previous mission. We can hate each other off duty, but on duty, (infront of superiors) we must respect each other."
"I don't care of your attempts, I care of the way you do it, Rai."
-
Rai shurgs and says, "Alright but just so you know I don't hate you. I was using that as a way to avoid having a spy around us at all times."
-
Rai shurgs and says, "Alright but just so you know I don't hate you. I was using that as a way to avoid having a spy around us at all times."
"Don't care. Just remember what I said."
"Now, what did Kirito tell you? He said some important things, but unless he told you the same as me, I can't discuss it. And don't lie. You are a horrible bluffer."
-
Rai looks Roka straight in the eyes and says, "The only thing kirito told me was he knew who I was."
-
Rai looks Roka straight in the eyes and says, "The only thing kirito told me was he knew who I was."
Roka strokes his goatee, and shakes his head.
"No. Just no. Please tell me that doesn't mean that you are the son. Please."
-
Rai looks at Roka and says, "Alright I won't say anything."
-
Rai looks at Roka and says, "Alright I won't say anything."
"I'm going to imagine this part of the conversation never happened." Roka states, and walks away.
-
Rai smiles and says, "You can say that but it did. If you ever want to talk more you know where to find me." Rai walks over to Miya and Kirito.
-
Miya walks over to stand near Kirito, she turns to him with a straight face.
"So Kirito, what do you know about Rai? What's your opinion on him?"
"Many things other do not." He smiled at her. "And if you want my honest opinion about him as a person, i dont really have one. He's changed much since we rescued that princess, so i reserve that opinion untill i learn more about him from his actions."
He then changed subject. "You can learn alot about a person by just watching them you know." He smiled.
-
After returning Kioko back home, Yuki arrived back at the Occult society, intent on telling them the mission of the samurai.
-
"Many things other do not." He smiled at her. "And if you want my honest opinion about him as a person, i dont really have one. He's changed much since we rescued that princess, so i reserve that opinion untill i learn more about him from his actions."
He then changed subject. "You can learn alot about a person by just watching them you know." He smiled.
She gives him a look of curiosity.
"Indeed, no matter. It looks like those two are done now." She says as she glances in his direction.
"So what was that about Rai? Our leader looks like he was trying to wrap his head around something."
-
Rai looks hard at kirito and says, "When you tell anybody anything you should let me know." Looking to Miya he says, "He just found out who I am. I think he was shocked to say the least. Also both of you know if you hadn't figured that out yet. So the only one that doesn't in our group is Yuki and I am not sure if we can trust her to hide it."
-
Miya looks at Rai with a stern expression.
"I would trust Yuki with my life, she is a good person but I'd rather leave her out of this if we can."
She then turns to Kiriko.
"Sorry, I was not sure if you completely knew about him yet. That's why I asked." She gestures to Rai.
-
Rai respons with, "Yes I would trust her with my life as well, but a secret is a different story. I haven't know her as long as you but it seems to me that she is about the worse lire I have ever seen. She is a good person and I have no doubt she would help us but right now we can't let the truth be known."
-
After returning Kioko back home, Yuki arrived back at the Occult society, intent on telling them the mission of the samurai.
Never before had Yuki been afforded such attention and a feeling of importance among the Occult Community as now - bringing information to them about Yunikawa's quest for the Book of Secrets.
The news was such that Yuki was immediately granted access to Grand Premier Kenji Nogachi, the Wu-Jen of Sendai and Advisor to the Daimyo.
"Remarkable," the Grand Premier said shaking his head, "astounding that he was even able to learn of its location at all."
"Recover the Book for Master Yunikawa of course," he went on, "but bring it here first, so that we can make a duplicate."
"The information contained in the Book of Secrets is too great to be entrusted to one man. And, as he uses the resources of Sendai in its recovery, it is only fitting that the Daimyo has a vested interest in it."
-
"Peculiar. Normally a person in your situation would be going on endlessly about how i knew who you were..." Kirito states, before walking off. Ignoring any other questions Rai might have.
He then used his teleport spell to his home, from there he would proceed to the market district and buy the components (x7) to make the potion spell.
Once thats done he will once again head home to prepare 5 "Ice walk" Potions and 1 "heal"
-
Never before had Yuki been afforded such attention and a feeling of importance among the Occult Community as now - bringing information to them about Yunikawa's quest for the Book of Secrets.
The news was such that Yuki was immediately granted access to Grand Premier Kenji Nogachi, the Wu-Jen of Sendai and Advisor to the Daimyo.
"Remarkable," the Grand Premier said shaking his head, "astounding that he was even able to learn of its location at all."
"Recover the Book for Master Yunikawa of course," he went on, "but bring it here first, so that we can make a duplicate."
"The information contained in the Book of Secrets is too great to be entrusted to one man. And, as he uses the resources of Sendai in its recovery, it is only fitting that the Daimyo has a vested interest in it."
Yuki nods and gives a slight bow. She then leaves and returns to her home, intent on resting until they are ready to leave.
-
For Roka that evening, Jenna proved to be everything he thought she would be in bed - which was fun to be sure, but she wasn't quite up to par with Lilitu the Succubus.
Of course, one would expect a sex demon to be the best at sex, so this was not really a surprise, and Jenna came a close second... or perhaps third...
Yes third; because while she certainly knew what she was doing and easily brought Roka to the heights of carnal ecstasy, she had an unnatural chill to her body; which made Roka wonder the next morning with more than a little unease, if that was what doing a dead person would be like...
-
Rai respons with, "Yes I would trust her with my life as well, but a secret is a different story. I haven't know her as long as you but it seems to me that she is about the worse lire I have ever seen. She is a good person and I have no doubt she would help us but right now we can't let the truth be known."
Miya nods as Kirito leaves them.
"That's mostly why I trust her, she is not used to telling a lie and that means she almost always gives her true opinion I think. Even if it's an uncertain one." She smiles at that.
"I've been thinking about this book of secrets though, perhaps we can make a copy for our group to have just in case. What do you think Rai?"
-
Rai looks at Miya and says, "After being in that mans presence, I don't even want to give him the book. He doesn't just rub me the wrong way. It's more like the gods clearly hid this book for a reason and I shudder to think what he could do with that power. One of the reasons I didn't want a vampire with us is because it makes a plan for us to "lose" the book all the harder."
-
29th Day of Mid Summer, 1297
Into the Spirit World
Once everything was ready, the Samurai said goodbye to Yuki’s Mother and little Kioko and headed out, spending the next three days traveling north up the Emperor’s road, camping out-of-doors twice and spending the last night in the relative comfort of the second way station sixty miles north of the Fortress City.
From the way station, Yuki looked around with her Sorcerer’s Sight (Read Aura with Spirit Sight) and could see that the lines of spiritual attunement coming from herself, Roka, and Udo pointed directly west into the mountains. The thought that this was what Master Yunikawa had meant by ‘following her eyes,’ came to mind.
Leaving the way station the next morning, the Samurai moved west into the rough and untamed foothills below the ‘Spine of Honshu’ – the tall and imposing range of mountains that divided the east and west sides of the land.
After a day of travel through the rugged foothills, the terrain rose sharply up into the mountains themselves and progress was slowed, as a suitable pass had to be found to continue through the majestic peaks.
Following three days of difficult climbing, the Samurai came into a narrow gap between two high summits. Resting in the valley made between the rocky faces on each side, Yuki and Kirito both noticed a profusion of Spirit Willows growing in the area – and like they had seen once before, at the Red Shinto Arches when crossing the mountains between the Mutsu and Dewa Province on the way to Hirosaki – it was an indicator that the barrier between worlds was very thin here.
---
Taking a look around with their Spirit Sight, Kirito and Yuki could see the barrier that separated the Physical World from the Spirit World – appearing as a wide and misty veil stretching before them.
The lines of spiritual attunement (that only Yuki could see) plunged through the barrier; and if the Samurai were to follow, they had no choice but to step across the boundary – and enter the Spirit World in the process.
If they did though, it would be critical that they came back out through this exact point – as to return by any other route would potentially trap them in the Spirit World…
-
Noting that they would have to return through this exact spot, Yuki turns to Miya.
"Miya, you have a good memory, right?"
She asks with an exaggerated tilt of her head.
"We have to pass into the spirit realm now, so we need to remember to come back through this exact spot."
She says.
"Well...let's go! Hehe."
Yuki says with a laugh, carelessly passing through the barrier.
-
As Yuki passed through the spirit barrier, the others could still see her and she could still see them, back on the Physical side. Things looked exactly the same on the Spirit side – the barrier (visible only to Yuki and Kirito) being the only indication of the separation between worlds.
-
"I have a pretty good memory. I'll remember it." Kirito said. Took a deep breath and followed her into the spirit realm.
-
Once successfully in the spirit realm, Yuki makes sure to have danger sense activated.
-
Rai shakes his head and fallows with them.
-
"I have a pretty good memory. I'll remember it." Kirito said. Took a deep breath and followed her into the spirit realm.
"It might be better if all of us try to remember where it is. That way if one of us get separated we can make it back to the area around this point."
Miya says to the remaining group, she then enters the spirit realm without another word.
-
"Ha ha, come on, students. Don't look so frightful." Roka says, chuckling, as he passes forward.(with the vampire nearby)
-
"Alrighty, let's go guys!" Udo says happily, animals following. He kinda shuffles, blindly walking forward with his hands out, trying to pass through the barrier Yuki was talking about.
-
1st Day of Summer’s End, 1297
More Than Just A Book
The Samurai entered the Spirit World and continued to press forward through the rugged mountainous terrain, following Yuki’s direction as she traced the lines of spiritual attunement to their source.
Two days after leaving the Physical world behind, the group came upon a small flat plateau high in the mountains. It was only a few thousand feet across from side to side, and cleared of wild growth, looking more like a well-tended park than something one would find high in the rugged peaks of Nippon’s tallest mountains.
At the center of the plateau was a beautiful Shinto-style temple on the side of a large tranquil koi pond. A path of raked pebbles ran around the pond and up to a set of wide steps leading into the temple by a single stone lantern.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/BerkaZerka/MythicNippon/Shrine.jpg)
Even from the edge of the plateau, Yuki and Kirito could sense immense magical power flowing across the area – and in fact, the rest of the Samurai could feel it too, like something tingly that made the hairs on their arms stand on end.
Kirito, with his vast occult knowledge, could tell that the temple was a manse or focal point of incredible power – greater even than he had previously been taught could ever exist – something harnessing more magical energy than a thousand spirit wells.
Yuki meanwhile, could see that it was from this temple, that the spiritual lines of attunement radiating from herself, Roka, and Udo emanated.
As the Samurai made their way forward, Kirito noted that the power of the manse was being focused inward in a most unusual manner – as if the structure had been made for the purpose of containing something within.
Furthermore, there appeared to be a distortion of internal space; indicating that the shrine was actually bigger on the inside than it was on the outside...
-
"Now there's something you don't see every day," Jenna the Samurai-ko said, drawing her swords.
-
Yuki stops in front of the building to marvel at it for a moment, before turning to her fellow samurai.
"Well, this is it."
She announces. Because her danger sense never went off, Yuki figures there is no immediate danger.
"Isn't this exciting? Let's go!"
She yells happily, sprinting towards the temple.
-
"Now there's something you don't see every day," Jenna the Samurai-ko said, drawing her swords.
"Is this kind of temple rare in the spirit world?" Roka asks, looking at the giant thing.
-
"Well, yes," Jenna replies to Roka - "It's like some kind of reverse spirit well. With all the energy flowing in instead of pouring out."
-
Rai would like to watch and analyze what was going on but worried about Yuki getting into trouble he heads after her.
-
"Well, yes," Jenna replies to Roka - "It's like some kind of reverse spirit well. With all the energy flowing in instead of pouring out."
"Cool." Roka says, not really understanding a word Jenna said.
-
Udo nods at Bleach, hugging his new, stubby electric-yellow squirrel. He follows Yuki, who seems to know what she's doing. At least more than anyone else, maybe?
(http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/286/d/a/real_life_pikachu_by_djblizard-d5hpq13.jpg)
-
"Hmm.. the place feels bigger on the inside then what it is on the outside... The place also seems to be have been made to contain something within." Kirito said to the remaining group members, not wishing to rush this trough.
-
Yuki and Rai arrived first, while the rest of the Samurai cautiously walked around the koi pond and approached the stone steps leading into the shrine.
Already on the steps, Yuki (and then Rai) could see up into the shrine itself, before the rest of the group was even halfway around the water.
It was a single room structure (not appearing any larger on the inside than normal), in which was erected a large slab of stone, engraved with ancient and holy Shinto script.
Two old and withered hermits, each wearing a massive turtle shell on their back, sat sleeping against the stone slab – one on either side.
Strangely, the shrine suddenly held an odd sort of familiarity to Yuki – and she seemed to be able to recall the place, as if from some lost and forgotten dream.
With her lopan still out and Sorcerer’s Sight up, Yuki noted that both of the sleeping hermits where human only in appearance and wrapped in some sort of spell that hid their true nature; though she could tell that each had a powerful focus of Ki energy – at least double what Roka carried with him after he had learned the ways of the Ki Master. Each also had a spiritual third-eye open and looking at her and Rai, while one appeared to have a large ruby actually embedded in his left eye socket.
The stone slab was also magical in nature, though its exact purpose eluded Yuki at the moment – but she could read what was written thereon in Old Realm…
‘Tomb of The Master of The Deep Earth, who suckled from the grievous wound and crawled forth of his own will against The Five Gods of Creation’
Could this really be a reference to Massaki Dai-Oni – The Father and Foremost of all Demons and Oni?
---
Then Yuki’s Danger Sense went off like an explosion in her head – as the two turtle hermits opened their eyes suddenly and regarded the two Samurai on the steps indifferently, not bothering to stand.
The turtle hermit with the Ruby embedded in his eye socket then spoke – “So, your elder brother has discovered the Book of Secrets? It shall not help him though; for he cannot read it and you shall not take it back to him.”
“You were unwise to come here.”
With that, both turtle hermits hopped to their feet with a surprising agility and adopted a martial fighting stance – ready to meet Yuki and Rai in combat.
---
(OOC – Combat Intentions please! The rest of the Samurai are two rounds away from Yuki and Rai – 1 if they just flat out run)
-
Seeing Rai and Yuki appear threatened, Roka jolts into attention.
"Looks like those two encountered one of those tests. We need to move, now! Kirito, summon one of your elementals!" Roka shouts, automatically activating his Heavy Hitter, and then sprints toward the two.
-
Kirito casts inititive, Then shouts to Roka, "PREPARE FOR HARSCH WINDS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TEMPLE." He then aims to create a lightning storm for the fun of it and harsch winds in the temples direction. to make it faster for roka to get there and also to make it easier for Miya to shoot her arrows in that direction.
He also casts unbreakable and shield. (since initative should give him 1 extra action)
-
Udo hears Roka and stares ahead. Rushing, he let's go of his Zorch Squirrel (Fly behind me!) and hops onto Bleach, wielding his iron-shod Tetsubo. Mush! he signals to his Tiger-comrade, who will act as his noble steed.
"Yuki!?!" He shouts, not entirely sure what's causing the tension.
-
Yuki activates her Physical Boast ability, then raises her hands, indicating she doesn't want to fight. She uses her remaining action to fight defensively.
"Wait a minute! I don't have an elder brother!"
She says, almost defensively.
"What are you talking about?"
Yuki then prepares to use a surge point to use reflect magic, should the need arise.
-
Rai Activates Physical Boost (Use luck and surge to make it work). He then goes on the defensive not sure what will be going on.
-
Miya notices Yuki and Rai seem threatened by something and moves forward to see what she can shoot in the head or neck during the battle.
(Yes she will use more than one arrow to accomplish this.)
-
Kirito casts the Initiative spell, followed by a painfully failed attempt at Weather Set, and then Unbreakable and Shield.
At the temple meanwhile, Yuki uses the powers of her arcane bow to Physically Boost herself – feeling a rush of immense power flow into her! She then takes up a defensive position and tries to reason with the turtle hermits, but they don’t appear to be listening.
Instead, they each yell fiercely and rush forward to attack with a flare of radiant white spirit fire wreathing their forms!
With each step, the muscles in the turtle hermits’ bodies ripple and surge, bulking up and out as each hermit transforms into a massive twelve-foot tall giant by the time they have covered the distance between themselves and the two Samurai on the steps.
One lunged forward to meet Yuki, while the other made his way to Rai – as they did so, both giants radiated a blazing white spirit energy from their arms and clenched fists.
“You have breached the boundaries of the contract!” the giant turtle hermit attacking Yuki yelled – “for that, you must return immediately!”
It then brought both of its mighty fists down toward Yuki’s head (Ancestor’s Rebuke + Iron Fist Style), attempting to smash her into the ground. Yuki was too quick however, moving back and out of the way with incredible fluidity as the giant’s blow shattered the stone steps where she had just been standing!
The giant coming at Rai meanwhile, arrives before Rai can get his Physical Boost up!
“You must not die here Go-Uda. It is not your destiny,” the giant says, picking Rai up in one hand and hurling him across the large koi pond – where he crashes into the raked pebbles one hundred feet away for a somewhat reduced 15SL Damage – (half again with Luck and a ninja roll at the end).
Springing to his feet and attempting to activate Physical Boost – Rai is shocked to experience the nasty effect of Drain when failing to successfully cast an advanced spell. He takes 4 Damage through his body and the spell fails to go off.
At that point there was a splashing sound heard from the koi pond and looking, the Samurai headed for the temple watched as nine strange turtle creatures rushed from the waters to block the Samurais’ advance. Each was about the size of a large child and ran upright on two legs. An odd bowl-like depression on the top of their heads held water from the pond that seemed to slosh about as they moved, but didn’t fall out.
Kirito recognized them as Kappa from the old stories of lore he had heard as a child – a type of mischievous water spirit.
Then to the front of the shrine there was a tremendously sharp crack, as a huge fracture abruptly appeared on the large stone slab with holy Shinto Script.
Moments later, the entire slab shattered explosively into a million fragments, creating a billowing cloud of dust. As the dust cleared, a glorious radiance began to shine through, from which suddenly slithered a twenty-foot long Naga priest. The Naga priest was surrounded by a brilliant blazing aura and was hard to look at without shielding one’s eyes. It was armed with a ten-foot long naginata and wore blessed jade chain armor and a hearthstone in an orichulum amulet. Rising up eight feet on its serpentine body, and without a word, it went forth attempting to strike down Yuki with its long weapon.
Once again, thanks to Physical Boost and a defensive readiness, Yuki managed to slip the attack before the massive blade could cleave her in two.
As this went on, Udo mounted Bleach and rode forward – the white tiger actually leaping right over all the Kappa and bounding up the steps toward Yuki’s side. With nothing to stop him, he took a swing with his tetsubo at the giant that had just tossed Rai into left field.
With a great heave, Udo cracked the giant across the shins for 17SL Damage!
The giant grimaced in pain and glared at Udo a moment before smiling wickedly. This didn’t promise to be a good sign for Udo next round…
Roka meanwhile, activated Heavy Hitter and sprinted towards the temple, attempting to tumble over the Kappa along the way. Unfortunately, the little buggers could also jump rather high for their size and gang-tackled Roka before he could clear them. Scrambling out from under them, he found himself surrounded by the strange fish-smelling creatures.
“Eeee! We gots one!” they chirped and cricked in excitement as the swarmed in.
“Get off him you fools!” Jenna the Samurai-Ko said, as she waded into the Kappa and sliced two of them in half with a double multi-strike.
Then Miya, still back with Kirito, took a quick aim and shot an arrow at the head of the giant attacking Yuki – which, when coupled with Uncanny Shot – thunked deep into the thing’s skull for 12L straight to wounds, bypassing armor!
“Great shot Miya! Do it again!” Roka cheered (Born Leader Surge for another Uncanny Shot) – to which, Miya duplicated the astounding shot – penetrating the giant’s skull a second time for another 14L Damage straight to wounds, bypassing armor!
With that, the giant turtle hermit that had been attacking Yuki dropped dead on the steps – as the white spirit flames enshrouding him slowly flickered out.
---
(OOC – on to round 2!)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/BerkaZerka/MythicNippon/Naga.jpg)
-
Realizing she won't be able to reason with them, Yuki prepares to fight. Though she briefly wonders why the giant turtle called Rai Go-Uda, she realizes she doesn't have time to think about it right now. Yuki casts Karma drain on the great naga priest, and then summons an Earth Elemental.
"Grab him!"
Yuki commands the Earth Elemental, pointing towards the Naga Priest.
She then spends a surge point, to make sure she can still fight defensively. Using the luck points she gets from karma drain, she uses Jinx on both the naga priest and the remaining giant (if she's able to, she does this multiple times, using the luck points from the karma drain only).
-
Go-Uda? Rai? What... Crap, the Giant is doing a creepy face thing. Bad day bad day bad day!
Eyes popping, coordinating with Bleach, Udo surges for Initiative in order to jump off Bleach's back (luck points if necessary) and attempt to Pin the Giant (If Roka could expend some BL-surge it'd be great to use Grapple Master thankx plox)
"I think I got this guys!" He yells, excited but obviously very frightened. Kuwabara also prepares to defend himself if this goes awry...
-
"BOW TO THE TURTLES! IT WILL SLOW THEM DOWN, AND HOPEFULLY GET THEM TO RETURN TO THE POND FOR MORE WATER IN THEIR HEADTHINGY" Kirito shouts as loudly as he can while casting fireball, aiming to put it in the nagas face. After the spell he's going to cast control flames and make the flames on the Naga do as much damage as possible to it while decreasing any possible flames on allies to barely be warm at all.
-
"I think I got this guys!" He yells, excited but obviously very frightened. Kuwabara also prepares to defend himself if this goes awry...
"You got this Udo!" Roka cheers, as he looks at the turtle things, and then at the shouting Kirito.
"Uh, nope!" Roka shouts to him, as he punches the Kappas, aiming to knock them back (full offensive)
-
Rai Runs forward and chucks two spears at the giant.
-
Well, this turned violent quite quickly. Miya thinks to herself as she lines another shot.
She takes aim at the remaining giant Naga and begins shooting it down.
She does however, make sure to keep an eye on both Rai and Yuki so she can help protect either of them in case they are in serious danger.
-
Kirito spends a Surge Point to combine a Fireball and Control Flames Spell – hitting the Naga, Giant, Yuki, Udo, and Bleach the tiger in a sudden eruption of superheated flames!
Fortunately for his teammates, he is able to remove the heat from the flames that wash over them – while still allowing the Naga and Giant to take 24 Damage each!
Yuki once again uses the powers of her arcane bow and summons an earth element to go grapple with the Naga Priest.
She then uses Kama Drain to steal 4 Luck Points from the Naga as well; and burns a Surge to continue fighting defensively.
The Giant turtle hermit that Udo thwacked across the shins dumps 6 Ki Energy into a massive Ki Energy Ball to blasts at Udo – but Udo Surges to interrupt – and the Giant Surges to counter!
Fortunately for Udo, Yuki Jinxes the Giant and the energy ball misses anyway – crashing through the left wing of the temple and splintering that side of the place!
Not realizing what just happened, the Giant tries again with another massive energy ball and the results are the same.
Udo then jumps on the confused Giant (who is currently looking at his hands and trying to figure out what is wrong with them) and tries to pin it – while Bleach takes a claw swipe at the turtle hermit’s legs but misses.
Unbalanced by the crazy wildman on his head (and a little distracted by small furry animals suddenly swarming over him), the Giant falls to the ground and Udo locks a Pin on him!
On the far side of the koi pond meanwhile, Rai runs forward and throws two spears at the now prone Giant.
The first spear hits the Giant in the hip – sinking in for 15 Damage, while the second spear bounces harmlessly off the thick turtle shell on the Giant’s back.
As this goes on, four of the Kappa team-grapple Roka, and between them all, are able to hike the Samurai off his feet and scurry into the koi pond with him. Roka disappears under the water and finds himself abruptly wrapped up in some sort of living kelp plants – with an octopus-like grip – at the bottom of the pond.
The Kappa leave Roka there and then head back up to the surface to try to get more of the team into the water…
As this goes on, the three Kappa on Jenna hurl water balls at her face – which really doesn’t amount to much – but really starts to piss off the Vampire Samurai-ko.
On the temple steps, the Naga Priest realizes what Yuki is doing and throws Killjoy on her (which she Jinxes, but the Naga Priest counters with Luck). Apparently Naga Priests are also Transcendent Feng-Shui Masters – as Yuki doesn’t see a lopan anywhere in the Naga’s possession…
The Naga Priest then casts Whither on Kirito, again burning another Luck Point to counter another Jinx.
Kirito is suddenly dehydrated like a plant in the scorching sun for 29SL AP Damage! He manages to resist 7 points of it with an Endure Save (and Unbreakable soaks another 5) – but it still destroys him rather completely – due to the fatigue all his spell casting has already caused him.
Kirito falls to the ground DISABLED (but still conscious)…
The Naga, still not finished, burns a Surge and returns a Karma Drain on Yuki – stealing back 4 Luck Points.
Meanwhile, back in the bottom of the pond, Roka tries to unwrap himself from the grasping kelp thing but can’t.
He figures that while his arms are free, he can also try the brute force approach – just ripping the damn thing to pieces!
After shredding a bunch of the plants long grasping tendrils, Roka realized that the main body of the plant is just replacing them as fast as he can tear them up.
It then occurred to Roka that he seemed to be fighting plants an inordinate amount of the time throughout his Yoriki career and wondered what it was they had against him.
Then using Ripple Across Pond with a Surge for Savage blow and another for Knockback, Roka Crit hit the base of the plant with an gauntlet punch for 29 Damage – rocketing himself up to the surface of the water in the process (50 ft Knockback used on self)!
He was free from the plants at the bottom (not sure if the thing was dead though – or if there were more than one of them) – but was now in the middle of the koi pond.
Meanwhile, Jenna the Samurai-Ko, cursed at the nasty Kappa and sliced another two up – leaving one still on her and the four that had shanghaied Roka at the water’s edge about to rush out.
Miya lastly, tries a repeat of her two grand shots last round – only on the Naga Priest this time.
Two Luck Points later, she had another two headshots – and with a Surge plus another Born Leader Surge from Roka – *cough *sputter “You go girl!” *cough *sputter – to make those both Uncanny Shots, Miya dealt the Naga Priest first 12L straight to wounds, bypassing armor; and then another 16L straight to wounds, bypassing armor!
Even with its Unbreakable going (and the 5 AP Soak), the damage was enough to DISABLE the Naga Priest – though it showed no signs that it was going to stop fighting over it…
---
(OOC – on to round 3!)
-
"Thanks Yuki!" Udo grunts, struggling.
Bleach! Can you try to finish off that Naga Priest? Udo yells, holding tightly to the Giant's face. Applying pressure, he attempts to surge for initiative and place a Jointlock in addition to his pin. It's only a matter of time when that crazy-ass Giant tries to get out of this, hopefully he'll be able to hold...
-
"BOW TO GOT DAMN NINJA TURTLES FOR FarkS SAKE, DONT WASTE YOUR TIME FIGHTING THEM!" Kirito shouts. As soon as he shouted that he will cast Frost to cover the pond in the in ice, and a heal spell directly after. He will use as many luck and surge points as needed to keep himself alive.
-
Roka sighs, as he kicks the water with his foot, and flies forward using a reverse knockback, crossing the water and arriving back on land, (unless evil plants attack him again). He then stares at the screaming priest, and rolls his eyes.
"Crazy priest." He mutters, but, against his better judgement, bows towards the turtles.
-
Giving the Earth elemental a turn to catch his bearings, Yuki repeats her order.
"Grab the Naga!"
She commands. Yuki then uses Killjoy back on the naga, using the earth elemental's luck points. Yuki then uses her remaining action to fight defensively. She also stands by to use a surge point to cast Reflect magic, figuring the Naga will probably try and use dispel magic on the earth elemental.
"Be careful everyone! This Naga is also a Feng-Shui Master!"
-
Rai moves forward to get into closer range but still far enough back that he wont get attacked.
-
Miya will continue to shoot at the Naga unless it is disabled/killed before she can do so. If that happens then she will quickly turn to assist Jenna and Roka.
"Why exactly are we fighting all the spirits? Shouldn't we be passing some kind of test right now?" She yells out to her companions.
-
Kirito spends a Surge Point to overcome his injuries and attempts to cast Heal – which (amazingly enough for the accident-prone priest) is successful.
He then thinks about casting Frost on the lake, but then realizes that the lake is much too big and Frost much too weak to have any impact on it.
Yuki hits the DISABLED Naga Priest with a Killjoy of her own and stands back defensively, while her Earth Elemental lumbers over and Pins the Naga Priest (being careful not to kill him in the process, because Yuki didn’t tell him to).
Udo Surges to act before the Giant turtle hermit can try to escape his Pin; and successfully adds a Joint Lock to it!
Unfortunately, the Giant spends a Luck Point to break Udo’s Pin (taking 7 Damage) and grabs the Samurai around the waist with both hands – squeezing Udo for a 30S Damage Hold! The crushing pressure causes Udo to pass out!
Bleach meanwhile – seeing his spirit-bonded master in peril, pounces on the turtle hermit – biting for another 1 Damage (after armor soak).
Rai, now closing the distance around the pond, throws another spear – impaling the Giant turtle hermit through the back for 16L Damage – 10 of it actually getting through, due to the spears natural ability to penetrate armor!
The five remaining Kappa gang-tackle Jenna and carry her to the water, as she screams, protests, and curses in rage! It’s all for naught however, and they all disappear under the water with her.
The Naga Priest meanwhile, casts Heal on himself (spending 2 Luck to counter another Jinx by Yuki – last of the Elemental’s Luck) and then Dispel Magic on the Earth Elemental. Yuki however, was anticipating this, and use the Reflect Magic spell that she had borrowed from Yunikawa to bounce the magic right back on the Naga Priest.
The Naga Priest gives a tremendously irritated look, as he watches his Unbreakable spell snuff out.
Roka then burns a Surge and uses reverse-Knockback to fling himself out of the pond with a tremendous splash.
Landing on his feet, he’s ready to try the Priest’s silly suggestion of bowing to the Kappa – but they have all gone back into the water with Jenna. He then see’s Udo KO’d in the Giant’s Hold and yells at him to quit napping on the job! At which point, Udo revives (Born Leader Surge to shrug unconsciousness).
Jenna meanwhile, finds herself tangled in the long grasping tendrils of the underwater kelp plant, while the Kappa swim back to the surface to grab more Samurai.
Seeing her chance meanwhile, Miya shoots another two of her heavy arrows into the Pinned (and Helpless) Naga Priest. Both arrows hit – one for 9 Damage and one for 13 Damage – but neither are a headshot.
---
(OOC – on to round 4!)
-
"Enough is enough, ive had it with this motherFarking trials on this motherFarking mountain!" Kirito swears to himself as he casts Zombie on the dead giant, then commanding it to kill every non-human there, at the exception of Yuki, quickly followed up by an attempted heal spell on Udo.
-
Realizing Yuki could finish the Naga now, she does a coup de grace on it (with her bare hands!). Yuki will use a surge point to interrupt the Naga if required, and if not she'll use a surge point for a double tap (should she require it). Roka could help her by encouraging her to do either one of these if required...
"Keep holding on, and disarm him!", Yuki commands the earth elemental, should she fail.
Otherwise, she will order to Earth elemental to assist Udo with the giant.
-
Seeing the Samurai-Ko taken, Miya yells out to her allies about it.
"Jenna is under the water, she needs help!"
After which Miya will again shoot at the naga unless it is dead, in which she will move to help Jenna without getting into the water.
-
Rai chucks his last spear with all his might at the giant. (Surge for +3 danage on attack). He then throws an axe at the naga priest.
-
Roka sighs in annoyance. He had just escape the water kelp beast, and now he has to return.
"Back to the water for me... Farking plants..." He mutters, leaping back into the water, and preparing to take out the kelp. Using a reverse knockback AGAIN, he swims right over to the kelp plant, and slams a ferocious punch into it, using his martial artist skills to perform a called shot on it, with Grevious injury added in.
-
"Agh..." Udo grunts, deciding to wack the Giant with his Tetsubo again, using a surge to hit first,
-
Kirito casts Zombie on the dead turtle hermit – its giant body twitching unnaturally and then abruptly snapping back in an unholy mockery of life! Almost immediately, it starts smashing the shit out of Udo’s collection of furry friends (closest non-humans) with its massive clenched fists…
Yuki moves to finish the Pinned Naga, but the thing Surges to try to escape first with another Dispel Magic on the Earth Elemental. Yuki reacts with a Jinx (which the Naga Priest counters), then a Reflect Magic – which fails to go off and seers through Yuki’s body with a white hot fire.
Just like that, the Earth Elemental vanishes.
The Naga Priest then casts Fling on Yuki, which Yuki again Jixes and the Naga Priest counters. The spell is directed downward and Yuki is slammed into the stone steps with incredible force – taking 30Sl Damage!
Amazingly – though seriously wounded by the impact – Yuki is still alive and kicking afterwards (thanks to the Physical Boost from her arcane bow) – but spends a Luck for half damage anyway. Unfortunately, the impact KO’s her.
Udo then attacks the still living giant with his tetsubo – hitting it in the neck for 16SL Damage. The Giant turtle hermit also burns a Luck for half damage and takes zero, due to armor deflecting the blow at the last moment.
The Giant then tries to gran Udo to rip him in half, but the Samurai out-grapples him! Unfortunately, while the two of them are tied up – the Giant tutle hermit plays dirty and groin-kicks Udo for 22 Damage!
Udo spends Luck for half damage and lets his cod-piece absorb most of the devastation – thank god for a cup!
Bleach meanwhile, bites down on the Giant’s hip – doing no damage – but establishing a hold.
As this goes on, Rai hurls a Surge-fueled spear into the Giant turtle hermit’s back for 24 Damage – but another luck point for half damage just causes the axe to stick there for only 6 Damage. (Too bad Rai’s not Physically Boosted).
Rai then follows up with his last spear – pegging the Naga Priest through his un-armored chest for 14 Damage and seriously wounding him!
The five Kappa see Roka heading for the pond again and help him in, taking him down to the kelp monster with Jenna.
Roka sees Jenna Held by the plant but unable to escape. She looks more pissed off than anything else and doesn’t appear to be struggling for breath or anything.
Roka then throws a focused Ripple Across Pond into the heart of the plant – blasting it straight to wounds for 14 Damage – while riding the Knockback up to the surface again!
The plant fronds immediately loosen on Jenna and never reach up to grab Roka.
The Kappa meanwhile, having failed to even notice, swim back up to the shore to look for more Samurai to capture.
Once free, Jenna swims up after the Kappa – hell bent of revenge for them getting her hair wet!
Lastly, Miya puts two more heavy arrow into the now un-armored Naga Priest – one to the torso for 8 Damage – which Disables it!
And one to the head, which kills it dead!
Then, spending a Surge for an extra attack, she puts an arrow into the Giant for good measure too – critting the hit and puncturing the Giant’s lung for 15 Damage, bypassing Armor!
The Giant – looks seriously wounded and will probably go down with one more hit!
---
(OOC – on to round 5!)
-
"Kill your former Ally, the giant!" Kirito commands the zombie as he paces over to Kappa and bows.
-
Yuki: (x_x)
-
Roka swims behind the hot vampire, preparing to help her out with his fists.
-
"Oof" Udo says, clutching his crotch. Looking around before swinging his Tetsubo again, he angrily shouts at Kirito, "BY THE EARTH GOD- DAMNIT KIRITO!" Annoyed, hoping that his animals are all still alive. "Yuki... Agh" he grunts, hoping the battle will end soon.
(Use a Surge to go first, if he wins in initiative anyways then use it to attack twice)
-
Udo Surges to go first – hammering the Giant turtle hermit into the ground with two solid whacks over the head with his tesubo – Disabling him with the first blow and then killing him with the next.
Kirito then clarifies what the Giant Undead thing should be attacking – or, in this particular case, what it should not be attacking.
The lumbering menace stops juicing Udo’s squirrel dray and then just mopes there as if bored all of a sudden.
Yuki manages to shake off unconsciousness, while the tiger Bleach takes up a defensive position near Udo.
Rai arrives at the melee – but it’s over.
The five Kappa try to grab Kirito, but he bows to them and water spills from their heads.
They all rush back to the water and dive in – but do not surface again.
Roka helps Jenna out of the pond and Miya waits to see what’s going to happen next.
After a few moments of calm, it becomes clear that no other enemies are forthcoming – and the Shinto Temple is now the Samurai’s to explore unimpeded…
---
(OOC – Combat is over.)
-
"Man, you can get really angry Jenna." Roka says with a laugh, and then looks at Kirito.
"Hmm.. Guess I should offer an apology. Looks like that crazy idea actually worked. Odd." Roka says, nodding to Kirito, and then motioning to his students.
"Come on you lazy buggers." Roka says, sighing.
-
Yuki groggily stands to her feet and shakes her head. Things did not go as she planned.
"Is everyone okay?", she asks. Yuki spent most of her fight with her back to her allies after all, so she was largely unaware of what else was happening.
Remembering that one of the giants had a large ruby in its eye socket, Yuki goes to that giant and attempts to retrieve the ruby, to see if it has any spiritual meaning.
-
Rai says, "Before we go any further we should rest and heal up." Looking at the temple, "No telling what other traps or opponents might be inside." He then collects his spears and axe.
-
"By the way, Rai", Yuki begins, "Why did that turtle call you Go-Uda?"
-
Fortunately, for Yuki, the dead (and not Undead) Giant turtle hermit has the ruby in its head. without giving it much thought, she plucks it out of his eye socket and watches the ruby re-size itself in her hand to something about the size of a human eyeball.
Noticing that the ruby is translucent, she looks though it and realized that it allows one to see illusions outlined in red - like the back inside wall of the temple shrine for example...
-
Fortunately, for Yuki, the dead (and not Undead) Giant turtle hermit has the ruby in its head. without giving it much thought, she plucks it out of his eye socket and watches the ruby re-size itself in her hand to something about the size of a human eyeball.
Noticing that the ruby is translucent, she looks though it and realized that it allows one to see illusions outlined in red - like the back inside wall of the temple shrine for example...
Curious of the wall, Yuki decides to investigate it.
-
Heading into the temple and walking past where the large central slab had been (before it shattered and a Naga came out of it) - Yuki arrives at the back wall.
Looking at it through the ruby, she could see that it was covered in some sort of illusion (that made it appear as a normal wall) – but when she reaches out to touch the wall, it suddenly changes in appearance.
Where plain wall had just been, a broken pattern of three inch colored tiles appear – having been hidden behind the illusion which has just gone down.
Looking at the curious nature of the tiles, Yuki discovers that they can be slid around to change their positions and figures out that they can be arranged to create some sort of picture mosaic on the wall…
-
Roka orders his students to look over the dead bodies of our fallen enemies and loot them.
-
"By the way, Rai", Yuki begins, "Why did that turtle call you Go-Uda?"
Rai fallows Yuki inside and says, "How did you know that wall was fake" conveniently forgetting to answer her question.
-
Roka's students take a minute and then bring Roka the Naga Priest's ten-foot long naginata, blessed jade chain armor, and hearthstone in an orichulum amulet.
-
As this goes on, Jenna dries herself off and kicks some of the raked pebbles into the pond - " I just dare any of you cretins to come out again!" she yells at the water.
-
Rai fallows Yuki inside and says, "How did you know that wall was fake" conveniently forgetting to answer her question.
Yuki hands Rai the ruby.
"Using this. Apparently it can see through illusions", she explains.
"Also, answer my question from before."
Heading into the temple and walking past where the large central slab had been (before it shattered and a Naga came out of it) - Yuki arrives at the back wall.
Looking at it through the ruby, she could see that it was covered in some sort of illusion (that made it appear as a normal wall) – but when she reaches out to touch the wall, it suddenly changes in appearance.
Where plain wall had just been, a broken pattern of three inch colored tiles appear – having been hidden behind the illusion which has just gone down.
Looking at the curious nature of the tiles, Yuki discovers that they can be slid around to change their positions and figures out that they can be arranged to create some sort of picture mosaic on the wall…
Yuki attempts to arrange them to create the mosaic picture.
-
Yuki hands Rai the ruby.
"Using this. Apparently it can see through illusions", she explains.
"Also, answer my question from before."
"Yeah," Udo chimes in, also hearing it. "The giant hermit called you that right before he chucked you"
-
"Hey, Wasn't this in one of the gaints eyes? It is much smaller then it was almost as if it would fit in a human eye socket. I wonder....." Rai says thinking having an eye that could see through illusions would be most helpful to keeping him alive.
Rai then looks at Yuki and says, "In respones to your other question, Are you sure you want to know because this is not for the faint of heart?"
-
"Hey, Wasn't this in one of the gaints eyes? It is much smaller then it was almost as if it would fit in a human eye socket. I wonder....." Rai says thinking having an eye that could see through illusions would be most helpful to keeping him alive.
Rai then looks at Yuki and says, "In respones to your other question, Are you sure you want to know because this is not for the faint of heart?"
Yuki turns to Rai and smiles, in the middle of trying to solve the puzzle.
"That just makes me even more curious, hehe."
-
Seeing Udo also heard Rai sighs, "Well I guess that is everyone in the group now except Jenna and I want to keep it that way." He says we a hard look to them both and says quietly so only they can hear, "My real last name is Go-Uda and I am the last surviving member of Nipponese royalty. Emperor Go-Uda was my father."
-
Roka sighs, and then turns.
"Let's discuss this later. Time to divvy up the loot!" Roka shouts, as he throws to Udo the blessed blade.
"He's the only sword user with us. Who wants the armor and this cool hearthstone?"
-
Quite shocked, Udo's mind wanders as he mutters, "I... Um, okay" he grips his apparent new 10 ft long Naginata.
He also looks at his squirrel dray how many are left?
-
Rai looks up and says, "I think I will keep this Ruby eye." Looking over to kirito he asks, "Hey do you think you can remove my eye and put this stone in its place?"
-
Seeing Udo also heard Rai sighs, "Well I guess that is everyone in the group now except Jenna and I want to keep it that way." He says we a hard look to them both and says quietly so only they can hear, "My real last name is Go-Uda and I am the last surviving member of Nipponese royalty. Emperor Go-Uda was my father."
Yuki stares at Rai for a moment before smiling.
"That's a big secret...it probably wasn't a good idea to tell me."
-
Rai looks at Yuki and says, "Well if you don't think you can keep it hidden I will kill you without blinking an eye."
-
Rai looks at Yuki and says, "Well if you don't think you can keep it hidden I will kill you without blinking an eye."
"Well, that's unfortunate, because we both know I can't keep a secret", Yuki replies, continuing with the puzzle.
-
Yuki appears to just be moving tiles at random. She's going to need some help with this it would seem ...
-
Yuki appears to just be moving tiles at random. She's going to need some help with this it would seem ...
Raising an eyebrow at what the 'emperor's son' just said, Udo sighs and turns at the wall.
"Uh, do you need some help, Yuki?" Udo says looking at it, completely puzzled by it as well. He looks at Miya, probably the smartest one here. "Can anybody figure this out?"
He sits down to patch up his wounds, worrying that another crotch kicking giant is lurking, meanwhile, he periodically stares at it, maybe he'll get lucky and will be able to impress his colleagues, that'd be pretty cool. (Luck point for lucky break?)
-
Yuki takes a step back from the puzzle and looks at Udo.
"I can't seem to figure it out...", she replies dismayed.
-
Kirito approaches the group "Anybody mind if i take the heartstone? i want to see what it does..." Kirito says. "Oh, Yuki, wheres that big ruby that the giant used as a eye?" Kirito asked her.
-
Yuki points to Rai, who now has the ruby.
-
"Oi, Rai, figured out what it does yet?" Kirito asked him. "Looks like a mozaic puzzle." He said looking at the wall. he then approached it and tried to solve it.
OOC: use luck to reduce the MTN by 4 and IF needed also to add that 4+ bonus :)
-
"It appears to be able to see through illusions." Rai replys.
-
"Oh, cool. Mind if i have it? Would be practical... might even remove my eye for it. If that can be done!" Kirito mumbles t he last part to himself.
-
"How are you two so eager when speaking of removing one of your eyes?" Udo exclaims surprised, rubbing his.
-
"I can regrow mine if i want. Speaking of which Udo, you have some surgical training yes? Want to give it a shot?" He asked.
(hue hue hue)
-
Rai looks at kirito and says, "Sorry, I am going to be taking this ruby with me. I won't replace my eye with it until I get it checked out by someone who knows more about magical items." Rai then puts it into one of his many pockets. Then looking at Udo he says, "Just image how useful seeing through illusions could be especially with all the missions we go on."
-
Helping Yuki, Kirito notices a reoccurring pattern among the sliding tiles and starts to expand on that.
It's not long after, and Yuki figures out that the pattern should be that of an Old Realm Kanji – or symbol – perhaps something with meaning to the gods?
Trying a number of patters, Kirito finally hits on something with the symbol of Mount Fuji.
There is a loud click and the wall suddenly slides open, bathing the interior of the shrine with a blinding white light.
Rather than opening out the back of the shrine (as could be expected), the open wall reveals an extra-dimensional space beyond the outer wall – A grand circular chamber walled in gold with a lustrous marble floor and matching domed ceiling. Columns of polished green soapstone, accented with inlaid starmetal and orichalcum script, lined the perimeter, while a narrow well rested in the center.
It was what occupied the space ten feet directly above the well that caused everyone’s heart to skip a beat as they looked in – Sakura Kashiwagi and Keitaro Hokusai – their naked bodies held unconscious, yet alive, in some kind of stasis.
Once Kirito and Yuki had recovered from the initial shock of seeing their former friends’ bodies hanging there in the strange room, they took a moment to feel out the flows of magic emanating from within.
First, with her Sorcerer’s Sight, Yuki could see that the lines of spiritual attunement originated from the exact center of the chamber, where all of the power of the manse was being focused into holding some great and unknown power within – the same place where Sakura and Keitaro hung suspended over the well.
Yuki also noted a total of six lines of attunement radiating from the manse – one to herself, one to Udo, one to Roka, one to Sakura, one to Keitaro, and one pointing south, but only for a few feet before it tapered out of sight – Uncle Yunikawa’s, Yuki surmised.
Kirito meanwhile (while he could not see the lines of spiritual attunement,) could sense some kind of epic spell in effect – a spell of protection or a powerful ward of some kind that Kirito suspected was in place to allow the room itself to exist – that and to give some kind of empowerment to the strange script which lined the columns…
-
Kirito stands in awe at what he's seeing. what the fark.... he thinks to himself.
Then turning to Yuki he says "I dont know if you've figured it out, but there is epic magic at work here. Either some spell of protection, or a really powerful ward to allow the room the exist, and to give some power to the script that surrounds the columns." He said, while trying to read the strange script, and look for the book. He was determined to find it and read it before delivering it to uncle.
-
Though slightly stunned, Yuki suddenly looks thrilled at the prospect that Sakura may still be alive.
"Look, look! It's Sakura! She's alive!", she practically yells, pointing up at Sakura while jumping up and down.
Yuki then turns to Kirito.
"This is the source of the strange attunement I've been seeing too. Well, not all of us have it though, hehe", she replies, intentionally leaving out who doesn't have it.
Yuki then hops over to the well in the centre of the room, unable to resist looking inside of it.
-
Rai looks at the floating spirits and says, "I recognize Kirito but who is that other person? Further more why are there spirits tethered here? YUKI! Come back we don't know what effect this thing might have on you." Rai immidetly looks through the ruby to see if there are any illusions going on.
-
Looking into the chamber through the ruby, Rai can actually see the lines of spiritual attunement that Yuki was talking about - each appearing as a bright red beam of light (like a laser) that inexplicably connects Yuki, Roka, Udo, Sakura, Keitaro, and one other unknown entity, with the center of this powerful magical focus.
-
"You know, generally, I'm happy to see a woman naked. This time, I'm not as happy down under. Maybe that's because of Keitaro though...." Roka says with a laugh, though he's obviously incredibley shocked and incredibley happy as well.
-
"Yes, lets not worry about the priest who is also in the room." Kirito mumbled in reply to Rai, ignoring his warnings.
-
"Yes, lets not worry about the priest who is also in the room." Kirito mumbled in reply to Rai, ignoring his warnings.
Rai just looks at him and says, "You are not immature nor are you dumb. I assume you can take care of yourself. Yuki though is to innocent and naive for her own good and tends to run bindly into traps." Nodding his head to what just happened outside.
-
No sooner than Yuki had stepped foot into the room meanwhile, the inlaid script on the columns began to radiate a searing white light.
Yuki doubled over suddenly in wracking torment – unable to breath or even scream out under the intensity of her pain. Exerting every ounce of willpower she could muster (Surge), she miraculously manages to force her unresponsive body to topple backwards through the opening in the wall and back into the shrine.
Disabled, Yuki coughs out a spray of blood – looking visible shaken and dazed by the experience for a moment, she finally snaps out of it and can speak again.
She’s pretty sure the room just tried to kill her for being mostly human…
Kirito, meanwhile having seen the activation of the ward, could tell that ward would instantly kill any man who entered, unless he was a master of his own Ki energy – and even then, it would overwhelm him with disabling pain, as it slowly disintegrated him from the inside out.
The chamber before them was not intended for man to enter.
-
"I don't think...we should go into the room", Yuki says with a cough.
-
At first gaping at Sakura and Keitaro's bodies, wondering what is going on, he notices Yuki falling back, bleeding.
"Yuki!" He mutters, trying to move her back (closer to the group) and patch her up.
-
Looking into the chamber through the ruby, Rai can actually see the lines of spiritual attunement that Yuki was talking about - each appearing as a bright red beam of light (like a laser) that inexplicably connects Yuki, Roka, Udo, Sakura, Keitaro, and one other unknown entity, with the center of this powerful magical focus.
"I see what Yuki talks about when she says the lines of spiritual attunement. Odd me, Miya and Kirito do not have one and there seems to be another one somewhere far away. Udo help Yuki now!" Then he looks at kirito and says, "Can you do anything to help us get through this chamber?"
-
"I could cast something that would make the magic go away. However this might also kill Keitaro and Sakura." He responded to Rai.
"OI, ZOMBIE, GET YOUR DEAD ARSE IN HERE." He shouted for the thing. "try to enter the room!"
-
Rai responds, "Are they even alive now or are there souls trapped here?"
-
"Could be both." He shrugged.
-
"Shit, screw bringing in the giant Kirito, heal the poor girl! Mundane work won't heal her enough!" Roka shouts at Kirito, giving him a surge to cast heal.
-
"Shit, screw bringing in the giant Kirito, heal the poor girl! Mundane work won't heal her enough!" Roka shouts at Kirito, giving him a surge to cast heal.
"Aye aye!" Kirito respons, as he uses Rokas surge to cast Heal on Yuki.
-
As Kirito tries to cast Heal on Yuki with Roka's encouragement and botches (but counters the botch with Luck), the Giant Zombie lumbers in through the wall and immediately disintegrates into ash.
Then a resounding backlash slams into Kirito through the line of control he had held over the Zombie - which actually fractures his skull and instantly Disables him.
Falling to the floor and reeling in pain, Kirito is conscious, but with blood pouring from his nose mouth and ears ...
-
"Whoaoaaaaaa. That was intense!" Kirito mumbles, and tries to wipe some blood of. "Should have seen that one coming. Roka, encourage me to cast 2 spells!" He replied.
-
"Shit!" Rai yells as he sees kirito go down. "Nobody listened to me about maybe waiting to recover now 2 of us are seriously injured. Udo help Yuki as I think she is in worse condition." Rai bends over a carefully picks up kirito and moves him away from the doorway towards the entrance. Rai looks back and says, "Roka I know your friends are in there but we are to injured and weak to even figure out a way into that room. We need to rest."
-
"Shit!" Rai yells as he sees kirito go down. "Nobody listened to me about maybe waiting to recover now 2 of us are seriously injured. Udo help Yuki as I think she is in worse condition." Rai bends over a carefully picks up kirito and moves him away from the doorway towards the entrance. Rai looks back and says, "Roka I know your friends are in there but we are to injured and weak to even figure out a way into that room. We need to rest."
"I kinda agree with Rai here. Let us wait untill the morning, then i should be able to cast spells again, and then i will tell you how to enter." Kirito said.
-
Roka looks at Rai, and shakes his head.
"We can't. At least, we can't rest long enough for this to fix. We'd need to wait a day, and by then, the gods would reset their guardians. They aren't giving us a break. But you're right, let's move out of this room for the moment." Roka says, nodding.
"Students! Carry Kirito out of this room, and help Udo out with Yuki."
-
"Shit!" Rai yells as he sees kirito go down. "Nobody listened to me about maybe waiting to recover now 2 of us are seriously injured. Udo help Yuki as I think she is in worse condition." Rai bends over a carefully picks up kirito and moves him away from the doorway towards the entrance. Rai looks back and says, "Roka I know your friends are in there but we are to injured and weak to even figure out a way into that room. We need to rest."
"I'm already healing Yuki!" Udo shouts, creeped out and literally patching her up before Rai told him to do so.
"Gah, Kirito, just wait a minute..."
-
"I'm already healing Yuki!" Udo shouts, creeped out and literally patching her up before Rai told him to do so.
"Gah, Kirito, just wait a minute..."
You can mend a broken skull with those bandages? thats pretty wicked." Kirito nods before almost feinting. "Must.. not sleep.... "
-
You can mend a broken skull with those bandages? thats pretty wicked." Kirito nods before almost feinting. "Must.. not sleep.... "
"That'll take surgery, everything else, however..."
Udo blinks, "Oh wait..." Using a surge, he attempts to give 2 of his Wound points to Yuki with by burden sharing trance. "Let's see if this works..." He concentrates, putting his hand on Yuki's forehead.
Once he reaches Kirito, he'll give one wound point to him (as well as patch him up).
-
"Work your magic Udo, when you're done with Yuki ofcourse." Kirito smiled, some blood running from his nose while he did.
-
Rai goes over to Yuki and says to Udo "Let me try something." He proceeds to meditate strongly taking 2 wound points of Yuki's pain and transferring it to himself.
-
Unfortunately, it doesn't work for Rai...
(It's one of Udo's Amazing Feats)
-
"You're doing it wrong," Udo says to Rai and then begins to meditate over Yuki with Burden Sharing Trance, transferring a little bit of his own life energy into her - just enough to get her back on her feet.
He then does the same thing for Kirito.
-
Jenna meanwhile, stands well back from the opening in the wall, but says - "I doubt anything lesser than a Naga can go in there and live."
-
Jenna meanwhile, stands well back from the opening in the wall, but says - "I doubt anything lesser than a Naga can go in there and live."
"Then it is a good thing i know a bunch of occult stuff isn't it?" Kirito replied. "But enough, i will tell you how to get trough after we've all had some rest."
-
"I do not think you have the luxury of time in this place," Jenna replies - nodding to the pile of rubble in the center of the Temple, where the Naga originally emerged from.
Looking, the Samurai could see that the stone slab was slowly reforming itself - little by little - as was some of the damage the temple had sustained during the fight.
While the self repairs were subtle, one could actually see it happening - as a small piece of stone skittering back into place here, a splinter of wood rejoined a beam there, and the bodies of the Giant turtle hermit and Naga abruptly vanishing into thin air ...
-
Yuki, no longer disabled, takes a moment to gather herself then stands up.
"Thanks Udo", she says, "we need to look for the book now".
With that, Yuki begins to search through the temple for the book.
-
"Yuki, take time to rest instead. Its safe to say the book is in there." He gestured to the room. "I know how to get it, and i know who should go. But, its impossible as it is, we need to rest. You are like me now, more dead than alive." He said plainly.
-
As Yuki looked around the interior of the temple with her Sorcerer's Sight, she became aware of hundreds and hundreds of tiny spirits moving around the temple and making the repairs to it.
They were invisible to the naked eye, made of air in the shape of tiny winged hammers, and would gather around a piece of rubble in groups, to fly it into place and then hammer it with their heads - which then caused the magical repair to occur.
Yuki saw no sign of any books or the like however...
-
Rai uses the red Eye to look around the room.
-
Rai does not see any further illusions (nor the spirits, as they are not illusions or masked by illusions, like the spiritual lines of attunement).
(OOC - Ruby is spent for the day now.)
-
Jenna looks at Kirito and points to the extra-dimensional chamber - "Don't be a fool priest!" She hisses.
"You will never get another chance at this."
"Once that slab is reformed, all of Heaven will come down on this place and smite us into the next life for desecrating the Holy Temple of the Gods!"
-
Miya meanwhile, standing on the stairs at the front of the temple, agrees with the vampire.
"I don't want to be here when more of those snake guys show up and see what we've done."
-
Yuki attempts to play with the cute winged hammers, before sitting down against the wall.
"It's not here...", she says. "Maybe...the armour the naga was wearing...would provide some resistance...to the room", Yuki suggests, with laboured breaths.
-
As Yuki messes around with the little artisan spirits, she notices that they are easily distracted from their work by her motions ... Curiously coming over to her in droves to see what she is trying to tell them.
Meanwhile, anyone that was looking, would see Yuki 'playing' with some sort of 'imaginary' friends...
-
Jenna looks at Kirito and points to the extra-dimensional chamber - "Don't be a fool priest!" She hisses.
"You will never get another chance at this."
"Once that slab is reformed, all of Heaven will come down on this place and smite us into the next life for desecrating the Holy Temple of the Gods!"
Kirito sighs quite audibly. "More loot for us." He jokes, but ends up bleeding from his ears again. "As you wish, i shall tell you whom should go in there, and how." He pauses to see where Roka and Udo was.
"Roka, Udo get over here please" He called out to them.
As Yuki messes around with the little artisan spirits, she notices that they are easily distracted from their work by her motions ... Curiously coming over to her in droves to see what she is trying to tell them.
Meanwhile, anyone that was looking, would see Yuki 'playing' with some sort of 'imaginary' friends...
The room must have knocked her out harder than i thought...
-
Using Spirit Sight, Kirito can barely make out the tiny winged spirits that Yuki sees.
They are really hard to see with Spirit Sight alone, but it is possible if one really strains to look for them.
-
As Yuki messes around with the little artisan spirits, she notices that they are easily distracted from their work by her motions ... Curiously coming over to her in droves to see what she is trying to tell them.
Meanwhile, anyone that was looking, would see Yuki 'playing' with some sort of 'imaginary' friends...
Getting completely distracted by the artisan spirits now, Yuki attempts to play with them more. At first she tries to actually speak with them, explaining they're here for the book of secrets (best plan right?). If nothing happens, she just goes back to playing with them, since she's too weak to do anything else right now anyway.
-
Using Spirit Sight, Kirito can barely make out the tiny winged spirits that Yuki sees.
They are really hard to see with Spirit Sight alone, but it is possible if one really strains to look for them.
"Huh." He said plainly, deciding to look with his spirit sight into the room.
-
Kirito sees nothing more in the magical room with Spirit Sight than without.
The tiny artisan spirits meanwhile, swarm over Yuki and start 'hammering' on her wounds - causing them to start healing!
-
Kirito sees nothing more in the magical room with Spirit Sight than without.
The tiny artisan spirits meanwhile, swarm over Yuki and start 'hammering' on her wounds - causing them to start healing!
"Aw, thanks! Hehe", Yuki says, attempting to communicate her thanks to the little spirits.
-
After about a minute, the artisan spirits have completely 'repaired' Yuki and withdraw a pace, bow to her in unison, and then go back to work on the damage to the temple.
Further attempts by Yuki to get their attention don't seem to be working anymore...
-
Rai seeing Yuki fully healed says, "How did you regenerate so quickly?"
-
Kirito sighs quite audibly. "More loot for us." He jokes, but ends up bleeding from his ears again. "As you wish, i shall tell you whom should go in there, and how." He pauses to see where Roka and Udo was.
"Roka, Udo get over here please" He called out to them.
The room must have knocked her out harder than i thought...
Roka looks at Kirito, and shrugs.
"Sure. What do you need?"
-
Smiling at Yuki's approval, Udo goes over to patch up (regularly) anyone who needs.
After, he slowly goes toward Kirito, "Uh, yes?"
-
Rai seeing Yuki fully healed says, "How did you regenerate so quickly?"
"The tiny artisan spirits," Yuki replies, pointing to them.
"They're the ones repairing the shrine right now."
-
"Roka, do you think you can try to give me a boost for a spell?" He asked, knowing the answer but decided to ask anyway, then turning to Udo he asked
"Udo, i had the the right idea with sending the zombie in there, except that ofcourse a zombie is unholy, while we need it to be the other way around. After i summon a elemental i need you to do your trance thingy with it to keep it from dying in there if needed." He said.
-
"Udo, i had the the right idea with sending the zombie in there, except that ofcourse a zombie is unholy, while we need it to be the other way around. After i summon a elemental i need you to do your trance thingy with it to keep it from dying in there if needed." He said.
Udo blinks, "Um, could you explain what we need to do? Why couldn't Yuki walk in there?"
-
"Roka, do you think you can try to give me a boost for a spell?" He asked, knowing the answer but decided to ask anyway, then turning to Udo he asked
"No, my voice is hoarse. Helping Udo help you two was all I could muster."
-
"Are you familiar with the order of creation?" Kirito asked, not waiting for a answer he went ahead and and explained anyway.
"The order of creation is the order the gods created the world, the naga, even the demons and Oni. The higher up you are, the more holy you are. We humans, and fox-kin" he gestured to Yuki. "are in the middle, demons and Oni are below us, while naga, elementals and at last the gods are above us. Chanses are, that you need to be more holy to enter. Take the zombie, it was disintegrated in a second, and it almost killed me while Yuki could take a few steps before succumbing." "No, my voice is hoarse. Helping Udo help you two was all I could muster."
"Then this is going to suck." He explained, while fatiguing himself to summon a earth elemental, burning his last luck to make sure it succeded or that he dident die.
-
Rai seeing Kirito preparing the spell says, "Why don't you try and get the spirit things to help heal you like they did Yuki?"
-
Rai seeing Kirito preparing the spell says, "Why don't you try and get the spirit things to help heal you like they did Yuki?"
"because i cant see the them. It seems they are not spirits at all, because i can barely see them at all with spirit vision." He replied.
-
"because i cant see the them. It seems they are not spirits at all, because i can barely see them at all with spirit vision." He replied.
Rai looks and shrugs and says, "Wouldn't it be better to try then just say you can't do it?"
-
Ignoring Rai for the moment and pushing himself beyond his normal comfort level, Kirito strained to summon an Earth Elemental. Moments later, a hulking piece of walking granite stepped into view.
"How may I serve, Priest?" the Elemental asked in voice that sounded like the rumble of an earthquake.
-
"Now you got the right idea," Jenna the Samurai-ko says, upon seeing Kirito summon the Elemental.
-
"Do you think we should have it bring out Sakura and Keitaro?" Miya asks, looking at the two naked Samurai hanging in stasis above the well in the mystic chamber.
-
"Probably... not?" Yuki replies, clearly unsure.
-
"I don't see why not." Roka says, shrugging.
-
"Kirito was there some pattern to that thing you did to open that room?" Rai asks with an idea coming to him.
-
"Do you think we should have it bring out Sakura and Keitaro?" Miya asks, looking at the two naked Samurai hanging in stasis above the well in the mystic chamber.
"What if the magic is keeping them alive?" Udo wonders aloud, still not sure what's going on.
-
"Kirito was there some pattern to that thing you did to open that room?" Rai asks with an idea coming to him.
"Yes?" He answered, a little but unsure what to think of it.
Ignoring Rai for the moment and pushing himself beyond his normal comfort level, Kirito strained to summon an Earth Elemental. Moments later, a hulking piece of walking granite stepped into view.
"How may I serve, Priest?" the Elemental asked in voice that sounded like the rumble of an earthquake.
"Greetings Elemental. We are inside a holy temple, and we need to get a book that is inside that room. That room however, kills any human that walks trough it. For this, we need you my friend." He smiled at the elemental.
"What if the magic is keeping them alive?" Udo wonders aloud, still not sure what's going on.
Then he looked at Udo "Udo, i dont know if your burden sharing trance would be needed here, but if it does, would you mind using it?" he asked.
"Oh, and to answer your question, the magic in there is certainly keeping them alive. Or so to speak. There is a chanse that their souls is in the castle of the ancestors now and" He gestured to their bodies "those are just soulless husks untill the gods decide its time to bring them back."
-
Then he looked at Udo "Udo, i dont know if your burden sharing trance would be needed here, but if it does, would you mind using it?" he asked.
"Oh, and to answer your question, the magic in there is certainly keeping them alive. Or so to speak. There is a chanse that their souls is in the castle of the ancestors now and" He gestured to their bodies "those are just soulless husks untill the gods decide its time to bring them back."
"Dude, I'm out" Udo replies, sweating. "So we can't take them out, can we?"
-
“Hmm… you want me to get you a book?” the Earth Elemental asked as it moved into the chamber.
As Kirito had concluded, the script on the columns did not react to the Elemental’s presence and it made its way unimpeded to the well.
Once at the edge, it leaned over to look down into the well, then turned back to Kirito outside the chamber and asked, “Which one do you want?”
-
"Which one?.. whcih one? Bring them all to me. I want to see them, though il only take the book we actually need." Kirito smiled.
-
"Which one?.. whcih one? Bring them all to me. I want to see them, though il only take the book we actually need." Kirito smiled.
Rai looks over nervously and says, "Kirito that might not be a good idea."
-
Rai looks over nervously and says, "Kirito that might not be a good idea."
A sudden outburst of nosebleed does indeed prove Rai right. "I think you might be right..." he replied. "On second though, only take (insert book name here.) And hold onto it. I want to read it on our way back." he said while trying to stop the flow.
-
The Elemental just turned back to the well and clambered into it with all the grace of a bull on a rope ladder.
A moment later, it returned to the top and then jumped out, holding two books and four scrolls.
It took a second to look at each and then tossed them all back into the well.
"No book by that name, Priest," it said simply.
-
"What about a book of secrets or spells? Tell your elemental to grab all the larger books and we can start looking through them while he goes to get more."
Miya suggests to Kirito before heading over to Yuki.
"Are you alright Yuki? You've been banged up a bit and I know those spirits helped you but I just want to make sure."
She asks in a caring voice.
-
out of all elementals to summon i summon a brute.. just my luck
"Hmm.. bring them all to me, and do be careful. Thats the scrolls of the gods. Yours aswell as mine." Kirito replied.
-
"What about a book of secrets or spells? Tell your elemental to grab all the larger books and we can start looking through them while he goes to get more."
Miya suggests to Kirito before heading over to Yuki.
"Are you alright Yuki? You've been banged up a bit and I know those spirits helped you but I just want to make sure."
She asks in a caring voice.
"Yep, I'm fine, hehe." Yuki replies with a smile, giving a little jump and twirl to prove she's better.
-
"Kirito, would sending my Familiar help?" Udo asks, pointing to his flying chubby squirrel, "We share a mental link... And stuff"
-
"Yep, I'm fine, hehe." Yuki replies with a smile, giving a little jump and twirl to prove she's better.
"That's wonderful Yuki, just... Be careful alright? Can you promise me that?"
Miya asks her long time friend.
(regardless of answer)
"Alright, let's go get that book and leave this place."
-
"Ahaha, don't worry Miya!" Yuki says confidently.
"I'm always careful!"
-
"Ahaha, don't worry Miya!" Yuki says confidently.
"I'm always careful!"
"We are going to have to work on that aspect, Yuki..." Roka says, hesitatently. Nothing worse then a woman's scorn.
-
The Elemental seem to snort in disgust at Kirito’s request (if that was even possible), but turned to climb back down the well anyway.
Once back up, it crossed the inner sanctum and brought the two books and four scrolls over to Kirito.
Looking them over, Kirito saw that they consisted of the following –
Four lacquered bamboo scrolls originally written in Old Realm, but with a Realm Tongue translation scribed into the margins; each detailing the creation rituals for a different set of exceptionally powerful Ofuda Strips (Paper Charms meant to be hung on the outside of buildings to ward them from certain types of harm) – These included the Ofuda of Protection From Disease, the Ofuda of Protection From Spirits, the Ofuda of Protection From Theft, and the Sacred Ofuda.
The first book was really just a collection of pages, written in Old Realm and apparently torn from some larger manuscript, before being sewn together with horsehair.
It contained diagrams and information on the creation process of four arcane relics – the Collar of Dawn’s Cleansing Light, the Starmetal Divining Bowl, the Reflecting Glass of Many Faces, and Wings of The Raptor.
The second book meanwhile, was a monstrously large tome, not with written text, but with each letter of every line of every paragraph painstakingly embroidery-stitched into each of its four hundred silk pages.
This book also appeared to be encoded in some manner, as the characters (which had the appearance of Old Realm) made no sense when read directly.
-
Yuki takes the large tomb and looks through it, using her different sights in order to see if they would reveal anything.
(And since it's not on her sheet yet, Yuki reads to aura of Jenna too haha)
-
Kirito, leaving the big tome to Yuki for the moment, decided to pay more attention to the creation of the scroll for the different rituals. To them trough thouroghly and memorize them.
-
"Alright, if that's it, let's move. The longer we stay, the less likely we will survive." Roka says.
"Kirito, let's pull the move we did last time. Have your elemental pull us fast. My students will carry you over." Roka simply states.
"Let's go."
-
Yuki sees nothing more about the tome with her Sorcerer's Sight. In fact, the book doesn't even seem to hold any magic at all.
Kirito meanwhile, finds that it will take more than a casual glancing through, to memorize the content of the other book and scrolls.
-
Yuki studies the tome quizzically, before nodding her head.
"Yep. This is definitely, the tome of secrets...probably..."
She then puts the book into her bag and turns to Kirito.
"You should put the rest back", she remarks. She then turns to everyone else.
"We should probably go now..."
Yuki finishes, looking at the shrine as it rebuilds itself.
-
By now, anyone looking, sees that the slab of stone, where the Naga had appeared, has already rebuilt itself a third of the way up from the ground...
-
Miya glances over at the stone slab.
"We need to hurry, that altar is almost done fixing itself. I say we pack the confusing(Encoded) and larger book before retreating. Leave the rest."
She says with a sense of urgency in her voice.
-
Kirito glances at his scrolls, and the room, then back to the scrolls "aaaarghhh. Miya, think you can memorize one of these?" he asked.
-
"Kirito, if you want the secrets, just take them. We are stealing anyways. We need to go."
-
"I guess evil is a point of view.." He said, feeling uncomfertable doing it but decides to take them anyway.
"Remember our trip last time? were doing something like that again." Kirito said to the elemental.
-
"I guess evil is a point of view.." He said, feeling uncomfertable doing it but decides to take them anyway.
"Remember our trip last time? were doing something like that again." Kirito said to the elemental.
"Students, carry the exhausted Kirito out. Come along guys." Roka says, as he heads out of the temple, taking a final glance at Keitaro and Sakura.
-
"I guess evil is a point of view.." He said, feeling uncomfertable doing it but decides to take them anyway.
"Remember our trip last time? were doing something like that again." Kirito said to the elemental.
Miya snatches the scrolls out of Kirito's hands and begins quickly reading through them. Putting them to memory.
"We are not stealing from the God's Temples any more than we have too. Understand?"
Miya tells Kirito as she shoves the scrolls back into his arms.
"I have too much at stake to risk anymore than we already have committed to do."
-
"So, um, we're just going to leave Sakura and Keitaro here? I dunno..." Udo says scratching his head, as "Either, way, we should be going back as fast as possible, so..."
He quickly follows Roka.
-
Miya looks in the direction of her dead friends and gives a bow before quickly turning to help Yuki get outside.
"Let's go Yuki, hopefully we can return to help our friends. It's not safe here right now."
-
Rai looks back and says, "We will come back for them."
-
"If they are here, it means the gods themself are looking out for them." Kirito said Then looking his at scrolls agan "Alright. put these scrolls back... carefully." He told the earth elemental.
-
The Elemental took the Scrolls from Kirito, carefully walked over to the well - and then tossed them in again.
-
Miya looks in the direction of her dead friends and gives a bow before quickly turning to help Yuki get outside.
"Let's go Yuki, hopefully we can return to help our friends. It's not safe here right now."
Yuki gives Miya a nod then exits the temple.
"Can't Kirito teleport us all back to Sendai?"
-
"I would hope so, but I don't know if he can do it from within the spirit realm."
Miya says to Yuki.
-
"Let's deal with that when we get to the wagon and begin moving. We can plan on the go, but the longer we wait, the less time we got." Roka says, motioning for his students to go, and begins leaving the temple.
-
Rai looks around and thinks we need to leave quickly. "I agree with Roka. We have to move no telling if the guardians will come after us even if we leave the temple before the come back."
-
Yuki gives Miya a nod then exits the temple.
"Can't Kirito teleport us all back to Sendai?"
"I can. but not now. im out of spells." he replied.
-
"Evil will always triumph over good," Jenna says sarcastically to Kirito, "Because 'good' is stupid... (apparently)."
Then with an exasperated sigh, she adds - "You are still standing aren't you? Then you can cast your spell without spell energy. Just use your own life force."
-
"Meh." Kirito replies to her. fueling the spell and going to exhausted.
-
Kirito has everyone hold hands and successfully pushes himself to teleport everyone back to Sendai – whereupon, he immediately falls exhausted by the effort.
Looking around, the Samurai notice something is wrong – THERE’S NO SENDAI!
It’s gone, the landscape and mountains and valleys are all there in the right place – but the entire city just isn’t there!
Not a single man-made structure can be seen anywhere and the environs are completely overgrown in wilderness.
-
"Ugh, stupid priest," Jenna mumbles to herself.
-
Udo, in disbelief, just goes to a nice patch of land and begins setting up tents. "C'mon guys, let's get some rest, gonna have to some some shifts though... Maybe"
He looks around, are there any animals or predators around?
-
Udo doesn't see anything else living around at the moment...
-
"... What the hell? What happened to Sendai?" Roka asks, looking shocked.
-
"... What the hell? What happened to Sendai?" Roka asks, looking shocked.
Im just frekkin exhausted.... must.. sleep.." Kirito mumbles out.
-
"Sleepyhead here, just teleported us to Sendai in the Spirit World," Jenna replied to Roka.
"We are where Sendai would be - if it was in the Spirit World, but it is not. It only exists in the Physical World."
-
"..." Roka doesn't even respond, but is visbly angered.
"Alright." Roka says, after taking a deep breath. "We are weak and weary, but we need to get out of here. We could use the elemental to get us back to where we entered the spirit world, right?"
-
Udo frowns, "Roka, I dunno... But it might be worth it to rest here for a small bit. Once Kirito rests we can get back quickly, right now some of us are exhausted..."
He once again looks around, and just scratches his head. "At least here we can set up in case of an attack, sorta. I don't want to meet another Giant at this state"
-
Rai looks around and says, "We really should rest. I think we are far enough away to not worry about being caught in a trap but just in case. Those of us who are not very injured should keep watch."
He prepares to use readily overlooked campsite to hide where they are from any wandering spirits.
-
"Rai, this is the realm of the gods. The more time we spend here the less likely we are to escape. That thing that summoned the naga is getting rebuilt by the second, and the servants of the gods will be waiting for us there. We still have a chance, right now, to get back home. People can sleep on the way back." Roka says, not looking comfortable at all.
"We can not stay here."
-
"Rai, this is the realm of the gods. The more time we spend here the less likely we are to escape. That thing that summoned the naga is getting rebuilt by the second, and the servants of the gods will be waiting for us there. We still have a chance, right now, to get back home. People can sleep on the way back." Roka says, not looking comfortable at all.
"We can not stay here."
"We're in the middle of a non-existent Sendai, do we even know the way back?" Udo asks, confused by all of this, "For all I know, it may be faster to wait for Kirito to get his spells back, I think."
-
"It would be shorter if we used the elemental. Remember Hirosaki? We traveled an almost 20 day trip in a span of hours."
-
"It would be shorter if we used the elemental. Remember Hirosaki? We traveled an almost 20 day trip in a span of hours."
Rai sighs and says, "Your right but kirito commands the elemental." Then looking pointedly at the snoozing priest says, "And he really isn't in the position to order it to do anything. I guess Yuki might be able to control it but I am not sure I want to chance that. Also Given an Hour I can make it so our campsite isn't very noticeable."
-
"It would be shorter if we used the elemental. Remember Hirosaki? We traveled an almost 20 day trip in a span of hours."
"We knew where we were going then, we could very well get lost here..." He bites his lip. "Ugh..."
-
"We knew where we were going then, we could very well get lost here..." He bites his lip. "Ugh..."
"It's the same landscape as the one we traveled last time in, Udo. And Kirito being asleep isn't a problem. I can just wake him up. Damn priest." Roka simply says, muttering the last part.
-
"It's the same landscape as the one we traveled last time in, Udo. And Kirito being asleep isn't a problem. I can just wake him up. Damn priest." Roka simply says, muttering the last part.
Rai looks around and says, "Yes it is the same landscape with no human intervention. How many of our landmarks are human based. Furthermore just because this is where Sundi could be doesn't mean the area around is safe. If we moved and got attacked we are pretty much screwed at this point. Also there is no gaurentees that the area ouside here looks anything like what we know. I am hesitant to stay as well but it is our best chance of making it out. Especially because we have to exit EXACTLY where we entered. I don't know where that was do you?"
-
"I don't, obviously, but Miya should. She knows this stuff. As for if we are attacked, well, we are screwed no matter what, and we can not defeat the stuff that the Gods bring to defend it. Our only chance is to get there first. We wait until tommorow, and we don't have that chance."
-
"It's the same landscape as the one we traveled last time in, Udo. And Kirito being asleep isn't a problem. I can just wake him up. Damn priest." Roka simply says, muttering the last part.
"Just overgrown forests... I dunno. All the hills are the same, but it still looks very different. It was a 3 day journey to get there on horseback...
But if Kirito can teleport us tomorrow we can bypass the tests, and teleport straight to the portal thing and walk through."
-
"And at that portal, tommorow, will stand the army of the gods. We can't fight that."
-
"And at that portal, tommorow, will stand the army of the gods. We can't fight that."
"I don't think so. Something tells me if the gods wanted us dead we would be dead by now. I think the Naga and the Giants were a test to see if we are worthy. I have a feeling that if we leave now without knowing where to go. We will be in much greater danger. Then if we had stayed put and left tomorrow."
-
"I don't think so. Something tells me if the gods wanted us dead we would be dead by now. I think the Naga and the Giants were a test to see if we are worthy. I have a feeling that if we leave now without knowing where to go. We will be in much greater danger. Then if we had stayed put and left tomorrow."
"We literally just stole from the Gods, I doubt they are very happy right now" Udo replies, "It's definitely a problem with time..."
-
"... The gods don't want us with the book. And if us stealing from them isn't enough, Kirito insulted them by bringing a dead body into an important place. We know the path, we have maps and we have map readers." Roka says, pointing to Udo and Miya.
"The mistake would be to wait. That's the truth."
-
Ignoring the conversation of everyone else, Yuki decides to use her spirit sight, to see if she can see the real Sendai from this side.
-
"... The gods don't want us with the book. And if us stealing from them isn't enough, Kirito insulted them by bringing a dead body into an important place. We know the path, we have maps and we have map readers." Roka says, pointing to Udo and Miya.
"The mistake would be to wait. That's the truth."
"Yes and one of them just said everything feels different."Rai then shakes his head and says, "So do you want to leave your students and wagon on this side of the spirit barrier?"
-
"Yes and one of them just said everything feels different."Rai then shakes his head and says, "So do you want to leave your students and wagon on this side of the spirit barrier?"
"What? Why the hell would we do that? As for Udo, it feels weird since it's the spirit world. Jenna, a spirit, just said that it's the same without human landmarks."
-
"Will kirito die if we force him to teleport us again?"
-
"Will kirito die if we force him to teleport us again?"
"What does it matter? He should have remembered that we needed to go through the portal, if he dies it's his fault. I say we start moving to either the portal or to 'Uncles' place so I can figure out our way to the portal from there. Staying here is foolish and the longer we discuss it the more likely we will die."
Miya says pragmatically as she looks around to see if she remembers how to get to the portal or even 'Uncles' place.
-
Roka looks at Miya, somewhat surprised by the statement, but shrugs.
"Sounds good to me." He states, before walking over to Kirito's sleeping body, kicking him (not harmful but just to wake him up)
"Teleport again, Kirito. Now."
-
Roka looks at Miya, somewhat surprised by the statement, but shrugs.
"Sounds good to me." He states, before walking over to Kirito's sleeping body, kicking him (not harmful but just to wake him up)
"Teleport again, Kirito. Now."
"No." He simply stated. There is no way i can manage another teleport without dying."
-
"No." He simply stated. There is no way i can manage another teleport without dying."
"Udo will keep you alive. Do it." Roka says, again. "We need to get out of the spirit realm, now, Kirito. Otherwise, your lovely emperor is going to die." Roka then adds, thinking of ways to twist Kirito's (metaphorical) arm.
"Teleport us back to the entrance to the spirit realm. Now."
-
Kirito lets out a heavy sigh. "Had i known this would happen." He shakes his head. "If it comes to that... Swear to make sure you keep him alive. On your honour as Samurai. If you do that... Then i'll die without regrets, and make this teleport happen."
-
"You aren't going to die, Kirito." Roka says, "Udo will heal you. Teleport us. Now."
-
"You aren't going to die, Kirito." Roka says, "Udo will heal you. Teleport us. Now."
"Swear it!" Kirito repeated.
-
Ignoring the conversation of everyone else, Yuki decides to use her spirit sight, to see if she can see the real Sendai from this side.
As Yuki looks with Spirit Sight, she does not see the City of Sendai - but suddenly becomes aware of hundreds and hundreds of ethereal-looking spirit forms of the people of Sendai, moving about around her - going on with their daily business on the other side of the curtain...
-
"He already did," Jenna says to Kirito (subtly implanting the false memory of it in his mind with Mind Control) - "Now hurry up and do it" she adds (also Mind Control).
Not realizing that he is being manipulated, Kirito gathers everyone around once more to cast Teleport, waiting for Yuki.
"Yuki, are you coming? he asks.
-
"He already did," Jenna says to Kirito (subtly implanting the false memory of it in his mind with Mind Control) - "Now hurry up and do it" she adds (also Mind Control).
Not realizing that he is being manipulated, Kirito gathers everyone around once more to cast Teleport, waiting for Yuki.
"Yuki, are you coming? he asks.
Yuki looks around the city, attempting to see if she can find anyone she recognizes. Specifically, she looks for Kioko.
-
Everyone watches Yuki wandering off aimlessly...
Yuki meanwhile, sees that none of the spirit forms have discernible features - being like ghostly gray shadows cast on an invisible wall.
However, given that they are all the right shape, Yuki thinks that she might actually be able to locate Kioko - presuming that the little Spirit Familiar thing is still with her (as it has a very easily identifiably non-human shape and size) ...
-
Yuki searches for another few minutes, but if she doesnt find Kioko in that time, she hurries back to teleport.
-
"Elemental, would you mind getting that book from Yuki, also tell her that if she does not come now, we're going without her." Kirito said. Preparing to use his teleport spell, with or without Yuki, as she couldent even reply to his question.
Use lucky break to help move the game along in a plot twist in Kiritos favor.
-
Miya looks sharply at Kirito and quickly moves to stand directly in front of him, obviously angry with his idea to leave Yuki behind.
"We are not leaving Yuki behind, if you even think about doing it then I will never forgive you Kirito. Yuki may be strange but she has reasons for what she does! We will wait until she returns to us and no one is leaving until she does just that. Understand Priest?" She says with a glare and an underlying threat in her tone, oblivious to the reactions of her fellow Samurai at her reaction as she waits for Kirito's response.
"I do not abandon my friends and allies because it is convenient to me." She nearly spits out the words at him.
OOC: To far? ;D
-
Miya looks sharply at Kirito and quickly moves to stand directly in front of him, obviously angry with his idea to leave Yuki behind.
"We are not leaving Yuki behind, if you even think about doing it then I will never forgive you Kirito. Yuki may be strange but she has reasons for what she does! We will wait until she returns to us and no one is leaving until she does just that. Understand Priest?" She says with a glare and an underlying threat in her tone, oblivious to the reactions of her fellow Samurai at her reaction as she waits for Kirito's response.
"I do not abandon my friends and allies because it is convenient to me." She nearly spits out the words at him.
OOC: To far? ;D
Rai wlks up to Miya and puts his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry we will not leave her behind. It would not be right to do so." Looking at kirito he says, "We will not leave till Yuki returns. Is that understood?" Clearly making this an order and not a request.
-
"Must.. Teleport!" Kirito replies. How much untill he realise he's mind controlled?
-
Yuki walks to where her mother's house would be (with the Earth Elemental following after at a slow lumbering pace).
Arriving, she finds a small army of tiny radish spirits (like what Kioko had drawn at Yunikawa's place) marching around a long rectangular parameter and occasionally repelling other tiny spirits, in the shapes of bugs, slugs, and snails, that happen to come along now and again. Yuki realizes that this must be where the garden is, behind her mother's house.
The Earth Elemental meanwhile, comes up behind Yuki and says, "I must take the book back to the Priest."
Ignoring the Elemental for a moment, Yuki walks a little bit further, and finds a few more human shadows - one of which is obviously a child, but which has an unusually bright silvery shimmer about it. Hovering closely to the child is the little luminous cloud-like spirit familiar that Yuki immediately recognizes as the one Sakura made and which later attached itself to Kioko.
Apparently, the little spirit familiar can see Yuki and the Elemental, because it chirps at her and smiles brightly when she approaches.
The Earth Elemental once again follows and asks again - "The book; I must take the book."
-
Yuki smiles and waves at the little spirit. Then, content with following through on her curiosity, she looks at the Earth Elemental.
"But I need the book", she states simply, as she begins to walk back to the rest of the group.
-
"The priest requires the book," the Earth Elemental says, following as Yuki walks away.
Yuki gets the feeling that the Elemental doesn't even know which book it has been assigned to retrieve...
-
"What book?" Yuki asks.
-
"How should I know," the Earth Elemental says with a shrug that looks a little odd coming from a hulking pile of walking stone, "I just serve the Priest. Maybe you should ask him which book, then you'll know which one to give me."
-
"Good idea!" Yuki replies with a smile, continuing on her way back.
-
Yuki arrives back to the others and Kirito quickly places a hand on her and the Elemental – then, in a flash of light, everyone is teleported back to the high mountain gap, where they had originally entered the Spirit World two days ago.
Kirito falls to the ground Disabled from the effort and Roka is Fatigued (but spends a Surge to shrug the effects).
Looking around, everyone sees the profusion of Spirit Willows growing in the area, indicating that they are in the right place.
With her Sorcerer’s Sight active, Yuki can also see the wide and misty veil stretching before her (the barrier that separates the Physical World from the Spirit World).
As the Samurai gather their bearings, they notice a short Korean man with a rather malnourished horse, standing about fifteen feet away from where they Teleported in – looking at them with a mix of both surprise and relief on his face…
-
"We should really go now... probably." Yuki says, motioning everyone to go through the rift.
Noticing the Korean man, Yuki gives him a confused look, but then smiles and waves to him anyway.
-
"Oi" The short man says waiving rapidly. "Oi! Glad to see such wonderful faces!" The man is practically glowing with excitement at this point. "Thought I was going to die alone up here. You got some cheese? Me and my old pal Chinco here are about to starve to death."
-
Yuki turns her view from the korean man to Udo.
"I don't suppose you have cheese for him?"
-
"Elemental, i cant move at all. Can you carry me?" He asked it.
-
Yuki turns her view from the korean man to Udo.
"I don't suppose you have cheese for him?"
"Chinko here likes cheese, but we'd take anything you could spare. it must have been 3 nights since we ate last..."
-
"Elemental, i cant move at all. Can you carry me?" He asked it.
"If you wish," the Elemental says.
Then, as if it suddenly remembered something, it turns to Yuki and adds - "Oh, I was supposed to tell you that if you did not come back, they are going to leave without you."
"But you came back."
-
"Yes i do wish." He replied, before trying to facepalm a rock after the elementals latest display of intelligence.
-
Yuki appears to think over what the earth elemental says carefully before replying.
"Well, I suppose it's good I came back when I did, hehe."
-
Yuki appears to think over what the earth elemental says carefully before replying.
"Well, I suppose it's good I came back when I did, hehe."
"Oi Yuki, mind giving me the book? Im going to try to solve the encryption." He asked her.
-
As it finally sinks in, the elemental picks Kirito up in its arms.
-
As it finally sinks in, the elemental picks Kirito up in its arms.
"Good elemental." Kirito said to it, then looking at Yuki again "Yuki, the book."
-
"Good elemental." Kirito said to it, then looking at Yuki again "Yuki, the book."
Yuki takes out the book and hands it to Kirito.
"I need it back before we reach Sendai. Grand Premier Kenji Nogachi says a copy of it is to be made at the occult society."
-
"Anyways, good going Kirito. Let's move." Roka says. He then looks at the Korean.
"You should probably leave this place as well. You'll die here."
-
Yuki takes out the book and hands it to Kirito.
"I need it back before we reach Sendai. Grand Premier Kenji Nogachi says a copy of it is to be made at the occult society."
"Then i'll be sure to give it to him." Kirito replied to her. "I got business there either way." He replied to her.
-
"Anyways, good going Kirito. Let's move." Roka says. He then looks at the Korean.
"You should probably leave this place as well. You'll die here."
"I had planned on it, I was hoping someone would have some food on them." The man stares blankly at the fact he has mentioned food 3 time snow and no one has bothered to look for some...
-
Roka sighs.
"Sure. Students! Give some of your lunch packs to this man. Now, let's go."
-
Roka sighs.
"Sure. Students! Give some of your lunch packs to this man. Now, let's go."
"Yeah! Thanks!" The quirky little man claps excitedly and glady takes whatever food he is given. He gives half to his horse and begins chowing down on the rest. Following the Samurai he asks them: "So where are we going? More importantly, where di you come from. Here I was just dying, lost in the mountains, and POOF! Some well armed people appear in front of me. I mean talk about surprised!"
-
"Then i'll be sure to give it to him." Kirito replied to her. "I got business there either way." He replied to her.
Yuki frowns, then sighs.
"Okay! I'll come with you then." She replies with her usual smile.
-
"Yeah! Thanks!" The quirky little man claps excitedly and glady takes whatever food he is given. He gives half to his horse and begins chowing down on the rest. Following the Samurai he asks them: "So where are we going? More importantly, where di you come from. Here I was just dying, lost in the mountains, and POOF! Some well armed people appear in front of me. I mean talk about surprised!"
"Less talk, more moving, Korean man. The gods are angry, and we need to move." Roka says.
"Anyways, we are Samurai of Sendai." Roka says, as he gets on his horse. "I'm Roka Takemura."
-
"Less talk, more moving, Korean man. The gods are angry, and we need to move." Roka says.
"Anyways, we are Samurai of Sendai." Roka says, as he gets on his horse. "I'm Roka Takemura."
"Oh the God's!? Not good. Okay I will follow you then. If you are running from the God's then I am sure you know the fastest way down off this mountain. I am Lee, Lee Tae-Hyun. I am a merchant's son from Korea." he mounts Chinko hoping the food will be enough that he can make the journey to wherever they are going....
-
Miya quickly locates the exit and tells everybody to prepare to walk through.
"Here it is guys, I remember the spot." She looks at the Korean man. "You coming with us? We need to leave quickly."
-
Miya quickly locates the exit and tells everybody to prepare to walk through.
"Here it is guys, I remember the spot." She looks at the Korean man. "You coming with us, we need to leave quickly."
"Absotively!" The short little man exclaims, then patting his weary horse he whispers to it.
"Don't worry we will be out of the mountains soon, so a bit further buddy."
-
Miya quickly locates the exit and tells everybody to prepare to walk through.
"Here it is guys, I remember the spot." She looks at the Korean man. "You coming with us, we need to leave quickly."
"Good. No one screw up. It could be the end of us."
-
Rai looks over to Miya and says, "Thank you" He then gets into the same position he was in when they entered.
-
Rai looking at the Koeran man says, "You need to exit exactly where you came in or you will be trapped here." then passes through the barrier.
-
Yuki passes through the barrier as well.
-
Yuki passes through the barrier as well.
Miya waits for everybody else to exit first so no one will get trapped inside.
-
Yuki turns her view from the korean man to Udo.
"I don't suppose you have cheese for him?"
"I should buy a cow..." Udo says, wondering outlook. He shakes his head furiously and blinks, "I mean, umm, no haha. Why would I?" He chuckles, confused. Udo stares at the man, and frowns at his malnourished horse. "...Okay..."
Udo nods at Miya in thanks as he goes through the portal quickly, not wanting to spend anymore time in the Spirit World.
-
"Well I can't be sure but ive crossed this spot a dozen times or so in the last day." Lee says following the group.
-
Roka follows, riding his horse back out of the spirit world.
-
Yuki frowns, then sighs.
"Okay! I'll come with you then." She replies with her usual smile.
"Then you should know that i'm going to force them to give me a copy as soon as soon as they have finished making one." Kirito replied, walking out the same way he walked in.
-
"Then you should know that i'm going to force them to give me a copy as soon as soon as they have finished making one." Kirito replied, walking out the same way he walked in.
"Right, because powerful organizations always do what a single Samurai told them to do." Miya mumbles as Kirito exits the spiritual realm, if she is the last one then she will exit now.
-
Day of Month, Year?
Unexpected Delays…
For those who had come in this way, it was a comforting thought to know that they were leaving the Spirit World and would only be seven or eight more days from Sendai and the comfort of their own homes – or even less, once Kirito recovered enough to use Teleport again.
Then something unexpected happened. As the group passed through the invisible barrier that separated the two worlds, the landscape before them suddenly changed. While they were still in the same spot, the ground and Spirit Willows were now covered in a light dusting of snow and the there was no longer any leaves on the willows – just small red buds, like one would see in the early spring.
Looking back the way they had come, they saw that it too was snow swept, though there were no tracks left where they had just passed – as the tracks left by the company began only a short distance from them.
Kirito’s Earth Elemental looked around; then without a word, it set Kirito down, bowed, and then evaporated suddenly into nothingness. Kirito realized that the link to his Elemental had abruptly been broken by something and, as it was no longer bound to him, it had simply returned from whence it came.
Yuki meanwhile, looked back at the Spirit Barrier with her Sorcerer’s Sight, and could see an odd wrinkle running through it, like the ripples on the surface of a pond when one tosses in a pebble. Straining to comprehend what she was seeing, Yuki correlated a similarity between the phenomenon she was now observing and the temporal distortion she noticed whenever she looked at Kioko’s aura...
-
Rai states confused, "Well this looks different. Something tells me we aren't in our time anymore."
-
Then something unexpected happened. As the group passed through the invisible barrier that separated the two worlds, the landscape before them suddenly changed. While they were still in the same spot, the ground and Spirit Willows were now covered in a light dusting of snow and the there was no longer any leaves on the willows – just small red buds, like one would see in the early spring.
"What the Fark? Who screwed up this time?" Roka asked, looking bewildered.
-
Rai stats confused, "Well this looks different. Something tells me we aren't in our time anymore."
"Agreed, but we should head to 'Uncles' place anyway. We might not have gone that far through time."
Miya looks around as she tries to figure out where they are based on her out-dated memories of the place. She also remembers the exact place where the portal is just in case.
-
"So... this is weird!" The short little man looks around. "Wasnt like this moments ago... it wasnt the cheee you gave me was it?"
-
Udo looks around, bewildered once again, "I... It seems like we're in the same place, only it's winter" He scratches his head, "Which means... Sendai still exists, we should stop off there."
-
Udo looks around, bewildered once again, "I... It seems like we're in the same place, only it's winter" He scratches his head, "Which means... Sendai still exists, we should stop off there."
"Agreed but I rather not teleport. We have no idea what time period we might be in. We could be years in the past or future. I would like to approach Sendai with caution."
-
"Agreed but I rather not teleport. We have no idea what time period we might be in. We could be years in the past or future. I would like to approach Sendai with caution."
"Caution got thrown into the wind when we stole from the Gods, Rai." Roka says with a chuckle.
-
"Caution got thrown into the wind when we stole from the Gods, Rai." Roka says with a chuckle.
"Caution is never something to disregard. I rather not actively seek my death. I wouldn't have survived long if I had." Rai responds.
-
"Sure Rai. But I'd rather teleport back home then travel in this weather, no matter how many months it's been. My adoring fans are waiting. Students, pick up Kirito, unfortunately his ride left us." Roka simply states, waving his hand.
"Now, question is, do we want to re-enter the spirit realm and hope it changes back to summer, or go forward in the snow."
-
"Sure Rai. But I'd rather teleport back home then travel in this weather, no matter how many months it's been. My adoring fans are waiting. Students, pick up Kirito, unfortunately his ride left us." Roka simply states, waving his hand.
"Now, question is, do we want to re-enter the spirit realm and hope it changes back to summer, or go forward in the snow."
Rai looks back at hims and says, "What if it has been years or decades? And everyone we knew is dead or old or we are thought rouges for disappearing for so long? What if we went to the future that koiko came from and there are no samurai here? You are being way to optimistic about this situation."
-
Rai looks back at hims and says, "What if it has been years or decades? And everyone we knew is dead or old or we are thought rouges for disappearing for so long? What if we went to the future that koiko came from and there are no samurai here? You are being way to optimistic about this situation."
"I don't think they'll kill us" Udo says, still pondering, "And, umm, who says Kenjiro is still alive? If there was some. Sort of age-savoring spell he'd of used it years ago"
-
"So... this is weird!" The short little man looks around. "Wasnt like this moments ago... it wasnt the cheee you gave me was it?"
"you were in the spirit world foreigner. Things change." He answered. "OH.... the most logical thought is... We are in the future.. or present. Depends on how you see it." he repleid shrugging.
"I don't think they me kill us" Udo says, still pondering, "And, umm, who says Kenjiro is still alive? If there was some. Sort of age-savoring spell he'd of used it years ago"
"Udo, such spells exist..." Kirito replied to him.
-
Rai looks back at hims and says, "What if it has been years or decades? And everyone we knew is dead or old or we are thought rouges for disappearing for so long? What if we went to the future that koiko came from and there are no samurai here? You are being way to optimistic about this situation."
"Then we deal with it. We are samurai, we deal with whatever problem we face. When trouble rears it's head, I, at least, don't panic. The samurai must remain strong, and being optimistic is the best way to do so."
-
"Then we deal with it. We are samurai, we deal with whatever problem we face. When trouble rears it's head, I, at least, don't panic. The samurai must remain strong, and being optimistic is the best way to do so."
"Thats the spirit! Now remember, everyone you know may or may not be dead. No pressure." He said to Roka.
"thanks for carrying me guys." (if they have picked him up yet.)
-
"you were in the spirit world foreigner. Things change." He answered. "OH.... the most logical thought is... We are in the future.. or present. Depends on how you see it." he repleid shrugging."Udo, such spells exist..." Kirito replied to him.
"Exactly, if he wanted to use it he'd of used them years ago. I think."
-
"Then we deal with it. We are samurai, we deal with whatever problem we face. When trouble rears it's head, I, at least, don't panic. The samurai must remain strong, and being optimistic is the best way to do so."
Rai sighs and replies, "I am not panicking. I am just saying that we should use some caution. What if we teleport into the middle of a war? Do you think we are in any shape to fight that? I rather take things slow and be fully rested for whatever we might face then teleport directly into an unknown situation. How about a compromise. I agree that traveling in the mountains in this weather is not ideal so how about we just teleport out of the mountains and take the rest of the journey on foot. That would give us plenty of time to rest and get a feel for whether we are in the future or past from when we set off."
-
Rai sighs and replies, "I am not panicking. I am just saying that we should use some caution. What if we teleport into the middle of a war? Do you think we are in any shape to fight that? I rather take things slow and be fully rested for whatever we might face then teleport directly into an unknown situation. How about a compromise. I agree that traveling in the mountains in this weather is not ideal so how about we just teleport out of the mountains and take the rest of the journey on foot. That would give us plenty of time to rest and get a feel for whether we are in the future or past from when we set off."
"you do realise i can cahnge the weather right?" Kirito asked.
-
"you do realise i can cahnge the weather right?" Kirito asked.
"Yes but that won't get rid of the snow on the ground quick enough."
-
"you do realise i can cahnge the weather right?" Kirito asked.
"I actually forgot. I still don't think we should move slowly. Perhaps we should teleport a bit outside of Sendai, but to travel for so long, now? It is not what we need. But this debate can wage when it's pertinent. Rai, you said that you could make a hidden campsite. Can you do that now?"
-
Rai looks at Roka and Nods but adds, "I would like to move at least a little bit away from the spirit barrier if possible."
-
"Not an issue with me, ha ha."
-
"Not an issue with me, ha ha."
"Well as you just said we pissed off the gods. So I don't think sleeping on there doormat would be a good idea."
-
"...Right. So... um.. do your thing."
-
Rai then walks the length of the campsite and makes it blend into the mountain side. (use surge for readily overlooked camp site. Once campsite is decided apon)
-
"So what is the verdict fellow travelers? Do we move now?"
-
"We at least need to get out of this cold before we freeze to death. I think we should at least teleport closer to Sendai before setting up camp."
She begins looking at the surrounding land, using her exceptional sight and memory to see if there is anything to help determine how much time has changed.
-
"Enough you two, we need to get out of this cold before we freeze to death. I think we should at least teleport closer to Sendai before setting up camp."
She begins looking at the surrounding land, using her exceptional sight and memory to see if there is anything to help determine how much time has changed.
"We can teleport tomorrow, not today. Unless Kirito has some reserve fuel for us."
-
"Can we at least get to higher ground? That way I can see the land around us better."
Miya suggests to Roka.
-
"Sure? Rai? Mind setting up camp on higher ground?"
-
Rai stops and says, "Not at all."
-
"Thank you, this strange change in the land is disturbing... How much time has passed while we were in the spirit realm?"
Miya begins heading for a nearby hill.
-
Kirito looks at a tree, one he remembers, to determine how much it had grown.
"We can teleport tomorrow, not today. Unless Kirito has some reserve fuel for us."
"nope. all out."
-
"Then you should know that i'm going to force them to give me a copy as soon as soon as they have finished making one." Kirito replied, walking out the same way he walked in.
Yuki stares blankly at Kirito, in shock at what he just said.
"You can only duplicate something once. One copy will go to Sendai, one copy will go to Yunikawa."
She then pauses.
"You will not get a copy."
----
Yuki looks around at the snow with some confusion, but doesn't say anything in regards to it.
-
The trees seem pretty much the same to Kirito (but that could be from the double vision his Exhaustion and Disablement are causing him) - but to Miya, they have grown quite a bit (including new ones and ones that have died off).
Though Miya doesn't really know the life-cycle of spirit willows, she quesses about a decade has passed.
Kirito meanwhile, suddenly remembers that while it was exceptionally rare, he actually has heard tales of people entering the Spirit world and spending only a few days there, only to come out again a hundred years later. It was generally something most Wu-Jen and Priests knew was possible, but never really worried about, due to the incredibly slim chance of it actually happening...
-
Udo looks around at the nearby plants (specifically the spirit willows), maybe he can get a more accurate estimation of the time that has transpired.
"So, we're setting up camp now?"
-
Udo figures that he can tell how long the trees have been growing if Miya shows him one that wasn't there when they first came through.
Jenna meanwhile, points to Rai - who is busy setting up a campsite.
"He just got started a couple of minutes ago."
-
Udo looks around at the nearby plants (specifically the spirit willows), maybe he can get a more accurate estimation of the time that has transpired.
"So, we're setting up camp now?"
Rai calls over, "Yep but don't rush me if we don't want to be detected it takes awhile to set one up."
-
Yuki stares blankly at Kirito, in shock at what he just said.
"You can only duplicate something once. One copy will go to Sendai, one copy will go to Yunikawa."
She then pauses.
"You will not get a copy."
----
Yuki looks around at the snow with some confusion, but doesn't say anything in regards to it.
"If you say so." Kirito replied. then a look of realisation dawned on him "Oh, we are in the present. Present now. Or like you guys calls it, the future. It sometimes happen, incredibly rare mind you, that some people who are in the spirit realm for a few days, end up some hundred years into the future. Now, since we werent in the spirit realm for a few days, except for... well that weird little man "he gestured to the Korean "i think it may not have been a few hundred years. Or it might. I dont know really." he sighed,
-
"If you say so." Kirito replied. then a look of realisation dawned on him "Oh, we are in the present. Present now. Or like you guys calls it, the future. It sometimes happen, incredibly rare mind you, that some people who are in the spirit realm for a few days, end up some hundred years into the future. Now, since we werent in the spirit realm for a few days, except for... well that weird little man "he gestured to the Korean "i think it may not have been a few hundred years. Or it might. I dont know really." he sighed,
"Well, what year do you claim it too be?" Lee asked.
-
Meanwhile, Rai finished up his campsite. It really is hard to see (even when you know exactly where to look)!
-
"Well, what year do you claim it too be?" Lee asked.
"Hmm.. i didnt hear your name, what year is it?" Kirito asked.
-
"Hmm.. i didnt hear your name, what year is it?" Kirito asked.
"When I entered the mountain range a week ago it was still Summer of 594. Now it appears to be winter."
"Oh Just call me Lee by the way"
-
Udo figures that he can tell how long the trees have been growing if Miya shows him one that wasn't there when they first came through.
"Miya, are any of these trees the ones that were here in our real-time?" Udo asks. He nods at Rai's campsite, he could use a rest.
-
"When I entered the mountain range a week ago it was still Summer of 594. Now it appears to be winter."
"Oh Just call me Lee by the way"
"... What?"
-
"When I entered the mountain range a week ago it was still Summer of 594. Now it appears to be winter."
"Oh Just call me Lee by the way"
"We left in summer of 1297, Lee..." Yuki says with some unease, as she realizes the gravity of their situation.
-
"Time is collapsing!" Udo exclaims, alarmed.
-
"... What?"
"I came to the Islands in 594. I grew up sailing I know it didnt take me long to get here. I am 100% positive the date was midsummer 594. Period. What you are saying is absurd. How could I travel 700 years into the future and still remember what I did in this same spot yesterday!?" Lee stares at nothing in particular...
-
"Maybe you didn't," Jenna says to Lee, "Maybe it is we who came back to you..."
-
"Maybe you didn't," Jenna says to Lee, "Maybe it is we who came back to you..."
"...I, I didnt consider that. We need to find out who has traveled to when. Or if we have all just indulged in a little too much peace weed lately..." he chuckles nervously...
-
"Maybe you didn't," Jenna says to Lee, "Maybe it is we who came back to you..."
Rai feels he still has his shared spell on him says, "I don't think so. Not sure how shared spells work but I am pretty sure we would have lost ours if "Uncle" was not born/alive. So we are probably not to far past or present from our time."
-
"We will figure it all out when we get to Sendai." Roka says, shrugging.
-
"We will figure it all out when we get to Sendai." Roka says, shrugging.
"So do we teleport inside or a little bit away? That seems to be the only question left. I personally think a little outside would be best."
-
"Sounds fine to me. I just wanna get back."
-
"Anyways, I'm retiring for the night. Jenna, care to join me?" He asks, as he heads back to 'sleep'
-
Lee gets his tent and campfire set up and buds the party goodnight. He thanks them again for the food and company and closes his tent for the evening.
-
"I'd love to," Jenna says to Roka with a wink.
-
"Udo, come here." She beckons him to her as she stands near a short and obviously young tree.
"I don't remember the tree here being so small. Lee said it was midsummer 594, that would be 703 years into the past..."
Her eyes widen as she realizes something from her studies of history before she became a Samurai.
"We can stop the Chinese from invading Japan! Udo, my father can survive in the future!" She stops for a moment. "Wait, no. We are to far back in time for that..." She seems frustrated as she talks to no one in particular.
-
"Don't worry Miya," Jenna says as she heads off with Roka for the evening - "As Rai correctly surmises, we are not in the past. Yunikawa is still alive, else I would be free to follow my nature and drain you all of your precious precious life-blood while you sleep."
Jenna then winked at Miya and went with Roka.
-
Udo meanwhile, looking at the tree that Miya pointed out, could tell that it was between eight and nine years old...
-
"ZzZzZzZZZZzzzzZZZZ." Is it all that is heard from Kirito. he fell asleep while waiting for lee to answer appearently.
-
Rai looks around and says,"Well the teleport question can wait for now." Rai heads in to go to sleep
-
"Don't worry Miya," Jenna says as she heads off with Roka for the evening - "As Rai correctly surmises, we are not in the past. Yunikawa is still alive, else I would be free to follow my nature and drain you all of your precious precious life-blood while you sleep."
Jenna then winked at Miya and went with Roka.
Miya seems amused at the idea of Roka getting his blood sucked out for trying to sleep with a woman all the time.
"I'll try and figure it all out in the morning then."
-
He scratches his head as he looks down at the tree, "Emm... So this tree is about eight to nine years old..."
He grunts, confused, he glances at Jenna, but then faces Miya again, "Hmm, this is really weird! I, uhhm, oh gosh" Udo sighs, a pained look on his face. "But it'll be okay, Miya, we'll get through this, I hope. Just need to get some rest."
-
"zzzZZZzzzZZZzzzZZZzzzZZZ", can be heard from Yuki's tent.
-
.
"ZzZzZzZZZZzzzzZZZZ." Is it all that is heard from Kirito. he fell asleep while waiting for lee to answer appearently.
"zzzZZZzzzZZZzzzZZZzzzZZZ", can be heard from Yuki's tent.
Moans and shouts of ecstasy can be heard from Roka's tent
-
.Moans and shouts of ecstasy can be heard from Roka's tent
"Thank you Udo for your help." Miya says to him.
Miya decides she might as well take first watch since she won't be able to fall asleep with that noise from Roka's tent and plans to wake Udo or Rai later for 2nd watch.
"Man-whore." She mumbles to herself.
-
As Udo slept, he had a very unusual dream – that he awoke back in the verdant plane where Sendai was in the Spirit World. He was alone and unable to move for some reason, but then lifted up from the ground by a multitude of leafy branches.
He then saw that five living trees were holding him up to show him five gargantuan Elementals – one of Earth, one of Fire, one of Air, one of Water, and one of Wood (of all things) – each the size of a small mountain!
Then the ground opened up beneath the Elementals and they all tumbled into a dark abyss – where living shadow seeped into them and corrupted them beyond their own forms – changing them into terrible dragons of darkness and evil that flew out of the Earth’s Wound and off into the night sky.
At that point, Udo awoke from the dream, back with the rest of the Samurai in the campsite Rai had prepared for them. Udo felt a sense of dread at what he had seen, yet somehow knew that this was a vision of the past and not a future event to come.
He also felt an incredible connection to the Earth itself, like he had never before experienced, and knew that he had just been chosen for something special. He was destined to take on the mantle of Forest Ward…
-
1st Day of Spring, 1306
Eight Years and Eight Months
The next morning, everyone awoke and Kirito was feeling a little better. Good enough in fact, to cast Teleport after his morning meditations.
For some reason though, when Kirito tried to cast the spell the first time, it didn’t take anyone anywhere – leaving them all standing there holding hands.
With a frustrated look, Kirito tried again, and everyone was instantly transported to the west side of Sendai, about five miles into the foothills, on the trail to Yunikawa’s Mountain Citadel in fact (about one third of the way to Yunikawa’s from Sendai).
Unlike the high mountain pass, there was no snow here – but the landscape was wet and muddy from all the spring rains.
To everyone’s relief, Sendai was still there in the valley below and looked the same as they had left it – what should have been only a week or two ago.
Looking with their spyglasses meanwhile, Udo and Lee could see that the flags of Chief Magistrate Noburu Saito were flying – indicating that he was currently in charge of Sendai.
That could either mean that the Daimyo was now dead, or had simply gone away to Edo for the next year, as was the custom.
-
"Back to Sendai! Let's move!" Roka shouts with enthusiasm, riding his horse ahead.
-
"Back to Sendai! Let's move!" Roka shouts with enthusiasm, riding his horse ahead.
"Yeah!" Yuki says, following behind Roka with an enthusiastic cheer.
-
"Finally" Udo says, shuddering. What a wacky dream... He thinks before spotting the flags, "Hey! It seems like the Chief Magistrate is in control now, maybe. Unless the Daimyo's out to Edo..."
He continues to murmur, this was all really confusing, but he was glad that they were back home, whatever year it was.
-
Rai looks hesitantly at the city and moves forward with the others.
-
"I Don't know who these people are so let us ride!" Lee said awkwardly. He obviously still feels terribly out of the loop.
-
"I Don't know who these people are so let us ride!" Lee said awkwardly. He obviously still feels terribly out of the loop.
"You might be surprised at what has happened through the years Lee. But I'll try to help you get used to it."
Miya says to him before riding up near Rai.
"You worried about something Rai?"
-
Rai scoffs, "Other then the usual worries? I am terrified about what might have happened in 8 years. I need to get into touch with my allies as quickly as possible. Also I am worried about everyone in the group knowing. To many people to watch. Further more our previous daymio, if he is still in power, was a spirit set on my destruction."
"Thats about it. Also I forgot to give you this back at the camp." He pulls out the ruby eye and hands it to Miya. "I can't use it to its full advantage because it would give me away when I disguise or hide myself. You are the only other person in this group I trust enough to give this to."
-
"You might be surprised at what has happened through the years Lee. But I'll try to help you get used to it."
Miya says to him before riding up near Rai.
"It seems, I am now in a world I was never meant to live in. Is there any getting used to that?" He sighs briefly. "It seems your 'Gods' have a twisted sense of humor..."
-
Rai scoffs, "Other then the usual worries? I am terrified about what might have happened in 8 years. I need to get into touch with my allies as quickly as possible. Also I am worried about everyone in the group knowing. To many people to watch. Further more our previous daymio, if he is still in power, was a spirit set on my destruction."
"Thats about it. Also I forgot to give you this back at the camp." He pulls out the ruby eye and hands it to Miya. "I can't use it to its full advantage because it would give me away when I disguise or hide myself. You are the only other person in this group I trust enough to give this to."
"You know I can't let anything happen to the true emperor of Japan. Besides, if our previous daimyo comes to destroy you then he just presented himself as a target to me and I wouldn't mind that at all." Miya smiles as she says this.
Taking the ruby eye she looks at it.
"Interesting, what does it do? Are you sure you want to give this to me Rai? You might be able to use it better than I can."
-
"You know I can't let anything happen to the true emperor of Japan. Besides, if our previous daimyo comes to destroy you then he just presented himself as a target to me and I wouldn't mind that at all." Miya smiles as she says this.
Taking the ruby eye she looks at it.
"Interesting, what does it do? Are you sure you want to give this to me Rai? You might be able to use it better than I can."
Rai nods and says, "That is correct however you need to tread careful Miya. I rather not lose one of the 2 trustworthy people in this party. The eye lets you see through illusions 3 times a day. However if you replace one of your own eyes with it. The power works at will. I would do that but it would make me to obvious like I said pervously. I would like for you to do it for me but I will understand if you don't the choice is yours."
-
"Bah. Bah. BAH!" Kirito mumbles to himself. "You go on ahead. i got some questions for Uncle, so i will meet you there." He said, and started riding towards him.
-
"Bah. Bah. BAH!" Kirito mumbles to himself. "You go on ahead. i got some questions for Uncle, so i will meet you there." He said, and started riding towards him.
>.> he also casts heal on himself.
"No you're not." Yuki says plainly.
"You still have the book of secrets. We are to return the book to the Occult Society so they can make a copy. Or do you mean to betray the Daiymo?"
-
"No you're not." Yuki says plainly.
"You still have the book of secrets. We are to return the book to the Occult Society so they can make a copy. Or do you mean to betray the Daiymo?"
"I was never ordered to do that, and you dont have the authority to order me." He simply replied.
-
"I was never ordered to do that, and you dont have the authority to order me." He simply replied.
Rai shouts angerly, "Kirito! You will not betray our Daymio. We can't afford to bring any attention to ourselves."
-
Rai shouts angerly, "Kirito! You will not betray our Daymio. We can't afford to bring any attention to ourselves."
"It is a bunch of greasy old men who serve... guess who Rai? GUESS!? THE CHINESE! AND YOU DARE QUESTION MY ALLEGIENCE? IVE BEEN SCREWED OVER ENOUGH WITH YOU GUYS. IVE BEEN ROBBED, CONSTANTLY INSULTED, AND IVE FACKING HAD IT. YOU GUYS, YOU SHUT THE Fark UP." Kirito replied, completely pissed off.
-
"I was never ordered to do that, and you dont have the authority to order me." He simply replied.
"Hmm..."
Yuki says, thinking about what she should do, playing with her Lopan as she does.
"Not only did you lie to me, but you mean to betray our Daiymo, and the very city we are instructed to protect. I can't let you do that."
She determines, jumping off of her horse.
-
"It is a bunch of greasy old men who serve... guess who Rai? GUESS!? THE CHINESE! AND YOU DARE QUESTION MY ALLEGIENCE? IVE BEEN SCREWED OVER ENOUGH WITH YOU GUYS. IVE BEEN ROBBED, CONSTANTLY INSULTED, AND IVE FACKING HAD IT. YOU GUYS, YOU SHUT THE Fark UP." Kirito replied, completely pissed off.
Rai looks back and says, "I am NOT questioning your loyalty. I am just pointing out that if we don't return with the book they are going to question our loyalty. With mind readers and such they will find out about the things we don't want them to know. I also haven't robbed you or insulted you so you need to clam your shit."
"Hmm..."
Yuki says, thinking about what she should do, playing with her Lopan as she does.
"Not only did you lie to me, but you mean to betray our Daiymo, and the very city we are instructed to protect. I can't let you do that."
She determines, jumping off of her horse.
Rai looks at Myia and says, "Calm your friend down before she does something we all regret."
-
"Let him take the book back to Master Yunikawa," Jenna says calmly, "He can make you a copy for your Sendai pals if you wish."
-
"Let him take the book back to Master Yunikawa," Jenna says calmly, "He can make you a copy for your Sendai pals if you wish."
"He agreed to return to Sendai first."
Yuki replies, glaring at Kirito.
-
Rai looks back and says, "I am NOT questioning your loyalty. I am just pointing out that if we don't return with the book they are going to question our loyalty. With mind readers and such they will find out about the things we don't want them to know. I also haven't robbed you or insulted you so you need to clam your shit."
"Oh gees. Now, was it the daimyo that told Yuki to retrieve the book? No! Did they tell all of us to get the book for them? No. Most likely, they are paying Yuki or something like that. And i know personally that Yuki is a thief, and i dont trust thiefs. Remember this?" he said, holding up his luck charm.
-
Udo stops riding, "Guys, umm, calm down and stuff. The squirrels don't like it."
-
"Oh gees. Now, was it the daimyo that told Yuki to retrieve the book? No! Did they tell all of us to get the book for them? No. Most likely, they are paying Yuki or something like that. And i know personally that Yuki is a thief, and i dont trust thiefs. Remember this?" he said, holding up his luck charm.
Rai looks confused and says, "Uhhh No. In fact I have no idea what you are talking about. Also" turning to Yuki he says, "Are you getting paid to do this?"
-
"Oh the luck charm is what dear yuki stole." He explained to Rai.
-
"Oh the luck charm is what dear yuki stole." He explained to Rai.
Rai really confused at this point then says, "When and how? Also it is in your prosseion now so did she just borrow it?"
-
Rai really confused at this point then says, "When and how? Also it is in your prosseion now so did she just borrow it?"
"Many months ago. Yes, i confronted the group, and it magically appeared in my sadde bag. It was howevere obvious who had stolen it."
-
Those with the Sensitive Edge, suddenly feel a slight movement of magical energy...
-
"Shit." kirito said loudly before popping reflect magic.
-
"Many months ago. Yes, i confronted the group, and it magically appeared in my sadde bag. It was howevere obvious who had stolen it."
Adding to his first question Rai asks Yuki, "Did you steal from him?"
Also looking to Kirtio. he says, "Calm down for a minute and lets talk this out like adults instead of children."
Looking back at Jenna he asks, "Can you get Roka here? I really don't need him to enter the city alone."
-
Rai looks confused and says, "Uhhh No. In fact I have no idea what you are talking about. Also" turning to Yuki he says, "Are you getting paid to do this?"
"Paid? What are you talking about? We have orders to bring thr book back to Sendai so it can be copied. I didnt say anything because i did think it would be an issue."
Yuki replies, still glaring at Kirito.
-
"Paid? What are you talking about? We have orders to bring thr book back to Sendai so it can be copied. I didnt say anything because i did think it would be an issue."
Yuki replies, still glaring at Kirito.
"Ok. What about the stealing accusation?" Rai repeats.
-
"Paid? What are you talking about? We have orders to bring thr book back to Sendai so it can be copied. I didnt say anything because i did think it would be an issue."
Yuki replies, still glaring at Kirito.
"Did anyone else get this order?" Kirito asks. "Now, are you being paid or not?" He asked.
-
"Shit." kirito said loudly before popping reflect magic.
Kirito's spell goes off and the feeling of magic subsides, though Kirito is not sure whether he reflected anything or just wasted a spell in a fit of paranoia...
-
Kirito's spell goes off and the feeling of magic subsides, though Kirito is not sure whether he reflected anything or just wasted a spell in a fit of paranoia...
^
guess it was nothing... he shrugs.
-
Looking back at Jenna he asks, "Can you get Roka here? I really don't need him to enter the city alone."
Jenna nods and Sends Thoughts to Roko - 'Hey baby, I think your friends are about to axe murder the priest. You might want to come back and help. I mean diffuse the situation... or axe murder... the choice is yours really. I'm behind you 100% either way.' ;)
-
Huh. Didn't know you could cast spells. My last not-human bed mate could do so too. Roka sends back, as he turns his horse around, and starts riding back to the team.
-
Lee just stand there listening to everyone argue amongst themselves. Having nothing to say...
"What is this about a book?"
-
Lee just stand there listening to everyone argue amongst themselves. Having nothing to say...
"What is this about a book?"
"Its just a book of secrets we stole from the gods. Now, bye bye i will be at Uncles place, meet me there when you are ready." he said, casting teleport (with his horse) and masking it with a surge. using his luck point to take him as close as possible.
-
In a flash, Kirito and his horse are gone - presumably at Yunikawa's place now or something...
---
Continued for Kirito in the Kirito Alone thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=886.0).
-
Yuki quickly uses her Lopan to cast divine location, to determine which way Kirito went.
-
Yuki can tell that Kirito is up the mountain ahead somewhere ...
-
"Well Fark." Roka says, arriving a bit late. He ponders for a moment, and then sighs.
"I'll deal with the repercussions with the Order. I shouldn't have let Kiroto hold onto the book. Fark." Roka simply says, yet again, and then turns his horse around.
"Let's go. A more somber mood then Id like, but it's the best we can do."
-
"Well Fark." Roka says, arriving a bit late. He ponders for a moment, and then sighs.
"I'll deal with the repercussions with the Order. I shouldn't have let Kiroto hold onto the book. Fark." Roka simply says, yet again, and then turns his horse around.
"Let's go. A more somber mood then Id like, but it's the best we can do."
"Should we go to Uncle's palace first to try and get the book? I rather show up late with a copy then show up with none at all."
-
"Should we go to Uncle's palace first to try and get the book? I rather show up late with a copy then show up with none at all."
"Don't worry, I'll get the book."
Yuki replies, summoning an Air Elemental using her bow.
-
"We can't catch up to the traitor, unfortunately. If make haste we might catch him before he gets to the palace, if we can convince a Mage to teleport us "
-
A whirlwind appears near yuki and asks with the whistling shriek of the wind - "How may I serve?"
-
"Yuki can that thing catch up to Kirito and hold all of us?"
-
"...What just happened?"
-
"...Right..." Udo says, even more confused.
-
"...What just happened?"
"We will explain later."
-
"Future people are really weird..."
-
"Yuki can that thing catch up to Kirito and hold all of us?"
"No, but it can hold me, and probably one other person if they want to come."
Yuki says. She then turns to the Air Elemental.
"I want you to carry me, we're going to chase someone that is up the mountain."
She says, consulting her lopan on the direction. Once they elemental picks her up, she'll address the rest of the group.
"Does anyone else want to come?"
-
"I'll go. Let's crush this bag of filth." Roka says. "I can make this thing go fast."
-
"I'll go. Let's crush this bag of filth." Roka says. "I can make this thing go fast."
Yuki gives Roka a nod and instructs the elemental to pick Roka up too.
"I guess the rest of you should... report back to town for now? We still don't really know what's going on with the weather... and the date..."
She says, becoming a bit uneasy again as she recalls their predicament.
"Miya, can you check on my mother and Kioko for me?"
She adds.
"Anyway, let's go!"
She announces. On her way to Kirito, she will consult her Lopan for navigation, and be prepared to use reflect magic once she sees Kirito.
---
Continued for Yuki & Roka in the Kirito Alone thread (http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=886.0).
-
"Umm, okay" Udo says, half in admiration and half in uneasiness, "We'll uh, report back to the Chief magistrate, or Daimyo as it may be..."
He bites his lip. "Okay, guys, let's go" He says as they leave, continuing on to Sendai. "Chiko, go catch some grub" He says, snapping his fingers.
-
Rai says, "Wait right here Udo. Lee and jenna could you leave us we have some private things to discuss. Before we enter the city."
-
Rai says, "Wait right here Udo. Lee and jenna could you leave us we have some private things to discuss. Before we enter the city."
"Just ride ahead with me, we'll talk on the en route"
-
"Just ride ahead with me, we'll talk on the en route"
Rai nods and says, "Miya make sure the Vamp and Lee give me and Udo plenty of room." He rides next to Udo and once there far enough away he says, "You know my secret what are you going to do about it?"
-
Rai nods and says, "Miya make sure the Vamp and Lee give me and Udo plenty of room." He rides next to Udo and once there far enough away he says, "You know my secret what are you going to do about it?"
Udo sighs, "See if you're a fit ruler" He states simply.
-
Udo sighs, "See if you're a fit ruler" He states simply.
Rai nods, "Alright. I just need your word as a samurai you won't tell anyone else. I don't expect you to swear loyalty to me just swear not to tell anyone."
-
Rai nods, "Alright. I just need your word as a samurai you won't tell anyone else. I don't expect you to swear loyalty to me just swear not to tell anyone."
Udo doesn't reply for several moments until replying, "Don't give me a reason to report you, and I simply won't."
-
Udo doesn't reply for several moments until replying, "Don't give me a reason to report you, and I simply won't."
Rai smiles and puts out his hand, "I hope I give you reason to support me soon."
-
Rai smiles and puts out his hand, "I hope I give you reason to support me soon."
"I hope so too" Udo says solemnly, nodding instead of shaking his hand.
-
Miya listens to her friends arguing about what to do with the book, but she is interesting in seeing how Rai will deal with it since she plans on helping him become Emperor some day; he will have to deal with things like this all the time and she would have intervened if things got hostile. She does however, plan to have a few words with Kirito in private when she sees him again about hardship and having a horrible life.
Miya nods to Rai and rides up next to Lee and Jenna.
While Rai and Udo are talking Miya turns to Lee first.
"I wouldn't bother them right now, just keep next to me and I'll try to help you figure out what's going on while we travel to Sendai."
Then to Jenna, who Miya regards with a little suspicion.
"Since I doubt I can actually keep you from listening to them I'm just going to ask that you keep quiet about anything you hear alright? It's best if it's kept secret. But don't listen to them if you can."
-
Miya nods to Rai and rides up next to Lee and Jenna.
While Rai and Udo are talking Miya turns to Lee first.
"I wouldn't bother them right now, just keep next to me and I'll try to help you figure out what's going on while we travel to Sendai."
Lee nods, "Thanks, to say the very least I am pretty confused. And feel rather out of place. I mean if the shock of k owing I have travled 700+ years into the future wasn't enough, I am caught in a interparty fight about a book of some sort. Eek."
-
Jenna nods to Miya - "Yes, sure, why should I care what they have to say to each other?"
As they walk, Jenna Subtly Mind Reads Miya to see what she is thinking about when she adds - "Why, is it something juicy?"
-
Jenna nods to Miya - "Yes, sure, why should I care what they have to say to each other?"
As they walk, Jenna Subtly Mind Reads Miya to see what she is thinking about when she adds - "Why, is it something juicy?"
Miya looks at Jenna with amusment. "I don't think I would use 'juicy' as the word to describe it and I'm pretty sure Roka would have told you already. Besides, I've heard that vampires can mind-read can't they?" Miya pauses before pulling out the ruby eye and looks at it before asking Jenna a question about it.
"Do you think it would be worth replacing one of my real eyes with this? I don't care much for the 'looks' part but I don't know."
Miya stops for a moment and nods at Lee. "It's a bit complicated, our party has been tense since before we went into the spirit realm and this time-traveling part isn't helping. I just hope they don't kill Kirito over that stupid book."
OOC: Post may be subject to change. Quote at your own risk.
-
"If it doesn't make you blind, then why not?" Jenna says, "and, if you change your mind, magic can fix anything."
-
"I would be able to replace my eye with magic if I decided to take it out some day?" Miya asks with interest.
-
"Well, yes," Jenna answers, "Just have a Priest cast Regenerate and poof! Good as new!"
-
"Well, yes," Jenna answers, "Just have a Priest cast Regenerate and poof! Good as new!"
"Interesting, I might just do it until this is all over then." Miya says as she rotates the ruby eye slowly. "Thank you Jenna... So I must ask, did you drink Roka's blood last night after your... 'event'?" She says with a slight smile on her face as she waits for her response.
-
"I don't drink and tell," Jenna winked back.
-
Twenty minutes later, the Samurai were on the outskirts of Sendai (about a mile and a half from the City Gates) - when Yuki and Roka came flying down the mountain in the Air Elemental.
Yuki had the Book of Secrets (and Kirito the Priest was not with them)...
"So, you killed your friend then?" Jenna asked impassively as the two Samurai landed back on the ground nearby.
-
Twenty minutes later, the Samurai were on the outskirts of Sendai (about a mile and a half from the City Gates) - when Yuki and Roka came flying down the mountain in the Air Elemental.
Yuki had the Book of Secrets (and Kirito the Priest was not with them)...
"So, you killed your friend then?" Jenna asked impassively as the two Samurai landed back on the ground nearby.
"A friend wouldn't have betrayed us..." Yuki replies, obviously a bit saddened by the events.
"Anyway, let's hurry back home. We still don't know how much time has passed after all."
-
"A friend wouldn't have betrayed us..." Yuki replies, obviously a bit saddened by the events.
"Anyway, let's hurry back home. We still don't know how much time has passed after all."
"Yuki may I talk to you alone for a minute."
-
"Yuki may I talk to you alone for a minute."
"Hm? Sure Rai."
-
"Hm? Sure Rai."
He walks away from the group and says, "Now that you know about my identity. I need to ask you to keep it quiet."
-
He walks away from the group and says, "Now that you know about my identity. I need to ask you to keep it quiet."
"Of course." Yuki replies, confused as to why Rai would request such an obvious thing.
-
Twenty minutes later, the Samurai were on the outskirts of Sendai (about a mile and a half from the City Gates) - when Yuki and Roka came flying down the mountain in the Air Elemental.
Yuki had the Book of Secrets (and Kirito the Priest was not with them)...
"So, you killed your friend then?" Jenna asked impassively as the two Samurai landed back on the ground nearby.
"He died protecting the book. That will be how it was known." Roka says, impassively
-
"Of course." Yuki replies, confused as to why Rai would request such an obvious thing.
"Thanks there are a lot of people who would try to kill me if they found out."
-
"You... You guys killed Kirito?" Udo asks, a rather uneasy complexion. As weird as he was, he was (kinda sorta supposed to be) respected Shinto Priest, it just... Seemed off.
-
"Thanks there are a lot of people who would try to kill me if they found out."
"I suppose there are, hehe." Yuki replies. She then dismisses the air elemental, now that he is no longer needed.
-
"You... You guys killed Kirito?" Udo asks, a rather uneasy complexion. As weird as he was, he was (kinda sorta supposed to be) respected Shinto Priest, it just... Seemed off.
"It was necessary." Roka simply says. "Yuki, can you give the hearthstone to Udo? It would be good."
-
Udo nods, "Um, what does it do?" He asks, it escaping him.
-
Yuki nods and hands Udo the hearthstone.
"It helps you escape things... probably."
-
Rai pulls up to Roka and asks, "Why do you dislike me so much?"
-
Yuki nods and hands Udo the hearthstone.
"It helps you escape things... probably."
"Cool, thanks Yuki" He bows slightly before taking it and putting it in a pocket. He looks over to Roka, wondering what he'll answer (or whether he actually hates Rai at all).
-
Rai pulls up to Roka and asks, "Why do you dislike me so much?"
Roka looks at Rai.
"I don't hate you as a samurai, Rai. I hate how you would be." Roka simply states, riding ahead.
-
As the Samurai came to the wall of their beloved city, they saw that the Gates of Sendai still stood and looked the same as when they had left – however long ago that was...
As they approached, they could see that it was manned by new Doshin and Samurai Yoriki of the Chief Magistrate.
When those in the way station noticed the Samurai approaching, they cautiously came out to meet them, hands ready on their weapons, but not having drawn them yet – “Hold travelers! Please prepare to present your papers in the name of the Daimyo!”
Showing their slightly dated papers and satisfying the proper protocols, the Samurai were able to inquire as to what day and year it was, explaining simply that they had been occupied in the mountains for some time and had lost track.
“It is the 1st Day of Spring… 1306,” a Yoriki answered with a short bow.
Eight years and eight months.
So they had jumped into the future, but no so far that things would be drastically different (except for the Korean fellow Lee – who was utterly screwed the moment he inadvertently lost his way in the Spirit World).
Everyone else inwardly sighed in relief, except Yuki, who was struck with the realization that her Mother had been watching and caring for Kioko for nearly a decade – nearly ten years of having to answer the question ‘when will my big sister return to take me home to my real mother?’
Did So-Kitsune spirits even age? Yuki’s Mother certainly would have. Yuki could feel the lonely disappointment of years that must have dragged on for the poor little fox girl who had trusted Yuki to return and take her home.
Entering the city and straightaway reporting to the Chief Magistrate, the company found Noburu Saito quite surprised that they were yet alive – as the City of Sendai had thought the Samurai Yoriki of Sendai lost, after they had failed to return from some great quest for the reclusive Master Wu-Jen Yunikawa.
The whole thing was simply astounding.
Since the Samurai had still not returned to Sendai a year after their leaving, new Yoriki and Doshin had been chosen to replace them, taking over the duties of protecting the City in the Daimyo’s name.
And because the word of the Daimyo had not officially changed concerning them in regard to their service to Master Yunikawa, it was decided that the Samurai must first return to Yunikawa, before their position in Sendai could be re-evaluated. Once they had finished their business with Yunikawa, messengers would be sent to Edo to find out what the Daimyo would have them do then.
---
Leaving the Chief Magistrate, everyone returned to their homes. It was a joyous reunion with friends and family – especially for Yuki, with her mother and little Kioko – who had not aged a bit – and was absolutely ecstatic to see Yuki once again, showering her in hugs and kisses and asking her to tell all about the wonderful adventures she must have had.
It seemed that Kioko had no concept of long term; apparently staying in a constant perception of time where she thought it had only been a few weeks since she got lost and ended up staying with Yuki’s Mother.
Yuki’s mother however (and the rest of Sendai for that matter) looked aged. And some had passed on and others had come up in their stead.
Notably, was the passing of Exalted Patriarch Yukio Onishi – the former High Priest of Sendai, Advisor to the Daimyo, Exalted Patriarch of the Temple of Five Gods in Sendai, and Highest Ranking member of Sendai’s Spiritual Community for most of his life.
He was replaced by Exalted Patriarch Yasuo Sanjo – now High Priest of Sendai, Advisor to the Daimyo, Exalted Patriarch of Sendai’s Shrine of the Ancestors, and the current Highest Ranking member of Sendai’s Spiritual Community.
Replacing his old position, as Sendai’s Second Highest Ranking member of Sendai’s Spiritual Community, is High-Priest Midori Onishi – High-Priest of Sendai’s Temple of The Five Gods.
Lastly, the Samurai are informed, via a package that finds its way to Rai, that the Nezumi Shaman Split-Tooth (the brother of Thorn and Shaman Leader of the Mountain Shadow Nezumi Clan) has also passed away in their absence.
Rai also discovers a magic chain and sickle in the package – a parting gift from Split Tooth to help restore him to the throne of Nippon.
---
And so, the Samurai of Sendai would rest for a day or so and then head out to Master Yunikawa’s place. They still had the Book of Secrets to deliver (after Yuki had a chance to get it to the Sendai Order of Arcanum for copying) and a special little foxgirl who needed help finding her way home…
---
END
-
EPILOG
A Strange Messenger
Early on the morning following the Samurais' return to Sendai, Yuki Shirahata sat at breakfast in the front room of her mother’s family manor with little Kioko. As she sipped hot tea and considered what lie ahead for herself and the other time-displaced Samurai, a light rapping sound came to the door.
Seeing to the door, Yuki opened it to find no one there. Had she not just returned from a harrowing journey into the Spirit world, she might have dismissed the sound as a mischievous boy playing a prank – but activating her Sorcerer’s Sight, a small spirit came into view.
The spirit appeared as a small calligraphy brush standing upright near Yuki’s foot. Upon realizing that Yuki could see it, the spirit bowed and moved into the home, leaving a line of black ink on the ground behind it as it went along.
Kioko meanwhile, came along to see who was at the door and burst out laughing – “Oh my goodness! It’s making a mess all over the floor! Hee hee!”
Ignoring Kioko and drawing itself to a table, the calligraphy spirit flipped itself up and bowed again, before standing still.
“It wants a paper,” Kioko pointed out; and sure enough, the table it had hopped onto was indeed a writing desk.
Placing a large piece of parchment before the spirit, Yuki and Kioko watched as it hopped suddenly onto the paper and began scribing a message:
“Yuki-san, I am very glad to see that you and your fellow Samurai have made it back into the physical world and trust you have successfully recovered the Book of Secrets.”
“I am not currently at my mountain home, but will be arriving personally in Sendai one week hence. Wait for me there and alert the others of my impending arrival.”
“Uncle Yunikawa.”
Upon finishing the letter, the calligraphy spirit bowed once more and vanished back into the Spirit world.