Among her clan in the Poisoned Water, Shiori felt for the first time in that day happy and relieved. At the door she put her arm around her brother's shoulder and whispered.
"Takumi-kun, enjoy the pleasures that a night among family and friends provides us, but always remember that we are not in the crab and even if you have already completed your gempukku and the crab usually doesn't care for political maneuvers, by winning the championship we could impress the emperor in providing us with more resources to fortify our defenses, so drink not more than you can."
Saying this, she releases her brother in the arms of fellow friends and soon follows Takumi, seeking to also enjoy the night.
about various events within the Empire as a whole. All it takes is an active ear and a willingness to socialize.
You also manage to learn about some of Bayushi Shichiro's competition. Although there is a light Dragon presence at the Topaz Championship, their contestant is highly touted. Although he is the youngest and smallest participant, Mirumoto Ukira is widely considered a prodigy with the arts of kenjutsu and iaijutsu. His undeniable talent is refreshing for the Dragon, who suffered many losses during the War Against the Shadow.
You also learn that the Phoenix contestant, Isawa Ume, is an ishiken, an unusual quality for a Topaz contestant. The Empress, as Oracle of the Void, is her personal hero and she possesses an usual fear of horses. Rumors are that she suffered some sort of riding related injury during her training.
"Blast! You win again, Ayano," Heizo exclaims with great irritation. He slams down the dice cup with a small thud as the other Mantis surrounding him jeer good-naturally.
"It's travel fatigue, that's what it is," he grumbles. "I'm going to walk around and clear my head for awhile."
The courtier stands up and begins to wander around the establishment. Along the way, he decides to make the best use of his time by striking up conversations with the surrounding samurai, attempting to extract any interesting rumors from them that he can about the upcoming events.
He also seeks out rumors concerning the current state of the Empire while he's at it.
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To others, Shichiro's voice might be described as soothing to the ears. But to Takeya, it was as if metal was being scraped against metal. The young Samurai brought Takeya's blood to a boil, but he remains calm.
The impudence of this young man. One task, we gave him a ONE task and he has deviated from it this quickly? This is not the challenge of the Red Crane dojo, it was simple. And I got him out of my sight for a little while.
His eyes dart to the young Scorpion before softening.
"Shichiro, I thought you were speaking with the Unicorn or have they not arrived yet? Please, bring them over when you get a chance. It would be absolutely delightful to be able to meet them."
He waves his hand and motions for Shichiro to continue his task.
"My apologies for the interruption Suana-san and Sachiko-kun. Although I h ave never been in this town before, I guess I am looking for a friendly face to speak with and share stories with. Miyuki-san and I go way back, and she's off mingling with the others. I always look towards tomorrow while remembering the teachings of my ancestors, is that how you feel Sachiko-kun? I hope your ancestors do watch over you in the coming days."
Despite not being good with words, Shiori tried her best to at least hear some rumors about the contestants and even about the Empire.
Kitao will drink in peace, while paying attention like the old fox he is to what other are speaking.
keep 2 - 17
Contestants Information total 21
(Should have called a raise lol)
keep 2 - 15 +1 Rumor
Empire gossip total 15
Miyuki introduces herself to Mirumoto Ukira
Ah Ukira-san, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, your reputation precedes you! I am Shosuro Miyumi, and I would be delighted to take tea with you.
Sitting down next to the young samurai, Miyuki serves tea, confident in the knowledge that to refuse her suggestion would be akin to insulting her. She takes a sip of the tea and smiles at the Dragon.
So tell me Ukira-san, have you any thoughts to the mystery test on the third day? I have spoken with everyone I have met tonight and have yet to ascertain who might even be judging it, let alone what it might be! I think we should share our ideas, what do you think Ukira-san!?
Moving around and listening the crane samurai keeps an eye on his charge, taking care that he is in peak condition on the morrow.
-What do you want, Scorpion? Kind words are never for free...
-Of course, Takeya-san. Our ancestors always watch over us. That is, those of us who know who their ancestors are.
Suana looks at Sachiko, then back again at Takeya. He gestures as if to show him the way to an empty table.
-It will be an honour to listen to one of your stories. Sachiko- says Suana turning his head slightly to her -always loves when a good story is told. Are you staying with us for a while, Sachiko, or are you retiring to focus on tomorrow?-. Suana waves his hand at one of the maids, silently asking for some tea. -I'm sure your pupil is now doing exactly that, am I right? He seems a very virtuous young one, with a glorious future in front of him.
Suana graciously serves some tea in a small cup, which he offers Takeya with a kind smile.
Takeya accepts the offer. Before enjoying he removes his mask and hat, and places the mask inside of the hat. Revealing his beautiful face with angular features. The man closes his eyes before smelling the tea and then taking a small sip, savoring the flavor.
"Mmm, sadou, correct? I'd say from the Wall Above the Ocean. An excellent tea that can be enjoyed by all."
He enjoys the tea a bit more before remembering the question about Shichiro-kun.
"Oh, my pupil, you must mean Shichiro-kun. I've never met the young man before today. He is... acceptable as a competitor. I was expecting someone else to be here, but the previous contender fell ill so Shichiro-kun graciously filled in. But you did ask for a story, so I will tell one, and then perhaps you can exchange one with me."
Takeya tells a short tale of when he was younger. His younger brother, Ren, was attacked by a stray dog that Takeya was able to put down in order to save his younger brother. Finishing his story, and cup of tea, he sets the cup down and draws a pillow book from his obi.
"As you said to Sachiko-kun, she must be ready to retire for the evening. Then perhaps, as my humble gift for meeting the both of you, and sharing a tale of my past, I offer this book to the young lady. It is a personal favorite of mine, bookmarked to my favorite story. You may find the lessons in here valuable in the upcoming days."
He waits with the book for Sachiko-kun's response.
------
If losing the chance to be whisked away by a handsome young man disappoints Sachiko, she does not let it show on her face. "My ancestors have watched over me, Bayushi-san. In my case, it was literal. My sensei, Akodo Shibata-sama, returned through Oblivion's Gate. I could not have asked for a finer teacher."
"I think I will stay, Suana-sama. If I am not prepared for tomorrow by now, I shouldn't be here."
When you are seated and enjoying tea, Sachiko politely declines the book. "I could not accept this, Bayushi-san. I have nothing to offer in return."
After she replies, a unique pair of samurai stroll into the inn's common room. The first is a Crane in his early-forties surrounded by the soft glow of a returned spirit. His severe topknot is dyed pure white and he carries himself with the assurance of a battle-forged warrior. The other is a Lion, almost as tall as the Crane, but more slim, with a loose mane of golden hair and shocking red eyes.
The Crane makes his way towards his Clan's contestant, Doji Arata, and the Lion walks over to where Kitsune Kitao sits.
[ooc]Suana, you recognize the Lion as Kitsu Shisou, a respected sodan-senzo.
The Crane's identity is obvious. He is Doji Meihu, a general killed in a long ago battle against the Crab in the early 4th century. In death, he served as one of Yomi’s generals, a leader of the Blessed Guard that protects Heaven itself from assaults on it from Jigoku or Toshigoku. His rank, in life and the afterlife, affords him great respect in your clan, although current leadership is unsure what to do with him, as he holds a deep enmity for the Crab Clan.
Meihu makes his way toward Arata, and the Lion walks over to where Kitsune Kitao sits.
The Crane makes his way towards his Clan's contestant and the Lion approaches you. As he gets closer, the mon of the Kitsu is visible on his kimono. "Forgive my intrusion, Kitsune-san, but do you represent the contestant Kohuri?" His eyes are the color of dying embers.
The young samurai is polite, but intense. "Thank you for the tea, Shosuro-san. If I may be frank, I have not given any thought to this mystery test. Worrying is not becoming of a samurai."
”Pardon my boldness, Yoritomo-san, but are you the ward of Yoritomo Ayano?” the Lion asks. His kimono bears the mon of the Kitsu and his eyes are the color of dying embers.
”Pardon my boldness, Hida-san, but are you the ward of Hida Takumi?” the Lion asks. His kimono bears the mon of the Kitsu and his eyes are the color of dying embers. The Crane remains silent, projecting an icy demeanor.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind... Even in victory we never seem to get the chance to relax. Between the Crane and the Lion, the Phoenix and the Scorpion, we're going to have our hands full both in commerce and in war. And then there's the new wrinkle of the spirits...
Temporarily lost in thought over the information that he managed to gather, Heizo nearly lets his pipe slip from his fingers when the two samurai approach him, but catches himself well before he can be seen to do so.
"I am he," he tells them, bowing as protocol dictates and then regarding them from beneath the brim of his hat. "May I be so bold as to inquire whom is asking?"
He sizes up the Kitsu, but avoids staring at the Crane. He'd been among returned spirits before, as they had become unavoidable in the Empire these days and the courts in particular, but Heizo couldn't help but feel uneasy in their presence, even among those Mantis who came back. These were beings that had passed on and returned; their very existence was an indication that the Celestial Order had been altered. The very thought left him feeling slightly out of his depth, a grave handicap in the cutthroat world of political intrigue.
Tanawe will move forward to the crane spirit and bow deeply. "Honorable Doji Meihu-sama, I hope you will give your descendants some words of wisdom! He would be... honored to hear them from you!"
Kitao stands up and gives a small bow "Kitsu-san, I'm honored by your presence," pointing with his arm to an empty chair in his table "Yes, I helped train Kohuri and represent him when needed Kitsu-san. Care for some tea?"
"I, on the other hand," Shisou pauses to blow on his tea. "Am much more interested in their mentors. As sensei of the Kitsu Tombs, I appreciate the role that samurai like you have in a pupil's life. I offer my congratulations on this undertaking. It is, in its own way, a reflection in our living word of the guidance we receive from our ancestors – almost a holy act,” he explains solemnly. “It deserves appropriate respect."
"Oh no, I insist Sachicko-kun. This is my humble gift to someone who is about to compete"
Takeya continues to push the gift towards the young Lion, but he does take note of the new guests in the Tea House.
[
k2 Untrained - Fail
"I believe ancestors are a guiding hand for future generations, but Shisou-san I doubt I'm unworthy of such comparison, I might have gave him the foundations upon which he will understand bushido and hope to one day be worthy to serve the Emperor. This is only a duty a humble servant has undertaken" drinking some of his tea and a pleased expression crosses his face "Perhaps you could become a scholar that sets the history of not only the contestants, but the struggle of those in charge of them Shisou-san." looking around the room "Shisou-san, as a sensei you must understand how hard it can be to see your student struggle and thrive. For all of Kohuri-san failure are reflected on upon me. Oddly enough in his position he will surprise many" A boast, but not far from the truth, wavemen are often underestimated
Heizo quickly considers this. He wonders if Meihu has an angle besides altruism in wanting to speak with Ayano, and Shisou really only present as a friend, or is there something he wants? Aren't the Lion and the Crane supposed to be gearing for war against one another?
On the other hand, he and Ayano are representing the Mantis, and the Clan currently is enjoying good...well, 'good' might be too strong a word, but 'profitable' relations with the Crane. It might not be wise to refuse such a seemingly innocent request from one of their returned samurai, and a former Topaz Champion at that.
"I see no reason to deny such a request," Heizo tells the pair. "Certainly she could only benefit from the wisdom of your experience. Please permit me to introduce you to her."
If they consent, he will politely motion for the both of them to follow him through the crowd back to the dice table where he had left the young contestant.
"Tell me, Doji-sama" he says conversationally to Meihu, "have you spoken to the other participants as well? It would be a pity to deny the other contestants the benefit of your insight."
Bowing slightly Tanawe leads the spirit to his protegee.
"As Shintao said, to learn from the experience of someone else is the wisest form of learning."
Miyuki leans in to Ukira
Dragon-san, your worthiness is almost overwhelming, I feel honored simply being at the same table as such an august representative of samurai virtue!
she fans herself repeatedly. As the two older samurai enter she whispers
It would seem some of the contestants have attracted the attentions of elders of their clans, I know you wouldn't worry Ukira-san, so I will be your friend, and shall be concerned in your stead.
she bows politely and takes tiny steps back from the table, hopefully leaving Ukira with things on his mind. Slowly making her way to her clan mate's table, she bows politely and takes a turn pouring tea for the assembled Lion and Scorpion.
Shiori gets up and bows slightly to the two samurai.
"I'm indeed Takumi-kun's ward... in what may I be of any help to you, for such question being asked?" She bows once more before adding another question. "Also, I would like to know your honored names, if you deem it appropriate."
Noticing Miyuki, Takeya attempts to give the young Lion the pillow book once more imploring the youth to take it.
"Sachiko-kun, I implore you to take this beloved pillow book of mine. It was in fact a gift at my own gempukku, and I wish to pass it on to someone who will understand the value of such a belonging. It was originally planned to be given to my younger brother who is unfortunately not here. I swore an oath to the Samurai who gave me this book, that I would give this book to someone for their gempukku, and I see no better recipient than you young lady. I would also make the request that upon reading the stories within pass it on to another."
Upon closer inspection the book has been read thoroughly, the binding possesses 8 ridges, two have been stamped with the Mons of the previous owners. One a Scorpion, the other a Unicorn.
"Ah, Miyuki-san, a pleasure as always. I am in the midst of passing on a personal treasure. How has your evening been so far?"
Takeya-san, my pleasure is doubled in sharing your company once again!
She tilts her head in an exaggerated manner to cast her eyes over the pillow book.
Ah, I appreciate your generosity, the stories are sure to inspire another generation of samurai. Perhaps they may even hold the key to unlocking more of your potential Sachiko-kun!
Her fan snaps open
Surely the Lion are not so uncouth as to risk offending another clan at this, the first Topaz Championship in a decade! That really would be the talk of the courts...
She flutters her fan and smiles.
Suana permits himself a quick gesture of disgust at the improper use of the apelative "kun".
-Sachiko-kun can be sometimes extremely polite. She knows breaching etiquette in a situation like this would be a disaster and, of course, she is surely well aware that a gift like that is given from the heart, a show of appreciation from an experienced warrior who remembers the days when he was young.- Turns his head to Sachiko. -You don't need to fear any threats, Sachiko, no one would dare threat a single contestant or an entire clan here,- throws a quick side-look to Miyuki -we're all aware of that.
Suana pauses for a pair of seconds and positions himself sideways between Takeya and Sachiko, as would a judge to a wrestling match, clearly implying that this is a matter between them both.
-That said, I don't think one can be polite in excess, don't you think, Miyuki-san?
Sachiko accepts the book after denying it the honorable amount of times. "I will read it as soon as I am able, Bayushi-san."
After Miyuki returns, the table is approached by the pair of samurai from before. The Crane spirit bows. "Good evening, samurai-sans. My name is Doji Meihu and this," he gestures to the Lion, who bows in turn, "Is Kitsu Shisou. I was once the Topaz Champion, and although that title is centuries behind me, I believe that I share a connection with tomorrow's contestants. I had hoped to speak with Shichiro-kun and Sachiko-kun before tomorrow's events."
Once the introduction has been made to Ayano, Meihu pulls her aside and speaks to her. While this is happening, the Kitsu strikes up a conversation. ”As a mentor, I understand your concern with any potential interference with Ayano-kun. Allow me to assuage your worry. Meihu-sama is a fascinating and honorable man. He served as one of Yomi’s generals, a leader of the Blessed Guard that protects the very gates of heaven.”
For a moment, the crowd in the sake den quiets and you can hear Meihu speaking to Ayano. ”It seems as though they always ask about the Fox Clan mon during the heraldry contest, so watch that!
”I would like to congratulate you, by the way,” Kitsu Shisou continues. ”As a sensei at the Kitsu Tombs, I appreciate more than most the role you take in a student’s life. Thank you for undertaking the responsibility.”
”That will not be necessary, Shisou-san.” Meihu interjects. The Crane spirit turns to Takumi. ”May honor guide your path.” With that, Meihu walks away, towards the Unicorn contestant.
”Ah, yes, well...” Shisou seems surprised by his companion’s behavior, but recovers before addressing you. ”Please allow me to congratulate you, Hida-san. As a sensei at the Kitsu Tombs, I appreciate more than most the role you take in a student’s life. Thank you for undertaking the responsibility.”
For a moment, the crowd in the sake den quiets and you can hear Meihu speaking to Ayano. ”It seems as though they always ask about the Fox Clan mon during the heraldry contest, so watch that!
Takeya relinquishes the book to the young Lion, his eyes shift towards Miyuki and Suana.
"Be sure that you do Sachiko-kun, Winter is perhaps one of the most comprehensive pieces of literature on politics."
With the visitors approaching the table, he motions quickly for Sachiko to stand as he stands up and gives a short bow. He would not like the young Lion to falter in her etiquette after their little dance.
Meihu? That's a name I have not heard since my days at the dojo. I must inquire about the dealings of spirits and returned spirits with Miyuki-san later.
"Meihu-san, Shisou-san, a pleasure to meet such esteemed individuals. I believe Shichiro-kun is with the Unicorn, but would be glad to speak with you."
Miyuki's eyes widen as Suana speaks
Why do the Lion speak of threats when none are apparent?
she fans herself hurriedly in worry
Surely the wise Akodo-san has not mistaken my guidance as ill intent? My goodness, I would never have thought it of the Lion, to strike at serpents where none exist... that in itself could be considered a most grievous insult...
she stares cooly at Suana for just a fraction of a moment, before her fan snaps again and her words continue
How fortunate it is then that we are simply discussing the very virtues of Bushido itself, in fact I do agree wholeheartedly with the honorable Akodo-san, Courtesy is a virtue of which there can be no surplus. Indeed the only tenet that surpasses it is Duty, after all the other tenets of Bushido would be meaningless without it...
Her fan flutters once more, but she stops speaking as the older samurai loom over the table
Doji-sama, Kitsu-sama Miyuki bows deeply You honour us with your presence at our table.
She then politely remains silent as Takeya answers the questions of the higher ranking samurai.
If I may add to the answer of my clanmate, I believe that the Unicorn contestant is at the Poisoned Water Sake House... where the Mantis and Crab contestants are also present.
-Oh, Miyuki-san, I'm glad that you understand how important Duty is in the life of a samurai. I guess you understand also how being constantly in guard of possible threats is a samurai's Duty. There might be no threats around in a particular moment, but one should know how to recognise signs, and that's what I'm trying to teach Sachiko-kun. I'm sorry that you felt so deeply offended, I was clearly pointing that to none of us four in particular, wasn't I?
Suana looks at Sachiko for a second, then turns to Meihu.
-If Sachiko-kun is willing, I will leave you to speak in peace, and take a stroll around the town for a while. Anyway, Sachiko-kun, try to catch some sleep at a decent time, will you? I'm sure none of us wants you to have a bad performance tomorrow due to lack of sleep.
Suana bows to everyone and exits the tavern.
A bit confused by the Crane returned spirit reaction, Shiori remains silent, even if the Lion brings her out of her torpor.
"You honor me Shisou-san, even if the role I take in a student's life is for sure different from what is expected from a sensei. I'm Takumi-kun's ward but also his elder sister, not his sensei." She then gestures towards his brother nose. "Even so, he indeed learnt a couple lessons." she laughed.
She then gets up, showing no signs of any dizziness, an unexpected fact in face of the many finished drinks in front of her.
"If allowed, it would be an honor to me to join you and Meihu-sama while you talk to the Unicorn contestant."
Heizo allows himself to be seen to smile.
"You credit me with more than I deserve, Kitsu-sama, although I confess that I do not object to hearing it. I am only doing what any sanmurai entrusted by his lord would do. I am confident that Ayano will be more than up to her task with or without me, despite her youth.
He takes a drag off of his kiseru, letting the smoke curl towards the ceiling.
"Forgive me for my curiosity, as I have no doubt that someone like Meihu, with such an illustrious past, would be worthy of anything but your most highest esteem. But I must admit that rumors have circulated that relations between the Lion and Crane have been strained as of late; have I been misinformed? There seems no points of contension between the two of you."
Miyuki laughs then, a quiet and impeccably polite expression of amusement.
My dear Suana-san, I was not offended! I'm amused you think so though
She bats her eyelashes slowly at the Lion.
Whilst I could go on debating the nature of Bushido with you all night... perhaps we should focus our energies on our charges for now?
With that she snaps her fan shut, and with the tiniest of bows moves over to stand closer to Takeya.
"Allow me to thank the two of you in your mentorship. As a sensei of the Kitsu Tombs, I know full well the role a teacher can take in a student's life. I congratulate you on undertaking the responsibility. It is, in its own way, a reflection of our living word of the guidance we receive from our ancestors - almost a holy act. It deserves appropriate respect." The Lion shugenja bows before following the Doji out the door.
-------
Though the partying continues late into the evening, eventually most of the revelers retreat to their beds, so that by shortly before midnight, only the lights and noise of coming from within the Poisoned Water Sake House break the night’s hush that descends over the town.
The gates close behind the riders immediately. None of the guardsmen that rode past you were any that you recognized. You notice Hida Shiori standing a short distance away, also witness to the outburst. Her nearly unconscious brother, the Crab contestant, is using her to support him back to the inn.
A short distance away, you notice that Akodo Suana was also witness to the bizarre outburst.
Shisou-sama, you do us great honour with your words, thank you for your kindness
Miyuki bows and watches the others leave, before retiring and moving to the suite her clan has reserved for her, Takeya and Shichiro to use during the tournament.
Once the doors are shut, Miyuki's demeanour quietens and her voice becomes softer.
She leaves Shichiro kneeling whilst she makes tea, then places the tray between the three Scorpions and serves the two Bayushi first. As she calmly sips her tea, she nods to the young samurai.
How many Crab were present at the Poisoned Water Sake House? How many bottles of sake did Moto Katsu consume? What did you learn from your evening Shichiro-san?
She waits patiently for his answers, her ever present fan now set aside, unneeded.
Takeya bows while the Crane leaves.
"Thank you for your kind words Shishou-sama. My parents were my sensei, and I have much to learn still. Enjoy your evening."
Once the Crane leaves, Takeya finishes his tea before grabbing his belongings and heading up to the Scorpion suite.
Takeya had been looking forward to the game of Go that Miyuki had offered. He was taking his time with his moves thinking carefully about the evening. His mask and hat lay at his side while he played.
"Miyuki-san, most surely you knew about the few returned spirits with the Emperor, but so many of the Seppun are still here. I understand that with the new dynasty many were unsure of their place. You know much more about the spirits than I, what is your take on this?"
A little while later when Shichiro returns he looks at the young man and smiles.
"Ah, Miyuki-san, you stole the words right from my mouth. While you regale us with the events of tonight, would you like to advise us on our current game? Take your time Shichiro-kun, and when we finish we rest. This exercise was taught to me by my sensei, we must be able to pay attention to multiple things at once."
"And I know a Crane's Nest tesuji will not work there," he mentions with a smirk, pointing at the go board.
The following morning, you and your charges travel to the grounds of the Kakita Academy, where the tournament itself is to take place. Most of the events are scheduled to occur in one of two places: the large practice field to the south of the main dojo, currently surrounded by temporary seating for hundreds of onlookers, and the main hall of the Academy itself, a slightly more intimate setting where only select guests and visitors will be watching. The practice field will hold the martial contests, including the sumai, weapons, horse riding, and athletics tests, while the more “courtly” events, such as the courtier competition, the law debate, and so on, will occur in the Academy’s main hall.
The opening ceremony, however, occurs outside, where a large dais has been erected at one end of the practice field. The Emperor, Empress Kaede, Kakita Kaiten, Miya Yumi, and Toku have seated themselves under the shade of a large silk canopy to await the official beginning of the tournament, as all around them peasants and samurai alike file into their seats. A squad of Seppun miharu surrounds the Imperial dais, keeping the bustling crowd from getting too close to the Son of Heaven and his guests. In the center of the practice field, in varying states of ease, the nine contestants for
this year’s tournament have lined up to face the dais and wait for the first event.
The attention of many in the crowd is drawn to Kakita Kaiten, daimyo of the Kakita family, who is sitting at Toturi’s right hand. He wears a bright emerald sash, marked by the golden Imperial chrysanthemum, and despite his presence immediately next to the Emperor, a katana rests on his hip. The position he occupies would normally be taken by the Emerald Champion, Kakita Toshiken; though some PCs might already be aware that Toshiken has left, most in the crowd are whispering in surprise as they realize Kaiten is apparently acting in his cousin’s stead as the Emperor’s bodyguard and champion.
At some unseen signal, Miya Yumi rises from her place on the Imperial dais, striding forward to address the crowd. In a shout that somehow cuts through all the noise around her, she cries, “People of Rokugan! Let all fall silent and attend the words of His Imperial Majesty, the Son of Heaven and Master of the Chrysanthemum, Toturi, First of that Name!” She smiles in approval at the sudden and reverent hush that falls over the crowd.
Toturi nods at her as he rises from his seat and steps up to the dais’ edge. On one side, Kakita Kaiten trails a step behind, watchful and alert; on the other, Kaede stands next to her husband, smiling warmly at the viewing stands. “My people!” Toturi begins, raising his fan once more. “This day is one of new beginnings! Just as these young samurai are about to begin their lives as adults, so too is Rokugan lifting its eyes toward a new era of peace! We have rebuilt much in the months and years since the Lying Darkness fell, and now at last we begin to reap the rewards of this great effort! As we look –”
Abruptly, the Emperor’s speech is interrupted by several shouts from the crowd. At the far end of the gathering, a mud-spattered horseman is trying to force his way through the throng, weapon drawn and armor battered from use. The Seppun miharu around the Emperor draw together, readying themselves against this apparent threat. With a shout, the horseman raises his katana and levels it at the Emperor.
The movement is subtle, and so careless as to seem unimportant at first: one of the Seppun guards, surrounded by the soft glow of a returned spirit, shifts slightly closer to Toturi and Kaiten on the dais to be within arm’s reach. He strikes the Crane lord in the chest with one hand while the other snatches the katana at Kaiten’s hip from its saya. Kaiten lets out a strangled cry as he falls, and
Toturi spins towards them, the fragile silk fan lifting automatically as the guardsman strikes with the stolen blade; the fan is sliced nearly in half, but the splintering wood has just strength enough to shift the katana clear of the Emperor’s body.
Instead, blood sprays over Kaede and her nearby guards as the blade slices through her throat.
A dozen swords bury themselves in the body of the Seppun assassin, and he dies without a sound - but even as he falls, there is a rush of wind and light around the dais, a swirling roar that rapidly engulfs the viewing stands and spreads over the crowd. Those at the edges begin to scream and run, while those closer are swept up in the maelstrom, their voices lost in the cacophony. At the heart of the storm, in the lone space of calm, Kaede’s lips move soundlessly for a moment before she slumps to the ground, her eyes staring and empty, her blood-covered hands resting over her womb.
The wind and noise sweeps over you, a howling fury filled with dizzying lights and shouting voices, and everything goes black.
Keeping his katana sheathed to use it as a bokken Tanawe runs toward the emporer but not to close to be seen as a threat, just to turn around and stand between his bodyguards and the horseman.
"Crane! Protect the emperor! With our lives!"
Miyuki nods, and smiles at the young samurai
Good, you do your clan proud Shichiro-san.
She finishes her tea and turns her attention back to the Go board.
With four more moves, Miyuki has claimed the majority of the territory.
Crane's Nest tesuji would indeed have been a dead-end, however it is easily mistaken for Lion's Paw in shadow...
She smiles at the Bayushi.
I believe it is time for bed, I bid you both good night
Total 20
[ooc] Really dice? Oh well[/dice]
Takeya moves in front of Miyuki as the crowd begins to run. Utilizing his martial arts training he keeps the crowd from trampling the woman before everything turns black.
Kitao smiles and with a gentle movement he wakes Kohuri and sends him to his bed but not before saying something as he cleans the desk "I'm proud of you win or not, just the fact that your name will be mentioned in the history of the championship is a plenty and for many that would suffice" turning to look at him with a smirk Yet what you do after here is what will truly mark you as someone important and worthy of have been here, fighting against the best the Great Clans have to offer this generation"
Suana whispers to Sachiko's ears.
-Now is time to prove your worth. Act like a Lion.
You awake find yourselves in a large room, with wooden floors covered by woven tatami mats, and various quotes from the Tao and ancient, revered sensei lining the walls. The space is broken up by white-paper shoji screens, and a set of sliding doors in the far wall seems to lead outside. It looks like nothing so much as a well-kept dojo, but everything feels oddly unreal, and the kanji on the various plaques around the room seem to shift and change when you are not looking at
them.
Of your students, the Emperor, or any of the samurai from moments ago, there is no sign.
"By Bishamon... what happened to us? Wait the empress... the emperor.." With a quick move Tanawe stands up and looks around.
Miyuki finds herself standing by a wall plaque, the kanji for Chugo seeming like it surrounds her as she quickly assesses the room, and its occupants.
Her voice speaks clearly and concisely, all trace of the playful courtier appear to have vanished, though your eyes are still drawn to the fan now resting in her obi.
Calm your minds, remember your training. Whatever has happened, wherever we are, you are among samurai, among your peers. We will do our ancestors proud, no matter what happens next
Shiori recognized Kakita Toshiken as the mud covered samurai. Why is he alone if he left with four other Seppun and why is he pointing his sword to the Emperor? No... it is not like that... he is pointing it to the Seppun guard behind him...
Shiori stormed forward, drawing her tetsubo in the process while yelling. "Behind you, Kaiten-sama! And then everything went black.
Where am I... Takumi-kun... the Emperor... the Empress...
Shiori stood up and drew her tetsubo once more, flashes from her more recent memory appearing.
"Where we are?"