The fury seems mollified. She stands down and regards Imuri. "[b]Very well then, mortal; send for your artist and I will describe the item to them. She backs off a few feet and leans over to whisper a brief conversation with the tiefling, whose eyes never leave Kyras as the big Warbanian walks over to speak with Imuri.
@Chu:
@Daisuke: After a quick check, you are quite certain that nothing has been removed from your person. Standing and moving to a better vantage, you take stock of things; some kind of stand-off in the main room appears to have just been resolved, with Kyras walking over to Shoto Imuri, and the Erinyes stepping back by her tiefling companion. The queen is nowhere to be seen.
Imuri intercepts the Warbanian with a prepared bow. It pleases me to see you again, Kyras-san. There are things we should discuss. Before that time, though, there is someone you and I should interview quickly. Will you come this way?
The Spider samurai does not wait for an answer, gesturing with his broad silk sleeves toward the art displays and smiling his invitation. He walks in measured steps toward a specific servant standing near one piece of art.
Daisuke dismisses the servant with a wave of his hand, passing into the main hall in search of Azami.
He looks over the chastened watch captain, the suppressed rage of the devil, and the stares of the gathered crowd, and, upon seeing Azami, approaches her.
"What in the nine hells is going on out here?"
Maintaining a watch on Imuri and Kyras, Azami spares a glance to scan Daisuke --given that but a few minutes ago, he was knocked out.
"You're conscious. There apparently was a theft of something belonging to the yokai, which triggered a number of hot tempers." Her grey eyes flicker over to the erinyes and tiefling before returning to Imuri and Kyras. "What happened to you and the servant?" The last time she saw Daisuke in a fight was at the hideout with Vu, and he seemed more than capable. If someone successfully attacked him, then they might have other problems in the palace that she to which she needed to alert the guard.
"I was attacked. I saw nothing," he says, a very slight hint of agitation in his voice, "One who could take me unaware, and silently, would likely have the skill to steal from such a creature as that... but there is another possibility..."
He turns away from the Erinyes and lowers his voice and leans in, such that only Azami can hear, "One of my contacts provided me with new information. Someone may have been trying to prevent me from sharing it. You recall the location I spoke of earlier? It is imperative that we be there by sundown tomorrow, or what answers it holds will be lost to us."
Approaching the Gardens:
"Very few get to see these gardens. The gardener is a true artist. He is blessed to be in the Emperor's employ or I would ensure his art live on in our modest temple. Every visit I make here, he has coaxed more beauty from the surroundings than I would have thought possible."
"But why the interest in new art? The empire has been creating art for a very long time. In fact, a piece I have on display in the garden is a dragon form from before there were written records. And of course, we have art from any age since then."
Kyras walks alongside Shoto Imuri, following him to the art display. He looks around in both directions before asking the question that has been burning in his mind for quite some time. He grits his teeth to whisper, but gets it out quietly but firmly. "Where is my sister? Vu told us that you have her."
His story sounds plausible enough; indeed, she could even imagine the theft being faked in order to draw away from the attack on Daisuke, a ploy. But where would the attacker disappeared to, and why would the victim just be left there to be found? Could it have been Wong Tsai? And the intervention of the gods...again...what does that mean?
Remembering the spider gives her the faint prickle of memory-- of Mamban, of parts of the city she was never to enter.
When Daisuke lowers his voice with his theory and new information, Azami's gaze finally leaves Kyras and Imuri, turning to fully regard the servant of the Hoshi. The ronin is yet another in a long line of persuasive voices that has insisted that the Dragonborn should go somewhere, do something. Clan Hoshi are revered, known for their peaceful nature, but no House is above political intrigue to Azami's mind. What is so important about this dig - is it yet another trap for Kyras?
And yet, even the traps have led them closer to understanding what needs to be done...
The emperor said we should leave the Empire. I suppose I should learn more of this island to which we are heading. And book passage. Now that it looks like we might survive the evening.
"Finding the girl could also reveal those answers." Her grey eyes focus intently on the ronin, remembering their discussion earlier this evening on trust and honor.
"The Hoshi insist that we must visit the dig site to do so," he replies calmly, "But I cannot force you, and obviously you have surer leads. I will speak no more of it."
Azami's insistence that they avoid direct answers in favor of Imuri's shadowy political maneuvering was becoming problematic. He derived no more enjoyment from politics and feigned diplomacy than did the gaijin, and it was slowing them down, perhaps fatally.
But lamenting his troubles was not Dare Mo's way. He needed a solution, and quickly.
These unpredictable gaijin were proving far more challenging as allies than any devil was as an enemy.
Imuri does not slow his step or drop his On as he responds. The fox spirit Vu is a liar and a known criminal. I know now it was she you spoke of earlier when you said she betrayed your sister and tried to kill you.
The samurai's training causes him to pause in his speech naturally, allowing Kyras to absorb the basis for his next volley.
What could she have possibly said or done to have gained your trust over the things I have done? She was a criminal when you found her. I am not. She attempted to have you killed. I risked my life to find out what a criminal conspiracy wants with you. Even as we speak I am uncovering a conspiracy that may hold the answers to the location of your sister, the interest the Black Dragonflight has in you, and the agents behind a war that may involve all of us.
The spider notes a brief clearing of souls just before he reaches his quarry. He pivots to face Kyras and leans in close, his practiced challenge barely audible. We samurai rely on certainty and sincerity. And we do not brook insults well. Choose this moment whom your allies are, Kyras-san, because you will not find your sister without me. And if you are so easily manipulated by one who tried to kill you this very day, I cannot use you to save her nor anyone else.
Shoto Imuri stands just inside Kyras' comfort-space. His eyes are intense and full of expectation, but his face is hidden by a smile that conveys close friendship to a room full of eavesdroppers and spies.
He is waiting.
[ooc]Bluff for Kyras
She is so very tired after this day, beginning with nightmares and likely ending with them; the usual barrier of stoicism is cracked, allowing a weary note to thread into her firm tone, speaking more than she might typically.
"It has been two days of 'sure leads', Daisuke, many of which have resulted in assault. I would hope you can understand our caution with so many offers of certainty that lead in completely different directions. Your words are not ignored, but we must determine where we stand once this evening's event has concluded, before we can determine what path is best."
A slow exhale."We must find the girl. But perhaps you can tell me more of what we might find in your lead."
He should have perceived earlier that these gaijin would not be swayed by Daisuke, but Daisuke was only a tool, the one he happened to have in hand, and thus the tool that must be made to work.
"I believe we will learn why they have taken her, which will likely prove to be as important as that they took her in the first place. I was told only that it was the surest path to find her. I suspect that I was not told more because, given the circumstances, it would be best that we see for ourselves."
"I apologize for creating animosity. My earlier admonition on trust was not meant to imply we should be enemies, Azami, only that it was prudent, when surrounded by intrigue, to be wary..."
He pauses momentarily to observe Kyras and Imuri.
"Clearly you are concerned for Kyras, and it was wise-- necessary, to come to the palace."
"You and Kyras believe that Imuri has the girl. I'm not so sure, but if that is so then he wishes to use her for political leverage and she is safe in his custody, and a day will not change that. If that is incorrect, then we have no leads but mine, and the why of it becomes increasingly important if we are to discover her."
"I can promise you that I have no fear of spiders, and I will see the girl freed, whatever her current situation."
Kyras hesitates for a moment. Vu is a liar, this much is true, but so is Shoto Imuri. The only difference between them is that Imuri has yet to try to kill him. "Brook insults? You, not three minutes ago, threatened to have me arrested for getting in the way of a potential massacre, then said that my opinion is worthless because I was not so lucky to have been born into some cryptic noble family here in the Empire. You took us to your criminal friends, so don't use Vu's worthlessness to prove your point. No one here tells the truth, but Vu gave me one better: she offered some proof." The lie lingers in the air for a moment. He bolsters it with a steady stare. It wasn't completely untrue; Vu had mentioned Imuri's magical disguise of Kyras himself that they had planned. If they had not met, she would be unable to know such a detail.
Her hand near her weapon squeezes and loosens uncomfortably. "It is my duty to guard Kyras."
His attention to Imuri and Kyras draws her own gaze back to the two men. Perceiving Imuri's posture as challenging Kyras, her eyes narrow, tension setting her jaw.
To Daisuke, she continues to speak low, but her eyes are now focused on the other two. "Vu said --and I know the sound of truth in a person who fears for their life-- that the girl was taken by a man posing as Kyras. Earlier this day, Imuri indicated he intended to pose as Kyras and be kidnapped, to unearth the plot against him. It cannot be merely coincidence." A pause, she presses her lips together to a firm line, willing herself not to intercede with Kyras and Imuri. "Neither spiders on silk nor spiders on ceilings will stop me from fulfilling the Emperor's will," Azami murmurs distractedly; she assumes Daisuke also saw the spider above the Black Dragonflight Queen.
"That is compelling, but is not proof, Azami. Let us assume that Imuri does have the girl. How would you proceed? We cannot simply storm into his home, demand he release the girl, and expect him to comply."
"Knowing why she was taken gives us a clearer picture of the scenario that is playing out before us, and what value he sees in keeping her."
"But your charge is to guard Kyras, mine is to see that he is reunited with his sister. A guard can be other than a protector, and the Court likely has many secrets to be kept from an inquisitive gaijin. Is that not so?"
Shoto Yohuro sat patiently before the low table on the second floor of the Broken Promise dojo. Across from him, his student studied the silver tea service laid out on the table. Yohuro allowed the boy several minutes of silence, his face placid despite increasing annoyance at his supposedly gifted pupil.
The boy finally looked to his instructor with pride in his eyes. I could sip from each cup master, for you haven't actually poisoned any of them. He smiled triumphantly.
Shoto Yohuro reached out with one hand, his bamboo pole flashing against the side of the boy's head. The sharp crack reminded the boy of lightning. The sting reminded him he was an idiot.
There are many forms of assassination, Deogi-san. The sensei used his childhood name to remind the boy his gempukku was still many months away. When a Sera or a gaijin or an oni in disguise poisons your tea, your family will be looking for an heir so long as you remain a fool.
Little Deogi's face stung, the heat still rising and tears brimming in his eyes.
The weakness did not escape Yohuro's notice. So, Deogi-chan, are we going to cry during our lesson today?
The boy did not allow his expression to change. The growing redness below his temple and under his eyes may betray him, but his master's feminine appellation was another test. Sensei was trying to goad him, testing his On as well as his reasoning skills.
Yohuro let the boy struggle for several seconds, pleased that his student was in control of his emotions. When he spoke, it was very softly. Let me repeat. There are three cups before you. All contain tea. Two are poisoned. You may ask no questions. I have told you the middle one is safe, but then I am trying to poison you. I am a Spider - if I believe it serves the Empire, I will lie. I will use your honor against you. If I am not the Spider, I revile you. I come against the Empire, or I tire of being humiliated by you. I will poison you.
Deogi looks briefly at the cups again. He could gamble that none of the cups were poisoned, but then he was being trained as a samurai. Even a young student was a warrior-servant of the family. They should be ready to die to defend, deceive or even merely prove their loyalty. If he wanted to be a good samurai - a good daimyo in the future - he must be wise now.
He could not ask questions, and he could not prove whether the sensei's statement was true. He could not challenge his teacher's sincerity about the poison, and he strongly preferred not to be caned again. It was that moment when he realized the lesson wasn't in trust or wisdom.
It was in bushido.
Deogi reached gracefully with his right hand and took the cup that was farthest to his right. He gulped the tea without hesitation and steadily placed the cup back onto the tray. He then lifted the kettle and reached across the table to fill his sensei's cup. He was careful not to change his expression when he recognized the aftertaste of lilac.
Yohuro placed his hand over his cup quickly. Though he was an expert at hiding his thoughts from everyone in his presence, Deogi thought he detected a slight quiver at the corners of his mouth. Yohuro sometimes smiled before he quizzed his students - a rare sign the lesson was going well.
The sensei pulled his hand back to his lap. Why did you drink the tea? he asked without the previous irritation in his voice.
Deogi bowed his head respectfully before answering. A samurai does not always have the facts he needs to decide, but decide he must. If I were in court, and you were an enemy of the Spider, I would give myself away by questioning you - or, by hesitating. So I drink the tea and offer it to you immediately. If I wait, I have given something away. Instead, by refusing the tea, you have given something away.
Yohuro's nod was barely noticeable, but for a second the gesture of approval made the boy forget he had just poisoned himself. The old man spoke. A samurai must be wise, and must act with certainty. Waiting risks much in many settings. A shogun does not know if the movements of his enemy are a feint. What should he do?
He should send scouts or inquire of his advisors if he can, but he should not give up the advantage if time presses. If the ancestors are with him, he will be victorious. If they are not, he will perform the three cuts and begin his next life. Deogi knew he had grown as a samurai in just the last few minutes, but the swell of pride was cut short by an intense burning in his stomach and extremities.
The old teacher nodded in agreement. There will be times, young Deogi-san, when you will have no way of knowing if you can trust someone, if you are being lied to, even whether you yourself are wrong in your assessment. But to not act can carry grave consequences. You drank the cup expecting to be poisoned. But because you acted swiftly, you were able to offer me a chance to poison myself. You were able to acheive this exchange of words and accomplish your lesson. In the future, you might be able to challenge your assassin openly, ruin them in the courts, or fake your death in order to seize the advantage. A samurai must not concern himself with selfish ideas such as being more right than another, or with self-preservation. You must be certain - you must sincerely follow through every decision you make. It is a samurai's duty to be sincere, even when he is being dishonest.
The young boy bowed his head low. Despite the tears from the bamboo strike, his eyes suddenly felt very dry. His intestines began to twist violently in protest of the deadly substance. He felt his throat begin to close as a reaction to the poison. His master had certainly not chosen mercifully for his student. Black lotus extract would cause the victim's throat to swell, preventing any but an immediate application of antidote.
I will stay if you require it, Sensei. However, I fear that if I do not take the antidote quickly, I will not live to call you by my chosen name. He looked over the remaining two cups expectantly.
Yohuro's characteristic smile broke out - which quickly caused Deogi to worry. Oh, Deogi-san. I have not prepared an antidote for you. The second part of the lesson is for you to take measured steps, knowing exactly how long you have, and mix your own antidote. I trust you remember the formula?
The young boy caught his expression as it began to drop. He smiled humbly and bowed from a sitting position. I thank you for an ingenious lesson, Master. I will strive to make you proud.
Shoto Imuri, called Deogi before his gempukku, rose evenly and left the room.
Imuri keeps his joyful expression even, though his tone becomes a bit more terse.
I will not waste precious time entertaining you while you dabble in the same politics you claim to abhor. If you are going to call me a liar, Kyras-san, remind yourself not to tell a lie in the process. You are not terrible at it, but the facts combine with your desperation to give you away.
He claps his hands together as if Kyras had made a private joke. I will say only this while we are surrounded by sycophants and enemies: I dismiss you in court because challenging the devils risks getting people who are not our enemies killed. I threaten to have you arrested because your behavior is unlawful. If looming danger takes us to your homeland, I will have the wisdom to comport myself according to your peoples' expectations. I assume the alternative would be to get myself killed when I breach etiquette so egregiously that for you, killing me is the only way to preserve the rest of us. I accept that because outside my homeland I must. Here, you will do the same thing, or our alliance, such as it is, will be short-lived, and our goals, such as they are, are in danger of not be met together or apart.
Imuri takes a step back, searching for another sign of Kyras about to lose control. Apparently pleased not to find one, he smiles disarmingly.
Now, do we question a suspicious character or would you prefer another attempt at lying to me?
|
Chu's serene state was fracturing, along with his attempts at any sort of meditative trance. There were too many distractions, too many people blundering and speaking around him to focus. Some of the voices were all too familiar and that was leading to his loss of concentration, he wanted to know what they were saying but this strange display both intrigued and disturbed him.
With a heavy sigh he raised his glass of Rising Sun to take a drink and, when he found it emptied from the cost of his spell, he gave a light hiss. Turning from the plum blossom display he strode past Kyras and Imuri with graceful steps. He ordered asked for another Rising Sun from a passing servant and watched the room with a deadpan look.
He watched all the politics, the schemes, the games that everyone played. It reminded him of a game of Goe, except more then two players were involved and none of them could hold their ground long enough to win the game. His own kind were the same way though, manipulative, scheming and loathsome. That is why he had left to begin with, taking whatever useful artifacts he could in the process.
He finally had enough of watching the main room and headed back to the art room, he slowly sipped at his glass of Rising sun as he approached the plum blossom display again.
Inquisitive gaijin? Is Daisuke referencing herself, or Kyras...or someone else? At this point, Azami is not following Daisuke entirely --her attention is too distracted by Kyras and Imuri conversationally circling each other...and the whirring of her own mind trying to read too much into the ronin's words, to find some hidden connotation.
But he clearly said it was his charge to reunite Kyras with Bethany, and since this also was part of her goal, it will have to suffice that they are aligned in their purposes. She has decried the political subterfuge more than once-she will have to hope that he is being straightforward with her.
Trusting to hope has never been her strong point.
In his favor, Daisuke points out a very real flaw: Azami does not know what to do next or how to procur proof that the Shoto have the girl, should Imuri choose to deny it. Her status as a gaijin ronin would hardly let her level charges against the prominent Shoto clan.
"How do you suggest we learn the why of the situation?"
She begins to move through the crowd--unhurried, but in the direction of Kyras and Imuri--with the assumption that Daisuke is on the same path.
Daisuke follows Azami, walking calmly, keeping an eye on Imuri and Kyras, "We explore the dig site, Azami. We find out what she learned that caused the Dragonflight to want her, and whether they were trying to extract that information from her, or keep her from revealing it to the Emperor."
He pauses as pass close by a group of others, not sure who might want to listen in, then continues when they find a wider gap in the crowd.
"This information will prove invaluable, both in understanding the true intentions of the Black Dragonflight, and as currency to procure the girl from the Shoto clan."
It takes a moment for her to put together the words in a way that seems innocuous, considering they are very much in public. "What if we already know?" Azami's focuses that steel gaze on Kyras.
Daisuke brings a hand up, rubbing his temples in frustration, "I grow weary of these word games between us. If you have a better plan, I would hear it."
"I did not say I had a plan. I said we may have that information." Azami's irritation is unmistakable at his assertion that she's playing word games.
@Tokine: Llirrianna laughs that delicate silver laugh of hers, the one that sounds like a teardrop and feels like a cherished memory and looks like a summer wind through birch leaves. "Honorable Madame Curator. I apologize most humbly." She sounds sincere. The garden is mere steps away. "My interest is not necessarily in new art at this moment, but in art that is new to you, that is newly arrived. Pieces that you have never before come across! Ah, but we can discuss such things later. Here we are."
The two of you step outside, and the night air is surprisingly chill. The clouds have drifted off and the mists are thick on the ground. Your breath rises softly from your lips in a tiny trail of vapor. With an almost predatory and sentient movement, tendrils of the mist rise from their thick bed on the ground and sweep away the twin serpents of yours and Llirrianna's breath. In the center of the garden, floating lightly above the fountain that is carved in the shape of the holy seal of the emperor, is Ryuu. He is clad no differently than when you saw him mere hours ago. The queen smiles and calls out to him. "Ryuu! You have a guest who wishes to see the garden. Your hospitality is lacking."
Gently, the gardner floats to the ground and turns to face the two of you. "I am sorry, Queen Llirrianna, of course, if an honored guest of the pa-" She cuts him off. "Save it. I am here for two things. I need the plant. You know of what I speak. The snow bud. Give it to me and I will not kill the Curator here, so central to the gods' plans as she is. You know she cannot stand before me."
Ryuu makes a face. You're not certain, but you could swear he was beginning to glow. "Your majesty. You will do no such thing in these gardens. They are sacred. You, of the fey, should know that and hold it in highest esteem. Anyway, it matters not. The plant is not here, and I do not know where it is." There is a strange pause. You feel magic energy rocket out from the elven sorceress and slam into Ryuu, but he seems to hold his ground easily. He chuckles. "Haha, ow! You needn't be so rude, your majesty, I would have told you freely that I don't know where it is. And I'll gladly tell you who does. She'd love a word with you, you know. It's been so long, I'm sure you've much to discuss!"
Llirrianna makes a disgusted sound. "Fine, gardner. Have it your way. But you still have things that can be of use to me..."
There is a sudden strange blur, and the dragon statue you brought earlier disappears. You hear rapid footsteps, and a second item -- a small stone, you think, possibly jade -- also disappears. Ryu lets fly a coarse oath. "Tokine! Get out of here! " You see a tall, lithe female, clad head-to-toe in a sleek leather bodysuit not unlike what Banad del Covas was wearing, appear briefly in the moonlight. She suddenly becomes a strange smudge in the air, and is now 5' to the right, in shadows, and near impossible to make out. She is running for the far wall.
Llirrianna's hands have begun to glow with the sickly power of Deep Necromancy, and Ryu's fists have become balls of fire. The air is alive with immense arcane power. You know that these gardens are shielded and no magical energy can escape without the emperor's intervention. Normally that would be reassuring, but in this case it just means the odds of anyone coming to help are very, very tiny.
"If you know what information Imuri wants from the girl, then I suggest you bargain with him for her release. It will be difficult to retrieve her by force," Daisuke whispers as they approach Kyras and Imuri.
She gives a slight nod to Daisuke, then gives a half bow of greeting to both Imuri and Kyras, looking between the two of them.
Perhaps the biggest secret, though, is that the palace itself is a living entity of some impossibly ancient and unknown type. It is sentient, and can speak and sing and feel pain. It knows all that happens within its walls. For those, like yourself, who are permitted to be attuned to its thoughts, the palace can choose to make you aware of certain events if it feels such events are worth your knowing.
Now is one of those times.
A surge of telepathic energy thrills through the floor and up along your spine, into your mind. The bizarre pictographic language the palace uses fills your eyes and mind and you see; a scrying window, joined by the points of power that are the plum-blossom shaped displays, currently exists over the entire ceiling of the ballroom. On the other side, who knows what forces are observing everything going on in that room. The vision shifts, and you see the garden. Ryuu, the mysterious gardner about whom so little is known, is preparing to do battle with Queen Llirrianna. A catburglar runs to the far wall. Tokine Nagano stands frozen in place at the elven sorceress' side.
The visions fade. You snap abruptly to the here and now.
Sometimes, after these "visitations" by the Living Palace, you are left spent and exhausted, your head spinning. But this time you are still strong, perhaps enervated by the events around you, perhaps by the sudden awareness of dangers. Or maybe it's just the wine.
Kyras sighs, frustrated with himself and the situation. It is echoed in his head by a mocking laugh from the Dragon. 'Well-done, boy. Outsmarted by a child! It's not surprising." Kyras quiets the voice before responding to Imuri. "You know what? You're right. I don't have any proof, and I'm getting pretty sick of all the lying and scheming and polite backstabbing. I'm just going to take you at your word from now on. There's more important things to worry about."
When Azami arrives, Kyras gives her a rather forced smile. Losing out in their battle of wills to Imuri has left him in a sour mood. "Azami. Daisuke. It's about time to put our heads together and figure out what is going on here."
It takes only a fraction of a second for Imuri to affect his previous friendly demeanor. He turns once again to walk towards Wong Tsai, leaving no hint of the terse conflict with Kyras.
Having said that, the Shoto murmurs. The Spider spins many kinds of webs, and I would hope before you have me killed to save your homeland you will give me a chance to explain myself.
While the others join the pair, Imuri does not waver from his task. He bows very slightly before the familiar face. Good evening, faithful servant of the Empire. You have worked diligently to provide significant beauty for this evening's event. I have a question about one of your pieces and the Madame Curator is unfortunately nowhere to be found. It is a pity, since she is a work of art herself, but I suppose you will have to suffice..
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"I have a question about one of your pieces and the Madame Curator is unfortunately nowhere to be found. It is a pity, since she is a work of art herself....
Kyras considers briefly letting the Dragon tear Shoto Imuri's throat out, but grits his teeth and tempers his anger. 'One day, you smug bastard.'
Wong Tsai bows very deeply to the four of you, and replies to Imuri in a humble tone of voice. "Honorable Shoto, I thank you, but I may take no credit for any part of this glorious display; that goes to Madame Curator Nagano-sama and her honorable and skilled staff, whose taste is beyond reproach, and whose knowledge is unassailable even as their minds are open to new facts. Our emperor, may he be praised in the morning, and the afternoon, and the night, and in all the hours in between, displays again his perfect wisdom in selecting her to represent our glorious empire in this regard. I am deeply honored to have been able to provide the staff of the Temple of Cultural Exchange merely with hands to assist, and knowledge of existing hanging positions in this glorious room in the palace."
He bows again, then says "I will attempt to assist you, Great Lord, though to my shame I fear I could not possibly answer any question one so knowledgeable as yourself could ask, renowned across the city as you are for your taste and acumen in artistic endeavors."
Daisuke nods at Kyras's suggestion, then follows the two of them toward Wong Tsai.
As they approach, he taps Kyras on the shoulder and subtly gestures toward the Hoshi cleric in conversation in the corner of the room.
"Strange, yes?"
Without waiting for a reply, he continues past Wong Tsai to the corner of the room, waiting momentarily for a pause in the conversation.
"Please forgive my interruption," he says with a respectful bow, "I am Daisuke, currently holding the honor of serving your noble house, Hoshi-san."
"I am quite fond of the performances of house Oda," he says, addressing the dancers, also with a bow, "One playing the role of another can teach us much about ourselves, and dance requires the most supreme grace."
He turns back to the Hoshi cleric, "I do not wish to take up too much of your time, but I am curious about your twin."
@Daisuke: The three nobles all bow to you in return, and the dancers acknowledge what they perceive as a compliment from you. The second Wong Tsai gives you a mild look. "My...twin? I must confess, noble samurai, I am unsure as to what you are referencing. I have no twin. Indeed I have no siblings of any sort, though it is my shame to admit such a thing."
"That is what I am curious about, Hoshi-san."
Daisuke tilts his head slightly, to draw the cleric's attention to the center of the room, and to Wong Tsai, without turning that direction himself.
"Do you not agree that is a most surprising likeness?"
He addresses the two performers, "One on stage in the role of an iconic character would work a lifetime for the skills to create a likeness half so accurate. Interesting, don't you think?"
Realizing the Queen is likely consumed with Ryo. She would like nothing better then to summon the guard, but what would they find here when she returned. Action is needed now. Rare art in her care was being stolen. Tokine makes for the far east door and the other intruder in the garden. Why is someone else in this garden, and WHY are they steeling art?"
Tokine swings her glaive in an arc that allows her to plant the butt, and propel her up the garden wall. Her silk slippers find the wall and gracefully hold her as see continues running along the wall. As she moves, she swirls the glaive about her and a shimmering wash of blue and white breaks over her giving her the appearance momentarily of the breaking sea.
[ooc]Moves 30' east along the garden walland cast Freedom of Movement
No stranger to the Imperial palace, Imuri guides Wong Tsai into an empty room with a door, one where he can safely converse with his new prey, as well as the gaijin.
He follows the man into the room, murmuring to Kyras-san as he steps inside. Remember, we are surrounded by criminals and spies. We do not react to anything he says, lest we give something away. He nods for Kyras to close the door and turn on the "servant".
Even now, there is more than one of you in this castle. One of you was prying into the affairs of my family earlier, and one of you gave information to the Curator this morning. I will say this once: you will explain who you really are and what your purposes is or I will set my family against you. I will be daimyo one day, and you will not prefer to have my assassins in your homes. Speak now, or become the first of your brothers to suffer.
Kyras follows Daisuke's eyes, noticing the 'other' Wong Tsai that he failed to see on his own. As much as he doesn't care for Shoto Imuri, he cares far less for Wing Tsai, or at least the man playing Wing Tsai. "Do you remember this morning, during the attack, when you tried to kill me? Because I remember. I've been dreaming about killing you all day. You know that fire elemental you summoned to attack us? I burned it to death, and I very much look forward to doing the same to you. All I need is an excuse, and a flimsy one at that."
@Daisuke: The two Clan Oda dancers raise their eyebrows and look from the man that Kyras and Imuri just wisked out of the room back to the Wong Tsai in front of you. He endures the withering neutrality of their noble visages manfully, staying focused on you. "Very well. Ronin." The word is clearly not meant as a compliment. "I will grant you that the gentleman just pulled from here does bear some resemblance to me." He leans in, then, and shields his words with his long silken sleeves. You notice he wears many rings. "Now..." he whispers acidly in your ear. "I would ask you how you knew he would be here, and why you chose this moment to bring him to my attention. Is this some kind of joke? Because if it is, I can assure you your charter will be revoked and your clan banished. I do not take slights against my character lightly, nor do I suffer impertinence from hirelings and sellswords." He backs off and smiles and gives a light chuckle, as if the two of you had just shared a joke.
@Tokine: The queen turns as you dash up the wall. "Tokine. Darling. That will do you no good." she intones, and the malice in her words is bone-chilling. She extends her right hand towards you, but is suddenly engulfed in a massive ball of flame. Ryuu is keeping his distance from her, and no sooner has she disappeared into the fiery sphere when Ryu sends blasts of energy out from his hands, hammering her with arcane power. He roars a strangely animalistic roar, one that's achingly familiar, and it echoes a long long ways away. Almost as if in reply, a strange sound begins to rise...
...but you are focused on your target. The lithe and acrobatic woman leaps nearly effortlessly up to the top of the high wall, hanging on to its crumbling edge with her hands and braced against it with her feet , then pulls herself up and flips over, landing in the courtyard outside. Her maneuver, while dazzling, has cost her some time. Also, you know that this courtyard is heavily patrolled by Captain Takagami's loyal Imperial Guards; troops like Azami and Yohei.
You are startled by a sudden flash of lightning overhead and a massive peal of thunder: *BOOOOOOOOMMM* But...it was clear not moments ago!
You realize now what the sound is that has begun to rise. Llirrianna is laughing, for real this time. It is a terrible sound, and will stay with you all your life. It sounds like blades on bones, breaking teeth, and a thousand thousand deaths. Ryuu's scream of pain is not nearly so loud.
@Kyras and @Imuri (and @Azami? not sure who you're with...): Wong Tsai blanches in terror at Imuri's threat, then collapses to his knees before the looming form of Kyras. He sobs loudly, prostrating himself on the ground in front of you both. "I am sorry! Great Lords! I know not what I have done but please! Take my life! Torture me no more! I am a simple man, a lowly functionary! I have hurt no one! I have killed no one! I have done nothing wrong! I SWEAR!" Ominously, there is a BOOM! of thunder over his wails and cries.
Everyone Inside the Palace: There is a brilliant flash of lightning and a loud clap of thunder outside. This gets some quizzical looks as rain was not predicted by the air shugenja, but in the end no one is terribly concerned.
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Chu's mind was still flooded by the images he had seen, there was little he could in the fight that was now occurring. He turned away from the plum blossom display in front of him and moved gracefully out of the room. It was obvious he was heading to the royal gardens as he took the most direct route possible. He wasn't sure how much help he would be but he had to try and protect the Curator and thwart whatever the Queen was trying to do.
If Chu is able to see Imuri or a similar ally that could help, he will contact them telepathically as he makes his way out of the room.
{Curator Nagano is in danger, the Dragonflight Queen has started a battle in the Emperor's Garden.}
On his way out he finds the Watch Captain and moves close to him momentarily. He spoke quietly but very directly to the man, he had no time to repeat himself. "There is a terrible disturbance in the Emperor's garden, one that cannot be stopped with Katana or Yari. Tell the Master of the Hall that Adviser Chujitsuna requests that they summon what Shugenja they can. We must protect the Emperor and his guests from this threat. Go with all haste Watch Captain."
With that Chu strides away and through the double doors leading to the gardens, as he passed through the doorway and out of sight. He focused his Ki and used his potent magic to surround himself with Meijiāmā, a potent type of Hado. Rippling pockets of air and small amounts of force circled around him, giving him a form of armor without the heavy weight of actual metal around his shoulders.
Now safely away from the guests he moved hastily to the gardens, he prayed that he wasn't too late...
The brilliant flash and thunderclap causes Chu to blink for a moment and then hiss loudly in irritation. He started sprinting toward the gardens.