Takeya bows deeply.
"I am honored by your words. With the combined efforts of such a group, almost anything should be possible should you ask of it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Takeya bows, letting Miyuki-san do the talking in this occasion would be more fitting. -Posted with Wayfinder
Still here. Lost my comouter but I can still post. -Posted with Wayfinder
Takeya surveys the scene. Even his own teachers were never this cruel. Miya-kun must be treated immediately. While he was never one to care for outsiders, the thought of a sensei breaking a student was over the line. Keeping his On, he answers what he knows. "He is not of any of the Great or Minor clans, most likely one of the Imperial families. Ah, now I see. A Seppun who follows his families school. One of the Seppun Guardsman. Unfortunately I have never met this man before so I would not know of his personal name. Is there anything else you would ask of me?"
"That would be incorrect Kitao-san. As for gifts, well I performed that task just this evening. Suana-san, perhaps you would like to remind us of that?"
"The servants of the Empire all serve the Emperor. The Heavens chosen representative on earth." Takeya's response is cold, as if this matter was of almost no importance to him.
Takeya had finished his kill, he was not going to steal glory from another when the situation was handled. Sheathing his blade the Scorpion regains his composure. "Shichiro-kun, were you struck?"
Seeing an opportunity, Takeya moved behind the wind almost as swiftly as it had been created. He brought his blade down upon the first enemy in his path with grace and precision. "This breeze will be the last thing you feel aside from my steel. Enjoy it while you can." -Posted with Wayfinder
Takeya had an idea of what was to come, but that meant nothing now that they were here. Takeya draws his blade and centers himself.
"Dragon, then Phoenix, and then the Imperial contestant." Takeya rests his hand on the hilt of his katana, he had a feeling he knew what was coming next and wanted to be ready. GM: Takeya feels as though it is the weapons contest, if the Dragon was good with a sword, Takeya would be ready to defend himself at a moments notice.
Takeya scratches his head, he was never very good at poetry, but his studies had one that he knew. red lantern flickers
"Suana-san, don't be so harsh on the young lady. We all make mistakes, we are mortals in this strange realm. Have you noticed that we have been arriving just in the nick of time to save our pupils? Why might that be?" Takeya focuses his mind on what little he remembered of the young Crane. Certainly he had failed in that task. "Ah yes, the young Crane should be our next target. Doji Arashi-kun if I remember the young man's name. We should make haste."
The Scorpion bushi heads toward the wooden cage, while moving he removes his mask. Takeya offers the strange orb to the woman and points to Matsu Sachiko. "I believe I will take the young Lion as my prize. Come Sachiko-kun, we must be ready to leave this place." He gives a dashing smile to the Lion in the cage. GM: You had mentioned very early on that she does not show any signs of wanting to be whisked away by a handsome stranger, I wonder what she does now?
Takeya nods along with Miyuki-san and speaks after her. "I have some skill in the game of Go. I might try my hand at that." Takeya wandered towards the game of Go and sat down. He began with a simple play, but with enough Kiai that his opponent was thrown off balance. Even though he placed the Mannenko, it was all simply a trap for his opponent.
Takeya keeps his winning streak going and plays a second opponent, attempting to both gain back Sachiki-kun, and a path to victory. His second game, as opposed to playing weak and trapping his opponent, he plays with overwhelming Kiai, and brutally pushes through any strategy his opponent might have had. Strategies fall to pieces with your opponent can see through them, and play against them. GM: What happened to the two Tsu Fish eggs that I had/have?
A short sprint later brings the Scorpion back towards the monk. Takeya cradles the Tsu fish eggs, offering them to the monk. "I believe we were requested to find these Megumi-sama. I believe we are heading towards the tea house next Suana-san. To find Sachiko-kun. She also has a book that I hope she found time to read."
So from tomorrow through the following Sunday I will be in Disney World! I'll still try to post, but I might be slow.
Eyes widening, Takeya gathers his resolve and pushes on through. Clutching the Tsu Fish eggs, Takeya scrambles through quickly to dry land.
"Many thanks Suana-san."
Takeya was not let outside much as a child, at least nowhere near the forest.
Takeya whispers a word of caution. "Subtlety is often better than brute force. Let's try the slow and stealthy route first."
I can do this, I've seen the Shosuro family do this all the time when I was still training.
Takeya moves quietly past the adults, gets to the eggs, then on his way back steps on a twig.
Takeya thinks about the realm, but realizes he missed something entirely. "Miyuki-san, a moment of your time, in private if you would." He wanders away from the group, out of earshot of a whisper, but still within sight. GM & Miyuki: Takeya's eyes show innovation and a man who had been deep in thought. "Miyuki-san, I fear I may have been wrong about the whole finding people based on relationships. Although it seems to be working, the challenges seem to be tied directly to the Topaz Tournament. Think about it. Sumai, courtier, an obstacle course, and now... eggs. Normally the final trial is hunting the Tsu fish eggs before an Iaijutsu tournament. We seem to be encountering the various challenges, albeit out of order and in much more dramatic circumstances, but they seem to match up. I may be wrong, but if we have to find... well eggs, perhaps there is some merit to my theory." He sighs, shaking his head. "I don't have much to base this theory on, but perhaps we can find out more from this Megumi-sama."
Takeya silently steps through the mist behind Miyuki.
Takeya prepares himself to leave the realm, unless the house has some importance.
Takeya sighs at the Kitsune's words. He cradles his head in his hands as if he had a headache before lowering his hands and slowly raising his head, locking his gaze with Kitao-san before the Kitsune turns his head towards Shiori-san. "We began with Shichiro-kun as he has specifically been watching the other competitors. Last night he was at the Poisoned Toad, the sake house in town. Due to that we continue with the Poisoned Toad. If rumor serves me correctly, I believe Takumi-kun enjoyed his sake a bit too much and he made quite the impression so we went for him next. The Crab and the Mantis have an excellent, almost brotherly, connection to each other so we seek Asuna-kun. Shichiro-kun befriended the young Unicorn contestant last night so we aim for him next. If there were any other competitors at the Poisoned Toad we will gather them as well." He eyes the Kitsune, choosing his words carefully, but also reflecting on his own actions. Crossing his arms as he speaks. What games do you play fox? An impossible question with no answer aside from failing to answer? I have gathered what I need to know from you right now. That anger will make me look flawless, even in red and black. His voice, clear, harsh, and without mercy. "For all that we know, the eyes of the heavens do not cast their gaze upon this realm. No Samurai is less important than any other, but we must have a plan of action. I put forth a plan. I acted. Nobody disagreed, they too acted. You waited silently until now to voice your dissent." Takeya eyed the representative sent to guard the young ronin, but continued to speak. His voice softening as he laid out the plan for the Tea House. "After we gather the competitors from the Poisoned Toad we go for our students that were at the tea house last night. My memory is very precise about Sachiko-kun, and by that logic I believe Shiori-san spoke shortly with her, Suana-san is her sensei, and Miyuki-san caught the end of my conversation with the young woman. Suana-san, did Sachiko-kun speak with anybody else? Miyuki-san, who did you speak to last night, we should gather a plan of action for after we acquire the Unicorn contestant. Now if I remember... Oh right, that is odd indeed." Takeya gives a short laugh at his memory of the previous night. "I do not recall speaking with you or your student at all last night Kitao-san, you were sitting in a corner drinking your tea observing us all. Thinking that because you were a member of a Minor Clan given such a responsibility that we were beyond some invisible door you chose not to open. I also do not recall any interactions between your student and any of the other members of the Great Clans. Memory and relationships with each other appear to hold power in this realm, wherever it may be." He smiles beneath his mask, Takeya turns his head to watch Shiori-san. "You have failed your student at this Topaz Tournament, Kitao-san, and when, not if, but when we find young Kohuri-kun you should apologize for your failings as a sensei. Did you shield your student from us, believing that interacting with the Great Clans would make Kohuri-kun somehow less of a ronin, less of an individual? Did you fill his head with ideas of proving us all wrong, and that through your student you could be somehow better than us when we all serve the same Emperor, who could be in mortal danger as we speak? Do not bother with a response, I care not for excuses and even Shichiro-kun could spot a lie you tell before you even speak it. Ask yourself those questions, reflect upon your answers, and believe them." Takeya takes a breath and centers himself. "We will find Kohuri-kun, and we will leave this place, all of us, together."
Takeya bows and politely claps for Shiori-san. "Kitao-san, with all due respect, we are currently finding the contestants that had been at the Poisoned Toad last night. This realm is unknown to us, and to separate us could be all of our deaths. We shall find Kohuri-kun and the Imperial contestant in due quick time. Currently we should find the young Mantis."
Takeya removes his hands from his sides and gives a soft golf clap. Impressive, surely a moniker she can go by, She Who can hurl an Ogre.
My apartment flooded, so I might be off the grid for a few days depending on what the apartment complex does. Might have to move, might not, it's up in the air right now.
Takeya let the game of Sadane go on in the back of his head, he was focusing on the match. If the Crab should fall, responsibility would go to one of the bushi. Duck there, move there, she's not as fast as I would like, but Shiori-san makes up for it with strength.
Takeya ponders the realm itself. His view of Shichiro has altered a bit since he technically passed the test of the Scorpion court. Very similar to my test at the Red Crane Dojo, you must be given an impossible task and recognize your own failure as opposed to push on. "What if the realm represents something in the contestant's past? The Hida are known for their gempukku in the Shadowlands. Although, young Shichiro-kun your test was very similar to something I have had to go through once before, and you passed, I would say that even my sensei would be proud."
Takeya finds a place to lean against a wall near Miyuki and Shichiro. Miyuki & GM: "Perhaps the ogre wants a contest of strength? In our court it was a matter of deception and relaying messages through subtle means, the ogre has no weapons but it relying on sheer brute force. The Crab contestant was not using his own weaponry either. If Shiori-san does not realize this soon, it may be too late."
Stepping up from the rear, Takeya bows to Miyuki-san and acknowledges Shichiro-kun. He is quick with his words, no time to dawdle. "Are we free from this part of the realm? If so then we must keep moving. Better yet we have Shichiro-kun, now young man, you were at the Poisoned Toad last night correct? I want you to remember and focus on Hida Takumi, the Crab contestant. Remember as much as you can about him. Shiori-san, I ask that you also focus on your younger brother. If anybody else remembers the young man, I believe Suana-san spoke with him yesterday, and Heizo-san you were at the Poisoned Toad were you not? We must move quickly as we do not know how long our time in this realm may be. I wonder what other challenges we may face."
Beneath his mask, Takeya smiles. The Mantis apparently can be swept away by the tide. Heizo-san & GM: "Heizo-san, with all due respect, I believe you are missing the point as well. This was never a question of Chugo or Meyo, the Lion seems to have fallen for that trap. I would also bet that you have yet to meet our current Champion, the Honest Scorpion." Takeya closes his eyes to remember his training. The principle of Gi. He pauses slightly between each sentence, speaking softly and calmly. "Set lies aside. A samurai does not make honesty or justice a matter for debate; he knows that there is only truth and falsehood, justice and injustice. To a samurai, there is right and there is wrong. In this case, I would say that Shichiro-kun is in the wrong. I also would say he tried to feint, but his inexperience caught up to him. But he will learn in time."
Takeya hung near the back with Heizo. Arms crossed he pondered actually striking the youth across the face to remind him of Miyuki-san's words before wiping that from his mind. Shaking his head he continues his conversation with the Mantis. Heizo-san & GM: "Were I the type to gamble, I would say that Shichiro-kun is losing his footing. He would also be wise to remember who his current lord is. What are your thoughts about this debate Heizo-san?"
He doesn't recall the tale, while Shichiro's answer was sufficient, for the new Scorpion champion, this was not an acceptable answer.
Heizo & GM:
Takeya nods, he had never spoken directly with the Mantis, but gives warning. "Heizo-san, you choose your words carefully and show wisdom. But I fear that if we do play along, Shichiro-kun may not play by the rules. Well, you do know the tale of the Scorpion and the Toad correct?"
Takeya bows to the lord.
GM & Miyuki:
Being close enough to whisper and not be caught has its advantages, as does wearing a face mask. Takeya leans close to Miyuki to speak. "While I believe I could defeat the young man in this game, let us test Shichiro-kun, see how he fares against the Yoritomo."
Takeya looks quickly from the lord of the castle to the various other people in the room. He looks towards the others in front of him. "I see no reason not to, while we must be wary of the realm, this may be a test to leave, but I only speak for myself. Does anybody else have a plan?"
Nice! I actually used to live in the Chicagoland area, but recently moved to Walker to be with my gf. I'm a manager in training at the Meijer in Jenison. Lately I've been working late into the night so I'm trying to make more regular posts, although my posting schedule will flip flop over the next couple of days.
GM, do you live in the Grand Rapids area? I know they had a beerfest at 5/3rd park today. I would have gone with a buddy but I had to work.
Takeya steps through the open door, before his foot leaves the dojo he holds his hand out to Miyuki. "Miyuki-san, it would be best if we did not get separated. Please, take my hand. It looks as though your rumor of a secret test nobody had to take in the past is coming true." He gives a small, genuine, laugh. "Although I did not take you much for fortune telling, perhaps the kami were speaking through you. Now come, we must find Shichiro-kun so we may find the others." Takeya refocuses his vision. The moment at the beginning of the tournament where many had gathered. He envisions the scene underneath the tree. Unfortunately he won't have his pillow book if he does wind up there.
Takeya focuses his mind on Shichiro. Despite how much he disliked the young man, he was tasked with overseeing his gempukku, failure was not an option. "Let us find Bayushi Shichiro, he has been watching over the other contenders, if we find him first, we might be able to focus more of our effort on finding the others. He was at the Poisoned Toad last night, so afterwards we can look for the Hida, Mantis, and Unicorn contenders in that order. Afterwards, Lion, Crane, Dragon, and Phoenix."
Takeya bows alongside Miyuki, and immediately after her question asks his own. "Where can we be of most use"
Takeya lowers the brim of his hat as he steps behind Miyuki. He refrains from jerking his head to look up. He would swear he saw a few phrases that his parents drilled into his head as a child. "Your guess is as good as ours Shiori-san. Regardless, we are all here together. Let us not be hasty with our actions. Perhaps the far side of the room will let us leave, perhaps it leads to our doom."
[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.
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. GM & Miyuki: 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."
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."
Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Or Single's Awareness Day.
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?"
GM:
"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.
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.
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